Virginia Public Media spotlights RVA Pro Wrestling’s booming scene
Virginia Public Media (VPM) News this week spotlighted the surge in Richmond’s independent professional wrestling, centering on the growing crowds at RVA Pro Wrestling events.
The article by reporter Dean Mirshahi, part of VPM’s “Finding Joy” series, described how “despite the uncomfortably hot July night, hundreds of Richmonders huddled around a wrestling ring set up in Hardywood Park Craft Brewery’s barrel room.” Fans packed into standing-room areas among beer barrels and brewing equipment to cheer local wrestlers.
“Richmond's local professional wrestling scene is booming: Fans are packing bars and breweries, cheering body slams and flips,” Mirshahi reported.
The piece noted how fans are considered part of the performance. “The crowd is this almost additional character to the show,” attendee Stephen Brown told VPM. Another fan, Charles League, added: “I mean these guys are out here, they're doing something harder than what we're doing, so we can cheer for a little bit.”
Wrestler and co-CEO Timmy Danger said the audience’s reaction guides matches in real time. “If the crowd is really invested in something, you've got to keep it going. If the crowd doesn't like it, you've got to end it,” he said.
Other wrestlers featured included Erica Leigh and Sledge Gibson. Leigh said that while the bouts take a physical toll, the energy from the audience makes it worthwhile. “You might wake up real crunchy the next day, but there's just something about it that's so much fun,” she told VPM. Gibson, who has wrestled for nine years, explained, “It's just a feeling that nothing else matches … you can just turn off and be somebody else.”
The VPM report underscored how Richmond’s local wrestling promotions have carved out a niche by hosting shows in unconventional venues like breweries and music halls, blending entertainment with community. With RVA Pro consistently drawing standing-room-only crowds, the station noted the promotion is positioning itself as one of the city’s reliable live attractions.
The full Virginia Public Media News story can be read here.