The Devine Prophet

The current Slam Academy champion and leader of The Church of The Devine Prophecy may have one of the most unique looks in ECCW history. With his trademark beard and gear that reads “Jesus Saves”, The Devine Prophet claims to be ridding ECCW of “Sinners”. So taking part in Wrestling with Hunger doesn’t seem that far off from what he claims to do on a daily basis.

A new comer to the wrestling scene he quickly rose to the top of fan’s radar with his gospel interviews and over the top mannerisms, making the Devine Prophet one of ECCW’s fastest rising stars.

“You see boy, I can see it in everyone’s eyes. They are just waiting to repent, and I am giving them an outlet. What better way to help out your fellow man than to raise money for the less fortunate. Of course the Devine Prophet has to lead the way for his followers, and that’s exactly what I am doing here today, boy.”

His rather different approach on WWH brings some diversity to the weekend and wanted to leave everyone with his final words. “My children, I expect to see you at Wrestling with Hunger for the full three days. Hunger doesn’t sleep; hunger doesn’t take cat naps like that Manther creature. He’ll be watching my children, will you?”

El Phantasmo

Voted 2008’s most popular wrestler by the fans of ECCW, El Phantasmo is never one to disappoint any audience he is in front of.  Be it his comedy classics with Calgary’s Randy Meyers, his wrestling clinics with Kyle O’Reilly or his high flying showcases with his former tag partner Artimus Spencer (formerly Halo).

Phantasmo gives 110 percent every time he steps into the ring and the fans never forget it. Although speaking only ever in broken English, one has to wonder can he actually speak English? Or is it just Phantasmo being… well Phantasmo.

When asked what he personally will get out of Wresting with Hunger he responded with “Backrubs, hopefully lots of backrubs.  I’ve been eating my greens, taking my vitamins, and boosting the exercise department”.

All kidding aside El Phantasmo is always in top physical condition and one can only assume that the WWH weekend will be no different.

Jamie Diaz

Graduating at the top of his class at the Slam Academy in November 2007, Jamie Diaz was a bright new face in ECCW at the age of 17.  He formed a wildly popular Tag team with fellow graduate Todd Quality and even gained a spot in the Illustrious Pacific Cup Tournament a mere seven months after he graduated.

With a new attitude the young upstart has already qualified for the 2009 Pacific Cup by defeating his former best friend and tag partner Todd Quality. Diaz started 2009 with a new outlook and looks to ride his recent wave of success right into Wrestling with Hunger.

Being able to help out such a worthy cause while doing something he loves is what really caught the eye of the young Jamie Diaz; “It’s a good cause, I like the fact I can help people all throughout my community by doing what I love most in my life and that’s wrestling”.

Although already in the gym a minimum of four days a week, Diaz has upped his regimate for the upcoming world record event, “Lots of cardio and conditioning, even though it would be nice the win them all, my main goal is to stay alive.”

Mike Dempsey

Active since 2004, “Mean streak” Mike Dempsey has wrestled all across British Columbia and even into America becoming a main stay in Oregon promotion WCCW.

The Former Junior Heavyweight and Tag Team champion cites some of his best matches with former ECW/WWE star The Blue Meanie and current ECW Standout Tyson Kidd, formerly known as TJ Wilson, during his ECCW tenure.

A huge professional wrestling fan growing up, Dempsey jumped at the chance to train at ECCW’s original school The House of Pain and follow in the footsteps of his childhood idols.

Never one to step away from any challenge, especially one as noble as Wrestling With Hunger, Dempsey is thrilled to be involved with something like this. “When I heard about the this event I jumped on board as quick as possible. It’s obviously a great opportunity to be a part of something special, as well as an opportunity to gain valuable experience as an athlete”.

Although just recently getting over some long standing injuries, Mike Dempsey is ready for the challenge, “I’ve been rehabbing a nagging injury which has seen me altering my gym workouts, but I am ready to do my part in setting that record!”.

Red Money

The self proclaimed “first entrepreneur” of ECCW may not look like a business man but he takes Red Money Entertainment very seriously.

The 21 year old is relatively new to the wrestling scene but is quickly turning heads all over the Pacific Northwest. With his carefree high flying move set, Money has already started to make the leap from the small student show’s to the much larger feature shows that ECCW holds all over the lower mainland.

