It’s going to feel somewhat “Raw” or “Impact”-ful, but what Marvin Ward hopes you’re thinking when you leave the show at Waynesboro High School on Feb. 5 is, “That was awesome!”
The “Superstars of Pro Wrestling” card will serve as the launch of Ward’s new national and international touring company, Awesome Wrestling Entertainment, or the AWE. The show will crown the promotion’s two singles champions – with former WWE superstar Jimmy Wang Yang taking on Samoan newcomer Vasaga for the AWE world title and another former WWE talent, Carlito, squaring off with Micah Fletcher for the United States championship.
The card also features former TNA stars Sonjay Dutt and Traci Brooks in addition to a slew of new AWE talents who have been the focus of the development arm of the promotion the past two years. That’s how long Ward has been laying the groundwork for the launch.
Ward believes there is room for another pro-wrestling company on the landscape to compete with the WWE and TNA. “That’s anybody’s dream in the industry,” said Ward, whose company also features MVP, Shelton Benjamin, Rodney Mack, Short Sleeve Sampson, Trinity and Jazz.
Acquiring talent has been a point of emphasis – along with patience. “We want to do this the right way,” said Ward, who admits to getting antsy with the launch, which will be followed by a tour that will eventually take the company overseas for an extensive schedule in Asia.
That the opening bell will be rung in Waynesboro has been a constant question from those in the industry. Ward, an Augusta County native, got his start in wrestling promotion with the inaugural “Night of the Superstars” at Waynesboro High School in 2001.
“When it comes to me, and what Waynesboro, Va., did for me, did for my family, and did for my career, this is where we need to be,” Ward said.
Interview: Marvin Ward
Superstars of Pro Wrestling
- WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 5
- BELLTIME: 8 p.m. Meet and Greet with AWE superstars begins at 6 p.m.
- WHERE: Waynesboro High School
- TICKETS: $10
- TICKET LOCATIONS: Crossroads Music in Waynesboro and Staunton, Eavers BP and Liberty in Stuarts Draft
- ORDER BY PHONE: 540.946.4616
Story by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at [email protected].
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