Pro wrestlers will return to fairgrounds on May 4
Photo by Tom Rivers: Gangrel, a former WWF wrestler, takes time to meet fans after the finale on April 28. He was the biggest star at last year’s first-time wrestling event at the fairgrounds.
Empire State Wrestling is promoting the May 4 event in Knowlesville.
KNOWLESVILLE – The professional wrestlers are returning to the fairgrounds on May 4.
Empire State Wrestling had its first event at the fairgrounds last April 28, and 350 people attended the debut. That impressed ESW, and also pleased the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, which partnered with ESW to bring the wrestlers to Orleans County.
“We’re expecting this year’s event to be even bigger than last year and interest is high,” said Ryan McPherson, a member of the fire company and the local contact for ESW.
The May 4 will include 8 to 10 matches, including one with ESW star Kate Carney and another woman wrestler.
This year’s event is titled, “Fairground Fallout: Return of The Empire.” Doors will open at 5 p.m. with the first bell at 6 p.m. with the finale around 9 p.m. Tickets are now on sale at the Empire State Wrestling website (click here).
Tickets will also be available soon from any East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company member.
This year will once again feature ESW stars, including Medina native Gavin Glass. The event will be highlighted by former WWE, WCW and TNA star Shannon Moore, former CZW heavyweight champion Joe Gacy, independent wrestling standout Sean Carr, and Andy Williams, a WNY native and guitarist of the internationally acclaimed band, Every Time I Die.
McPherson said the event will have an intergalactic feel with the the theme, “May the Fourth Be With You.”
The wrestlers wowed the crowd last year. It looked very much like the body slamming shown on TV. In fact, one of those stars, Gangrel, flew in from Florida to be in the main event at Knowlesville. Gangrel is a former WWF wrestler. He defeated Gregory Iron in the finale.
The action took place in the Lartz Building, which was transformed with a ring, concessions stand, merchandise booth, and some intense lighting and sound.
Empire State Wrestling features independent pro wrestlers from the Buffalo-Niagara region and usually has its events in North Tonawanda at the St. Johnsburg Fire Hall. They will be in Fairport on Saturday for an event at Village Sports.
Brett Stymus, the promoter, was pleased with the crowd, and their energy. He told the Orleans Hub after the matches last year he wanted to make Knowlesville a mainstay in the ESW schedule.
