As the ring floor cracked sharply under the weight of a top-rope jump, the crowd of approximately 50 shot to its feet with a cheer.
Professional wrestler Diablo was facing off against Raunchy Jewels, in the first of five matches put on by Monster Pro Wrestling at the Jasper Activity Centre, June 10.
The Edmonton-based professional wrestling outfit came to town last week, after a similar event met with some success last year.
The event featured five live matches, including the provincial championship between an undefeated Sin City Strangler and Thai acrobat Kato, a tag team contest between Team Pain and The Wild Child Tayler James and the Hired Gun, and the heavyweight championship between Bobby Sharp and “The Tattooed Terminator,” Massive Damage.
Like any good wrestling entertainment match, the villains were an almost comic combination of rude and gutless, while the heroes hoisted most of the championship belts above their heads by the end of the night.
The fans seemed appreciative, often hurling insults at their least favourite wrestlers, or jumping from their seats to snag a high five from their heroes.
The night ended with a veritable free-for-all, as half a dozen wrestlers piled into the ring during the final match—causing a controversial disqualification that left Bobby Sharp the heavyweight champion.
Trevor Nichols
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