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Smashlahoma wrestlers have local ties

Posted: Feb 24th 2012 By: mikeiles

A pair of performers with local ties will be on the card for Saturday night?s Smashlahoma 2012 pro wrestling event at the Civic Center.

Hacksaw Butch Reed, who earned All-American honors at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in 1972, and Quapaw native Barry Linduff - aka "Mr. Saturday Night, Michael Barry" - will be among those engaging in the action, according to Jason Jones, who is promoting the event with Jeff Lee of Tuff Bull Productions.

Lee has staged the bull riding competition at the Miami Fairgrounds the past two years.

It?s been almost a decade since pro wrestling was featured at the Civic Center.

At least six matches will be on the card, according to Jason Jones, commissioner of Mid States Wrestling.

"We pride ourselves in being family friendly," Jones said. "It?s a show granny and grandpa can bring the grandkids. We pride ourselves on being old-school wrestling."

After his career with the Golden Norse, Reed transferred to the University of Central Missouri. He briefly played professional football with the Kansas City Chiefs then opted for a career in the ring.

He?s a five-time tag team champion, collaborating with five different partners, and has won nine other individual belts.

Linduff, whose "day job" is graphic designer with the Joplin Globe, has been wrestling professionally since the early 2000s.

Also expected to be on the card is Beautiful Bobby Eaton, who was half of the Midnight Express. He?s won seven titles with three different partners.

"You can?t hold a candle to the talent we?re going to have," Jones said.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the gate.

They also are available at the Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau or at the City Department of Utilities office in the Civic Center.

Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m.