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SALT LAKE CITY — Forty professional wrestlers in the ring at one time for an every-wrestler-for-himself, last-wrestler-standing rumble, and none of them are doing it for himself?
On Saturday, January 21, more than 40 male and female professional wrestlers, including stars from six states and Mexico, will face off not for a title, but for a cause. The event will raise funds for a liver transplant for Jared Maynes who suffers from the genetic disease alpha-1 antritrypsin deficiency, or alpha 1 for short.
Explaining the Alpha 1 Rumble, as it has been named, professional wrestler Koldblood Kendall Rush, who organized the event, said, “Jared is my brother-in- law and one of my true life heroes. I wanted to help, so I did what I knew I could count on – support from other wrestlers. I started calling some of my friends locally, and as word got out, more and more stepped up and wanted to be part of it. Nobody is getting paid for it; everyone is donating his time and talents. I am overwhelmed at how many are so willing to be there.
“This event is unique in that it is not put on by any one wrestling organization, just 'some guy' that knows other wrestlers and staff that would volunteer to participate," Rush said. "Even though whatever funds are raised will not completely cover the entire expense, every little bit helps a lot.
One item to be raffled is a pie that the purchaser will be able to smash into the face of either Badd Blood or Buddy Highway, a bad guy team from Oregon, who have said some unkind things about Utah.
This is a cross-promotional event, meaning that wrestlers come from a variety of “promotions,” the term used in professional wrestling for the different organizations. Some of the wrestlers will be coming out of retirement for the event.
Among those scheduled to participate are Wrestling Alliance of the Rockies heavyweight champion Tombstone Jesus, Utah wrestling native Steve Gatorwolf, Misterioso, Odwun the Viking, Buddy Highway, Games Master, Samoan Nightmare Matagi, Super Destroyer, Hayden, Sasquatch, Legion, Andrea the Giant, Jamie Rebel and Claritza Sanguine.
"To have so many wrestlers from several states come together for Jared is truly a testament to the wrestlers of this industry," said Super Destroyer, one of Utah’s wrestling pioneers. "When someone needs help, we all pitch in to make it work.
Even opponents called "bad guys" are involved. “It’s amazing how the boys can put aside their differences and come together for a good cause,” said Ricky Riddlin, a masked bad guy. “I just hope to see a full house.”
“I love the fact that we as wrestlers can come together as a team to help someone or a group in need, and I'm truly honored to be a part of this event with all the great wrestlers both in and out of state,” said Sanguine, one of the female bad guys of Utah wrestling.
The Central City Recreation Center is located at 615 South 300 East, SLC. Bell time is 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. Tickets ($7 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-10, free for children under 5) will be available at the door. For more details, email buckbexx@yahoo.com.
Reed enjoys sports — especially the less-well-known sports. Having wrestled in high school, he is looking forward to attending Alpha 1 Rumble, his first- ever professional wrestling match.
