The organizers are dubbing it “Thunder at The Ohio,” and it’s the first time in my memory that professional wrestling is taking place under the big flashing marquee at the Ohio Theater. It’s happening this Saturday, April 12, with live rock music starting at 6:30 and “bell time” for the first wrestling bouts at 7:30. Tickets are $10 advance at MadTixEvents.com, or $15 at the door.
They are promising, “the high-energy action of live ring wrestling, featuring some of the stars from the hit Netflix documentary Wrestlers, along with local celebrity talent. You’ll witness high-flying moves, intense showdowns, and unforgettable moments as these powerhouse wrestlers take the ring!”
I talked to one of the event promoters, who also happens to be one of the wrestlers, Dashawn Kelley, who performs under the name Devlin Devile. “We’re super excited to bring our show to a more mainstream venue like the theater,” says Dashawn. “There’s plenty of space for a big audience, and the atmosphere will be very high energy and fun.
“We are bringing in an official wrestling ring, with the padded corner stanchions and ropes and all the rest. Exactly like you see on TV. We’re putting the ring right in front of the theater stage on the floor, so we can have seating on three sides and really let the fans get close to the action. The live band will be on the stage right behind the ring.
“I’m excited about the band, too. It’s my friend Robert Reynolds, along with Mark Bear on drums and Darryl Hewitt on guitar. These guys will be really rocking the place for the first hour to set the mood before the wrestling starts.
“We’ll also be using the big projection screen at the Ohio to display our entrance videos. Every wrestler has a personna and a back story, and we play that up with a lot of drama and pageantry as we make our way to the ring. It’s all part of the show, and it helps set up the rivalries and personalities involved.
“We’re featuring 6 to 8 wrestlers from the local area, plus several from out of state who are members of the National Wrestling Alliance. We’re looking at 15 plus wrestlers total, including some women, which works out to 8 matches.
“Madison actually has an active local wrestling scene led by a guy who goes by Eric Draven. He’s been in the business for 25 plus years, and used to be on the televised pro circuit. He runs a wrestling academy here in town, and puts on weekly shows at Supreme Wrestling in a building just off Clifty Drive. Eric will be a feature in this Ohio theater show.
“If this first time at the theater goes well we hope to do it twice a year. We think we can grow it on a grassroots level and build it up to something people can look forward to. It’s really a dream come true for me. Wrestling has been part of my life for a long time, and now I get to share it with my family and friends right here in my hometown.”
HOT TIP OF THE WEEK:
First of all, for anyone not from Madison (or those who live on the hilltop) downtown Madison is completely open for business, with all music venues open as usual. The area along the river is flooded, and really something to behold, but it does not affect the heart of the town. So go ahead and plan your trip to Indiana’s Music City! The music calendar is so full these days it’s kind of mind blowing! Just looking at Saturday I’m seeing 8 live music events within walking distance downtown, plus 2 on the hilltop, PLUS a special afternoon pop up event on West Street with food trucks and a live band. Friday is packed too! There’s a super popular Creedence Clearwater show at Red Bicycle Hall both Friday and Saturday. I also received a tip from Crystal up at Tailgators that the band they have on Friday is a group of young college students, and she says they are red hot and worth checking out. See y’all out and about this weekend!
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