The lure of the squared circle has drawn 麻豆社国产local Cody Smith back.
Despite a damaged ankle, injuries suffered in training and several years away from the ring, Smith thinks the time to step through the ropes again is now and he will have the opportunity to do so when All Star Wrestling comes to 麻豆社国产on Saturday (Nov. 6).
According to Smith, reflecting upon his career in pro wrestling for a recent article in The Chief re-ignited his passion for the sport.
"Once that interview came out so many people came up to me and asked me why I wasn't wrestling anymore," he said. "It really got the fire in me going again. I'm sure I can do it one last time, no one wants to retire on a bad note."
Smith will be one of a handful of featured wrestlers at the show, which takes place at the Totem Hall. For Smith, it's been a difficult road back to the ring.
"Just getting your body used to taking an ass kicking isn't easy," he said. "Re-learning how to take bumps and the entire training is really mentally and physically draining."
But Smith said he's still looking forward to performing in his hometown.
"I'm really excited," he said. "A lot of my friends are going to be there and I'm just feeding off the positive energy the people of 麻豆社国产are giving me. Seeing familiar faces in the crowd from the gym and the bar is what I'm most looking forward to."
All Star Wrestling owner Mark Vellios was introduced to Smith after an ASW sponsored training session with mixed martial arts legend Dan "The Beast" Severn in September that Smith attended.
"Cody has come to a bunch of the shows as a fan in the past few years but since the seminar, he's been training and working out hard," he said. "I think he's doing fine and should be ready for the show."
The show is a fundraiser for the recreation department of the 麻豆社国产First Nations and according to recreation department head Mara Williams, the shows are usually well received.
"We always get a lot of kids and families out and they really seem to enjoy it," she said.
The recreation department will receive a portion of the ticket sales and concessions sales from the show and will use the money to help fund programs and purchase new equipment.
The show will be kicked off by a battle royal, which will see every wrestler in attendance descend on the ring and try to survive in an over the top rope elimination match. The final two men left standing will then form a make shift tag team and get a shot at the tag team champions later on in the show.
Smith promised that he will try his hardest to entertain the fans, in what is likely his final foray into the squared circle.
"I want to go out with a bang," he said. "I've got all these stories about my past that I can tell forever but I want to give the people of 麻豆社国产something they will remember forever."
Tickets for the show are $15 for front row, $12 for general admission and kids aged 12 and under are $10. Those interested can pick up tickets at Club Flex Athletics, Billie's Bouquet or the Totem Hall.
Bell-time for the show will be 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.aswcanada.com.