The Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South King of the Deathmatch is an annual professional wrestling tournament running since 1997 in which a number of wrestlers compete in various deathmatches, in (for the most part) a single-elimination tournament which is similar to World Wrestling Entertainment's King of the Ring tournament. These tournaments include the typical weapons used in hardcore wrestling such as barbed wire, nails, thumbtacks, fire, and light tubes, and are known for their large amount of blood loss. Notable entrants in the King of the Deathmatch tournaments have included Ian Rotten, Axl Rotten, Necro Butcher, Mad Man Pondo, Chris Hero, Balls Mahoney, Nick Mondo, and Mickie Knuckles. Many of the cards have also included non-tournament matches featuring top indy wrestlers such as Nigel McGuinness, Colt Cabana, CM Punk, Tracy Smothers, Homicide, Jerry Lynn, Jimmy Jacobs, Alex Shelley, Sonjay Dutt, B. J. Whitmer, Matt Sydal, Delirious, Arik Cannon, Ray Gordy, Low Ki, Daizee Haze and MsChif. In 2006, IWA Mid-South introduced the concept of The Royal Weekend of Death, featuring the King of the Deathmatch tournament, as well as two new tournaments, the Queen of the Deathmatch and the Double Death Tag Team Tournaments. The 2006 & 2007 tournaments for Queen and Double Death happened in November on back to back nights, while the 2008 Queen of the Deathmatches took place on the afternoon of night 2 of King of the Deathmatches, with Double Death taking part on October 17 and 18. Notable participants of the Queen of the Deathmatch tournament include Mickie Knuckles, Lufisto, Annie Social, and Mike Levy.

IWA Mid-South King of the Deathmatch Tournament

King of the Deathmatch 1997

October 21, 1997 saw the first annual IWA Mid-South King of the Deathmatch Tournament, held at the National Guard Armory in New Albany, Indiana. Competitors

Round one

Semi-finals

Final

†Doug Gilbert refused to fight in the final

King of the Deathmatch 2000

After a 3-year break, the tournament returned in 2000, this time running over two nights (October 20 and 21) at the House of Hardcore in Charlestown, Indiana. Non-tournament matches included Puppet def. T.O. in a Midget Thumbtack Match, and Brain Damage def. Toby Klein Competitors

Round one

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Finals

King of the Deathmatch 2001

King of the Deathmatch 2001 was held over 2 nights (June 1 & 2) at the House of Hardcore in Charlestown, Indiana. Competitors

Round one

†Hido injured his arm in this match and was unable to compete in the next round. Corporal Robinson received a bye as a result.

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Finals

King of the Deathmatch 2002

King of the Deathmatch 2002 was held over 2 nights (July 12 & 13) at the IWA Arena in Clarksville, Indiana. Non-tournament matches included Chris Hero def. Colt Cabana (Night One) and Chris Hero def. Colt Cabana and Tracy Smothers (Night Two) Competitors

Round one

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Finals

King of the Deathmatch 2003

King of the Deathmatch 2003 was held over 2 nights (August 1 & 2) at the IWA Arena in Clarksville, Indiana. Non-tournament matches included: Night One - Jerry Lynn def. Jimmy Jacobs, Mickie Knuckles' debut match (and victory) against Hailey Hatred, Chris Hero def. Homicide (IWA-MS World title match) Night Two - Sonjay Dutt & Adam Flash def. Alex Shelley & Jimmy Jacobs and Nate Webb & M-Dogg 20, Bull Pain vs Jim Fannin (no contest), Nigel McGuinness def. Colt Cabana, Homicide def. B. J. Whitmer, Danny Daniels def. Chris Hero (Texas Death Match for the IWA-MS World title), The Messiah def. Corporal Robinson (CZW World Heavyweight Title) Competitors

Round one

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Finals

King of the Deathmatch 2004

King of the Deathmatch 2004 was held over 2 nights (June 25 & 26) at the Oolitic Community Center in Oolitic, Indiana. Non-tournament matches included: Night One - Danny Daniels & B. J. Whitmer def. Matt Sydal & Delirious, CM Punk def. Ray Gordy, Chris Hero def. Arik Cannon Night Two - MsChif def. Mickie Knuckles and Daizee Haze, Delirious def. Matt Sydal (IWA-MS Light Heavyweight title match), Chris Hero & Homicide def. Ray Gordy & B. J. Whitmer Competitors

