Hops & Headlocks 2: Craft Beer Chaos
Neshaminy Creek Brewing and WrestlePro make perfect tag team.
Over the past year, Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co. (NCBC) has battled various breweries throughout the United States.
At the inaugural Hops & Headlocks last March, a social media war with Louisville, Kentucky-based Against The Grain Brewery culminated inside the ring. Then at OktoberSLAMfest, the Croydon, PA-based brewery defeated Delaware County’s 2SP Brewing Company. This Saturday, NCBC will take on Full Pint Brewing, marking another chapter in the Philadelphia-Pittsburgh rivalry.
But this time it’s about more than just boozy bragging rights. At Hops & Headlocks 2, it’s about vengeance.
At the end of OktoberSLAMfest, a representative from Full Pint Brewing came out and cut a promo, inspiring NCBC’s “Hot Sauce” Colin Shawcross to betray Tommy Provolone and the brewery, taking the Craft Beer Heavyweight Championship to The City of Champions.
The aftermath of Shawcross’ betrayal has been documented through a series of videos shared on social media, hyping up Hops & Headlocks 2.
“We’re really hamming up the Pittsburgh-Philly rivalry,” says Nick Hertzberg, social media manager at NCBC. “We’re dropping a lot of ‘yins’ and trash-talking Sidney Crosby, so that’s been fun. A lot of the staff has been involved in storylines, so they’ve had a great time. Having that teamwork is healthy for the company, as well as bringing in some new faces to the brewery who might not have heard of us before.”
Neshaminy Creek Brewing has plunged into the pro wrestling scene over the past year, partnering with New Jersey-based independent promotion WrestlePro for all three of its events. It’s part of NCBC’s ongoing effort to attract more customers and raise brand awareness in the crowded craft beer market. “In 2018, we started reaching out to a lot of adjacent territories,” Hertzberg says. “We’ve seen interest in the wrestling market. Not everybody always puts craft beer and pro wrestling together, but a lot of people who like wrestling like craft beer, and a lot of people who like craft beer like wrestling.”
The inaugural Hops & Headlocks drew an estimated 350 attendees, while the OktoberSLAMfest drew an estimated 275 attendees, according to Hertzberg. Reaction has been so strong that the brewery plans on hosting a WrestleMania Watch Party on April 7, starting at 5 p.m. EST. Tickets cost $40 and include a buffet from local barbecue joint Smokerhead BBQ, your first two beers and the pay-per-view shown on the projector screen. All ages are welcome, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
“We’re exploring that avenue of entertainment in the brewery,” Hertzberg says. “We keep it DIY and independent enough so fans can come and not feel alienated. We’re maxing out all of our events at 400 people, so it’s intimate, family friendly and you’re not paying out the butt for a ticket.”
As for Hops & Headlocks 2 this Saturday, seven matches have been announced thus far. A fatal four way will open the show, featuring Bobby Wayward, Justin Corino, Adam Bezares and Ring of Honor’s LSG. A series of one-on-one bouts will follow as CZW owner DJ Hyde collides with Buster Jackson, Impact Wrestling’s KM meets Josiah Tiger, and Nikos Rikos takes on CPA.
In tag team action, Job Security clashes with Anthony Bowens and “Bad Apple” Matt Macintosh. Plus, Corrine Mink, Rourke and Freddy Flamingo will join forces against Shook Crew.
In the main event, Vargas and “Hot Sauce” Shawcross battle Pat Buck to decide which brewery takes home the Craft Beer Heavyweight Championship.
Hops & Headlocks 2 takes place at Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company in Croydon, PA, on March 23.
For tickets and more information, visit neshaminy-creek-brewing.mybigcommerce.com.
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