Created as the Sweet Science Sixteen in 2000 by Ian Rotten, the tournament was originally supposed to showcase the top technical independent wrestlers.
Finals: Danny Daniels defeated Chris Hero and Alex Shelley to retain the IWA-MS World title and win the 2003 TPI.
On Night One, Danielson beat Alex Shelley in a technical classic; Joe survived a stiff match with Roderick Strong.
Styles d. Samoa Joe and Bryan Danielson to win the 2004 TPI The 2005 Ted Petty Invitational took place on September 23–24, 2005 at the National Guard Armory in Hammond, Indiana.
Although the tournament suffered through numerous drop outs and injuries, it is still highly regarded by independent wrestling fans.
Among the drop outs included: defending champion Styles (due to strep throat) and Homicide (alleged legal issues).
He also eliminated Tyler Black (quarterfinals), Chris Sabin (semifinals), before overcoming the odds and beating Kevin Steen and Cannon to win the tournament.
It was another well loved tournament featuring great matches and performances from the likes of Low Ki, Strong, Quackenbush, and many more.
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla was represented by six regulars (Chris Bosh, Scott Lost, Scorpio Sky, Kevin Steen, El Generico and Davey Richards) but finished the tournament with a combined 3–6 record.
Samoa Joe, Alex Shelley, Low-Ki, Matt Sydal, El Generico, B-Boy, and Tony Kozina were previously scheduled but were later removed from the tournament.
Non Tournament Matches: Night 1 - Loser Leaves IWA Mid-South for a Year Match: IWA-MS Heavyweight Championship: Dingo defeated Jayson Strife After shows were announced and cancelled in 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2014, the Ted Petty Invitational returned on December 11, 2015, at the Colgate Gymnasium in Clarksville, Indiana.
Finals: Kongo Kong defeated Shane Mercer and Chris Hero to win the 2015 Ted Petty Invitational and retain the IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship.
Aaron Williams defeated Jonathan Gresham and Jake Crist (IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title Match)
Non Tournament Matches; Night 2:IWA Mid-South Tag Team Title Four Way Match: The Top Guys (Adam Slade & Kevin Giza) (w/Billy The P & Lukas Jacobs) defeated The Gym Nasty Boyz (Timmy Lou Retton & White Mike) (c) and Jimmy Jacobs & Joe Alonzo and Logan James & Myron Reed; Eight Man Tag Team Match: Calvin Tankman, Jake Lander, Jake Omen & Matt Kenway defeated Gary Jay, Joey Owens, Shane Mercer & Tripp Cassidy