Professional wrestling will return to Sanford on August 30 at Wild Dogs Brewing.
Wrestling has historic connections to Sanford and the surrounding area. The Hardy Boyz, who enjoyed success with World Wrestling Entertainment in the late 90s and early 2000s and have remained active with WWE and other promotions to this day, got their start on a trampoline in nearby Cameron. Their OMEGA Wrestling promotion staged shows here in the late 90s, with a number of wrestlers from the area and beyond taking part. Amy Dumas, better known to wrestling fans as Lita, lived in Sanford for a time during her relationship with Matt Hardy.
Despite all that, it’s been a number of years since there’s been any pro wrestling presence in Sanford. Thanks to a couple of local business owners and a promotion based out of nearby Moore County, that’s about to change.
Chance Frye is one of the main forces behind Alternative Combat Wrestling, which has staged shows at the National Guard Armory in Southern Pines for the last several years, and has had his eye on Sanford for much of that time. But he wanted the move to happen organically, a wish that came to fruition when he connected with Matt Sarmiento of Rogue Toys in downtown Sanford.
“Chance’s partner came into the store and was looking at toys, and (wrestling) just came up,” Sarmiento said. “They have a following in Southern Pines, and I went to an event there. It was such a good show.”
Sarmiento doesn’t have a lot of space at his storefront on Chatham Street, but he had a feeling Craig Krause of nearby Wild Dogs Brewing would be into the idea, so he reached out. It didn’t take long for the three men to schedule “Toybox of Turmoil,” which will be held at 7 p.m. on August 30 in the parking lot behind the brewery at 136 N. Steele St.
Tickets are $10.
“If you have any idea about independent wrestling, you’ll know every name,” Frye said, explaining that the show should include seven matches and run three to three-and-a-half hours.
Frye got into wrestling by accident, but he caught the bug quick.
“I was never really into wrestling – my partners brought me in because they thought I could help,” he said. “But after two shows, they no longer wanted to do it. I’d bought a ring, so I had a decision to make, and I decided to surround myself with people who knew the business, and we’ve been growing ever since.”
Most of ACW’s shows have been in Moore County, but with Krause and Sarmiento on board (Kruase is providing the location, and Sarmiento is assembling vendors to help turn the show into an all-day event) expanding into Sanford at this time makes sense. All three said their expectation is that the August 30 show will lead to many more, bringing wrestling back to Sanford at a time when residents – whether they’ve lived here for decades or are relatively new to the area – are looking for affordable, family friendly entertainment for which they don’t have to leave town.
“We want to build the community and bring people together,” Krause said. “There’s no reason for folks here to have to go somewhere else for entertainment, and we’re building gathering spots that can promote entertainment in Sanford.”
Sarmiento is still seeking vendors “of all types” for the event. Those interested should contact him at Rogue Toys, (919) 292-0245 or at Rogue’s Facebook page. Tickets to “Toybox of Turmoil” will be available at Rogue Toys and Wild Dogs Brewing.
Click here for more information about Alternative Combat Wrestling.
Carolina Indie Fest is back on September 26 and 27 at Hugger Mugger Brewing in downtown Sanford. The Friends of the Rant podcast is kicking off Indie Fest artist interviews, and we’re starting out with Charleston-based rapper Sxvxnt and Raleigh roots-rockers Jack the Radio. Click below to listen. For more information about Carolina Indie Fest, visit www.carolinaindiefest.net.