Wrestling event for local veterans
There were body slams and holiday cheer aplenty on Sunday evening when Windsor’s Border City Wrestling held a benefit for local veterans.
The ’Twas the Fight Before Christmas event in Tecumseh featured a crew of rasslers doing their worst to each other to raise money for the Adopt-A-Vet program.
“My grandfather was a World War II veteran, like so many other people,” said organizer and BCW owner Scott D’Amore.
“It’s just a great cause. Every wrestler we talked to wanted to be a part of it.”
The event was held at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 261 in cooperation with Fantastic Fathers. Minimum admission was $10. All proceeds from the show went to the program, which helps veterans over the holiday season with clothing, blankets, stocking stuffers and company.
By the end of the evening, the attendance tally was 210 people, and $3,050 had been raised.
D’Amore said Sunday’s actionpacked lineup included a wide range of talent from the BCW roster — from high-flying new stars like Aiden Prince to seasoned workers like Tyson Dux — all of whom gave their time to the event for free.
“The Royal Canadian Legion donated the hall, we donated the ring. Long & McQuade donated the sound system. U-Haul donated a truck, Imagine Printing donated all the printing services,” D’Amore said.
“It was great. Every penny that came through the door went to a very worthy cause.”
Tecumseh’s own Phil Atlas won a bout for his hometown by pinning newcomer Karou.
Joe “Genetic Jackpot” Coleman beat N8 Mattson — but only after Coleman delivered a kick to Mattson’s groin.
In tag team action, The Fraternity defeated Clan Freedom by cheating — using their paddle prop as a weapon behind the ref ’s back.
D’Amore said the six-man finale had the best moves of the event, including Tyson Dux throwing Aiden Prince out of the ring onto other opponents, and Prince pinning John E. Bravo with a 450-degree splash jump from off the top rope.
But BCW’s established rasslers weren’t the only ones entertaining on Sunday. The event kicked off with a match between rookies Kurt Hendrik and Sheldon Jean — two recent graduates from D’Amore’s Can-Am Wrestling School.
“They made their debuts here today, and had a great little showing in the opening contest,” D’Amore said.
First established in Windsor in 1993, D’Amore’s rassling school is once again offering training to the public.
Those who think they’ve got what it takes to perform in the squared circle can sign up for a 12-week program under D’Amore’s tutelage.
“We’ve got another semester starting Jan. 16,” D’Amore said. “We still have spots available. It’s a program that covers all aspects of the pro wrestling business, both in and out of the ring.
“We’ve got graduates now in every major pro wrestling company, worldwide.”
For more information, visit www. bordercitywrestling.com or call 519-969-1245.