Cincinnati Red

Cincinnati Red was the ring name of Gregory Scott Daves (October 17, 1974 – March 20, 2015), an American professional wrestler best known for his extensive career in the Southern California independent wrestling circuit.^[1] Born in the United States, Daves trained under veteran wrestlers Jesse Hernandez and Bill Anderson before making his professional debut in 1995 under the ring name Blackjack Daniels.^[1] He quickly became a fixture in regional promotions, including the Empire Wrestling Federation (EWF), where he competed in the organization's inaugural match on May 5, 1996, against Brian Rodgers.^[1] Shortly after his debut, Daves adopted the Cincinnati Red ring name, drawing from his billed hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, and co-founded the Independent Wrestling Federation (IWF) with Gary Key, which he later sold in 1999.^[1] Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, he gained recognition for his technical skills and contributions to the scene, earning the Southern California Wrestler of the Year award in 1999 while working with the United Independent Wrestling Alliance (UIWA), where he notably trained future star Samoa Joe.^[1] Red's championship accomplishments included becoming the first-ever Mountain Professional Wrestling (MPW) Champion in 2001 by defeating Little Guido in a tournament final, a title he held prominently in the promotion's early years.^[1] He also won the EWF's inaugural Great Goliath Battle Royal in 2006, showcasing his endurance in multi-man matches.^[1] Later in his career, Red returned to MPW in 2010, participating in a high-profile hair-vs.-hair match against Logan X, which he lost, resulting in his head being shaved by wrestling legend Roddy Piper.^[1] Beyond in-ring work, he served as the chairman of the Southern California Pro-Wrestling Hall of Fame until his death, helping to honor and preserve the region's wrestling heritage.^[1] Daves passed away on March 20, 2015, at the age of 40 from a heart attack in Victorville, California, leaving a legacy as a dedicated independent wrestler who influenced multiple generations in Southern California's vibrant wrestling community.^[2]^[1]

Early life and background

Birth and family

Gregory Scott Daves was born on October 17, 1974, in Athens, Clarke County, Georgia, USA.^[3] He was the son of Phillip Daves and Laura Daves-Hickam.^[3] Daves had two sisters, Sheri Studebaker and Stacey Pilcher.^[3] No specific details are available regarding parental influences on his early interests in sports or entertainment.

Initial interest in wrestling

Gregory Scott Daves developed an early fascination with professional wrestling in the early 1980s, when he began watching matches alongside his grandfather, an experience that ignited his passion for the industry.^[4] This exposure particularly drew him to the intense, powerhouse style of tag teams like the Road Warriors, influencing his vision of becoming a dominant performer in the ring.^[4] Seeking formal preparation, Daves trained at the School of Hard Knocks in San Bernardino, California, under the guidance of hall of famers Bill Anderson and Jesse Hernandez, both respected figures in the Southern California wrestling scene.^[1] The rigorous program emphasized physical conditioning through self-directed cardio workouts and hands-on drills, transforming Daves' enthusiasm into disciplined skills over the course of his approximately one-month training period.^[4] After approximately one month of training, Daves adopted the ring name "Blackjack Daniels."^[1] This preparatory phase culminated in his professional debut in 1995 within the National Wrestling Conference, where initial appearances served as learning opportunities to build ring presence and adapt to live crowds.^[1]

Professional wrestling career

Debut in the National Wrestling Conference (1995–1997)

