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Wrestling has recently received bad press over the recent violent deaths from children imitating wrestling holds on other children. These particular events have enabled activist groups to attack wrestling for being too influential and denigrating to our society. However, one wrestling group hopes to demonstrate how helpful they can be for the community around them. Real Deal Wrestling (RDW), a Bronx, New York City, based organization provides sports entertainment to fans, while at the same time providing food for the homeless.
The RDW put together a pretty cool show at The Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Center, 955 Tinton Avenue, on January 27. Even when someone cancelled and chose not to bring the ring to the event, Ralph Gutierrez, RDW owner, dipped further into his own money and made sure a ring was present for the show so those less fortunate could get help. No money was even charged for the event, as a small donation of a canned good was requested to gain entry.
"We enjoy helping the less fortunate," said Paul Ratings, promoter of the show, which was titled, Ratings Wars. "We put a lot of free shows on for the kids and we like doing these charitable functions. It keeps kids off the streets for at least three hours."
The show itself was really cool. It was not like the WWF or WCW with all the glitz and glamour, and it was even a wee bit off from being like ECW or USA Pro Wrestling (Check out the USA Pro Wrestling Re-Cap in this month's issue). This was the real ground level of wrestling and I was so happy to be a part of watching stars before they were born. Gutierrez trains these rising stars and I believe several of them have what it takes to one day make it to the big time.