AS I SEE IT
Bob Magee
Pro Wrestling: Between the Sheets
PWBTS.com
It's Labor Day.
A week ago, we had our first taste of fall in the air here
in South Jersey. There are still some warm and even hot
days to come, but schools are already open in most of the
country, pumpkin spice everything is appearing...and Spirit
Halloween is opening their stores; so, it means fall is
pretty much here.
Over the fall and Holiday season of 2023, AS I SEE IT
reported on how the independent wrestling community reached
out to those in need.
Independent promotions throughout the United States and
Canada held events and gave back to their community;
collecting canned and non-perishable food and warm clothing,
doing fundraisers for homeless or domestic violence
shelters, animal welfare groups, and those with medical
needs.... and holding lots of Toys for Tots drives.
In all those events, they asked you fans to do one small
thing.
Just "one small thing".
But that "one small thing" meant the world to someone you
will never meet.
One can of soup meant that someone was fed for a meal. One
box of rice meant that a family was fed for a week or more.
One warm coat meant an older person won't shiver
uncontrollably when they walk to the market or a doctor's
appointment.
One toy meant that a child is allowed a moment of innocence
and joy, often the same child who has gone through fear and
deprivation for far too long.
One "small thing" that was anything but small.
Just take a look at the faces of the thousands of children
given toys in southern Florida by Stuff The Bus in Florida,
or children in South Jersey helped by United Wrestling
Coalition in New Jersey, in Massachusetts by Cojo's Toy
World; or ask the survivors of domestic violence helped with
sanctuary and counseling by Women of Nations Eagles Nest
Shelter because Midwest All Star Wrestling presented Women
of Nations Grand Slam 5....or cancer patients in
Massachusetts by One Fall Entertainment or in Michigan by
Metro Pro Wrestling
And many, many more....
What they did was anything but small.
In 2023, there were 141 scheduled independent wrestling
events that I could identify that took place through the end
of the Holiday season, with wrestling fans more generous at
any time since I've been doing these lists of these
promotions helping for the Holidays. It was a true season of
giving...with 247,023.40 in cash donations, 9,079
pounds (that's OVER FOUR AND A HALF TONS) of canned and
non-perishable food, 3,960 pounds of dog food
donated, and 21,594 toys/gifts that have been collected.
, and 7 bags of winter coats and winter gear.
Wrestling indies are slowly beginning the 2024 season of
giving... with 66 charity shows/events announced (or having
taken place) so far to help their communities for the
Holidays, collecting donations from fans like you. Many more
will do so over the next four months. Here's the list so
far.
* All Pro Wrestling/Nevada presented Headlock on Hunger
at Reed High School, Sparks, NV raising $8,500 for the Food
Bank of Northern Nevada.
* Big Time Wrestling returned to Newark, CA on August 2,
school backpack drive benefiting Family Giving Tree
featuring an appearance by Rikishi and their second annual
Back-To-School Backpack Drive with Family Giving Tree, for
new, unused backpacks and school supplies for local kids in
need, grades K-12 at the show. The promotion was able to
donate a total of 250 backpacks and "tons of school
supplies" in support of their Back to School Drive.
* Capital City Championship Combat returned to Ottawa, ON at
the Preston Event Center on August 16 for Fighting Back:
Wrestling with Cancer with DIJAK vs. Speedball Mike Bailey,
Josh Alexander, and more. Initial totals indicate $31,000
raised so far. EvilUno alone has raised over $5,000 for this
year's total donation!
* Showcase Pro Wrestling returned to Franklin, MA on August
17, raising $600 for a non-profit organization supporting
Veterans.
* Stomp Out Cancer 4: The Reboot occurred on Saturday,
August 17 in Uniontown, PA, raising $6,200 for the American
Cancer Society.
* Supreme Pro Wrestling teamed up once again with Alex's
Lemonade Stand Foundation to raise $1,003 for its annual
fundraiser against childhood cancer on August 18 in Elk
Grove, CA.
* Top of Texas Professional Wrestling presented “Burgers and
Bash” on August 24 in Amarillo, TX to benefit event for
Andrea’s Project, a non-profit organization that was created
to help spread awareness about driving under the influence
of drugs and alcohol.