Gregory Scott Daves, performing under the ring name Blackjack Daniels, made his professional wrestling debut in the National Wrestling Conference (NWC) on March 17, 1995, at the Silver Nugget Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada.^[5] In his debut match, he lost to The Thug in a singles bout, followed by a three-on-one handicap match loss to SWAT, RJ Rodriguez, and The Wild Renegade on the same card, marking an inauspicious but experience-building start to his career.^[5] This entry into the NWC came after foundational training with Bill Anderson and Jesse Hernandez, which equipped him for the rigors of professional matches.^[6] Throughout 1995, Blackjack Daniels competed primarily in entry-level singles matches across the NWC's Las Vegas events, honing his in-ring skills against established regional talent while portraying a rugged heel character inspired by a baseball player gimmick tied to the Cincinnati Reds team.^[6] Notable bouts included a June 24 loss to Don Juan and a quick 2:17 pinfall defeat to Larry Power on July 22, both at the Silver Nugget Pavilion, as well as a dominant submission loss to Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart via camel clutch on April 14, lasting just 3:24.^[5]^[6] These encounters emphasized his role as an enhancement talent, allowing him to develop fundamentals like pacing and selling while traveling the independent circuit between Nevada shows, building endurance for sporadic bookings. No major feuds emerged during this period, but the consistent losses helped solidify his tough, resilient persona amid the NWC's mix of veterans and up-and-comers.^[5] Daves adopted the ring name Cincinnati Red in 1997. Red's NWC tenure tapered off in 1997 with fewer appearances, reflecting the promotion's shifting landscape, before concluding on July 12 in Sacramento, California, at the Memorial Auditorium, where he fell to the Suicide Kid in his final match for the territory.^[5] Earlier that year, on March 28, he revisited a matchup with The Thug in Sacramento, losing once again and underscoring his ongoing role in putting over opponents to elevate the card.^[5] This phase provided crucial exposure to varied venues like Sacramento, expanding his regional footprint and refining his heelish, gritty style rooted in the baseball-themed character, which occasionally drew on sports rivalries for crowd heat without evolving into prolonged storylines.^[6]

Empire Wrestling Federation and Impact Wrestling Federation (1996–1999)

Following his initial experiences in the National Wrestling Conference, Cincinnati Red expanded his career into the Southern California independent scene with the Empire Wrestling Federation (EWF). He debuted for the promotion on May 5, 1996, during EWF's inaugural event, competing against Brian Rodgers in what became the first match in the company's history.^[1] Throughout the late 1990s, Red participated in multiple EWF events, wrestling in singles and tag team matches that emphasized his developing technical style and helped establish a dedicated regional following among SoCal fans.^[1] In parallel, Red ventured into promotion and training by co-founding the Independent Wrestling Federation (IWF) alongside fellow wrestler Gary Key. The duo launched the IWF as a platform for emerging talent in the area and opened The Grapplers' Den, a professional wrestling school in Oxnard, California, to nurture new wrestlers through structured instruction.^[7]^[1] Red actively competed across both EWF and IWF cards during this era, delivering consistent performances that showcased his in-ring growth and contributed to building a stronger independent wrestling community in Southern California. By 1999, Red's efforts culminated in the sale of the IWF, marking the end of this promotional chapter. His standout work throughout the period earned him recognition as the SoCal Uncensored Wrestler of the Year in 1999, highlighting his impact on the regional scene through high-quality matches and promotional contributions.^[1]^[8]

Hiatus and return to the ring (2001–2010)

Following the sale of the Independent Wrestling Federation in 1999, Cincinnati Red entered a hiatus from in-ring competition that lasted through 2000. During this time, he co-founded The Grappler's Den, a wrestling school in Oxnard, California, with fellow wrestler Gary Key.^[1]^[7] Red returned to active wrestling in Millennium Pro Wrestling (MPW) on March 10, 2001, defeating his former trainee Samoa Joe in a hardcore match. On May 19, 2001, he captured the inaugural MPW Heavyweight Championship by defeating Little Guido in the finals of a tournament, maintaining the title through successful defenses against opponents including Chris Chetti and Big Haystacks until losing it to Tech IX on November 3, 2001.^[9]^[1] After wrestling sporadically in 2001 and 2002, Red stepped away from the ring again until 2006, when he rejoined the Empire Wrestling Federation (EWF) in multifaceted roles as wrestler, booker, and agent. His prior involvement with EWF during the late 1990s helped shape his leadership contributions upon return. On February 18, 2006, he partnered with Greg Valentine to defeat Puma and Syrus. Red's highlight that year came on May 14, 2006, when he won the inaugural Great Goliath Memorial Battle Royal, an annual 20-man elimination match honoring the late trainer Great Goliath.^[9]^[10] Red made select appearances in EWF and other promotions through the late 2000s, focusing on veteran matches and event booking. His final bout in MPW took place on May 29, 2010, a loss to Logan X in a hair-vs.-hair match, after which Roddy Piper shaved his head. Red retired from in-ring competition later that year following a June 19, 2010, battle royal at Alternative Wrestling Show.^[9]^[1]

