Local wrestlers thrive at WrestleMonster 6
SA expands its horizons in professional wrestling by hosting annual event in Gqeberha.
The World Association of Wrestling South Africa ( WAWSA) hosted its prestigious annual event pro wrestling extravaganza, WrestleMonster 6, in Nelson Mandela Bay in Gqeberha.
The event, which took place in March, began by presenting the talent of pro wrestlers from SA, the USA and the UK, creating a mark by exhibiting the most inventive and artistic kind of wrestling.
Locals Donovan Blignaut (LoudMouth), George Wilhelm (Xterminator), and Freddy Harmse (Mr Wrestling) were among the wrestlers who competed and who were chosen to represent team SA.
The US and UK wrestlers had a quick tour of the stunning city of Gqeberha before the main event, where they enjoyed the beach’s refreshing wind and sun.
“We wanted the wrestlers to feel at home and, above all, to show them the splendour that our nation has to offer. Before the main event, a lot of work went into getting things organised. Participating in the performance was not as significant as the work done in the background. All of that work paid off when the show became the talk of the town,” Donovan said.
A significant number of devoted wrestling fans cheered as the event began, building anticipation for each wrestler’s exciting arrival as they made their way to the stage to display the well-known artistic form of pro wrestling.
Team SA won the event by a single point, as is customary in South Africa.
“It brought an enormous amount of joy to team SA to represent the country so well and be recognised by former WWE wrestlers for our dedication,” Donovan adds.
The brainchild of seasoned SA wrestling promoter Mark Beale, WrestleMonster takes pride in being the country’s answer to WWE’s WrestleMania, which is recognised as the country’s best live annual event.
Despite having experienced personal tragedy inside the sport, Mark, who has over 30 years of experience in professional wrestling, believes there is a great deal of potential for events to expand around the continent.
“Every year when we host WrestleMonster I always envision that my passion for the sport will show in the efforts myself and my wonderful team take to expand professional wrestling in SA and internationally.
“Our vision is to grow. The idea of creating an African version of WrestleMania emerged a few years ago. We approached many sponsors for WrestleMonster 6, where we are competing this year. Our goal for WrestleMonster is to someday pack a 45 000-seat stadium, but that won’t happen until WrestleMonster 10,” Mark said.