* Rock Solid Wrestling raised well over $2,000 on August 28
for the Community Living Kirkland Lake in Kirkland Lake, ON;
which assists developmentally challenged adults
* GCW Charity Wrestling event returned to the Kinmount Fair,
Kinmount, ON/August 31 collecting canned and non-perishable
food items for the local community food bank.
* Come join Empire State Wrestling for a family filled day
for a great cause! We are hosting a Chiavetta's Chicken BBQ
Party in conjunction with P.U.N.T. - a foundation associated
with Dawson Knox of the Buffalo Bills that supports families
coping with pediatric cancer. Along with the barbecue
chicken, there will also be a basket raffle, 50/50, bounce
house, face painting, vendors, and more. It will take place
at the Rapids Fire Hall in Lockport on Saturday, September 7
from 1- 6 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are $15 and enter you into a
chance at winning a door prize. They can be purchased at
ESWTIX.com (where service fees apply), Venmo, Cashapp or
emailing eswpuntbbq@gmail.com. Tickets will be available at
the door, but only pre-sale tickets will enter you in for
door prizes.
* Join Three Legacies Wrestling on September 8 at 1495
Lockport, Lancaster, PA for an exciting night of bowling
with your favorite 3LW stars, all in support of the Men Wear
Pink Campaign to Strike Out Cancer! Enjoy a fun-filled
evening of strikes, spares, and celebrity mingling while
helping raise crucial funds for a great cause. Don't miss
this chance to roll with the stars and make a difference—see
you there!
* PrimeTime Pro Wrestling is back and is partnering up with
the Delaware County Special Olympics for a massive
fundraiser on Saturday, September 14 with a 3 pm belltime at
207 Stony Brook Road Hopewell, NJ. All profits from the show
are being donated to the Delaware County Special Olympics! 9
Great Matches in all with ALL the Championships on the line!
And in addition, it's also CEO Brandi's Birthday Bash!
Sponsorships, Donations and Vendors are encouraged!
* 1CW Pro Wrestling presents Home of the Brave on September
14 at the Houston Volunteer Fire Company, Houston, DE to
benefit a local veterans home.
* IWF Media LLC and North Arlington Board of Education
present: IWF Wrestling: Unstoppable on Saturday, September
21, with a 7:00 pm bell time at North Arlington High School,
222 Ridge Road, North Arlington, NJ to benefit Michael
Robert Cammett Jr. Memorial Foundation. Tickets & VIP on
sale now for IWF UNSTOPPABLE September 21 in North Arlington
with Dark Oracle Sage, Kevin Knight, Hellraiser Dracko,
Atkins Brothers, Justin Adams, East Side Dave, KC Bonilla,
Glenn Burgess, Ken Reedy, Aaron Hobbs, Patrick Sanchez,
Janko Sons, Rico Gold, Prince Naj and Michele Dee.
* United Wrestling Coalition holds its second annual
Scholarship Fund Benefit Show at the New Egypt American
Legion, New Egypt, NJ for the 2nd Annual Scholarship Fund
Benefit Event. This is the second of five planned annual
events to help raise scholarship money for New Egypt
resident and UWC member Shelby, who collects toys for the
annual scholarship money for New Egypt resident and UWC
member Shelby Begley. Promoter Lois Thomas said “I made a
promise to Shelby’s dad before he passed away to do
everything in our power to ensure Shelby would have the
means to open doors to her future, and in honor and memory
of our dear friend John Begley, we are very excited to
announce this second annual event.” Please join the entire
UWC Family, including Shelby and her mom Barbara as we come
together to show our continued support for this beautiful
family.
* Journey Independent Championship Wrestling returns on
September 22 in Martinsville, IN for the Austin Fury
Memorial Tournament to benefit Suicide Awareness.
