Wrestling slams into Chicopee Dec. 1

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

CHICOPEE Promoter Terry Allen thinks the greater Springfield area needs a little action.

That's why he's bringing professional wrestling to the Castle of Knights on Memorial Drive in Chicopee on Dec. 1 for an 8 p.m. show that features former WWE stars as well as new talent.

Allen has been promoting his "Big Time Wrestling" in the North Shore area of Boston for a year with great success and believes that with the wrestling school run by Kevin Landry of Chicopee there is plenty of local talent ready for the squared circle.

As opposed to the huge arena shows that are identified with professional wrestling today, Allen said his more intimate shows allow the fans to see the athletes "up close."

Allen's card includes 11 bouts and a 20-man over-the-top-rope battle royal.

TNA superstars Spike Dudley (formerly of the WWE and ECW) faces Jay Lethal for the Big Time Wrestling Championship the promotion's first such bout, Allen said.

There will be another title bout between "The Extreme Strongman" Gino Martino meets Mister T.A.

Ludlow's own "Heartthrob" Antonio Thomas (also formerly of the WWE) will take on "All Around Best" Xavier.

Allen said the "Battle Royal" match in which 20 wrestlers will be in the ring and eliminated when they are tossed over the top rope will involve wrestlers such as WWE legend Doink the Clown, Kevin Landry, Antoine Roy, Johnny Idol, Zack Statik, The Wild Boys, Wolfman Banford, Benny Juxx, Big Bear Matouch, The Brain Surgeon, The Alumni Club, Aaron Morrison, Malice and The Siberian Hammer.

General admission tickets will be available at the door and are $15 for adults and children under 10 years of age are $8. The doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Since Allen said the North Shore area is "over saturated" with wrestling promotions, he's likely to bring his shows to western Massachusetts.

For more information, log onto www.chicopeewrestling.com