Posted on 7/26/126 by Victory Pro Wrestling
PORTLAND, Conn. – What began as a grassroots effort to raise
money for cancer research has become one of Connecticut’s
most anticipated summer wrestling events. Riverfront Rumble
5, presented by Victory Pro Wrestling in partnership with A
Fight Against, returns Saturday, Aug. 29 to Concentric
Brewing Company in Portland.
Now in its fifth year, the family-friendly wrestling event
continues to grow in both scale and impact, blending high-
energy entertainment with heartfelt purpose.
“It started as just an idea,” said organizer Naji Chester-
Payne, the founder of A Fight Against. “We wanted to create
something different – something that would entertain and
inspire, while also supporting a cause that touches so many
lives.”
From Riverfront Park to a Brewery Brawl
After reaching out to Victory Pro Wrestling, the idea became
reality when the first Riverfront Rumble took place in 2022
at Portland Riverfront Park. Featuring the stars of Victory
Pro Wrestling, the event raised funds and awareness for
cancer research, earning the attention of fans, sponsors,
and even professional wrestling promotions.
Riverfront Rumble had outgrown its original setting. In
2024, the event moved to Concentric Brewing Company,
transforming the outdoor beer garden into an arena for high-
stakes, hard-hitting action.
Bigger Stars, Bigger Impact
This year’s event promises to be another big event.
Riverfront Rumble 5 will feature a loaded lineup of
independent wrestling’s fastest-rising stars, as well as
some of VPW’s top talent. Among those set to appear are VPW
Tag Team Champions Committed to Excellence, New York State
Champion David Graham, and Muay Thai Monster Kalypto.
“Every year we look to bring something new to the table,”
said VPW owner John E Radioo. “And this year, we’ve got
talent that fans across the region have been dying to see
live.”
“This is a celebration of life, strength, and community,”
Radioo said in a recent interview. “To be able to bring
wrestling back to Connecticut again, especially at an event
like this. It’s not just a ‘show’, it’s a statement.”
For a Cause That Matters
While the in-ring action is sure to thrill fans, the heart
of the Riverfront Rumble remains its mission: raising
awareness and funding in the fight against cancer. Proceeds
from the event will support local organizations and research
initiatives selected by A Fight Against.
“Wrestling is a platform,” said Chester-Payne. “It brings
people together – families, friends, neighbors. We use that
energy to remind people why we’re here: to make a
difference.”
The partnership between VPW and A Fight Against is expected
to continue beyond this year’s event, with plans for
additional outreach and collaboration already underway.
Tickets and Event Info
Riverfront Rumble 5 will take place Saturday, Aug. 29 at
Concentric Brewing Company in Portland. Doors open at 11:30
am., with the first bell set for 12:30 pm. The event is open
to all ages, with food and beverages available from
Concentric Brewery.
Tickets and more information are available at
VictoryProWrestling.com.
For Chester-Payne and the team behind A Fight Against, the
hope is that fans leave the show entertained, but also
reminded of the power of community.
“Every punch, every slam, every cheer, it all means
something,” Chester-Payne said. “This is more than a
wrestling show. It’s a fight we all share.”
Victory Pro Wrestling returns to Connecticut on Saturday,
August 29, at Concentric Brewing Company in Portland..
Tickets are available now at VictoryProWrestling.com.