It's not often that athletes get to compete against individuals they idolized as children but that will be the case as Squamish's Cody "TKO" Smith faces off against Gangrel when All Star Wrestling (ASW) returns to 麻豆社国产on June 23.
Smith remembers the former WWE star vividly and said it will be a thrill to face him in the squared circle.
"It's an absolute honour to wrestle Gangrel," he said. "He's been to the big time and makes wrestling look so effortless. I'm looking forward to having this whole experience."
Gangrel starred in the WWE during the organization's last boom period in the late 1990s and early 2000s and Smith said he was a fan of the man also known as "The Vampire Warrior."
"I remember when he first came in and walked through fire for his entrance to the ring," he said. "He sports those fangs and it's an intimidating sight. He is his character, he's a vampire and he's a big boy at just under 300 pounds."
Smith has been busy since the last time The Chief caught up with him, as he's been making a name for himself in the Salem, Ore.-based West Coast Wrestling Connection (WCWC) promotion. He won the WCWC Lighting division championship and said he's enjoying his time in Oregon.
"It's a total new experience," he said. "They're the closest thing to the WWE that I've ever experienced. They have a full-size 20-foot ring, three or four camera guys circling around and they're on local TV down there. I'm a bit of a local celebrity over there now."
But the 麻豆社国产card is one that the local grappler is looking forward to. He pointed out that the card should have several other exciting matches such as Disco Fury taking on The Great Kasaki for the ASW cruiserweight title and Matt Xstatic battling newcomer Mantasia.
Another potential selling point for the card is that Smith's match against Gangrel could be for the ASW heavyweight title. Gangrel takes on ASW champion Vance Nevada in Cloverdale the night before the 麻豆社国产show and if he's victorious, the match in 麻豆社国产will be for the title.
New for this show is a partnership with Chances Casino, the official site for the after party of the show. Fans are encouraged to cross the highway and party with the wrestlers at the Rock Bar and Grill afterward.
"I've been trying to get the casino involved with past shows before but things haven't worked out," Smith said. "But this time it finally did work out and I'm looking forward to having that after party just a stone's throw away. It's going to be good business for Chances and ASW."
The show takes place at Totem Hall with a bell time of 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for front row and $12 for general admission. Advance tickets are available at Totem Hall or online at www.vtix.com.
