‘Sweat and tears:’ Tribute to fan who died kicks off new pro wrestling company in P.E.I.
ABRAM-VILLAGE, P.E.I. — Doug Parker thought it was time for one thing new within the P.E.I. wrestling scene.
He had been concerned with professional wrestling since 2007, and after years spent with Final Championship Wrestling, a Nova Scotia promotion, he determined to kind his personal group in 2020.
After some delay due to COVID-19, Parker launched Island Pro Wrestling (IPW) on Could 28 with an occasion in Sussex, N.B.
“There has at all times been the identical firm that was there for years and years and years,” Parker mentioned in an interview with SaltWire Community. “So, I believed it was time to make a change and do my very own factor.”
Whereas the primary present was not in P.E.I., the situation displays a few of Parker’s method to promotion, with extra emphasis on branching out.
“I’m going from place to put on the Island. … I’m not going to be caught to 1 place on a regular basis. I’m going to be touring P.E.I. and, like I mentioned, I’m touring New Brunswick (on Could 28).”
Tribute present
When IPW makes its Prince Edward Island debut, although, it will likely be about greater than wrestling.
The June 4 occasion in Evangeline is a tribute to Joey Arsenault, a long-time wrestling fan and shut good friend of Parker who died in 2020.
“It is simply one thing I needed to do for him and his residence space,” Parker mentioned. “Simply to point out appreciation, that he’s nonetheless considered.”
Proceeds from the 50-50 draw for the occasion will go to the ALS Society of Canada.
The tribute present may even replicate the way in which wrestling is altering past P.E.I.
Up to now decade, ladies’s wrestling has been taken extra critically by main promotions just like the WWE, a shift Parker is in favour of.
“I completely assume there must be extra feminine wrestling as a result of … it looks as if it’s choosing up an increasing number of over the previous couple of years.”
The June 4 lineup will characteristic Ontario’s Karma Rayne taking up Shilo, who’s from New Brunswick.
Quick information
Right here is a few info on Island Professional Wrestling’s Joey Arsenault tribute occasion:
• IPW’s first occasion in P.E.I. can be June 4 on the Evangeline Recreation Centre.
• It will likely be a tribute to Joey Arsenault, a longtime wrestling fan from Abram-Village who died in 2020.
• Tickets for the occasion are $20 for adults and $15 for teenagers.
• Tickets can be found at IslandProWrestling.com or on the venue on the day of the present.
• Doorways open at 6:30 p.m. and first bell is at 7 p.m.
Supply: Doug Parker, Island Professional Wrestling promoter
Planning
Irrespective of who’s on the cardboard, so much goes into making an evening of wrestling occur.
Parker began planning the Sussex occasion again in November of 2021, which included reserving a venue, organizing with performer schedules and even renting a hoop from a pro-wrestling college in Fredericton.
“(Planning entails) getting every thing prepared, getting the blokes, getting a maintain of individuals, seeing in the event that they’re out there. … A whole lot of sweat and tears go into it, a variety of time, some huge cash.”
Mark Boles, who wrestles as Mark Thomas, is among the individuals Parker has scheduled for Could 28 and June 4.
Boles has round 18 years of expertise within the enterprise, and Parker reached out to him when he was planning, Boles mentioned.
“(Followers) can count on a very good night time of household wrestling. What I’m anticipating, hopefully, is round 300. If we get 300, I’ll be very blissful – simply to point out assist for the household and for Joey.”
Doug Parker
Given this background, SaltWire requested Boles if he agreed with Parker that it was time for a change within the Island scene.
“I’m at all times for brand new issues, attempting new issues, doing new issues. And, I’ve solely wrestled in P.E.I., possibly, two or thrice. So, for me, it’s an journey for myself. I haven’t had an opportunity to essentially make a reputation for myself there. So, it’s going to be an fascinating problem.”
Parker, too, is hoping for a powerful turnout when issues debut in P.E.I.
“(Followers) can count on a very good night time of household wrestling,” he mentioned. “What I’m anticipating, hopefully, is round 300. If we get 300, I’ll be very blissful – simply to point out assist for the household and for Joey.”
Logan MacLean is a reporter with SaltWire Community
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