Elk Grove Rotary Fest Wrestling Recap

After months of planning and despite the threat of storms, the Elk Grove Rotary Fest's wrestling event was a major success. Like magic, the storms gave way to sunshine within hours of bell time.

I arrived about an hour early and was pleasantly surprised to see a couple hundred people already in the area awaiting the show. By the time organizer Justin James announced a slight delay to dry the ring, the crowd appeared to be nearing 500. Once the wrestling started, everyone was ready for the action.

Ring announcer Mr. Riccolo entered the ring to introduce Elk Grove Mayor Craig Johnson, who addressed the crowd. Following Mayor Johnson was a full wrestling card of great matches, featuring old favorites, current, younger stars and even a couple very talented clowns.

One of the highlights included Elk Grove natives and siblings "Stonewall" Jim Goranson and Melanie Cruise teaming together for the first time. The sibling duo came out victorious over Hardcore Craig and Regan Lydale. Goranson was not done though. He later won Mayor Johnson's Invitational Battle Royale, becoming the first Elk Grove champion.

Of course, the eight-man tag match featuring Mayor Johnson was the main event and it did not disappoint. After a back-and-forth battle, Mayor Johnson got the pinfall for his team. The crowd erupted!

In covering this event, I saw how hard all involved worked, wanting this to be special. I saw what it meant to all. The matches were not soft exhibitions. This card could have been held anywhere and the wrestlers did not hold back.

As for me, I was happy to catch up with several folks I had not seen in a long time. It was like a big reunion.

I want to thank Justin and Mayor Johnson for their hospitality and letting me be involved. They are special people and this was a wonderful event. I already told both, I will be back "On the Beat" at next year's event.