Former WWE wrestler set to enter Thrash Wrestling ring in Penticton
American pro wrestler Austin Aries is on his way to Penticton for the biggest event in Thrash Wrestling history.
“Battleground will be like our Wrestlemania,” said promoter Nick Szalanski. “I may have said that about Coldblooded (earlier this year), but this one’s going to even take the cake from that.”
Thrash Wrestling has come a long way since it was founded by hobbyists in Enderby. They were organizing paid events by 2008. Matches are now held throughout the province, though mostly centred around Kamloops and the Okanagan.
Most indoor events have been held in venues like churches and Legion halls, but as the dedicated fan base kept growing, a larger space was be needed.
To try and meet the demand for the Coldblooded event in January 2023, the league rented the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre for the first time. Even with the increased seating capacity, that event sold out.
The momentum continues to grow as the league just became a member of the Penticton Chamber of Commerce earlier this week.
Although the performances are choreographed, Szalanski said it’s easy to forget the conflicts are just an act.
“Seeing how emotionally attached to the stories they are – there’s a real sense of believability in what these guys are doing,” he said.
But beyond the local rivalries and alliances, the main attraction at Battleground will be the brawl between Aries – known for his time in the WWE and as a three-time Impact Wrestling world champion – versus Thrash Wrestler veteran Braydon Goss.
Goss won the Thrash Wrestling belt earlier this year, only to lose it, before reclaiming it again.
“Braydon’s been through the ringer,” Szalanski said. “He’s earned that right to be at the top – he’s our chosen guy to take on this star wrestler.”
Other local favourites who will be part of next week’s event include the Vixen Jade, Rayden, COPE, Sean Gaston, Vance Nevada, Riea Von Slasher, Micheal More, Collin Cutler and Danni Deeds.
Many of them are already trash-talking each other through videos posted to Thrash Wrestling’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Battleground takes place at the PTCC on Nov. 18. Tickets start at $25 and are available here.
— This story was originally published by the Penticton Herald.
