As many of you know, my very good friend Kerry Brown, a big mean wrestler who had a heart of gold, died last month far too young at the age of 51.
He taught me a lot about life in and out of the ring, and his stories of working with the likes of Andre the Giant, the British Bulldogs, and Antonio Inoki were side-splitting to say the least.
I will be hosting a fundraising event in his honour and to help raise money to assist his family, in 2 weeks time, on November 10th, at the Marlborough Hotel in Winnipeg.
Dozens of people, wrestlers, broadcasters, fans, are working on producing and publicizing this show, to demonstrate their loyalty to the Brown family in their time of need and their respect for the memory of one of Canada's greatest modern day performers.
Special thanks to Bobby Jay of Kildonan Sports who purchased a $500 sponsorship package, and to Kerry's former employer the Westbrook Hotel for not only buying a block of tickets, but also stuffing flyers into their vendor beer sales. If you are interested in helping the cause in this way, group and corporate rates are available.
Now I know that professional wrestling is not everyone's cup of tea; BUT, if you were a fan growing up of what we now call "old-school wrestling", this event will be up your alley.
Without further ado, here is the latest information. If you need tickets, contact me talk@kick.fm.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Promoter Tony Condello has announced that tickets are now available for The Kerry Brown Tribute Card, a fundraising event to assist the family of the late worldwide wrestling star.
The card on Remembrance Day Eve, November 10th at 7.30 PM, brings together performers and fans from across the West, to honour the memory of "Pitbull" Kerry Brown and to showcase the old-school style of professional wrestling he epitomized as Stampede Wrestling North American heavyweight champion.
The all-ages show, being held at the Skyview Ballroom at the Marlborough Hotel at 331 Smith Street, will feature 6 very distinct undercard bouts headlined by a 2 out of 3 fall tag team attraction.
Veterans Chi Chi Cruz and Brian Jewel are reforming their popular team for the first time since 1993, to square off against "Team Impact", Showtime Robby Royce and rising young star ATM. Cruz, Jewel and Royce were among Kerry's main opponents when he returned to compete out of his home base of Winnipeg throughout the 1990's and specifically asked to be in the feature bout to honour their fallen colleague.
The main event will be the Kerry Brown Memorial Rumble, with dozens of wrestlers entering the over-the-top battle royal to compete for the glory of being the last man standing.
Among the wrestlers traveling at their own expense to help raise funds for the family is noted author Vance Nevada, now of Red Deer Alberta, whose book Wrestling in the Canadian West is getting rave reviews across media platforms.
"This is an example of the respect the boys had for the Pitbull," said Condello, "and how concerned they are that his family gets the support they need when faced with his sudden death at age 51. These skilled athletes are going to prove why Canadian wrestlers are the best around."
Another match slated is the exciting "WFWA 6 man tag", with a 3 man team captained by former NWA Canadian champion EZ Ryder facing the trio led by Sargeant Tom Steele. More matches will be announced shortly.
Sponsors who have already contributed support include Manitoba Public Insurance, Kildonan Sports, The Westbrook Hotel (where Kerry Brown formerly worked), Brickhouse Gym, Slam!Sports, and Steven Hanks massage therapy.
Tickets are priced at $15.00, with group and corporate rates on request, and are available from Tony Condello at 229-9173, or can be arranged via email at martygoldlive@gmail.com
A website, with old match video, links to online pictures and stories about Kerry, and event information, is at http://www.kerrybrowntribute.com/
Background:
Kerry Brown was trained by Tony Condello and entered the professional wrestling ring wars in 1979, completing his apprenticeship with a bout against former AWA World Tag Team champion Greg Gagne at the Winnipeg Arena on December 6.
A natural talent and hated 'heel', he was a star in the NWA flagship promotion of St. Louis, Kansas City, Antonio Inoki's New Japan, Stampede Wrestling in Calgary for promoter Stu Hart, Puerto Rico and in Quebec and the Maritimes (as Rick Valentine), and across Central Canada for many regional promotions.
Kerry passed away suddenly in September at age 51, and the wrestling community has come together to raise funds to assist his family with their expenses at this difficult time.
Event Details
Tuesday night, November 10th, Marlborough Hotel, 7.30 PM. Six special bouts capped off with the Kerry Brown Memorial Rumble.
Tickets $15.00, corporate rates available for groups wishing to attend the show. Call Tony 229-9173 or email martygoldlive@gmail.com
Special prize packages will be available for bids. To donate prizes or contribute to defray overhead expenses, contact Bob St. Laurent at 228-0707.
For more information contact Marty Gold martygoldlive@gmail.com