Other roles in wrestling

Training and mentorship

Following his active in-ring career, Gregory Scott Daves, known as Cincinnati Red, dedicated significant time to training aspiring wrestlers in Southern California, establishing himself as a key figure in developing talent for the independent scene. He co-founded the Impact Wrestling Federation (IWF) school and promotion alongside Gary Key in the late 1990s, creating a structured environment for wrestlers to hone their skills before selling his stake in 1999. Under the IWF banner, Daves ran The Grapplers' Den in Simi Valley, a dedicated training facility where he instructed students on fundamentals like mat work and match psychology, drawing in local talents eager to break into professional wrestling.^[1]^[4] One of Daves' most notable mentorships occurred at the Ultimate Independent Wrestling Association (UIWA) West Coast Dojo, where he served as a primary instructor. There, he trained Nuufolau Seanoa, better known as Samoa Joe, starting in the early 2000s; Joe became the dojo's first graduate after absorbing Daves' emphasis on precise in-ring execution, such as chaining submissions and strikes seamlessly, alongside lessons in professionalism and mental resilience to withstand the rigors of touring. Daves' approach helped accelerate Joe's early development, enabling him to debut confidently in promotions like Pro Wrestling Zero1 and later achieve mainstream success in Ring of Honor and TNA as a multi-time world champion. This hands-on guidance exemplified Daves' commitment to building well-rounded performers capable of sustaining long careers.^[4]^[11] Daves' influence extended broadly across the SoCal independent circuit, where he mentored a roster of wrestlers who went on to notable achievements in regional promotions. At facilities like The Grapplers' Den and the UIWA dojo, he trained individuals such as Scott Lost, who captured the Alternative Wrestling Show (AWS) Heavyweight Championship and became a staple in West Coast indies, and Steve Douglas, a veteran who competed extensively in Empire Wrestling Federation events. Other trainees, including Logan X and Dylan Klein, credited Daves' rigorous sessions for their breakthroughs, with Lost later praising the foundational chain wrestling drills that prepared him for high-stakes bouts against established stars. These successes underscored Daves' role in nurturing a generation of versatile performers who contributed to the vitality of promotions like Empire Wrestling Federation and Menacing Power Wrestling.^[12]^[13] Central to Daves' training philosophy was an unwavering demand for full effort in every aspect of preparation, a principle he instilled regardless of a wrestler's experience level or the scale of the opportunity ahead. In interviews, he stressed avoiding shortcuts like performance-enhancing drugs, instead advocating authenticity and sustained hard work to earn lasting respect in the industry—lessons drawn from his own career transitions. This mindset, often highlighted in posthumous reflections by peers and students, emphasized that true growth came from consistent, intense practice sessions that mirrored the unpredictability of live matches, fostering not just technical proficiency but also the endurance needed for indie wrestling's demanding lifestyle.^[4]^[1]

Administrative contributions

Following his partial retirement from active in-ring competition, Gregory Scott Daves, known professionally as Cincinnati Red, returned to the Empire Wrestling Federation (EWF) in 2005, where he took on the roles of booker and agent until 2010. In these capacities, he influenced event booking and storyline development, helping to shape the promotion's creative direction during a period of growth in Southern California's independent wrestling scene.^[7] Daves also played a key role in stabilizing promotions through operational leadership, notably as co-founder of the Impact Wrestling Federation (IWF) alongside Gary Key in the late 1990s. Prior to its sale in 1999, he contributed to the organization's day-to-day management, including the establishment of its wrestling school, which supported talent development and event production in the region.^[1] A significant aspect of Daves' administrative legacy was his co-founding of the Southern California Pro-Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2001, alongside Jason "Primetime" Peterson and Steven Bryant, with the aim of recognizing and archiving the contributions of wrestlers, promoters, and figures in the area's independent wrestling history. He served as chairman of the Hall of Fame from its inception until his death in 2015, overseeing annual inductions and ensuring the preservation of SoCal's wrestling heritage through events and documentation.^[1]^[14]

Death and legacy

Death

Gregory Scott Daves, known professionally as Cincinnati Red, died on March 20, 2015, at the age of 40, from a heart attack in Victorville, California.^[15]^[16] The news was first reported by fellow wrestler and trainer Jesse Hernandez, who confirmed the cause of death as a heart attack on the SoCal Uncensored website later that day.^[17] The Southern California independent wrestling community responded with widespread shock and grief, with peers and fans sharing tributes highlighting Daves' dedication and influence in the local scene.^[17]^[18] A memorial service for Daves was held on April 11, 2015, though specific details on attendance by wrestling peers are not publicly documented.^[15]

