5 Defunct Wrestling Promotions That Could Have Been Big

#3 Pro-Pain Pro Wrestling - 3PW: 2002 - 2005

Pro-Pain Pro Wrestling, or 3PW as it was also known, was founded by the legendary ''Pretty Boy'' Larry Sharpe in February 2002 and owned by former WWE and ECW star 'The Blue Meanie' Brian Heffron and his ex longtime girlfriend Jasmin St. Claire. Former ECW owner Todd Gordon also had some stake in the company.

They ran their early shows in the original ECW arena, before finding a permanent home in The Electric Factory venue in Philadelphia, until they ceased operations. The company always had an ECW vibe to it, naturally, and unlike XPW, their shows generally received a positive response. It also seems like WWE had no issues with the company operating, as they never interfered with any of Jerry Lawler's bookings with them and even allowed contracted talent like Al Snow and Steven Richards to make appearances for them.

The company would have a tremendous roster mixed with both legends, like Dusty Rhodes, Curt Henning, Bam Bam Bigelow, Sabu, Terry Funk, The Sandman, Raven, X Pac, Abdullah The Butcher, and others, as well as up and comers like AJ Styles, Abyss, Ron Killings, CM Punk and others. Serious financial problems arose in late 2004, which saw Todd Gordon resign.

When Jasmin St. Claire was replaced as CEO and stopped receiving checks, she put her portion of ownership on eBay for one day at $180,000. The Blue Meanie attempted to find the company funding but was unable to and they held their final show on June 18, 2005.