Old time, independent wrestling’s debut in Port Moody last May was such a hit, it’s coming back.
In fact, says promoter Mike Arboit, a co-founder of Canadian Apex Wrestling, the squared circle and its cast of colourful characters could become a regular feature in the city’s sporting and cultural scene.
Arboit is bringing his second event, BC Bash, to the Site B community and event space at 3012 Murray St. on Aug. 4. He said the first event, the Brewery Brawl, packed the venue with almost 400 fans who delighted in the antics of the company’s star attractions like Air Adonis and Dance Daddy Denero.
Arboit said the enthusiasm was mutual, as many of the wrestlers revelled in the attention and were eager to return. He said the refurbished warehouse with a co-working space on the mezzanine and unique lighting that shone a spot on the ring bolstered the raucous, old-school vibe.
“There’s something special about it,” said Arboit. “It didn’t stay quiet for one lick of the show.”
He added many of the wrestlers had such a good time they ended up mingling with the crowd, watching other matches with them from the mezzanine above the ring.
While most of CAW’s cards are held at the Hasting horse racing track and casino in Vancouver, Arboit said bringing the show to the suburbs was a calculated risk he hoped would help his wrestlers find a new audience while also energizing Port Moody’s entertainment scene. He said seeing the crowd at the May event was mostly local fuels his optimism that his show could work in the city up to four times a year.
Such regularity would allow his wrestlers to craft storylines unique for the Port Moody audience and bring more depth to their characters.
“We want to create a cult fan base in Port Moody,” Arboit said. "Our Vancouver audience doesn't really travel out to the suburbs."
The BC Bash will feature a Vancouver heavyweight championship rematch between Dance Daddy DeNero and Taylor the Impaler as well as a Canadian heavyweight title bout between Todd Quality and Leon Lokombo along with KB6. Air Adonis will also be returning to the ring from an injury to battle Grant Sayle, whose manager is a former Port Coquitlam education assistant who was fired from her job after it was discovered she had an account on the racy OnlyFans adult social media platform.
More information about BC Bash, as well as advance tickets, are available at vtixonline.