Round one

Quarter-finals

†Deranged replaced Manslaughter and J.C Bailey replaced Mad Man Pondo

Semi-finals

Finals

King of the Deathmatch 2005

King of the Deathmatch 2005 was held over 2 nights (November 18 & 19) at the Capital Sports Arena in Plainfield, Indiana. Non-tournament matches included: Night One - Jimmy Jacobs def. C.J. Otis (IWA-MS World title), Hailey Hatred def. Mickle Knuckles (IWA-MS Women's title), Matt Sydal & Delirious def. The Iron Saints Night Two - Ian Rotten & Mickie Knuckles & Delirious & C.J. Otis def. Sal & Vito & Brandon Thomaselli & Josh Abercrombie, Danny Havoc def. Hellaware Assassin and Brandon Prophet in a Fans Bring the Weapons Match Competitors

Round one

The first round matches held on day one were all three-way dances with two competitors from each match advancing to the quarter-finals.

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Finals

King of the Deathmatch 2006

King of the Deathmatch 2006 was held over 2 nights (June 2 & 3) at the Capital Sports Arena in Plainfield, Indiana. Non-tournament matches included: Night One - Darrin Corbin def. Arik Cannon (IWA-MS World title) Night Two - Trik Davis def. Arik Cannon and Darrin Corbin (IWA-MS World title), The Children of Pain (Jacob Ladder & Darin Childs) def. Insane Lane & Juggulator in a Flaming Tables Match Competitors †Prior to the tournament, three Bunkhouse Battle Royals were held at IWA Mid-South events, with the winners being awarded a bye in the first round. Rollin' Hard won a bye at April Bloodshowers 2006 on April 21, JC Bailey won a bye at Any Given Saturday on April 22, and Hardcore Craig won a bye at Spring Heat 2006 on May 19

Round one

Quarter-finals

†Brandon Prophet replaced Hardcore Craig

Semi-finals

Finals

King of the Deathmatch 2007

King of the Deathmatch 2007 was held over 2 nights (June 22 & 23) at the Capital Sports Arena in Plainfield, Indiana. Non-tournament matches included: Brandon Thomaselli def. Low Ki (IWA-MS Light-Heavyweight title), The Naptown Dragons def. Southern Rock in a Circle City Street Fight, Insane Lane & Danny Havoc def. Rollin Hard & Mitch Page and Fukimoto & Deranged in a three-way tag match (Mitch Page's retirement match) Competitors

Round one

†Drake Younger put the IWA Mid-South Deathmatch Championship up for this match, and retained

Quarter-finals

†Drake Younger put the IWA-MS Deathmatch title up for this match and lost, making Dysfunction the new champion

Semi-finals

†Dysfunction put the IWA-MS Deathmatch title up for this match and lost, making Corporal Robinson the new champion

Finals

†Corporal Robinson put the IWA-MS Deathmatch title up for this match, and retained

King of the Deathmatch 2008

King of the Deathmatch 2008 took place over 2 nights (June 20 & 21) in the parking lot of Alley Cats Lanes bowling alley in Sellersburg, Indiana, and was an 18-man tournament. Non-tournament matches on Night One included Sara Del Rey defeating Mickie Knuckles, Dingo defeating Chuck Taylor for the IWA-MS Heavyweight Title, and Jimmy Jacobs and Tyler Black defeating Egotistico Fantastico and "Mr. Insanity" Toby Klein. Non-tournament matched on Night Two included Jason Hades defeating Bryan Skyline to retain the IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship, Dingo's first successful IWA-MS Heavyweight Title defence against Toby Klein, and a four-way match during which Tank defeated Corey Shaddix, WHACKS and Viper. Competitors

Round one

The Round One matches were all three-way matches, with the first person pinned or submitting was eliminated from the tournament.

