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Sage (And SWCW) Give Back To The Community

Posted: Jun 15th 2009 By: CMBurnham

There's a lot of negative press about pro wrestling. Between steroid scandals, murder/suicides, duplicitous promoters and morally bankrupt performers, many outsiders (and a pretty good amount of insiders) believe pro wrestling is the bottom of barrel as far as entertainment goes. This makes it all the more impressive when groups come together to give back to the community as SWCW did recently at Willow Creek Boys Ranch in Chandler, OK.

The Boys Ranch was the host to Jacob's Ladder, a week long camp for children who have one or both parents incarcerated. During that stay, the kids were given instruction in many Christian principles, group building exercises and other positive experiences. The central theme of this camp was the "armour of God" and how best to prepare to defend oneself against the trials and temptations that life would provide for you.

All week long, the campers were told about the upcoming wrestling show and were extremely excited. And when the day arrived, over 80 enthusiastic and vocal participants sat in the chairs around the ring, waiting for the action to begin. They had gotten a glimpse of several of the participants as the ring was being set up during their dinnertime, but seeing the wrestlers walk around was nothing compared to actually getting to watch the matches and have some fun.

A lot of this excitement came because one of the counselors at the camp is SWCW regular Romo. So whenever he appeared, the decibal level went through the roof. But over the course of the evening, other stars made made connections as well, including Havoc (who signed autographs for just about everyone and gave out several of his trademark masks) and Spur the Clown (who gave away his trademark hat). Two lucky campers received handmade wrestling title belts which were signed by all the participants on the card. These were quickly passed around so that everyone could see them. And when the chance came to get autographs from everyone in the ring, the sea of bodies that flooded into the squared circle was amazing to behold.

Besides Romo, a lot of focus came over SWCW Cruiserweight Champion Sage, who faced off against Crisstopher Crow in a high flying cruiserweight match. Both men had ladies in their corner as Sage was accompanied as usual by Lady Starwind and Crow had newcomer D. C. with him. Neither man chose to use underhanded tactics in this match and it was a demonstration of skill and agility for the most part. For each move one man would take, he would give one back. And towards the end of the match, both men came to a screeching halt in the middle, realising that this give and take wouldn't work any longer. So, to try and be fair about who should have an advantage, they decided to play Rock-Paper-Scissors to determine who got to hit the ropes next. After three rounds, in which they tied each time, they each hit opposite ropes, where their opposing valets reached through and tripped them, provoking a bit of an arguement between wrestlers and valets. But the action picked up again with both men working their way back into a corner, then interlacing with each other and executing a double forward rolling Russian Legsweep, resulting in both men's shoulders being down. Referee Lady Venom had no choice but to count three and declare both men pinnned, resulting in the match being a draw. No hard feelings between the men, though, as they both understood they gave everything they could and the spectators enjoyed every minute.

The main event of this show was a Battle Royal for the SWCW Art of War Championship, a title specifically created for this show. Again, the overwhelming emotion came through the kids as they moved in around the ring to see the shiny new belt that was up for grabs. The wrestlers began to flow to the ring as everyone on the card (with the exception of SWCW Tag Team Champion Bud Barnes) was going to participate in this match. Early favourites included SWCW Tag Team Champion Cousin Jethro, Havoc and SWCW Hardcore Champion Maniac Mike, but the match came down to Sage and Romo, who had to work together to eliminate Havoc from the match. For the next few minutes, caution was thrown to the wind as both men went to the high-risk style that they're known for, with Romo looking like he would prevail after hittting many of those moves. As Sage was staggered and leaning against the ropes, Romo charged and flew, looking to hit a crossbody, but Sage ducked and Romo flew over the top, crashing to mat, and "The Shining Angel" was declared the winner.

Although the fans were thrilled for Sage, it was impossible not to notice that they were behind Romo for the entire show. Even Sage recognised that and, in a great show of respect and sportsmanship, presented Romo the belt he had just won before both men walked together back to the ring.

Shows like this are more about the fans, but Sage knows that more serious matters lay at hand. At the last regular SWCW event in the Underground Arena, Sage successfully defended his Cruiserweight Title against Damien Morte, then suffered a post-match attack from both members of Nemesis. With Rage Logan winning a contract to receive a title shot for any title he wants within the next 90 days, it seems as if he would like to regain the Cruiserweight Title he held for 8 months. And Sage has to be prepared for action inside and outside the ring when facing either Logan or Morte. But Sage is willing to give as much as he can to keep that belt, even if it means his career.

Tags: SWCW, Havoc, Spur the Clown, Romo, Sage, Crisstopher, Lady Starwind, Lady Venom, Bud Barnes, Cousin Jethro, Maniac Mike, Damien Morte, Nemesis, Rage Logan