Pro wrestling returns to Nanaimo for the first time in three years, and it sounds like the grapplers will be making up for lost time.
Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling is promoting a full slate of action at its Breaking New Ground show Feb. 15 at the Departure Bay Activity Centre.
VIPW, a Vancouver Island-owned company, is a relatively new venture that is gaining momentum after putting on seven cards on the Island over the last six months.
"We're trying to bring wrestling back to the Island on a regular basis," said B.J. Laredo, a competitor from Nanaimo. "It means a lot to us. We've put everything together from the start. It's been a battle."
Laredo, 'the Hardcore Cowboy,' will be taking on 'Mad Dog' Marty Sugar in a no-holds-barred match. There are local bragging rights on the line, as Sugar used to live in Nanaimo.
"Tickets are flying out the door and a lot of them are family and friends so I obviously want to try and win in front of them," Laredo said.
It's going to be a challenging match, he predicted.
"It's going to take a lot. They call him Mad Dog for a reason – he's tough," said Laredo. "I've got a fair bit of experience and wins under my belt in this type of environment – no-holds-barred or anything-goes or whatever you want to call it."
The main event is a mixed tag team match pitting Cremator and Riea Von Slasher against Tony Baroni and K.C. Spinelli. The VIPW championship is also slated to be contested, as champ Lak Siddartha will face challenger Billy Suede. Other announced matches include Sid Sylum versus Eddie Osbourne and Krofton versus Kenny Doll.
The Departure Bay Activity Centre is located at 1415 Wingrove St. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the first match at 8 p.m. Tickets will be $15 at the door, or $10 in advance at Popeye's Supplements, China Steps Emporium or by calling 250-619-2216.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com