Wrestlers to rumble at CWE showcase card on Saturday

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It’s going to be every man for himself when Canadian Wrestling’s Elite holds the annual 50 Man Rumble To Remember on Saturday night in Winnipeg. The family-friendly event is being presented by the Winnipeg Sun, a long-time supporter of the sport.

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The spectacle of athletic skills, high-flying thrills and brute force draws top professional wrestlers from across Canada, seeking to outlast the field in the battle-royal-styled main event to earn the challenger slot at CWE’s 16th Anniversary Spectacular in 2025.

Heading up the list of favourites is CWE mainstay and current Central Canadian heavyweight champion Hotshot Danny Duggan. Just ask him:

“Here’s a little history lesson for you Sun readers — the last time Hotshot entered the 50 Man Rumble To Remember he won it. And then what did he do? He went on to challenge MENTALLO for the CWE Championship at the Anniversary Spectacular- and then what did he do? He beat him too. And that’s exactly what’s going to happen when I return to the Rumble and eliminate 49 pretenders over the top rope, again!”

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The braggadocious self-styled American patriot may be trying to ride the momentum of last week’s election of his role model, but it won’t be an easy walz through the locker room.

Rising young star Josh (Cheeks) Holliday won the Elite 8 tournament to break into the upper echelon, while Jackson Conway returned to the ring wars after a long absence and tallied up the victories. Sammy Peppers has emerged from tag team competition to establish he can win any match he’s in.

While the fans will be cheering them on, ruthless aggressors like former CWE champion ATM and the “1000 days and counting” CWE Hardcore king Misfit Mike Mission will take a victory over the approval of the fans any day.

Meanwhile, regulars on CWE’s inter-provincial tours like Alberta’s Bobby Sharp, CAM!kaze, The Headline Shaun Martens, and Regina’s King Kash, are making the trek to prove they are the Number 1 contender.

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Some of the entrants with championship credentials include long-time regional veterans Rebel Bobby Collins, EZ Ryder and the devious “Mastermind” Kevin Cannon. But the true underdog among the “old-timers” is Winnipeg Sun columnist Marty Gold.

“I have a lot of respect for the other CWE wrestlers,” says Gold, who usually handles the match introductions on CWE cards in Manitoba. “There’s a ton of top talent and they know how to handle themselves in the ring. This kind of match is unpredictable and the bodies can fly at you from any direction.”

But, he said, “after all these decades in the squared circle, I think I can execute a winning game plan using the dreaded corkscrew. The Crusher always said, the best defence is a good offence and I am going on the offensive from the second my name is called to enter the ring.”

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Gold is determined to get the title match against MENTALLO, a world-travelled innovator who he calls “the greatest wrestler in the country today.”

Prior to the 50-Man Rumble, the reigning champ will risk his title belt in a battle of the masked men. A true master of Lucha Libre, WWE and WCW cruiserweight trendsetter Juventud Guerrera is a former world champion who brings an arsenal of Mexican manoeuvres including planchas, ranas, and rapid-fire kicks and chops that can stun any opponent. Will it bring Juvi a victory over MENTALLO?

Other high-stakes bouts are also on the bill and iconic Winnipeg wrestling legend Chi Chi Cruz will be making a special appearance before the main event.

The CWE 50 Man Rumble To Remember is happening Saturday at the Holy Eucharist Parish Centre, 460 Munroe Avenue. Bell time is 7 p.m. and fans can purchase tickets online at cwetickets.com or at the door.

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