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Final

King of the Deathmatch 2009

The Eleventh King of the Deathmatch tournament took place at the Hartman Recreation Center in Joliet, Illinois, over 2 nights: March 6, 2009 and March 7, 2009. Competitors

Round one

Semi-finals

Final

King of the Deathmatch 2010

The twelfth KOTDM was held over 2 nights: Friday, June 4, 2010, and Saturday, June 5, 2010, in Bellevue, Illinois, at the Bellevue Plaza. In non-tournament action one night one, Johnathon Gresham defeated Drake Younger and Jimmy Jacobs in a 3-way dance and American Kickboxer stopped by on his bike ride from Ohio to California to raise concussion awareness. In non-tournament action on night two, Markus Crane def. Simon Sezz; Tyler Black def. Johnathon Gresham and gains entry into TPI 2010; and the Hooligans and Matt Cage def. Necro Butcher, Michael Faith, and Chuey Martinez. Confirmed Competitors

Round 1

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Finals

†Chuey Martinez wrestled with a broken leg. ‡Balls Mahoney's Chairs vs. Bull Pain's Bat Match

King of the Deathmatch 2011

The 13th KOTDM was held in Bellevue, Illinois, on Friday, September 16 to September 17 at the Bellevue Plaza. In non-tournament action B. J. Whitmer def. Bucky Collins to claim the vacated Light Heavyweight Title on night 1. On night 2, Bucky Collins defeated Markus Crane, Neil Cutter, Devin Cutter, and Joey Grunge beat Reed Bentley, Juicy Jimmy Feltcher, and Damian Payne in a 6 Man(Losers From Night 1) Tag Match, and B. J. Whitmer def. Masada. Confirmed Competitors

Round 1

Round 2

Finals

King of the Deathmatch 2014

Was held June 28, 2014 as part of a doubleheader titled "Royal Day of Death" at the Rustic Frog in New Albany, Indiana. Confirmed Competitors

Non-Tournament Match

Round 1

Round 2

Finals

King of the Deathmatch 2015

Was held June 26 through 27, 2015 at the American Legion Post#335 in Clarksville, Indiana. Confirmed Competitors

Round 1

Quarter finals

Semi-finals

Final

King of the Deathmatches 2016

Was held on August 6, 2016, at the Pride Bar in New Albany, Indiana. Confirmed Competitors

Round 1

Semi-finals

Finals

King of the Deathmatches 2017

Was held on May 20, 2017, at the Flea Market in Memphis, Indiana. Confirmed Competitors

Non-Tournament Matches

Round 1

Semi-finals

Finals

King of the Deathmatch 2018

Was held May 18 through 19, 2018 at the Flea Market in Memphis, Indiana. In non-tournament action Dale Patricks def. Bryant Woods and G-Raver in a 3-Way Match at night 2. Confirmed Competitors

Round 1

†John Wayne Murdoch put the IWA-MS World Heavyweight title up for this Match, and retained.

Quarterfinals

†John Wayne Murdoch put the IWA-MS World Heavyweight title up for this match and lost, making Nick Gage the new champion. ‡All quarterfinals matches were Total Elimination.

Semi-finals

†Nick Gage put the IWA-MS World Heavyweight title up for this match, and retained.

Final

†Nick Gage put the IWA-MS World Heavyweight title up for this match, and retained.

King of the Deathmatch 2020

Was held July 31 through August 1, 2020 in Connersville, Indiana. Confirmed Competitors

Non-Tournament Matches

Night 1: Night 2:

Round 1

Quarterfinals

Semi-finals

Final

King of the Deathmatch 2021

Was held on July 30 through July 31, 2021 at the Southside Turners in Indianapolis, Indiana. Confirmed Competitors

Round 1

Quarterfinals

Semi-finals

Final

King of the Deathmatch 2022

Will be held on August 19 through August 20, 2022 at the Summit Park District in Summit, Illinois. Confirmed Competitors

Round 1

Quarterfinals

Semi-finals

Final

IWA Mid-South Queen of the Deathmatch Tournament

Queen of the Deathmatch 2006

November 3, 2006 saw the first annual IWA Mid-South Queen of the Deathmatch Tournament, held at the Capital Sports Arena in Plainfield, Indiana. Competitors †Amy Lee was scheduled to fight LuFisto in the first round, who had pulled out due to a hand injury sustained fighting Necro Butcher in a Canadian Death Match tournament called Bloodstock put on by Stranglehold Wrestling. SeXXXy Eddy was brought in as a last minute replacement.

