WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IF YOU SAW A RING SET UP IN A CHURCH ON SUNDAY MORNINGS? WOULD YOU EXPECT TO SEE TAMMY FAYE WRESTLE JERRY FALWELL WITH REV. BILLY GRAHAM AS REF? WELL YOU CAN NOW WALK INTO A CHURCH. SEE A LADDER MATCH, MONEY GLORIFIED AND MATCHES AS PART OF A SERVICE! NOT YOUR TYPICAL SERMON I'M SURE YOU'LL AGREE! CAN WRESTLING AND GOD BE A TAG TEAM? THE POWER WRESTLING ALLIANCE BELIEVES SO!
(Editors note: Since we cover the total spectrum on pro wrestling, we thought we would give you the opportunity to read about a very unusual promotion!)
The Power Wrestling Alliance tours churches, and most recently took centre stage at the Detroit World Outreach. The Main Event, veteran Ted DiBiase, Buff Bagwell, Road Warrior Animal, Greg Valentine, Shawn Michaels, Sting and a whole host of top indie workers, justified that label. Over 2000 fans came to witness wrestling and they didnt realise their 'souls' were at stake in the final 'storyline' where the finish was up to them.
WRESTLING AND GOD - THE MOST FORMIDBLE TAG TEAM
The PWA events use state of the art sound, pyro, lasers, smoke, awesome stage design and big screens. This 'crusade' in Detroit included 4 matches.
Following the main event, which featured Sting and Animal against Bagwell and Valentine, with run-ins from both DoBiase and Michaels, the lights dimmed and the spiritual part of the show developed. Sting was featured in an 'illustrated' sermon complete with demons and props.
His previous personal battle with alcohol and pills was re-enacted. Presiding pastor Wallace encouraged Sting to break the chain of sinful habits. A crucifixtion and ressurection scene was re-enacted aswell. All the wrestlers told their stories of deliverance and invited the fans to surrender to Jesus. The huge amout of fans in attendance quickly responded by flocking to the altar where the tallent lead them in prayer asking for forgivness and salvation. "I do it because I always wanted to give back to the wrestling fans. I can share what Jesus did for me." Sting said. "Telling fans what happened to me is amazing. When I see thousands of people, especially youth, accept Christ, and see tears of joy and lives being changed, I know that I will spend eternity with them and words can't describe that."
This show in Detroit also included a ladder match. Johnny Ova (with manaher Bobby Riedel) verses Petey Williams, told a story and used proper ring psychology, proving you can be 'cutting edge' without using shock value, or meaningless high spots. The match satisfied the hunger of fans who enjoy indie wrestling by giving them a more 'high risk' style bout. According to Ova, "I think an indie wrestler will be taken seriously on this show because of the tallent he is surrounded by. I use the talents God has blessed me with as a weapon against the devil. I signed up to wrestle, not to partake in porn. The PWA is much better than I ever imagined. I'm learning more about my faith enabling me to become a warrior for God."
WRESTLING'S OWN FISHERS OF MEN
The visionary of this movement is DiBiase. "I use wrestling as 'bait' to 'hook' the people to God. The Bible says we need to be 'Fishers of men'. There are a lot of fish, and what better way to catch them than using wrestling as one tool? We bring good versus evil, with good winning out. You will not come to an event and see or hear things that are on today's product. Our product is safe for everyone to enjoy." Road Warrior Animal agrees. "People in society need to know that they dont have to be a closet person to love God. It doesnt make you a sissy or weak. It makes you bigger and more secure in your personality and lifestyle. We want to offer people a choice."
Shawn Michaels, who participated in his first PWA event was even more candid in revealing his feelings on God and religion. "The most moving thing for me is when I talk about my wife and son, and what the Lord did in my marriage. It moves me to tears. I see the difference in our lives. The crucifixtion reminds me of what the cross has actually done in my life. Wrestling reaches so many people. I get to reach out and see if my witness on TV has an effect. I get to see the harvest. I guess it's selfish, but I am in WWE now and profess God openly becasue the Bible says to do it openly. The workers are few, and the harvest is many. I try to be a witness on TV."
These PWA events are sponsoured financially by churches. The budget for each show is determined by how big the sponsor wants it to be. The sponsor has the responsibility of covering the costs including talent, production, advertising, transportation and food. It is also up to the sponsors if they want to charge the public for tickets to the show. If so, all proceeds go back to them. PWA does not recieve any percentages based on the gate recipts. No, the money isnt what it used to be, however, winning souls is the main focus. No single event has moved and impacted the fans as much as these events. For the sceptic, come on out. Your view on God may change. These performers may have had the same 'bias' about religon that you may have, however they killed off pride and E.G.O. (Edging God Out) and their lives truly changed. They have no regrets.
Wrestling and God...weird to some, but common place to many. With the death toll of wrestlers on the rise, what better place than wrestling to spread a message of hope, grace and forgivness?
For more information about the PWA, or to book a show in the states or abroad, email : Bobby@milliondollarman.com or point your browser towards www.milliondollarman.com for more details.