The fourth-annual Burke Invitational Gauntlet sees twelve grapplers compete to become No. 1 contender to Kenzie Paige's National Wrestling Alliance Women's World title.

A shot at National Wrestling Alliance gold is up for grabs this week on NWA Powerrr. Filmed at NWA 76 from the sold-out 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, the Burke Invitational Gauntlet crowns a new No. 1 contender to Women’s World Champion Kenzie Paige.

“It doesn’t matter who wins the Burke Invitational,” declares Paige, her confidence bolstered by successfully defending her championship against Max the Impaler on last week’s NWA Powerrr..

“I’ve already beaten almost every woman in that match — and can do it again,” brags the cocky champion. “If someone wins who I haven’t faced, I’m happy to show them exactly why Kenzie Paige is the Women’s World Champion and undisputed best in the National Wrestling Alliance.”

Launched in 2021, this is the fourth-annual Burke Invitational Gauntlet. Named after legendary National Wrestling Alliance Women’s champion Mildred Burke, this multi-competitor match sees eliminations via pinfall, submission or being thrown over the top rope. Past winners include Chelsea Green, Max the Impaler and Paige, who used her title opportunity to capture the Women’s World title from “The Brickhouse” Kamille.

For 2024, the field of contestants has expanded to a cool dozen. Competitors include a variety of NWA® staples, representatives from the promotion’s official territories and two returning superstars.

In a surprise twist, former champion Santana Garrett was announced for NWA 76 just days before the event. Garrett enters the competition nearly a decade after winning the NWA® Women’s World title. During that time, Garrett has traveled the globe, picking up gold in SHINE, Shimmer, Women of Wrestling and Japan’s World of Stardom. Winning the Burke Invitational could be the launching pad for a new future in the National Wrestling Alliance.

“What a way to make a debut in the NWA®,” contestant Kayla Rossi shared with Pro Wrestling Illustrated prior to the match. The powerlifter and former AEW star told the publication she looks to target “La Princesa” Tiffany Nieves and “The Crush” Natalia Markova, identifying the National Wrestling Alliance favorites as threats who need eliminated early.

“Nobody is eliminating ‘La Princesa’!” boasts Nieves, the reigning NWA Exodus Pro Women’s champion.

“This is my stepping stone to finally beating Kenzie Paige,” she says. “After I win the Burke Invitational, the NWA Women’s World title is next!”

In addition to Markova and Nieves, other participants from NWA include “The Five Star Athlete” Ruthie Jay, La Rosa Negra and Kylie Paige. Representing various NWA® territories are Lili “La Pescadita” Ruiz, Big Mama and Mystii Marks and “Big Daddy Adri” Adrianna Mosley. Also returning to NWA® is “Hollyhood” Haley J, a multi-time Ohio Valley Wrestling Women’s champion and star of Netflix series The Wrestlers.

“I am very glad this match has some of the best women in the world competing,” states Markova. “The only way I can prove I am the best is by beating the best to win the Burke Invitational!”

Alex Misery faces Jack Cartwheel to determine the No. 1 contender to Alex Taylor's NWA World Junior Heavyweight title.

Also on the card, Alex Misery takes on returning favorite Jack Cartwheel in high-flying action. The two compete to become No. 1 contender to NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion Alex Taylor of The Southern Six.

The 2024 Burke Invitational main events the Oct. 15 episode of NWA Powerrr. To meet global demand to witness NWA 76, the National Wrestling Alliance’s anniversary spectacular and biggest Signature Live Event of the year, the company’s weekly flagship broadcast is temporarily available worldwide Tuesdays at 6:05pm EST on the NWA’s X (formerly Twitter) account.

***

Continue to Check Back Regularly for More NWA® Roster Updates, Talent and Match Announcements, NWA-Related News and Daily Updates at NationalWrestlingAlliance.com.

Burke Invitational Gauntlet Main Events Tuesday's 'NWA Powerrr'

NWA POWERRR

National Wrestling Alliance

© 2024 Lightning One, Inc. All Rights Reserved.