Source: Nick Teodoro of Patch.com
Wrestlers from the National Wrestling Superstars performed in front of a nearly sold out crowd Saturday at the Brick Elks Lodge.
The event included a billed main event of Tommy Dreamer, of ECW and TNA wrestling fame, against Drew Hankinson aka “Luke Gallows” of WWE fame.
Dreamer, 39, said he is no stranger to the Shore area, but has been wrestling all over the world for more than 20 years.
“The original ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling) used to do shows in Asbury Park and I ran all around here, I’ve been wrestling a long time,” said Dreamer.
Dreamer has had experience with the independent wrestling scene over the past two decades and gave a preview to what fans could expect from the sport in the near future.
“Independent wrestling is a lot different than what you see in WWE or TNA,” said Dreamer. “It’s a lot of guys that are just getting their breaks.”
One of those up and comers who performed in Brick Saturday goes by the name “Mr. Entertainment,” J.D Smooth.
“It’s a hobby, it’s a pleasure,” said Smooth, who has been wrestling for 12 years.
Smooth plays a “heel,” wrestling slang for a bad-guy character that provokes the audience.
“My character is an outsource of me,” Smooth said. “In life, I’m real laid back, but I do have a bit of a temper,” said Smooth.
The National Wrestling Superstars organization differs from the better-known organizations such as WWE and ECW.
“We provide our audience wrestling with emphasis on wrestling and athleticism,” said NWS Commissioner Gino Moore.
The NWSs promotion has found success in Brick, said Moore.
“We’ve been here promoting in this building for a minimum of five years, and that’s three times a year,we’ve sold this building,” Moore said. “Why? Because the people in this town support our product.”
The next NWS event is being planned for Feb. 5 in Edison. That bout will be held at the St. Mathews Parish Gym. Tickets are $18 for ringside seats and $16 for regular seating. The show will feature former ECW wrestler “Sabu.”
