Troy Shantz
Arron Sisson had wrestling in his blood early.
As an eight-year-old he stood outside the studio of K106.3 clutching a sign that read, “Send me to WWE at SSEC!”
Ticket prices for the Sarnia World Wrestling Entertainment event were beyond the family’s budget, and the radio contest was over.
Picketing was his only hope.
Luckily, the DJs took pity on Sisson and granted his wish: two ringside tickets to the biggest show in town.
“I could high-five each of the wrestlers as they came in,” said Sisson, now 24. “It was an incredible experience.”
Sisson began by promoting rock shows in Sarnia - through Empty Spaces and at the Industry and the Station. He used that experience to try a hand at a wrestling show.
“I always wanted to do something in wrestling. I just didn’t know what,” he said.
Sisson has organized five wrestling events to date, including several that sold out. But it’s a challenge to succeed without a local wrestler participating.
Last winter, he discovered that even a city councillor with a score to settle could achieve the same results. Coun. Brian White traded insults and eventually fists with wrestlers Sebastian Suave and Anthony “Kingdom” James over two events.
The storyline filled the room with engaged fans, Sisson said.
“It ended up being one of the most covered angles.”
Wrestling returns Oct. 5 when Destiny Wrestling’s ‘Raising Hell Tour’ comes to Sarnia. It will showcase WWE Wrestlers Tyler Bate, Trent Seven and WWE U.K. Champion and Destiny Champion Pete Dunne.
Sisson said Destiny Wrestling often recruits big names to the ring, giving local fans an opportunity to see WWE stars up close. He also hinted he’s working on a few “surprises” for local fans.
Sisson hopes the local wrestling scene continues to grow. A dedicated facility could do well, he believes, offering both an events venue and a training facility for the next local Hulk Hogan.
He added a successful event is one at which the crowd has fun.
“That’s my favourite part … the fans, and people’s stories.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Destiny Presents: Raising Hell Tour
WHEN: Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
WHERE: River City Vineyard, 260 Mitton St. N.
TICKETS: $20 - $40, available at www.ticketzone.com and www.destinyworldwrestling.com