Since starting for HNN, it’s been my distinct honor of providing coverage of professional wrestling events in the Huntington area. As an avid fan of the sport for nearly two decades though, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to REALLY get involved in the business.
At the last Big Time Pro Wrestling show in Wayne, I finally got a chance to be involved in my favorite pastime as manager for current Big Time Wrestling Champion Omega.
Talking with Omega before the match I learned that he is undefeated in mixed martial arts, has held five different titles in five different states, and like to be referred to as “The Prizefighter Pitbull” or “The Gold Blooded Killer”.
See, the manager’s job in wrestling is to organize and provide insight into any upcoming bouts, right up until the final bell. Sometimes that means getting involved in the match, creating diversions, securing victory for the client no matter the cost.
Little did I know that MY cost was a bruised rib, and the worst migraine I’ve ever experienced.
Omega was facing Jacob Ratliff for the Big Time Wrestling Heavyweight Championship, with me in his corner, going by “Mr. Awful”.
Throughout the match I kept everybody in line, especially some rowdy kids who dared to chant Jacob’s name instead of Omega’s.
Eventually I knew Omega was in trouble, thanks to a forearm shot from Jacob which should have gotten him disqualified. Perhaps foolishly, yet bravely, I stepped up onto the ring apron to check on Omega, when suddenly Jacob ran shoulder first into my ribs, knocking me to the floor unconscious.
Thankfully Omega used this opportunity to roll Jacob up for the pin, so my injury was not in vain. As I limped backstage though, carrying Omega back to the locker room, I realized that this was just a taste of what professional wrestlers experience on a daily basis, all for the joy of fans worldwide who keep the sport alive.
Though my first contribution to the wrestling business was small, it gave me a newfound respect for all the hard work that keeps wrestling alive.
Will I return to the manager’s position? I’m uncertain at this point. In the meantime though, hopefully nobody disrespects the champion.
Special thanks to Omega and Freddie Cornell, promoter Big Time Wrestling.
Big Time Wrestling will run a show in Huntington June 3rd at Good Samaritan Church, 1610 Florence Avenue, Huntington, WV. Bell time is at 7 pm.