* Crossfire Wrestling returns to The Merritton Lions Club 7
Park Avenue St Catharines, ON. SUNDAY September 29, for
FIRED UP 2024! 4pm bell time. Partial proceeds will go to
The Niagara Peninsula Foundation for Children. Tickets are
available at https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/48825/?
fbclid=IwY2xjawEUwC9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWGi5k_YfFFqtYTwLbAaq45
Gf6ibVKUKex1piHLFWr1kcHpFKlu-d-
QK0w_aem_iFub2HIKRXai8K6tVk3CuQ
* Great Canadian Wrestling will hold their fall and winter
series of shows and Comic-Cons, collecting food for the
local community food banks in each locality in which they
run events; collecting non-perishable and food items
including kids school snacks, juice (boxes and large),
canned veggies and fruit, canned pasta, cereal,
toothpaste/soap/toiletries, pet foods, diapers and baby
supplies. Shows scheduled thus far are: Barrie ON/September
7, Belleville, ON/September 8, Aurora, ON/September 14,
Peterborough, ON/September 21, Kingston, ON/September 22,
Cobourg, ON/September 28, Fenelon Falls, ON/October 5 ,
Whitby, ON/October 20, Batawa, ON/October 26, Bowmanville,
ON/October 27, Peterborough, ON/November 9 , Lindsay,
ON/November 10, Belleville, ON/November 17, Aurora,
ON/November 23. Angus, ON November 24, Newmarket,
ON/December 7
* It's that time once again... as One Fall Entertainment and
Pink Heals in Sheboygan return to Seton Catholic School for
PINK HEALS 2024 on October 5 !! In the last 3 years, we have
already raised nearly $33,000 for those that have been
affected by cancer in the Sheboygan County area, and we are
looking to continue to kick things up a notch. This event
could NOT be possible without the help of our sponsors, our
fans, our roster including our special guests, and so many
more people!! Who knows which special guests will be here to
help us out this year? Who would you like to see? More
information to come in the near future. Don't miss out on
this EPIC event
Tickets available at https://www.ticketsource.us/onefall?
fbclid=IwY2xjawEUoB1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHb8SljxnHEnKKfadcy_H61G
IQiSLCvczT3yUL2DsR-60-Rm-
EtNqBL0Iiw_aem_jUJT7S36ghI6H4c8yxXvHw
* Lehigh Valley Apparel Creations presented Steelstacks
Smackdown II at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, PA on October 5 as
a benefit to raise money for New Bethany. Money raised will
go toward supporting Southside Bethlehem-based New Bethany’s
mission to get resources and housing to local people
experiencing poverty, hunger and homelessness. Please bring
a non-perishable food item as well to help Bethany's work.
* 1CW Pro Wrestling presents Chokeslammin' Cancer on October
12 at the Houston Volunteer Fire Company, Houston, DE to
benefit the American Cancer Society.
* Wheelchairs are thrown to the side, walkers forgotten, and
abilities highlighted as each wrestler steals the spotlight
in an event that often brings laughs, tears, and a whole lot
of fun. The 23rd annual Timmy Takedown is a free, annual
event, and this year we are hosting 2 Timmy Takedowns.
The first one will be on Saturday, October 5th in Kirklin,
Indiana. The second one will be on Saturday, October 12th in
Indianapolis, Indiana. Cheer local kids on as they show
their abilities in the ring and raise funds for the families
and communities that Timmy Global Health supports around the
world.
* Appalachian Championship Wrestling returns to Winfield WV
on Saturday October 19th for Barnyard Beatdown 4! Event
details, talent announcements and matchups coming soon! All
proceeds to benefit the WV Horse Network.
* Proving Ground presents the annual ElkMania. This year’s
event will take place on Saturday October 26th at the
Beverly/Peabody Elks Lodge, 39 Bow St Beverly, MA
* Midwest All-Star Wrestling presents Women of Nations Grand
Slam 6 on Saturday October 26 bell time of 4:00 PM at North
St Paul Senior High, North St. Paul, MN for our biggest
event of the year! Last year's event raised $73,100. Help us
beat that goal this year! Tickets available now at
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/womenofnations/1255489?
fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2z2ynIIhX30K0W9g4NHclQkqqCS3E_fXA
agHqfby8SN4HK7X0adp2CmdY_aem_GlQDN8VFk1912sQE0QlPVw
* Additionally, Midwest All-Star Wrestling will hold a
fundraising dinner with a RARE opportunity to have a dinner
and Q&A with Jushin "Thunder" Liger on Friday October 25 at
7pm St Bullvinos Churrascaria, 5121 W 98th St, Bloomington,
MN
* IWA Productions presents its 12th annual Wrestling for a
Cause show in Mount Vernon, IL on October 26, raising funds
for the mammogram department at Crossroads Hospital.
