March 18, 2009 > NCW wrestling award banquet NCW wrestling award banquet Submitted By William Mancebo Photos By William Mancebo Body slams? Eye rips? Head butts? There was none of that, not at this event. The reason these wrestlers got together was to receive this year's Nuclear Charged Wrestling Association Awards of Recognition presented by Franklin Thomas promotions. The banquet was held at Raja Indian Cuisine in Hayward on Thursday, March 12, and honored some of the best. One of the biggest awards went out to one of the biggest men at the banquet: Anthony "Earthquake" Ferris. Ferris, who was trained by Vern Gagne and Ray Stevens, received the AWA Lifetime Achievement Award. Jokingly, the Bay Area native "Earthquake" mentioned he was happy to be recognized for his achievements while he was still alive, but was sincerely thrilled to accept the honor as his children watched on with pride. Now that his wrestling career is behind him, "Earthquake" is focusing his attention to the community, currently coaching football for his alma mater, Antioch High School. Outside of coaching, Ferris, along with fellow wrestlers, Sgt. Slaughter and George "The Animal" Steele, have held many fundraisers to help support their local sports programs. Others making an appearance at the banquet were Luchador wrestling favorites, Mara Villa, Stigma and Muerte Azteca. Even Ultimo Tigre was there to accept his Big Heart Award.