Posthumous recognition and impact

Cincinnati Red (Gregory Scott Daves) co-founded the Southern California Pro-Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2001 and served as its chairman until his death on March 20, 2015.^[1] His 1999 designation as SoCal Wrestler of the Year by SoCal-Wrestling.com recognized his consistent performances and contributions to the independent scene during a pivotal era for Southern California promotions.^[1] This role underscored his administrative dedication to preserving wrestling history in the region. Peers and colleagues paid tribute to Daves shortly after his death, highlighting his unwavering effort in small venues and his instrumental role in sustaining the SoCal wrestling ecosystem. Wrestler and promoter Omar Figueroa recalled, "RIP my friend. I always enjoyed working on the same shows as you," noting Daves' reliability across grassroots events.^[17] Others praised his behind-the-scenes work, including co-founding the Impact Wrestling Federation (IWF) in Ventura County, which helped nurture talent in under-resourced areas, and his support for promotions like Awesome Wrestling Show (AWS) where he booked and trained performers.^[17] These efforts were seen as vital to preserving the indie circuit's vitality amid larger corporate influences. Daves' influence endures through his trainees who achieved mainstream prominence, most notably Samoa Joe (Nuufolau Joel Seanoa), whom he mentored at the United Independent Wrestling Alliance (UIWA) West Coast Dojo alongside Johnny Hemp.^[1] Joe, who debuted against his trainer in a 2001 hardcore match for Millennium Pro Wrestling (MPW), credited Daves' technical guidance for shaping his early career before rising to stardom in Ring of Honor, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, and WWE.^[19] Other students, such as Tom Howard and Mikey Henderson, carried forward his emphasis on hard work and in-ring storytelling, extending his legacy in professional wrestling. Memorials to Daves appeared in the years following his death, including a 2019 YouTube video documenting his final resting place at Montecito Memorial Park in Loma Linda, California, which reflected on his contributions to the SoCal indie scene.^[20] While specific articles framing his heart attack as a cautionary tale for wrestler health were limited, his passing at age 40 prompted discussions within the community about the physical toll of the profession, echoing broader concerns in independent wrestling.^[21]

Championships and accomplishments

Major championships

Cincinnati Red achieved several notable championship successes throughout his career in independent promotions, particularly in Southern California circuits during the late 1990s and early 2000s. These victories underscored his status as a reliable main event talent and trainer, often in promotions he helped establish or influence. In the Independent Wrestling Federation (IWF), which he co-founded in 1997, Cincinnati Red captured the IWF Heavyweight Championship twice and the IWF Western States Championship once during the 1990s. These reigns highlighted his dominance in the promotion's early years, contributing to the IWF's growth as a key SoCal indie scene player before its sale in 1999.^[7] He later joined the United Independent Wrestling Alliance (UIWA) in 1999, where he won the UIWA Heavyweight Championship once. This title run further solidified his reputation as a heavyweight contender, aligning with his role in training emerging talents like Samoa Joe during the promotion's operations.^[7] A pinnacle achievement came in 2001 with Millennium Pro Wrestling (MPW), a short-lived but influential promotion. Cincinnati Red became the inaugural MPW Heavyweight Championship on May 19, 2001, by defeating Little Guido on the promotion's debut event, marking his first world title in a major SoCal indie title lineage. His reign lasted 168 days, establishing MPW's credibility in its initial run.^[1] In the Empire Wrestling Federation (EWF), Cincinnati Red won the inaugural Great Goliath Battle Royal in 2006, an annual multi-man elimination event honoring the promotion's history. This victory, held in Covina, California, symbolized his enduring connection to EWF, where he had debuted a decade earlier and continued to perform and contribute behind the scenes.^[1]

Awards and honors

Cincinnati Red was recognized as the inaugural Southern California Wrestler of the Year in 1999 by SoCalUNCENSORED.com, an award established to honor the top independent wrestler in the region based on in-ring excellence and overall impact.^[8] This distinction underscored his rapid rise in the Southern California wrestling circuit, where he had debuted just three years earlier and quickly became a standout performer known for his technical prowess and charisma.^[1] The award, part of SoCalUNCENSORED.com's year-end honors, highlighted Red's pivotal role in elevating independent promotions like the Empire Wrestling Federation during a period of growth for the local scene.^[22] As the first recipient, his selection set a benchmark for future honorees, including multiple hall of famers, reflecting his influence on the standards of professional wrestling achievement in the area.^[8]