Local pro wrestling event to help veterans
By Joe Bachman
Editor
STEVENS POINT — Professional wrestling returns to the area, as Frontline Pro Wrestling will take over the Holiday Inn and Convention Center on Saturday, April 6.
A.J. Jensen is on the Frontline Pro commentating team and frequently helps out with marketing and publicity for Frontline Pro. Jensen works closely with owner and Spencer-native Ben “Bulletproof” McCoy, who is one of the featured talents on the show. According to Jensen, the nearly 1-year-old promotion is just getting started with a deep talent pool of some of the best independent wrestlers in the Midwest.
“These guys wrestle all over state; they go to Minnesota, Illinois, Canada — we’re even talking about trying to bring some Japanese talent over in the future.” said Jensen in an interview with the Gazette.
However, Frontline Pro Wrestling is more than just a pro wrestling promotion; they continue to work with non-profit organizations which help support veterans. This ranges from help with mental health issues to the transition needed for returning service members to civilian life.
Helping veterans is personal for Jensen and McCoy who are both veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to their time overseas.
“We try to reach out to any local non-profit veteran organization and we’ll donate some of the proceeds from the show to them, or do 50/50 raffles,” said Jensen. “We try to give back. We’ve donated to organizations that help veterans go to college to become counselors to help other veterans with PTSD.”
This is the first time Frontline Pro Wrestling has performed a show in the area. While many may remember the WWE live event held at the Quandt Fieldhouse in 2008, the April show will feature a former WWE superstar. In 2008, Ken Anderson, known as Ken Kennedy, was on the WWE roster when Stevens Point hosted their live event over a decade ago. He now returns to Stevens Point, and above all, returns home.
While billed from Green Bay, Anderson was actually born less than 20 miles away in Wisconsin Rapids. He makes his return to help support a list of aspiring independent talents.
“I would say these guys are some of the best wrestlers in the state.” said Jensen.
For more information on the show, visit https://www.facebook.com/frontlineproentertainment/
Tickets are $15 for admission. Doors open at 6PM with start time at 7PM. The Holiday Inn is located at 1001 Amber Ave.