Hammerlock Wrestling bringing high-energy fundraiser to Waterloo-Oxford DSS
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
By Galen Simmons
A night of high-flying, hard-hitting entertainment is coming to Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School (W-ODSS) in Baden, all in support of local students.
On May 8, Hammerlock Professional Wrestling will take over the school’s gymnasium for a live show organized by teacher Alec Moore, with all proceeds going back to support student programs. Moore, who has been teaching at the school for seven years and also works as a photographer for Hammerlock Wrestling, said the idea came from a desire to bring something new and exciting to the school community while raising money for a good cause.
“I’m a big pro-wrestling fan and I thought, well, I’m trying to find something to bring excitement to the school,” Moore said. “We’re doing it as a fundraiser. All of the profits that we’re making are being donated back to the school.”
Funds raised from the event will support a range of student activities, including athletics and the drama department.
“It’s track-and-field season right now, so there’s a lot of athletes that are going to OFSAA and WCSSAA,” Moore said. “We’re trying to raise some money to support the athletics department, but also the drama department. Wrestling is kind of sports and drama rolled into one.”
Moore said the goal is to help create more opportunities for students.
“We’re just trying to kick some money back to the coffers to help even more cool stuff happen,” he said.
The show will be open to both students and the wider community, with organizers hoping to draw a strong crowd for what promises to be a lively and interactive event.
Hammerlock Wrestling owner Shawn Bates said fans can expect a family-friendly show that blends athleticism with storytelling.
“A Hammerlock wrestling show is family-friendly entertainment,” Bates said. “It’s old-school wrestling. We tell a story during the matches – you’ve got your good versus evil going on. It’s something all ages can enjoy.”
Hammerlock has built a following across southwestern Ontario, regularly selling out shows in Stratford and other nearby communities. Bates said the Baden event is a great opportunity for fans to catch the action closer to home while supporting a local school.
“We’re always trying to find a way of giving back,” he said. “It’s not just us coming in, putting on a show and leaving town. This time, we’re supporting the students at the school.”
The card for the May 8 show will feature a mix of established performers and rising talent from across the region, including a championship match between JAX Williams and Pretty Ricky Willdy. Other matchups include The Honourable One Brian White teaming with Lucian Leblanc to face Chilly Brown and Humble Jack, as well as appearances by Vikram Prashar, Jon Jon Tavious, Vanna Black and Panama.
Moore said part of what makes live wrestling so appealing is the energy in the room.
“It’s one thing to watch it on TV, but it’s a whole other thing to be in a big room full of people all watching it go down,” he said. “They get the crowd involved, and it’s just a really fun experience.”
The event will take place in the school’s main gym, with seating available both on the floor and in the bleachers.
“It’s live, exciting entertainment right here in Baden,” Moore said. “It supports programs at the school, and it’s just going to be a fun time.”
Tickets are available online at events.frontdoorplus.com/event/2035, with additional tickets available at the door. Organizers say the event is suitable for all ages and offers a unique way to spend a Friday night while supporting local students.
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