After going monthly in September 2015, Barrie Wrestling has been enjoying local success with their brand of professional wrestling.
Barrie Wrestling, which has been around since January of last year, and has recently grown from a fan base of 50-60 people, to 150-200.
The organization's claim to be 'family-friendly' could be a factor in their growth. There are regularly kids in attendance. But in recent months, the wrestling organization has also been attracting many “smart” wrestling fans, those fans who are well-versed in the world of professional wrestling and regularly watch the major international companies like the WWE, TNA and ROH. The addition of this group has added a high-energy atmosphere in the Ferris Lane Community Church gymnasium where the wrestling events take place. This atmosphere is having an effect on the wrestlers.
Rage, whose real name is Rob Thomson, has been with the organization since its inception. He is to see attendance grow and become more a part of the community. The 6’8, 280 pound wrestler believes that it can get even bigger. “It’s a hot crowd with tons of energy,” said Thomson. “It rubs off on the guys in the locker room and every one goes out has a great time and gives a great performance. The fans are having a great time and enjoy the interaction.”
With most of BW wrestlers being from outside the Simcoe County area, many who travel from Toronto and beyond, not only perform the night of an event, but also get involved weeks beforehand to help promote. Thomson has done local radio, TV and photo shoots to help get the word out.
“It's so important that indie wrestlers show support for all promotions they’re with,” said Thomson. “It keeps indie wrestling healthy and going strong. The reason why Barrie wrestling has grown is we do the little things like go on local tv promoting up-coming events to get people excited and interested in coming. We’ve done promotions at local businesses and events trying to be interactive with the community. They're invested in the promotion and help us grow because the community gets behind us.”
The organization has a busy summer planned, with a show on June 4, two on the Canada Day long weekend and a Summer Extravaganza on August 6. The second annual Canada Day Chaos at Couchiching Park in Orillia on July 1 will give wrestling fans a chance to have back-to-back days to yell for their favourite and most hated wrestlers. The event is expected to attract over a thousand festival goers.
The announcement that Nick and Matt (Asylum and Matt Burns - the Flatliners) from the Amazing Race Canada 2 are on the bill, so attendance should be much higher. Asylum believes he knows why once someone comes out the the shows, they get hooked. “I've said this for years, whether you are a life-long fan or new to pro wrestling, I can guarantee you will walk away being entertained or impressed in some way,” said Nick. “It's live, action-packed theatre that's fun for the whole family.”
On July 2, Barrie Wrestling puts on their regular Saturday night show at 6 pm at 49 Ferris Lane. This show will be another chance to see The Flatliners, Nick and Matt, who have been involved with the organization on and off since its inception. “Wrestling for us has been about community and atmosphere for years now,” said Nick. “Barrie exemplifies both. We are essentially local boys [Newmarket and Stouffville] and every time we come to Barrie it feels like we are home. We know the fans, they help set up and tear down. The fans have even baked for us. You can't get that in many other forms of entertainment.”
Barrie Wrestling gives back to the community that supports it. A recent show was part of a Radio for Cardiology initiative that raised money for the region’s RVH Foundation. Phil Mestre, the Promotions Director for 104.1 The Dock, feels the event went above expectations and that Barrie Wrestling has a great opportunity to give back to the community.
“It was definitely something out of the norm that we usually partner with for Radio for Cardiology and I think that’s what made it so special,” said Mestre. “It’s entertaining, so people feel like they’re getting something back for their donation which is very important to our cause. It’s attention grabbing to those that haven’t experienced a live wrestling show before and we had a great turn out. It could be a new venue for people looking for a new way to raise funds in their community, especially if you’re a wrestling fan. I know we’re interested in partnering with Barrie Wrestling again in the future.”
Find out more about Barrie Wrestling and the upcoming shows here.
Check out Barrie Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter @barriewrestling and on Instagram @BarrieWrestling.
(Freelance Journalist Shawn Gibson is also one of the event organizers for Barrie Wrestling's monthly events.)
