The Canadian Wrestling's Elite (CWE) is body-slamming its way back into Southeast Manitoba, and the hype is off the ropes.
The "Cruel Summer Tour" rolls into Grunthal this Saturday, promising an action-packed night for some of the company's most hardcore fans.
"Southeast Manitoba fans have become the most passionate in the country," says Danny Warren—better known by his ring name, "Hotshot" Danny Duggan. "It's wild. They come dressed up, they come with signs, they're coming with their Canadian flags, and they're rowdy... We're having a pretty good time."
Warren says when CWE first began hosting regular shows in the region, they weren’t sure how it would go over.
But the fans have delivered a total smackdown on expectations.
"It's just completely blowing (us) away, and that's why we continue to add events and have a regular schedule out this way," Warren says.
The intimate venues in smaller towns like Grunthal mean every seat feels like ringside, the wrestler says.
"Those wrestlers are going to interact with everybody that's there," he says, but adds front row seats are definitely where the action hits hardest. "Bodies are going to come flying and they're going to land literally half a foot in front of you."
Warren says this weekend’s showdown will feature some top-tier talent, including fan favourite "Red Hot Sammy Peppers," who is known for connecting with local families over dinner.
"He's built such a connection here."
In a rare appearance, he says "The Zombie Killer" MENTALLO will also be at the event.
"He's a masked wrestler...he's wrestled all over the world. Mexico, Japan (and he's) just one of the best the country has ever produced," Warren says.
Tickets to the show can be purchased online at cwetickets.com, at Mitchell Express Foods, or Rona La Broquerie Lumber.
Written with files from Carly Koop