NWA Comes to HP for Special Weekend

Happy Fourth of July. We are now just a few days away from a very special weekend in Highland Park.

The National Wrestling Alliance is holding two highly-anticipated days of wrestling. On Saturday, HP Cares for Cooper is a fundraiser benefitting Cooper Roberts, the eight-year-old who was shot in the horrific mass shooting last July 4. Sunday features two sets of NWA Powerrr television tapings.

HP Cares for Cooper is a free fundraising event (although donations are encouraged). Funds raised through sponsorship, donations and a raffle will go towards Cooper’s ongoing care and medical equipment, along with helping with the care of his twin brother Luke, who was also injured during the mass shooting.

On Saturday, Highland Park residents, the wrestling community and friends will come together. It will be an emotional, powerful day, with wrestling as the backdrop.

Wanting to bring together the community, Highland Park resident, businessman and NWA President Billy Corgan was moved to host the day. Corgan stated, “This event is a testament to the community's resilience and the unifying power of wrestling.” It's also a testament to Corgan's heart and commitment to his community.

HP Cares for Cooper features an amazing lineup of the NWA's best wrestlers. Slated to be part of this event are NWA World's World Women's Champion Kamille, the winners of the 2023 Crockett Cup Tournament Mike Knox and Trevor Murdoch, NWA National Heavyweight Champion EC3, the NWA United States Tag Team Champions 'the Country Gentlemen' A.J. Cazana and Anthony Andrews, NWA Women's Tag Team Champions 'M95' Madi and Missa Kate, NWA Women's Television Champion Kenzie Paige, Joe Alonzo, Thrillbilly Silas Mason, Natalia Markova, Robert Anthony, Jay Bradley, Cody James and many more.

Yesterday, I interviewed Cody James about the weekend. A Chicago area native and father of two, Cody certainly sees the significance of these events and is proud to be a part of the weekend.

Cody discussed the start of his career, his wrestling idols, his style and more. He talked about the importance of HP Cares For Cooper, as well as his pride in wrestling in front of his home area crowd for the NWA, the national's oldest wrestling promotion.

Much like HP Cares For Cooper, the interview was fun, but had an underlying seriousness. As proud as Cody is to be a part of the day, I am proud to spread the word and encourage all to come out in support.

HP Cares for Cooper takes place at The Recreation Center of Highland Park at 1207 Park Avenue W. The doors open at 1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. event. Although admission is free, attendees can reserve first or second row seats for a minimum $75 donation and all donations are welcome.

The wrestling fun continues Sunday with two NWA Powerrr television tapings at Studio One, at 1799 Green Bay Rd, Highland Park. The tapings start at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., with doors opening an hour earlier for each. This will be an afternoon and evening of serious wrestling, again featuring some of the best wrestlers anywhere.

Corgan summed up the weekend, “The NWA is thrilled to return to Highland Park for this special weekend of wrestling and charity. We selected the Rec Center of Highland Park as the venue for the charity show because it serves as a centralized location for the community to gather and have a great time. We are honored to partner with the Roberts family, who have endured so much since the tragedy. This event is a testament to the community's resilience and the unifying power of wrestling.”

On a related sidenote, I recommend Corgan's Madame Zuzu's Cafe, a fantastic nearby dining option. A plant-based tea shop offering a large menu of sandwiches, salads, bowls and more, Zuzu's is a vegan's paradise, but even my non-vegan friends love the food.

The weekend will be special, with a wonderful charity event and lots of great wrestling action. There will also be exclusive merchandise. I'll be “On the Beat” all weekend, reporting for the Highland Park Patch. Check back here for more coverage leading to the weekend and for the recap.