KSWA 5-Star Champion, Former Titleholder, Execs Share Ice Bucket Challenge

It’s not every day you see a man in a chicken suit dump water on himself; however, that’s what former Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) World Wrestling Champion “Dr. Devastation” Lou Martin did this week.

Martin, of Pittsburgh, is one of thousands, nay millions, of Americans who have taken part in the ALS Association’s “Ice Bucket Challenge.” As of Sunday, August 24, more than $70.2 million has been raised for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research.

According to the alsa.org website, the Association leads the way in research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy — giving help and hope to those facing the disease, which is also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. When these cells die, voluntary muscle control and movement dies with them. Patients in the later stages of the disease are totally paralyzed, yet in most cases, their minds remain sharp and alert. Some 5,600 people are diagnosed with the disease every year.

A viral phenomenon started earlier this month in which regular Americans, celebrities and sports figures alike accept a challenge from a friend to have a bucket of ice water dumped on their heads. As the lenient rules allow, those challenged have “24 hours” to respond to the drenching, or donate $100 to ALS research. In recent weeks, celebrities from Lady Gaga to Jon Bon Jovi to Stephen King have all been splashed. This week, former President George W. Bush said in a video that it wasn’t “Presidential” to have the liquid poured over this head, only to have former First Lady Laura Bush empty the bucket on his head.

Locally, Bishop David Zubik joined the Rev. Dennis Colamarino, the pastor of Christ the Light of the World Parish—who suffers from the ailment—in front of 800 onlookers for the Ice Bucket Challenge. In addition, the Pirate Parrott and the Potato Pete villainous, racing pierogy have both taken the splash in comical fashion. And earlier this week, rapper Drake had ice poured over his head by Lil Wayne while on stage at the First Niagara Pavilion.

The videos, which usually range from :40 to 1:30 seconds, are attached to Facebook, Twitter, as well as other social media. Families have taken part, co-workers and friends have done the challenge together.

In Pittsburgh, many in the KSWA have been called out and have participated. Dueling promotion owners Bobby O and Tommy Faime have both had buckets of water and ice poured over their heads. Reigning 5-Star Champion Bobby Badfingers, and Lou Martin are among those who have all accepted the challenge. Martin lost a match earlier this year that stipulates he must now wear the chicken costume whenever he participates in a match throughout the year. The athlete, best known as a rule-breaker, decided he could more attention to the cause by wearing the fowl gear.

All done in good fun and charitable philanthropy, some KSWA fans have also called out wrestlers. In fact, that’s usually how it’s done.

The KSWA returns to action, with Martin in the chicken suit, at Millvale Days on September 12 and 13. For more information, go to kswa.net.