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Penn Hills' Joe Perri Named To KSWA Hall Of Fame
"Gentleman" Joe Perri has been involved in the professional wrestling scene in Pittsburgh for more than 30 years.
by Thomas Leturgey
“Gentleman” Joe Perri, the affable, long-time Keystone State Wrestling Alliance personality, was the “surprise” entrant into the KSWA Hall of Fame on Saturday night in Pittsburgh.
Perri, who served as a referee, trainer, and manager before he joined the KSWA more than a decade ago, has served the last several years as the Kommissioner of the KSWA. Perri, who has been a representative of the KSWA Championship Committee, currently helps with ringside governance. A talented referee, Perri has also assisted KSWA Owner Bobby O with promotion and with major match announcements.
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Before he was Kommissioner, Perri was the manager of several KSWA wrestlers. His most successful run was when he managed KSWA Tag Team Champions “The International Thugs.”
In recent years, the KSWA has held off a “surprise” announcement until the day of the event. On Saturday, March 25, 2017, Perri was announced after Class of 2017 recipients Bill Apter, Pie Traynor, and “The Fighting Cop From Carnegie” Frank Holtz. Apter picked up his award at last December’s FanFest. In the most star-studded night perhaps in KSWA Hall of Fame history, Traynor was presented his award posthumously to former Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster Lanny Frattare. Holtz received his award, along with an Allegheny County proclamation, by Allegheny County Commissioners and Class of 2014 awardee “Big Bully” Nick Busick.
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After Apter’s award was acknowledged, Traynor’s presented and Holtz’s awarded, Bobby O surprised Perri with his very own plaque. Taken aback, Perri said he was “blown away” and completely shocked by the notification.
Perri then took a picture with fellow Hall of Famers Lanny Frattare, Frank Holtz, Nick Busick and Howard Kernats.
The KSWA Hall of Fame is the longest-running Independent wrestling Hall of Fame ceremony. Past inductees include Joe Abby, Frank Durso, Donna Christiantello, Bobby “Hurricane” Hunt, Bill Eadie, James J. Dillon, Dominic DeNucci, Bruno Sammartino and Baron Mikel Scicluna, among others.