Wrestling With Hunger may be exactly what the young upstart needs to help him get some more experience under his belt and really use 2009 to be a breakout star.

“Being a part of wrestling with hunger is a great chance to give back to the community and to be part of something I will remember forever”.

Like many who are taking part in WWH Red Money is more than happy to lend a hand by doing something he loves to do while making a difference across British Columbia and hopefully across Canada as well.  He understands it’s not going to be physically or mentally easy but has been training hard in order to step up to the plate; “I am working out, working on my cardio. It’s going to be very draining on the body, so I’m trying to train it to be okay the whole show”.

Wrestlers to pile-drive hunger for food bank

In the ring, wrestlers Cole Bishop and Scotty Mac are not known for their charity work.

But next weekend the pair will join 20 of their wrestling brothers in showing off their pile-drivers, knee drops and face locks all for a good cause.

Wrestling With Hunger is a three-day event that will raise money and food for the Share food bank and will hopefully set a Guinness record for longest wrestling show ever.

Event organizer Dave Teixeira promises three days of continuous, around-the-clock wrestling action starting April 2 and ending April 5 at 2 p.m., a feat, he said, that has never been accomplished. And while people get their fill of the fighting in the ring they are encouraged to make a food or money donation to the Share Family and Community Services Society.

Whether or not the wrestlers can endure the wear and tear of continuous entertainment is yet to be seen. But Teixeira said the public is welcome to come down to Hyde Creek recreation centre (1379 Laurier Ave.) and watch the action any time they wish.

“We have people that have told us they are going to come down in the middle of the night… just to keep us honest,” said Teixeira, who added fans can also follow on the Wrestling With Hunger website, where results will be posted after every match.

Teixeira said the facility is perfect for a three-day marathon wrestling event. With a gym and hot tub nearby the wrestlers will be able to keep their bodies in tune for the grueling demands they will face over the weekend. There will even be a trailer with bunk beds where the entertainers can sleep between bouts.

The timing for the event could not be better for the organization, as it has seen food stocks dwindle in part because of the economic downturn. Last year Share served approximately 64,000 people in the region, giving out 225,000 pounds of food worth $600,000.

Earlier this month Share executive director Joanne Granek told PoCo city council she anticipated the number of food bank users to rise, given the current state of the economy.

“A lot of people think about food drives at Christmas time,” said Teixeira. “That food does not last beyond April.”

Even those who are not wrestling enthusiasts are invited to enjoy the event, said Teixeira. The show begins April 2 and will continue until 2 p.m. on April 5. For more information go to www.wrestlingwithhunger.com or contact Dave Teixeira at dave@dave.ca.

Gary McKenna - Tri-City News - Photo credit Craig Hodge

Wrestling With Hunger Weekend proclaimed in Port Coquitlam

It was an odd scene at Port Coquitlam City Hall last night when 15 or so wrestlers and volunteers from Wrestling With Hunger sat in on the start of the meeting.  Sure some of the city staffers, general public and even City Councillors looked a bit confused but this just added to the fun of it all.

The City of Port Coquitlam have been great in being the host city for this inannual Wrestling With Hunger event.  Last night Mayor Greg Moore proclaimed April 2nd to 5th “Wrestling With Hunger” weekend.

I gave a five minute Powerpoint presentation outlining the details of the event.  Heather Scott from SHARE Family & Community Services talked about the need at the food banks and what sort of food should be dontated during this drive.

After the presentation, Mayor Moore read the following proclamation:

Whereas:  Reducing and eventually elliminating hunger in our Province is a priority in our city; and

Whereas:  SHARE Family Services is committed to the fight against hunger and provides an important service to thousands of meedy people who depend on food banks in order to feed themselves and their families; and

Whereas:  A partnership of individuals, organizations and businesses have a role to play in helping SHARE with their initiatives; and

Whereas:  “Wrestling With Hunger” is organizing the inaugural fundraising world record attempt in aid of our local food banks.

