Hybrid Wrestling Returns to Harrah’s
Owner Mike Hamilton shares the origin of GCW’s affiliate.
While many businesses were forced to close their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hybrid Wrestling resurrected.
Partnering with Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) on New Year’s Eve 2020, the PA/NJ-based promotion resumed operations after a three-year sabbatical, providing three pre-show matches before GCW’s event at The Showboat in Atlantic City. It allowed Hybrid Wrestling owner Mike Hamilton to dip his toe back in the water before a full-fledged reboot this past March.
“The pandemic is what made me bring Hybrid Wrestling back,” says Hamilton, who attributes the break to family obligations. “Work closed down for a year, so I had the itch to start contacting a lot of people in wrestling.”
Before becoming a promoter, Hamilton wrestled as “Downtown” Mike Brown in World Xtreme Wrestling, 3PW, Pro Wrestling Unplugged and other independent wrestling promotions in the tri-state area. Trained by Trent Acid and Johnny Kashmere, Hamilton takes pride in being The Backseat Boyz’ first student at the Animal House facility in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia.
“It was fun, but definitely exhausting,” Hamilton says. “I was working a full-time job and then would go right to training.”
A neck injury forced Hamilton to hang up his boots, but he soon befriended Brett Lauderdale, a former referee for Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) who was looking to produce his own shows. With their combined Rolodex, they recruited a who’s who of local talent, such as Matt Tremont, The Amazing Gulaks and Joey Janela. The inaugural Hybrid Wrestling event took place at Eddystone Lighthouse Hall in Eddystone, PA on April 16, 2016.
“We drew about 200 people, which isn’t bad for a new promotion, especially when I didn’t advertise much,” Hamilton says. “However, the problem was we ran against House of Hardcore in Philly. Back then, I didn’t pay attention to who else was running, but I do now.”
Despite becoming one of the most powerful players in pro wrestling, GCW owner Lauderdale still helps Hamilton behind the scenes, running Hybrid Wrestling’s social media accounts. The promotion has found success by piggybacking off of GCW, usually running events the day before.
Hamilton may have found a new home, though: Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack, actually located right outside the city in Chester, PA. Casinos are expensive to run, but he has an in – he’s a bartender there.
“My boss is a big wrestling fan,” Hamilton says. “We made a deal where if I can get people to come, the casino will be happy to host and just make money from food and drinks.”
Hybrid’s “Off to the Races” in August was a hit in every aspect. Well over 100 fans showed up (including me, an avid gambler who had never been to Harrah’s before) to see familiar faces like Gangrel and Carlito, as well as dazzling up-and-comers such as Big Vin and the popular squad Young Dumb N Broke. It was aesthetically captivating, too, as the wrestlers entered by walking up the bleachers with the horse track behind them.
Perhaps most surprising was the number of ladies on the card. In a stark contrast to most indie shows, there were three women’s matches and an intergender scramble. “I have a lot of close friends that are women wrestlers,” Hamilton says. “A lot of girls on the indies work their ass off, but they don’t get the exposure they deserve. I try to give them what I can and show their talent off.”
When Hybrid Wrestling returns to Harrah’s this weekend for “Friday Night Fights,” you can expect the same amount of women’s wrestling. Hamilton says Tasha Steelz will face Holidead, Trish Adora will take on Allie Katch and Mercedes Martinez will meet Masha Slamovich, fresh off of signing with Impact Wrestling.
“Since its rebirth, Hybrid Wrestling has had women’s wrestling as a main part of its events,” Slamovich says. “I’ve had some excellent matches with women like Holidead, being able to bring the violence other places may not be willing to see. I’m thoroughly looking forward to facing Mercedes, someone I’ve wanted to work with for a long time.”
Other bouts announced for “Friday Night Fights” include Marcus Mathers vs. Atticus Cogar and Otis Cogar vs. Gangrel.
“In the last six months, people have been going to shows again,” Hamilton says. “So, I’m trying to push the envelope a little more now. The more shows we run, the better chance we have of growing our fanbase.”
Friday Night Fights takes place Nov. 5 at Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack in Chester, PA.
For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com.
Watch live on Hybrid Wrestling’s YouTube Channel.
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