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Final

Queen of the Deathmatch 2007

October 27, 2007 saw the second annual IWA Mid-South Queen of the Deathmatch Tournament, again held at the Capital Sports Arena in Plainfield, Indiana. This card also included a 2007 Revolution Strong Style Tournament Qualifying Match between CJ Otis and Deranged. Competitors

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Final

Queen of the Deathmatch 2008

June 21, 2008 saw the third annual IWA Mid-South Queen of the Deathmatch Tournament, held in the parking lot of Alley Cats Lanes bowling alley in Sellersburg, Indiana. Once again there were last minute changes to the competitors, leading to a 6-woman tournament, with the winner of the first round match between Mickie Knuckles and "Glasses" Jones being awarded a bye into the Final. Competitors Note: LuFisto had been announced as taking part, but has withdrawn due to flight schedule issues. † Rachel Summerlyn wrestled in the 2006 QOTDM as Rachel Putski

Quarterfinals

Semi-finals

Final

† Mike Levy came to the ring complaining that he had not been given a slot in either of the Deathmatch Tournaments, so Mickie agreed to wrestle him in the semi-finals. During the match Levy "no sold" Mickie's offence, leading to a legitimate beatdown from Ian Rotten, Devon Moore, John Calvin, Tank and others.

Queen of the Deathmatch 2014

Was held June 28, 2014 as part of a doubleheader titled "Royal Day of Death" at the Rustic Frog in New Albany, Indiana. In non-tournament action LuFisto beats Jordynne Grace(with Rodney Rush). Competitors

Quarterfinals

Semi-finals

Final

Queen of the Deathmatch 2015

Was held June 27, 2015 as part of a doubleheader at the American Legion Post#335 in Clarksville, Indiana. Competitors

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

†Randi West received a bye to round 2 because her opponent Rebecca Payne no showed the show.

Final

Queen of the Deathmatch 2021

Will be held November 6, 2021 at German Park in Indianapolis, Indiana. Competitors

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Final

Queen of the Deathmatch 2022

Will be held on August 20, 2022, at the Summit Park District in Summit, Illinois. Competitors

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Final

IWA Mid-South Double Death Tag Team Tournament

Double Death Tag Team Tournament 2006

November 4, 2006 saw the first annual IWA Mid-South Double Death Tag Team Tournament, held at the Capital Sports Arena in Plainfield, Indiana. This was the first tournament of its type to be held in the United States, where both members of a team have to be eliminated. The card also included a non-tournament match in which SeXXXy Eddy & Jagged def. Mitch Ryder & Chuck Taylor. Competitors

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Final

Double Death Tag Team Tournament 2007

The second Double Death Tournament took place on October 26, 2007, at the Capital Sports Arena in Plainfield, Indiana. Competitors

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Final

Double Death Tag Team Tournament 2008

October 18 and 19, 2008 saw the third annual IWA Mid-South Double Death Tag Team Tournament, held at the Hartman Recreation Center in Joliet, Illinois. Announced Competitors

Round one

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Final

Double Death Tag Team Tournament 2021

The fourth Double Death Tournament was held on April 3, 2021, at the Axl Rotten Memorial Hall in Connersville, Indiana. Competitors

Non-Tournament Matches

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Final

Dutch Double Death Tag Team Tournament 2021

The fifth Double Death Tournament will take place on November 7, 2021, at the Turner's Hall in Indianapolis, Indiana. It will be the first Double Death with mixed tag teams. Competitors

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Final

IWA Mid-South Prince of the Deathmatch Tournament

Prince of the Death Matches 2010

It was held Friday, April 23, 2010, at the Bellevue Plaza in Bellevue, Illinois. Competitors

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Finals

Prince of the Death Matches 2015

It was held March 15, 2015 Competitors

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Finals

Prince of the Death Matches 2016

Was held June 19, 2016 at the Pride Bar +Lounge in New Albany, Indiana. Competitors

