Pro wrestling comes to Orillia this weekend.
The Fight Network will be taping this event, which features many title defences - and a local flair.
Mariposa Mayhem hits the St Paul’s Centre at 62 Peter St. N. with the doors opening at 5 p.m. and bell time set for 6 p.m.
The event is a joint production by Barrie Wrestling and arguably the best wrestling company in the country, Smash Wrestling.
Smash owner Sebastian Dastranj said they have wanted to expand to Orillia for a while and have formed a partnership with Barrie’s wrestling promotion to bring a great family-friendly atmosphere to the Sunshine City.
“We’re very excited to be able to bring Orillia their own wrestling promotion, and that’s what we’re doing here because we plan on more regular shows as the months move on,” said Dastranj.
“We have top-notch production with a touring brand and Barrie Wrestling is well known as a great source of entertainment for local fans. This is a great thing for the wrestling-starved fans of Orillia.”
There will be a mixture of both promotions’ talent, though they share many of the same stars of the squared circle.
The Smash Wrestling Championship will be defended as champion Tarik takes on former WWE Cruiserweight Classic competitor and current Barrie Wrestling Heavyweight Champion Tyson Dux.
The Barrie Wrestling Women’s Champion, 'Wild Child' Jody Threat defends her title in a gauntlet match and Smash Wrestling tag team champions Halal Beefcake will be in action as well.
But a local boy is coming home as the D Man returns from Hollywood to help bring wrestling back to his neck of the woods.
Balm Beach native Daniel Lurincic has been touring the world to showcase his wrestling skills and the 26-year-old St Theresa’s graduate will be in Orillia this Saturday.
“I’ve been wrestling for 10 years now and I’m mainly down in Hollywood, California, Arizona or Las Vegas, but have been as far away as Japan,” said Lurincic.
“I can’t wait to see the familiar faces in the crowd and it is nice to get home. I always think of the times I had with friends by the water in the summer time in Orillia. There’s nothing like it.”
Before becoming a regular on Championship Wrestling From Hollywood, Lurincic was a mainstay on Barrie Wrestling shows, even holding the promotion's Three Pistols Championship briefly.
“I’ve been with Barrie Wrestling since their start in 2014 and they have always been a home for me,” said Lurincic. “My favourite memories there were anytime I got the microphone and got to receive boos and let the fans hate me. I enjoy their reactions when they’re right into the match.”
The D Man hopes that St Paul’s Centre will be packed on Saturday and knows fans will not be disappointed.
“Fans should expect a family-friendly, fun, action-packed show overall,” said Lurincic.
“From me, they can expect to hate me the most, but hey, I’m Hollywood now baby.”
Tickets for the event can be purchased at the door or online. VIP rows one and two are $30 while general admission is $20.
