A Special Weekend in HP

We are now just two days away from a big weekend in Highland Park. The National Wrestling Alliance is holding a charity wrestling event on Saturday, followed by two television tapings on Sunday.

On Saturday, there is HP Cares for Cooper, a free fundraiser (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.

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.

On Sunday, there are 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.

The weekend will feature many great wrestlers from the NWA roster. Scheduled to appear 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, Cody James Robert Anthony, Jay Bradley, Marshe Rockett and many more.

That is an incredible amount of talent all in one place. While I look forward to seeing all of them in action, I take particular interest in Robert Anthony, Jay Bradley and Marshe Rockett.

Many years ago, Anthony and Bradley were original members of a now-defunct wrestling company in Chicago. It was the first wrestling company I covered on a regular basis.

I had the privilege of seeing these two up close before, during and after shows. I saw Ego rise to the top and become a champ there. Bradley should have also won the title, but I believe his other wrestling commitments got in the way. Titles or not, these two were part of the foundation.

When either man wrestled, I knew I would see a classic. Each had his own strength. Bradley was more of a brawler and was underrated on the mic. Ego was more daring and was great on the mic. Both men were accommodating with my interview requests to promote the events.

Rockett was also part of that company, but in the later stages. I witnessed him win the title and got an interview with him moments later. His emotion was real. I saw what it meant to him. Like Anthony and Bradley, Rockett was outstanding in and out of the ring.
I rate them as three of the best I have seen on the independent scene. Since our time together, they have appeared on the main stage in the “big” companies and have remained a big presence on the indie scene. I have been following their work in the NWA and look forward to seeing them in person.

This is going to be a wonderful weekend. The Highland Park community, friends and the wrestling world will merge in the best possible way. The man responsible is Highland park resident and businessman, Billy Corgan, the owner of the NWA. Summing up the weekend Corgan said, “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.”