Honestly, I’m not even sure where to begin with this. Going in, I knew that Brett Ison and Kerry Awful’s lives intertwined. But, in actuality it’s more like a tangled fucking web. It all started years ago in the pit of the Nashville metal/hardcore scene with two friends sharing a love for music. Hanging out every Monday, sharing beers, memories, and tragedy along the way.
Fast forward to 2014 with Ison making his return to the pro wrestling world after time away to focus on other passions. While Ison was away, Awful was learning from legends like Dutch Mantel and honing his craft. The two would square off for the first time in Tullahoma. What transpired was about as hard hitting as it gets. Built as two dogs with everything to prove, neither man backed down or showed any quit. This would lead to Kerry taking Brett under his wing and help mold him into the bad motherfucker that takes no prisoners we see at Southern Underground Pro. That IS Brett Ison through and through.
This is where the story takes a turn as both men look back on this time differently.
Brett looked for guidance from Kerry, but never felt like he was accepted as the student. “This is who I am and it was because of him. I have always said the Brett Ison you see today is thanks to Kerry Awful, Nick Iggy and Lee Byford.” Ison continues, “I honestly feel like I was an unwanted student banished by his teacher to walk a path of a Ronin. So I embraced that and continue on the path I walk today.”
Kerry has a far different recollection on the matter. “For the last five years I’ve served as both an advisor and mentor to Brett. I’ve gone out of my way to try and show him there is more to the world than trying to beat your chest in your corner of the yard. I always would joke since I’ve been the mutt and he was the pit bull he was like my pup,” Kerry said.
Both men stand firm that their description of the relationship is the truth so we may never know what exactly went down but we do know how we have found ourselves here. That goes back to the last SUP show and Brett Ison vs. Righteous Jesse.
After a brutal Dog Collar Match between Brett and Jesse, we thought we may be getting a sign of respect between the two gladiators. With Kerry looking on, Brett wanted Jesse to get to his feet, for perhaps a hand shake, only for Brett to put him back down with another Street Justice. As Brett made a quick exit, he was tracked down by Kerry and the two began fighting in the crowd. They were finally separated, but that wouldn’t last long.
Later in the night, Kerry went to war with Mance Warner only to be blindsided post-match by The Strong Style Pitbull. Brett delivered a vicious Iron Elbow to the back of Kerry’s head leaving The Dog Face Gargoyle slumped. Now, we find ourselves here just a couple of days away from all of this exploding at the one year anniversary SUP show on Sunday.
Kerry had some final thoughts he wanted me to share: “Brett hasn’t had an easy life, I believe he is a product of his upbringing. He’s constantly looked for ways to survive and thrive — but there comes a time and a place where that has to be put to the side and you have to evaluate what you’ve done. I may not be as angry as I used to be, but I’m still as stern as ever. This upcoming event for SUP, I’m going to show Brett that this is a dog eat dog world, if he’s not willing to share and show compassion — then I’m going to eat him alive.”
(Editor’s Note: Southern Underground Pro’s Satisfaction is the Death of Desire comes to Nashville THIS Sunday, 4/22/18, at the Basement East. It’s an 18+ show – doors open at 1:30PM. Follow SUP on Twitter for tickets and the full card)
John Mosley is the independent wrestling and TV aficionado of the SoBros Network. He graduated from ETSU with a degree in Radio, TV and Film along with a minor in Film Studies. Since graduating he’s done pretty much nothing but watch, film, edit or commentate for local wrestling promotions and is the current color commentator for Resolute Wrestling. #Preds #Titans #DefendOrVacateConor – Follow on Twitter: @CoupleOfJobbers
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