Newton County is getting ready to rumble as the SWA Championship Wrestling company is coming to town, Oct. 13 to raise money for American Legion Post 89.
Johnny Reeves, commanding officer of Post 89, said this will be the second SWA event the legion has put on. The previous event, in February, was a big success, and he hopes even more people will come out this time.
“We had about 200 people last year,” he said. “The gym will hold about 300, so we’re hoping for a little more.”
Reeves said the family-friendly wrestling event, which will be held at the East Central Community College gymnasium, will feature matchups with some favorites including The Aztec Warrior, RIOT and The Southern Sensations.
“We’ve got the Son of the Junkyard Dog coming,” he said, “Everyone’s heard of the Junkyard Dog.”
Additionally, Reeves said there will be a concession stand catered by Sweet and Sassy Barbeque. At the last SWA event, he said, some people showed up just to visit the concession stand.
“He’s got some great, great barbeque,” Reeves said.
The great thing about SWA Championship, Reeves said, is that it is entirely family friendly. None of the wrestlers or announcers use profanity or adult-themed language in their acts, which makes it a great event for children.
“The guy who puts it on, he name is Steve Starr, he’s all about clean fun,” he said. “There’s no foul language or anything. If there is, he’ll ask them to leave. It’s a good, clean event. The kids last year had a blast, and we’d like to have some more.”
While the wrestling event is a lot of fun, it is also a fundraiser for the American Legion, Reeves said. With the proceeds from the event, he said the legion would like to work on updating the legion hut in Decatur.
“We’re currently trying to remodel the American Legion Hut,” he said. “It was built in 1935. It’s on the historic building site. Just over the years wear and tear have taken its tole on it, so we’re trying to do the work.”
The American Legion is a non-profit organization, Reeves said, so any money they collect will go directly toward the renovation efforts. He said he hopes people will come out to the wrestling event, have a good time and help support their local veterans organization.
Tickets for the SWA Championship Wrestling, which cost $10 for ringside and $8 for general admission, are on sale now at Massey’s NAPA in Decatur and at the Newton County Veterans Service office and will be available for purchase at the door. For those coming from out of town, Reeves said reservations can be made by calling him at 601-635-2178.
“They tell me how many tickets they need, and I’ll leave them in an envelope at the door,” he said.
Admission is free for children 6-years-old and under.
For more information about the event, contact Reeves at 601-635-2178.
