Mitch Franklin

Deep in the heart of Philadelphia, a peculiar phenomenon was brewing. A man named Matthew Iaconianni, better known to the wrestling world as Grizzly Redwood (or Mitch Franklin for those who knew him well), had taken his unique blend of athleticism and showmanship to the ring. What unfolded was nothing short of extraordinary.

Standing at an imposing 5'3", Franklin's diminutive stature belied his formidable strength and agility. Weighing in at a robust 235 pounds, he was the perfect embodiment of a force to be reckoned with. His wrestling style? Allrounder, comedy/gimmick – think of a one-man show that left fans in stitches.

But don't let his goofy persona fool you; Franklin was no joke. A seasoned veteran of various promotions, including Ring Of Honor, CHIKARA, Game Changer Wrestling, and National Wrestling Alliance, he had honed his craft through years of hard work and dedication. His impressive résumé boasted a slew of championships: UWC United States Championship, ROH Top Of The Class Trophy Championship, MDW Tag Team Championship, APWA World Tag Team Championship, and WWL Championship – just to name a few.

Franklin's rise to fame was nothing short of meteoric. Having made his debut in 2005, he quickly established himself as a fan favorite, thanks in part to his charismatic personality and an arsenal of signature moves that left opponents reeling. The Chop Block, Flying Headbutt, Ironwood, Little Boot, and Wood Chopper – these were just a few of the tricks up his sleeve.

But what truly set Franklin apart was his versatility. A referee, no less! His ability to adapt to any situation, whether in or out of the ring, earned him the nickname "The Loutish Lumberjack." It's little wonder that he became known for his high-flying antics and unbridled enthusiasm.

A jack-of-all-trades, Franklin's extracurricular activities included football and ringen – a testament to his insatiable competitive spirit. In an era where wrestling had become increasingly polished and formulaic, Mitch Franklin stood out as a breath of fresh air, a true original who refused to be pigeonholed.

And so, as we look back on the remarkable career of Grizzly Redwood (or Mitch Franklin, if you will), one thing is clear: this Philadelphia native left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. For fans of all ages, his unforgettable performances remain etched in our collective consciousness – a shining beacon of what it means to be a true showman.