Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
West Virginia has a rich history with independent professional wrestling, dating back to the 1950s with the National Wrestling Alliance. From 1954 to 1977, WOAY-TV in Oak Hill aired a show called “Saturday Night Wrestling.”
The show featured professional wrestlers and local talent in matches that were performed in the station’s studio and, later, in a nearby area. Fans would fill the auditorium to take in the matches.
Carrying on the tradition of celebrating local talent and professionals from WWE and AEW, All-Star Wrestling in Madison has been hosting matches since 2006.
On June 7, ASW will host The Bash in Beckley 5, which is one of the biggest events to take place in the state.
ASW commissioner and commentator Josh Brown has dubbed the event “West Virginia’s Wrestlemania” and said it is set to feature more than 30 legends, as well as area professionals. The event will include a meet and greet and 10 matches in the squared circle.
“I’m not saying this to toot our own horns or anything like that, but no one in our area is doing a show of this magnitude in one night,” Brown said. “This whole event will take place over the span of about eight hours. It’s going to be a long, long night. People will definitely get their money’s worth, in my opinion.”
ASW is owned and operated by Gary Damron, who embodies the role of wrest-ling promoter, complete with his long bleached-blonde hair, brightly colored eyeglasses and knowledge of professional wrestling.
In 2021, ASW was approached by Beckley attorney Steve New, a huge wrestling fan, who wanted to see a show in his hometown. He has sponsored ASW events for many years and is one of the reasons The Bash in Beckley series exists.
Whether you have followed the wrestlers’ careers for years or you’re new to the sport, you will be entertained. It’s poetry in motion – a Shakespearian play with villains and heroes, going head-to-head, with one goal in mind. To win.
“There is nothing like seeing a professional wrest-ling show live, in person,” Brown said. “The atmosphere. The camaraderie. It’s literally a movie in front of your eyes, performed live.
“Bring yourself; bring your family; bring your kids; they’ll love it,” he continued. “I promise they’ll love it. It is just something you can’t describe unless you actually watch it live.”
For more information on The Bash in Beckley 5 and ASW, visit the organization’s Facebook page at All Star Wrestling WV.
