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November 3, 2011"The Zeitgeist Chronicles" (New Orleans)
November 7, 2011
Houma is a hotbed for wrestling, it always has been.
But the sport left the city for a little more than a year now as organizations have flustered to stay afloat in the country’s brutal economy.
This month, it’s back, and the newest group on the block is ready to raise money for a good cause.
Elite Championship Wrestling is partnering with the Marine Corp League for a Toys for Tots wrestling show.
The card will take place Nov. 20 at the Dumas Auditorium and the opening bell is set for 3 p.m.
The event’s organizers believe this one is a can’t-miss for anyone who loves the sport of professional wrestling.
“It’s going to be worth it. We’re going to put on a great show,” event organizer David Pitre Jr. said.
“We’re hoping to bring in a good crowd to help the Toys for Tots to bring in some money for them.”
The reason for the excitement is the card.
The show promises to be chocked full with non-stop action.
Elite Championship Wrestling will crown its first-ever Louisiana heavyweight championship titleholder during the event in what’s billed as a 20-man, over the top rope battle royal.
For those who aren’t wrestling buffs, the winner will be the last man to survive the brawl without being tossed from the ring.
Pitre said the bout is billed as a 20-man competition, but more competitors will likely end up competing for the honor of becoming the organization’s heavyweight champ.
“There’s a lot of interest there,” fellow organizer Lee Landry said. “Right now, it looks like we’re sitting at 23 [participants].”
The battle royale is probably the main course on this night of fun, but it’s not the only title match on the card.
Elite Championship Wrestling will also crown its first-ever light heavyweight champion in a fatal four-way, winner take-all bout between Nick Bondage, Wild Thing, the Griz and David Silver.
“Of course, that’ll be a fan-friendly, very fast paced and exciting match,” Pitre Jr. said.
Also appearing in the event will be former WWE performers Rodney Mack and Jazz, who are ready to stand their ground for a good cause.
Mack was a longtime competitor on both the WWE and ECW circuits. Jazz also spent time in the WWE and was even a women’s champion.
Both are Louisiana natives, now residing in Lafayette.
The duo is ready to get its hands dirty for a good cause.
“That was confirmed today,” Pitre Sr. said. “They gave us the call, let us know they were in. And they are excited to do the show, excited to help us raise money for this worthwhile cause.”
Other competitors who are set to appear are local favorites like “Sweet” Stan Sweetan, Scott Phoenix, Da Bayou Boys, Minotaur, TK Riot, Marty Graw, the Dark Angels, Scott Anthony, John Saxon, Purple Haze and Mustang Mike.
The event’s organizers say community support has been huge in allowing the event to happen.
Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government is one of the show’s sponsors, offering Dumas Auditorium to the organization for free.
Also sponsoring the card are Pitre’s Cab, the Ramada Inn, Fleur De Lis Treasures, Shop N Bag, E.T. Motors and Clayton Voison, among many others.
“The support we’ve received has been the difference,” Pitre Sr. said.
The event’s organizers say tickets are flying off the shelves and the entire first row is already sold out for the event.
“More than 80 tickets have been sold before we even started advertising,” Pitre Sr. said.
“All we’ve done so far is really just put it on Facebook and that’s it,” Landry added. “The interest is there.”
To make sure your seat is secure, contact Pitre’s Cab at 985-868-1041 for tickets.
Admission is $10.
“Doing that, you’re guaranteed a seat,” Pitre Sr. said.
Don’t want to make the commitment just yet?
That’s OK, too. General admission tickets will still be offered at the door.
“And the cost will still be $10,” Pitre Sr. added. “You just don’t necessarily know where you’ll be sitting.”
The event organizers also said those interested shouldn’t worry about the legitimacy of the group’s charitable efforts, saying 100 percent of the gate will go to Toys for Tots.
That donation will be just in time for the Christmas holiday when the charity does some of its most amazing work, touching the lives of unprivileged children.
“Any admission for the event is going to go straight toward Toys for Tots,” Pitre Jr. said. “Everything through the door goes through them,” Pitre Sr. added,
Those interested in more information about the show can also visit Elite Championship Wrestling’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/elitechampionshipwrestling.
Wrestling is finally back in Houma.
Head out to the Dumas Auditorium and enjoy as some of the area’s best kick tail for a good cause.
“Wrestling is big here,” Pitre Jr. said. “It’d gone away for a little while, but we’re going to try to bring it back. We hope people come out and help us support the less fortunate kids.”
Local wrestler Minotaur shows off his muscles at a recent show. Minotaur is one of the competitors scheduled to wrestle in the Elite Championship Wrestling Toys for Tots show this month at the Dumas Auditorium.
