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OSW promoter says show at new venue was a success

Posted: Aug 8th 2016 By: Trevor Hawes

Oklafan Editor's note: Fred Urban is the real name of former pro wrestler Dredd.
Lights only on the ring. West Texas heat. Hundreds cheering from their seats. Saturday’s Old School Wrestling event definitely had an old- school feel; however, there was a lot new for the local professional wrestling promotion.

OSW’s plans to hold a show June 25 at the Odessa High School gymnasium were upset weeks before when the fire marshal intervened and determined the venue was unfit because the event -- which was expected to draw between 300 and 600 people -- would be in violation of building and fire codes, according to a previous Reporter-Telegram report.

The promotion had previously hosted several events dating back to its beginnings in 2012 at Ector County ISD gymnasiums without issue. However, without the installation of fire sprinklers or a change in code, OSW was forced to move.

The Odessa Jackalopes junior hockey team stepped in and helped OSW secure a new space at Ector County Coliseum’s Building D, which promoter Fred Urban said will be a permanent space.

“We needed the consistency,” Urban said Monday. “Don’t get me wrong -- Wilson & Young Junior High was a blessing, and it was great, and I love doing things for the kids because I went to school there, all three of my kids went to school there, but now we have less headaches. We get to do it on our own terms.”

A new space meant new challenges for Urban and company.

“It was a little bit different because it was a new venue. We had to add more equipment that we’re not accustomed to, such as new lighting above the ring, but I think it brought an old-school feel to our product, and that’s what Odessa was known for with Southwest Championship Wrestling and when the Funks used to come through town. They would wrestle in those barns within the coliseum. So this brings some history back to OSW where we can honor those that came before us.”

Urban said his wrestlers had few complaints.

“The locker room situation, it was a little bit smaller than we’re accustomed to, but we made it work. As far as the product itself -- the matches, they enjoyed themselves — minus the heat, of course, because it was hot.”

Urban remedied the heat with large fans, keeping the house lights off and opening garage doors for a draft. Heat is to be expected in the middle of a West Texas summer.

“Going into November, February and April, we’re not going to have those issues because those are the cooler months of the year, so it won’t be as uncomfortable as it was Saturday,” Urban said.

The new space and temperature didn’t keep fans away, however. Urban said there were more than 400 people in attendance and that he only expects it to grow, especially for the Nov. 12 show when WWE Hall of Famer and West Texas wrestling legend Terry Funk headlines. The master of the spinning toe hold was announced during intermission, and fans quickly bought tickets in advance.

“We sold every front-row seat for the Funk show in November already,” Urban said. “We’ve sold several second-row and general admission seats, as well.” Overall, about 70 tickets sold within the first 24 hours. He expects to sell about 600 to 800. This shouldn’t raise occupancy issues because Building D is certified for 1,000 people, which should be good for business.

“The building was great,” Urban said. “It was more than big enough. It was good for what we need, and at least we know we can put twice as many seats in there next time.”

OSW strives to have big-name talent at each show. June’s event was set to feature legendary wrestling manager and WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart; however, he wasn’t able to make the August date. Former WWE Superstar Chris Masters stepped up to help the independent promotion in its time of need.

“Chris is a good guy,” Urban said. “He travels all over the country, all over the world. He’s currently staying the summer in Toronto but flew in for us. He got me out of a bind. He had a great time, loves seeing the West Texas fans and is looking forward to coming back in the upcoming months.”

Masters lost to “The War Pig” Jody Kristofferson in the main event via pinfall but got the last word after putting the referee in his famous Master Lock submission hold. Urban said Kristofferson — the professional wrestling son of famed country musician Kris Kristofferson — will be back at November’s event to face the winner of the Aug. 20 title match between Impact Wrestling’s James Storm and OSW heavyweight champion Charlie Haas, who like Masters is a WWE alumnus. The Aug. 20 show is at the Pecos County Coliseum.

Fans were also treated Saturday to OSW favorites Mikey, “Pittbull” Keith Crawford, Curt “The Lone Star” Stallion, Chris Wolfe, Jake Logan and others.

Overall, Urban said the show was a success.

“I was happy with the turnout, and I was happy with the product.”