Border City Wrestling Is Heating Up

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Experiencing a sticky summer, Windsor-Essex wrestling fans are preparing for another hot spell.

On Saturday, August 20, Border City Wrestling’s (BCW) Heatwave event will be getting ready to rumble from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Taking place at the Royal Canadian Legion Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261 (12326 Lanoue Street,) Tecumseh,) the show’s organizers are hoping to entertain whoever comes for the experience.

“There will be something for everyone,” said organizer Jeffrey Scott. “Whether you’re into high-flying, ground style or even comedy, there’s something everyone can relate to or be entertained by.”

Comparing himself to Kermit The Frog on the Muppet Show, Scott also works backstage and hosts the live events as part of his many duties. His passion for wrestling comes through when discussing BCW and translates to the shows they put on. Many have gotten hooked by the action and been rewarded with seeing future superstars on their path to the top.

Existing since 1993, WWE champions Edge, Christian and The Rock have all come through the promotion. ECW legends such as Tommy Dreamer, the Dudley Boys, industry-veterans Booker T and Kevin Nash are on that list as well.

Besides welcoming legends however, BCW has also trained future talent. Home to a well-known wrestling school, several names in the industry have been groomed by the organization. Sometimes it’s hard to tell which facilities are credible in pro-wrestling, but the list of people who have come through their doors speaks for itself.

“We have one of the most esteemed schools in the world, the Can-Am Wrestling School,” said Scott. “We’ve started or furthered the careers of many of the people you see on TV, like World Wresling Entertainment’s (WWE) Rhyno, recently-debuting NXT superstar Bobby Roode, Chris Sabin and Tyson Dux, who recently competed in WWE’s Cruiserweight Classic.”

Coming back to the present, Heatwave is looking to be a stacked card already. BCW Can-Am Tag-Team Champions Phil Atlas and Brent Banks will defend their titles against Idris Abraham and The “Mad Dragon” Hakim Zane, salty veteran John E. Bravo and Ray Steele will face Former BCW Can-Am Champion A1 and newly-signed Bobby Sharp, the mysterious Movado is set to battle the “Genetic Jackpot” Joe Coleman – (accompanied by Jade Chung) and it’ll be Aiden Prince vs. Muscles Marinara vs. Sebastian Suave vs. “Amazing” N8 Mattson vs. Tariq Ghani vs. Toro Acero in a fast-paced six-pack challenge.

On the women’s side, Decay’s Rosemary will square off against “Girl Dynamite,” Jen Blake. Some long-time BCW wrestlers will also be in attendance. A part of the promotion since 2008, Irish brawler Jake O’Reilly is set for action against the debuting Playboy Johnny. Psycho Mike Rollins, who has been with the promotion since 2009, will fight Randy Reign in his third appearance.

On top of their homegrown talent, BCW continues to bring in established names as well. A major draw for the weekend will be an appearance from Dutch Mantell, formerly WWE’s Zeb Coulter. While several fans may only be familiar with his most recent work, the former-manager of Jack Swagger, Cesaro and Alberto Del Rio has decades of experience.

Taking place on the afternoon of Heatwave at the same location., Mantell will speak about the business at a seminar for students and fans alike. Starting at noon, the three-hour event is likely to be very informative.

“[Mantell] is a legend in this business, both in the ring and out,” said Scott.” He is one of the smartest people in the wrestling business and has worked for every major company in the world in the ring and backstage. He is well-respected and connected and we think it’s vital that our students be able to hear what he thinks it takes to make it, and since we felt the information was invaluable we opened it up to not only other wrestlers but also the general public. It should be a very informative experience for everyone.”

Admission for Mantell’s seminar earlier in the day are $60 each and Front row tickets for Heatwave are sold out. A limited amount of V.I.P. second and third row spots are still available however. Coming in at $30, the price includes reserved seating along with a wrestler meet and greet before the show. Fans looking for a cheap night out can get general admission seats for $15 in advance or $20 at the door. With the venue almost at full capacity, it’s probably wise to act fast.

Beyond August 20, BCW has a full schedule. The promotion is looking to head back to St. Clair College in the fall for a bigger annual event before doing smaller shows and festivals across the county. All information on these events and more will be available on BCW’s revamped website which is set to launch soon.

Until then, fans are urged to follow them on facebook where they can also find further information on Heatwave.