Metro Pro Wrestling Is a Slam in Wyandotte

John Adkins grew up watching wrestling stars like Andre the Giant and Junkyard Dog do battle in the ring. The 1985 l graduate was fascinated as the choreographed combatants performed body slams, elbow drops and backhand chops on each other.

“I’ve always been a wrestling fan since I was a kid,” Adkins said. “I’ve always admired characters like Hulk Hogan.”

As an adult, Adkins decided to create something that would entertain people in the same way. After attending some events held by local independent wrestling federations, he created his own in 2000 and named it Metro Pro Wrestling. 

With a roster primarily comprised of local wrestling talent, he started with shows at the Brownstown Community Center. As popularity grew, venues in Dearborn and Taylor were used as well.

Adkins, who serves as MPW promoter, brought the federation to in Wyandotte about three years ago. Although matches are occasionally held elsewhere, ARC Hall hosts MPW events once a month and the federation is considered Wyandotte-based.

About 200-300 people attend the monthly events, which are free of foul language, bloodshed and excessive violence, Adkins said. 

“It’s a show for the entire family,” he said.

There are 35 wrestlers on the MPW roster and 90 percent of them are Michigan-based, Adkins said. He said MPW is a “farm league” for wrestlers hoping to advance to the professional level, such as World Wrestling Entertainment or Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.

MPW alumni include Zach Gowen, who has fought in WWE and TN, along with current TNA wrestler Alex Shelley.

At MPW matches, muscle-bound, tattooed characters known by names like Eddie Venom, Gutter, Amazing N8 and Truth Martini create the same outrageous spectacle seen in professional ranks.

“The fans love it,” Adkins said.

Martini, the current MPW cruiserweight champion, sports long hair, sunglasses and a flamboyant attitude as he carries “The Book of Truth” into the ring.

The current MPW tag-team champs, known as Bump N’ Uglies, fight in a variety of masks for different matches. Currently they are using Lucha Libre masks, originally made popular by Mexican wrestlers.

Shows are often done with other local wrestling associations as well, Adkins said. Wrestlers from Michigan Championship Wrestling Association and Clash Wrestling have participated on MPW cards.

“We really want to bring awareness to all of the independent wrestling,” Adkins said. “A lot of people don’t give it a shot.”

The next MPW show is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday at ARC Hall. Tickets can be purchased at the door and cost $12 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger.