Bear Bronson wins IWTV World Championship in Triple Threat
In dramatic and controversial fashion, Bear Bronson has won the IWTV Independent Wrestling World Championship, defeating reigning champion Ryan Clancy and former champion Marcus Mathers in a triple threat match at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston, Rhode Island.
Bronson scored the victory by pinning Mathers — not Clancy — in the final moments of the high-stakes encounter. The bouts conclusion immediately sparked debate among fans and pundits, as the defending champion technically wasn’t the one pinned, raising questions over the legitimacy of Bronson's reign and the future of the championship.
Adding to the controversy, Clancy had been slated to defend the world championship on New Year’s Eve against Gabby Forza — Bronson’s wife and a top five title contender — at Beyond Wrestling's Heavy Lies the Crown ’25. With Bronson now wearing the title, the matchup’s stakes and dynamics have shifted dramatically, leaving fans wondering whether Forza will still challenge for the championship and how Clancy’s status will be addressed.
For his part, new champion Bronson is scheduled to wrestle former IWTV World Champion Krule at Heavy Lies The Crown in a Fans Bring The Weapons main event. At the time of his writing is is unclear if that will be title bout.
The IWTV Championship turmoil that is in play for 12/31 extends to the tag team titles as well. With former champs 4825 forced to relinquish the belts due to injury, IWTV officials have set up a two-day, four team tournament set to begin at Heavy Lies The Crown, with new champions crowned at Wrestling Open on New Year's Day.