* Independent Pro Wrestling presents Hammering Cancer 5 on
November 3 at 869 King St E, Hamilton, ON. Mark your
calendars now to join us for our annual event to raise money
and awareness for the Juravinski Cancer Centre with the goal
to raise $5000! Already confirmed to be part of this great
event: IPW Grand Champion Jon Jon Tavious, The Superstar of
David Tomer Shalom, Igor Sonovavich, The Asian Nightmare
Kwan Chang, KC Andrews, Matt Burns, Big X, IPW Openweight
Champion 1star Cayden Felix, and the Co-Host Toster! More
names to be announced soon!
* United Wrestling Coalition holds its Holiday Food Drive
show November 2 at the New Egypt American Legion, New Egypt,
NJ
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returns on November 9 at the Houston
Volunteer Fire Company, Houston, DE to benefit the Food Bank
of Delaware.
* UWE Pro Wrestling presents Headlock for Hunger on Saturday
November 9, in Cadillac, MI at the National Guard Armory.
* Brew City Wrestling returns to Waukesha, WI on November 16
with "Thanksgiving Throwdown", the promotion's annual Hunger
Task Force show.
* American Premier Wrestling returns to Odum City Gym, Odum,
GA on November 16 for Slamboree II: Toys for Tots
Fundraiser Show, to benefit Toys for Tots Foundation.
* Gulf State Wrestling returns on November 23 in Morgan
City, LA for its annual Toys for Tots fundraiser.
* Southern States Wrestling will collect canned food items,
clothing, and toys at its November 30 show at Kingsport,
TN's Armed Forces Center Armory making 31 straight non-
pandemic years the promotion has served its community. Kids
12 and under FREE with paid adult to general admission!
* Journey Independent Championship Wrestling returns on
November 30 to Martinsville, IN for its annual Toys for Tots
show.
* 1CW Pro Wrestling returns on December 6 at the Houston
Volunteer Fire Company, Houston, DE for Toys for Joy.
* MCW Pro Wrestling presents MCW Break Through and Toys For
Tots on Saturday, December 7 in Joppa, MD with a 7:30 PM
belltime.
* Wrestling With Purpose returns to the Pembroke Rescue
Squad on Friday December 6, 2024 for its annual toy drive
event Clash For The Kids.
* KSWA Wrestling presents its annual Toy Drive/Fan Fest 2024
at 6:00pm on Saturday, December 7, at the American Legion
Langley Post 496, 2863 Chartiers Avenue, Pittsburgh PA
* United Wrestling Coalition holds its 29th annual Toys for
Tots Pro Wrestling Toy Drive show on December 7 at the New
Egypt American Legion, New Egypt, NJ
* New Breed Wrestling returns on December 16 to Eldon, MO
for a night of family fun and collecting toys for Toys for
Tots
* DCW Pro Wrestling presents their annual Jingle Bash on
December 14 in Felton, DE, their annual Toy Drive show.
* Delmarva Wrestling Digest presented: Over The Top For Toys
For Tots...and the tenth Annual Toys For Tots Toy Drive on
December 14, with location to be determined
* UWE Pro Wrestling presents Christmas Carnage on Saturday
December 14 , in Cadillac, MI at the National Guard Armory
to collect toys and winter clothing.
* American Premier Wrestling returned to Statesboro STEAM
Academy in East Statesboro, GA on December 16 for their 25th
Annual "Silver Anniversary" Toys for Tots All -U-Can Eat
Fundraiser Dinner Show". show and dinner benefit Toys for
Tots Foundation.
* Cojo Toy World holds its annual Toy Drive on December 17
(tentative location) at The Vault, 736 Purchase Street, New
Bedford, MA
* Revolt Ministries will hold its annual 12 day Stuff The
Bus Toy Drive at The Guardian's Legacy show in Florida this
December .
* Southern States Wrestling will collect canned food items,
clothing, and toys at its December 28 show at Kingsport,
TN's Armed Forces Center Armory making 31 straight non-
pandemic years the promotion has served its community. Kids
12 and under FREE with paid adult to general admission!
So it's time to ask if those reading this blog can send me
any information on holiday themed charity shows scheduled
from now through the New Year at my bobmagee1@hotmail.com
account or to message me through my Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/bob.magee.180 or direct message me
at https://twitter.com/BobMage70323520