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Finals

Prince of the Death Matches 2017

Was held on for March 11, 2017 at the Memphis Flea Market in Memphis, Indiana. The winner of 2017 Prince of the Deathmatches gets entry into the 2017 King of the Deathmatches on May 20, 2017. Competitors

Round one

Round two

Round three

Prince of the Death Matches 2018

Was held on March 10, 2018, at the Memphis Flea Market in Memphis, Indiana. Field expanded to 12 Competitors. Competitors

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Finals

Prince of the Death Matches 2020

Was held September 25, 2020 at the Axl Rotten Memorial Hall in Connersville, Indiana. Competitors Non Tournament:

Quarterfinals

Semi-finals

Final

Prince of the Death Matches 2021

Will be held July 31, 2021 at the Southside Turners in Indianapolis, Indiana. Competitors

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Final

IWA Deep South Carnage Cup

King of the Deathmatch 2005 (Shut Down)

Happened Oct. 22, 2005 in Childersburg, Alabama, but was shut down by the police. Competitors

Round one

The tournament was shut down after the fifth match. In his match, Diehard suffered a severe laceration resulting a spot with light tubes. He was rushed to the hospital where authorities were informed of the tournament's nature and then proceeded to shut it down.

King of the Deathmatch 2005 (Carnage Cup 2005)

Carnage Cup took place on December 3, 2005, at the Country Music Barn in Elkmont, Alabama. Competitors

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Finals

Carnage Cup 2006

Carnage Cup Tournament took place on November 25, 2006, at the Highway 69 Sports Arena in Cullman, Alabama. Competitors

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Finals

Carnage Cup 2007

Carnage Cup Tournament took place on December 1, 2007, at the Nick Gulas Sports Arena in Pulaski, Tennessee. Competitors

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

1.) SeXXXy Eddy got a bye because Drake Younger was unable to compete

Finals

Carnage Cup 2008

Carnage Cup Tournament took place on October 4, 2008, outside the Red Barn Bar in Elkmont, Alabama. Competitors

First round

Semi-finals

Finals

Carnage Cup V

Carnage Cup 2009 took place on September 26, 2009, at the National Guard Armory in Calera, Alabama. Competitors

First round

Semi-finals

Finals

Carnage Cup 6

It was held on Saturday April 10, 2010 at the Calera National Guard Armory in Calera, Alabama. Participants

Round one

Finals

Carnage Cup 7

It was held Saturday February 26, 2011 at the Cullman National Guard Armory in Cullman, Alabama. In non-tournament action Freakshow defeated Chrisjen Hayme to become the new IWA-DS Heavyweight Champion, and Kornerstone won a 6-man Death Match Rumble. Participants

First round

Second round

Finals

Pinkie Sanchez def. † Matt Tremont and Neil Diamond Cutter - Ladders, Scaffold, and Lighttubes Match †"Bulldozer" Matt Tremont replaced Danny Havoc who sustained a laceration on his back and could not compete.

Carnage Cup 8

Was held on Saturday, March 31, 2012, at 2:00 pm and Sunday, April 1, 2012, at 1:00 pm at Donna's Barn and Cafe in Elkmont, Alabama. Participants

First round

Second round

Finals

Carnage Cup 9

Was held on Saturday, November 16, 2013, at 8:00 pm and Sunday, November 17, 2013, at 1:00 pm at the SWF Arena in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Participants

Non-Tournament (Night 2)

First round

Second round

Finals

Carnage Cup 10

Was held on February 28 through March 1, 2015 at the YBW Arena in Jasper, Tennessee. Participants

First round

Second round

Finals

Carnage Cup 11

Was held on April 29, 2017, at the Sycamore Campground and Taco Shak in Iron City, Tennessee. Participants

Non-Tournament Match

First round

Second round

Finals

Carnage Cup 12

Was held on October 9 and 10, 2021 at the VFW Fairgrounds in Carrollton, Georgia. Participants

Non-Tournament Match (Night 2)

First round

Second round

Finals

Carnage Cup 13

Was held on October 21, 2023 in McKenzie, Tennessee. Participants

First round

Second round

Finals