Source: Macon Telegraph
In some minds, professional wrestling doesn’t necessarily jibe with family-friendly entertainment.
But James Jones, aka “Mean Mike Stratus” of the Georgia Independent Wrestling Association, means to change that.
The GIWA matches that he books specifically outlaw alcohol, profanity and the types of salacious storylines found on the likes of WWE Raw. The next event is scheduled for Saturday night in Dublin at the Laurens County Ag Center.
“We try to run a family show,” Jones said. “No sex, no cussing, no drinking. It’s kinda back to the Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair era.”
But that doesn’t mean that the gentlemen of GIWA don’t know how to throw down. A video on the www.giwasuperstars.com Web site is full of acrobatic drops.
“We’re not big WWE stars, but we put on a good show,” Jones said.
Though most of the participants are from the Middle Georgia area, they’re no backyard wrestlers.
“They’ll wear a singlet, just like the guys you see on TV,” he said. “The guys in tennis shoes and jeans, they’re strictly backyard.”
Scheduled wrestlers include Stratus, Jake Slater, Mac Davis, Firewalker, Oko Nono, The Professor, Big Bank Barfield and others, according to a news release.
Jones is realistic about his prospects- he’s pushing 40 – but said some of the wrestlers have what it takes to hit the big time.
Organizing and competing in the wrestling matches is a labor of love for him.
“It’s a hobby,” Jones said. “Some people like hunting and fishing. We like wrestling.”
Saturday
What: Georgia Independent Wrestling Association: Reloaded
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Agricultural Center, U.S. 441, Dublin
Cost: $6 adults; free for children 6 and under
Phone: (478) 456-5640
Web: www.giwasuperstars.com
