Hello, wrestling fans! My name is Deven K Mercer, but most of you know me in the wrestling world as DKM. I’ve been hooked on professional wrestling since the late 1970s, and my passion only intensified when my family got cable in 1981. That was the year I discovered Georgia Championship Wrestling on WTBS, and from that moment, I was all in.

There was something magical about those early cable days. Wrestling felt raw, unpredictable, and larger than life. I’d sit glued to the TV, captivated by the stars of Georgia Championship Wrestling as they battled it out week after week. Back then, the stories were simple, but the rivalries were fierce. I can still recall the excitement of Saturday evenings, the anticipation of seeing who’d come out on top and who’d get blindsided by a ruthless heel.

In 1983, my journey took me to Texas—right into the heart of Von Erich territory. If you know wrestling history, you understand how electrifying it was to witness the Von Erichs vs Freebirds feud unfold. In my opinion, it was—and still is—the greatest rivalry ever staged in professional wrestling. The passion from the crowd, the emotional stories, and the genuine athleticism made every match feel like a main event. The atmosphere at those events remains unparalleled to this day. I was also present at Texas Stadium when Kerry Von Erich secured the NWA World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Ric Flair.

Now, I’ll be honest—I’m not the biggest fan of modern wrestling. AEW just doesn’t do it for me. Maybe it’s the style, maybe it’s the presentation, or maybe it’s just that I’m a bit old school. I still keep track of WWE, but it’s more out of habit than genuine excitement. I watch a lot of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), even if I’m not always sure why. There’s just something about the NWA’s legacy and the way it connects to wrestling’s rich history that keeps me coming back.

For those who know me, you’ll recognize that I’m one of the Alliance Guys. You can catch me on Thursday nights—where we keep the NWA spirit alive. We’re a group of fans and personalities who believe in the roots of wrestling, the importance of storytelling, and the pure competition that once defined the sport. Whether we’re debating legendary matches or breaking down the latest NWA show, it’s all about keeping the passion burning strong.

Wrestling has changed a lot since the days of WTBS and the Von Erichs. Some changes have been for the better, others not so much. But for me, it’s always been about the connection—the way wrestling brings people together, creates unforgettable moments, and lets us all suspend disbelief for a while. No matter how the industry shifts, I’ll be here, cheering on the athletes and celebrating the history that made me a fan for life.