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Wrestling returns to Victoria with barbed wire and ‘up-close action’

The doors will open at 6.30 p.m., with the first bell at 7.30 p.m.
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Wrestling returns to Victoria on Oct. 20 and will see almost 20 wrestlers competing over the night. (Shutterstock)

Wrestling is returning to Victoria.

And it will be a homecoming for the ages as Rose will face Devon Shooter from South Africa, says Mike Becherer, 365 Wrestling promoter.

There will be a feast of wrestling awaiting fans at White Eagle Polish Hall, Victoria, on Oct. 20, said Becherer.

People are going to be blown away by the show, he said.

“We’re right there. We’re very close to the fans. And you cannot miss the up-close action,” said Becherer.

Becherer has been involved with the independent wrestling scene for about 22 years and has seen significant changes in his industry.

“The veterans now want everyone to succeed, and we’re working hard to help them succeed. It’s about passing on knowledge.”

According to Becherer, there is something special about being at a live wrestling event and seeing some wild matches.

“People come in, and they can see that barbed wire under those lights. And they’re like, ‘Whoa,’” he said.

The big difference between an independent wrestling event and the WWE is that the wrestlers will focus on the live crowd at the Indy events.

“They see the hits and the falls and the bumps. And it’s just magical. And you’re a part of 200 people.”

The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the first bell at 7:30 p.m. and run until 10:30, said Becherer.

For those who want to take their passion for wrestling one step further and get in the ring, 365 Wrestling runs a school in Campbell River.

“It all depends on your goals and dreams if you ever had one match. Cool if you want to do this as a profession. Awesome.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the event and will have food, pop, and alcoholic beverages available during the wrestling, said Becherer.

After Victoria, 365 will move on to Sooke, Duncan, Golden River and Campbell River, with a four-person ladder match in Sooke on Nov. 3.

According to Becherer, a lot of hard work and help from fans make an event like this possible.

“The community is really nice in Victoria. They’ll take some posters when they can.”

The fans will go the extra mile and sometimes even put up those posters in a blizzard, he said.

“It’s so rewarding to see those people become lifelong fans.”

Attending an indie wrestling event is a unique experience even for newcomers, according to Becherer.

“Just come down and enjoy it as it is such physical theatre.”

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