Sports
Big-time Wrestling Lands in Largo
FCW, a subdivision of the WWE, held its Summer Slamarama at Minnreg Hall in Largo on Friday.
Largo got a glimpse of the world of professional wrestling, complete with larger-than-life stars, flamboyant costumes and catchy nicknames. Florida Championship Wrestling held its Summer Slamarama event at Minnreg Hall Friday night.
FCW, a 40 year-old organization recognized as a training ground for future WWE superstars, holds three to five events a year at Minnreg Hall.
This event, featured over 20 stars of the FCW circuit including heavyweight champion Bo Rotundo and Big E. Langston, known as Florida’s strongest man, attracted hundreds of spectators of all ages.
By all accounts, fans enjoyed the show immensely.
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“We just called and asked for tickets together since it was my son Gabriel’s birthday. Next thing I know, we have front row seats, free tee shirts, a birthday cake, and the boys are up on stage with the Divas,” said Lisa Arias of Tampa, who brought 10 people with her to the show.
"I was shocked. It was wonderful of them to do that," she added.
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Prior to the eight featured matches, which also included a swimsuit competition between the Divas, fans were allowed to mingle with their favorite FCW stars.
From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. spectators were able to collect autographs, take pictures and enjoy lighthearted moments with the behemoths who would soon be slamming each other to the mat and flying off the ropes.
“We try to make it…very fan friendly,” FCW owner Steve Keirn said during the event. “Autograph sessions, we let kids ring the bell, go up in the ring…we want it to be an interactive experience.”
Indeed young fans like Owen Bianchini got to ring the bell and get in the ring with stars Titus O’Neill and Conor O’Brian, while 10-year-olds Gabriel Arias and Augie Spoto celebrated their birthdays in style – by posing with a bevy of bikini-clad wrestling beauties.
“They’re already calling them the lady pictures,” said Lisa Arias, Gabriel's mom, of the official photographs they were given of the occasion. “They won’t even let anyone hold them.”
When the birthday boys was asked about his experience of getting on stage with the FCW stars, one word was enough.
“Awesome,” Gabriel said.
“Unforgettable,” Augie added.
The next FCW event being held at Minnreg Hall is on Friday, August 26th.