Wrestling event will benefit Boys & Girls Club

Following the death of former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar Chris Benoit last year, professional wrestling has received a lot of attention for what it has been - and more noticeably - what it has not been doing.

However, local resident Michelle Smith believes that this type of sports entertainment can be used to bring families together promote a good cause.

Smith, along with the Lynx Wrestling Alliance out of Ellenboro, N.C., is hosting a wrestling show May 30 at the Boys & Girls Club of Gaffney. All proceeds from the event will benefit the club.

"This is a rare chance for Gaffney residents to see some high flying wrestling action while also being able to bring the entire family," Smith said. "It will be a good night for the wrestling enthusiast, but also for the person not so into wrestling."

Grapplers expected to take part in the event are Rex Rumble, Kid Chaos, Stoney Hooker, Erik "The Answer" Anton and Gaffney native Thomas "Freight Train" Smith.

Wrestlers will also be available to sign autographs at the show. There will also be vendors selling toys, DVDs and clothing.

"It is something that I am pretty excited about as we get a chance to expose visitors to the club," said Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club Director Vance Hammond. "You never know what could come of something like this ... I believe it will be an amazing show with a large turnout."

Hammond, who considers himself a "wrestling throwback" who remembers the days of the "Midnight Express" and the 'Four Horseman," said the event came as a surprise to him.

"I remember I used to sit back and watch wrestling with my grandfather or simply watch it on television... those were some good times," Hammond said. "When I was approached about the show I was surprised but very excited about the possibilities."

The local Boys & Girls Club serves approximately 250 children. Many of those involved in programs at the club are currently in PACT testing or getting ready for exams. Hammond believes the event will give them a brief reprieve from the stress.

"This will hopefully provide kids with a good show to give them a break from the things they have to do before school lets out," Hammond said.

Fliers are already being seen around town for the event. But Smith said there is still a lot of work to be done.

"I'm thinking there will be a good crowd there, especially because it is what I think is the first wrestling event in Gaffney in quite a while," Smith said. "We are putting up fliers and going to Wal-Mart next week to advertise for the show. Hopefully it will attract a lot of people."

The Boys & Girls Club of Gaffney is located on 201 Pecan St.

Advance tickets can be purchased next Thursday and Friday at Wal-Mart.

Doors open for the show at 6:30 p.m., with the first match beginning at 7:30 p.m.