Troy Shantz
Sarnia city councillor Brian White will return to the ring for an open challenge match when professional wrestling returns to Sarnia on Oct. 24.
Inception will feature at least seven bouts, including indie wrestling superstar Cody Deaner battling Chem Valley wrestling champ Aiden Prince at the River City Vineyard.
The show will be local promoter Arron Sisson’s 10th wrestling event, but the first organized entirely by his own company, Chem Valley Wrestling.
He had planned previous events with other travelling companies that provided the equipment and talent. Now he’s in control of all aspects, including the storylines, which he’s creating with input from wrestlers on the bill, he said.
“Over the course of doing so many shows, so many people told me, ‘You can do your own thing, you don’t have to work with these companies,’” he said.
“I just felt it was time to move on and do my own thing and I wanted to give it a try because, if not now, then when?”
He’s learned a lot over the past three years, including the fact it’s tough to succeed without a local wrestler participating. But he discovered in 2017 that even an elected politician with a score to settle could do the trick.
Coun. Brian White has been training with wrestling coaches in London since his ring debut, when he traded insults and fists with wrestlers Sebastian Suave and Anthony “Kingdom” James over two events at the former Station Music Hall.
That storyline filled the room with engaged fans, Sisson said.
Sisson has been an avid wrestling fan since childhood. At the age of eight 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. But DJs took pity on Sisson and granted his wish: two ringside tickets to the biggest show in town.
“That’s always sat with me, and I want to make that moment for another kid,” he said.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Chem Valley Wrestling presents Inception
WHEN: Oct. 24, bell at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: River City Vineyard, 230 Mitton St. North
INFO: Tickets start at $15. Available at Cheeky Monkey, Philly Cheese Jakes, Future Pastimes, The Cave and online at https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/26650