Col. Artie Kidwell
Name: Artie C. Kidwell
AKA: The Colonel, The Gold Coat, Magic Man
Years in Wrestling: 7
Worked as an Announcer in IWI, WAR, NEW, CWF, SCW
Managed Champions that held the following belts: QCW Heavyweight, NEW Heavyweight, NEW Midwest Independent Champion
Managed wrestlers: Gotti, Ronnie Longworth, Brad Callaway, Chris Reno, Brett Grayson
Artie Kidwell began his career in wrestling in 1999 as an announcer for IWI. In the IWI he became noted for his gold lame' jacket which became his trademark as an announcer and followed him into QCW/NEW.
Artie left IWI in 2005 due to "creative differences" with management and came to QCW as a manager... eventually becoming half owner. On July 2, 2005, he launched New Era Wrestling (along with partner Eddie Lutz). For 9 months, Artie donned the gold jacket and entertained the fans of NEW in his familiar role of ring announcer.
In April of 2006, Kidwell shocked everyone when he betrayed long time friend, Ronnie Longworth, in an "I quit" match for the NEW Heavyweight Title. The "Colonel" pulled together the most dominant force in New Era Wrestling... the Rebellion ("Punisher" Brad Callaway, '"Scorpion" Chris Reno, and "Arsenal" Brett Grayson). The Rebellion later added Lt. Moonshine to their ranks.
In the span of two weeks time, Col. Kidwell's Rebellion captured both the NEW Heavyweight Title and the Midwest Independent Title.
Not content solely with the gold, the Rebellion went on to win a 6 man War Game for control of NEW. Kidwell's first action as Commissioner was to fire partner, and former Commissioner, Eddie Lutz and his son,"Lightning" Tim Lutz. (both later reinstated by the Executive Committee)
On Sept. 30, 2006, after leading The Rebellion (Chris Reno/Brett Grayson) to victory in the "Crazy 8" Tag Team Championship Tournament, Artie announced that the time had come for him to leave the wrestling business; expressing his love for the sport, New Era Wrestling, and most importantly the men and women that he has worked with over the years.
The Wrestlers and Fans honored Artie with a standing ovation and chants of his name, as he hugged each and every wrestler in the building... both friend and foe. A very fitting tribute to a man who has poured his heart and soul into the business and every person he's met along the way.
New Era Wrestling would like to sincerely thank one of it's founders, Artie C. Kidwell. We will never forget your contribution to our federation. You will be very sorely missed!
Most memorable moments in his career: Pinning the "Unpredictable" Jomott, managing several NEW champions, having breakfast with New Jack.
Training: Graduated Magnum Cum Laude from the School of Hard Knocks
Favorite sayings:
"You don't know unless you try..."
"The only question that's stupid is the one asked too late."
