By Jeff Sowa
It might still officially be winter, but the International Wrestling Federation is ready to sprinkle some spring into the Falls air Saturday when Skull Wrestling Productions Inc. presents IWF Pro Wrestling’s Spring Loaded at Martino’s Meeting Place.
The event marks the return of the IWF after a five-year hiatus, with Ron Pasquale of the Rochester area responsible for its resurrection.
“It’s probably the best combination of local talent, national talent and Canadian talent in Western New York,” said Pasquale, who wrestles under the ring name Ron Falco. “It has the best assortment of high-flying moves, hard-hitting action and comedy that any event around here has.”
Pasquale is teaming with 1996 North Tonawanda High School graduate P.J. Maggiore to make the show possible. Maggiore, better known as Troy Buchannan inside the ring, founded Buffalo Championship Wrestling in 2001. He put together a successful wrestling event this past September at Cruisers Sports Complex, drawing a crowd of 300. Pasquale is expecting a similar turnout Saturday for what he says will be a very family-oriented event.
“There’s not going to be anything sexual or vulgar or anything like that,” he said. “Kids will be able to get autographs, meet the guys and get pictures with them before and after the show.”
Pasquale and Maggiore are just two in the field of 25 wrestlers set to appear that includes Buffalo native Pepper Parks as well as John McChesney, both having spent time in World Wrestling Entertainment. Former Total Nonstop Action Wrestling star Cody Deaner will be on hand along with Hornet, an international wrestler who has competed in Europe and South America.
The opening bell for the 2.5-hour, eight-match Spring Loaded card is set to ring at 7 p.m. Pasquale has set a ticket price of $14 for adults and $6 for children. Admission for adults is lowered to $12 with advance purchase, with groups of 10 or more charged a reduced fee of $10 per ticket holder.
“Being that it’s an independent show, it’ll be very interactive for everyone who attends,” said the 40-year-old Pasquale, who wrestled in the Falls for five years earlier in his career. “It’s not cartoonish, but there’s going to be a little bit for everybody.”
For ticket or event information, contact 472-3059, tickets@theiwf.com or troybuchannan@yahoo.com.