Now therefore:  I, Greg Moore, Mayor of the Corporation of The City of Port Coquitlam, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM

April 2nd to 5th, 2009

“Wrestling With Hunger Weekend”

After some photos in the hallways which will hopefully make their way into the press we headed back to the wrestling school (Slam Academy) where most of the wrestlers continued training for their three days of wrestling.

If you can watch the video of the presentation below.  Again, thank-you Mayor Moore and the City of Port Coquitlam for your great support!

Enjoy!

Going over the details with the wrestlers

This morning most of the wrestlers in Wrestling With Hunger and a number of support volunteers came out to a meeting at our wrestling school (The Slam Academy).  The energy was awesome!

We went over just how the schedule of matches will be created, when and what will be served for meals, shared media exposure and generally getting pumped up for the big event which is less than two weeks away.

I still am blown away by the support these wrestlers are giving to his endeavor.  Giving up school, work, time from their family, etc. in order to help the hungry in our community.

Also - did I mention a documentary crew was there to film?  I will have to go into more detail in a future post.

I gave out a list of “stuff” the wrestlers should pack for their three day adventure.  Part of the requirements of the world record is that the wrestlers cannot leave the venue.

Did I miss anything from the list below?

CLOTHES
- lots of towels, for after matches and showers
- shaving and shower kit (shampoo, deodorant, etc)
- garbage bag for dirty clothes
- as many underwear and socks as you can bring
- gym workout clothes
- sandals
- comfortable clothes for hanging around (including after party)
- your Wrestling With Hunger T-shirt
- refs - wear your Wrestling With Hunger T-Shirt and black pants

ENTERTAINMENT
- iPod and charger
- DVDs
- cell phone and charger
- camcorder and charger
- laptop and charger
- digital camera and charger
- books / magazines
- NOTE: we will have a TV and DVD

SLEEPING
- pillows
- sleeping bag
- blankets
- toque
- warm clothes / PJs
- ear plugs / eye mask

WRESTLING
- ALL the wrestling gear, boots, etc. you have

OTHER
- protein bars / shakes / cups
- aspirin / ibuprofen

FOOD
- we are supplying you with three meals a day
- if you want to bring more items, there is a fridge, stove and microwave

Tomorrow we do more media then head over to Port Coquiltam City Hall where I will do a presentation to City Council and the Mayor Greg Moore will proclaim April 2nd to 5th “Wrestling With Hunger Weekend”!  This will be fun!

Volt Vegas

At the young age of 18, Volt Vegas is living out his dream wrestling for ECCW. Consequentially, he hopes to make a splash in the biggest opportunity of his career:  Wrestling with Hunger!

At 6’4 and 230 pounds, Volt Vegas is one of ECCW’s prominent rookies. He had his first match at Season Beatings on December 26th, and has opened a lot of eyes in ECCW. But easily, Wrestling with Hunger is Volt career highlight and he couldn’t be any happier “We are here to solve one of the biggest problems of the world, which is World Hunger. I am proud to be wrestling for 3 days straight to help this problem.”

Volt loves the fact that he can help people in need “No one should have to go to bed hungry and knowing that I am trying to help in a situation like this, makes me feel good about myself.”

ECCW gives back to the community and Volt loves being a part of Wrestling with Hunger. “We provide the community with shows every once in a while but showing that we are willing to take it this far, people will hopefully respect us and appreciate what we, the wrestlers of ECCW are doing.”

Five Questions with Volt Vegas

Q: What do your friends and family think about you doing Wrestling for Hunger?
A: They support me, and think it’s really cool. Not only am I helping out, but I get to, along with 19 of my fellow wrestlers, get to set a world record.

Q: What has been your favorite arena to wrestle in and why?
A: The Bridgeview Hall, hands down. The atmosphere there is incredible. When the fans are pumped, I get pumped and that makes me want to put on the best show that I possibly can.

Q: What is your most memorable?
A: Easily, my last match with Danni Deeds in our feud. I was so sick that night, but I managed to still put on a really good show. When I hit the spear when he came off the top rope, I knew it was great!

Q: Why did you get into wrestling?
A: When I was six I watched my first show, and it was ECW. From that point on, I knew I wanted to be a professional wrestler.

Q: What do you wish to achieve in the next 12 months in your wrestling career?
A: I hope to develop a tag team with someone and be in top contention for the tag belts. To follow the footsteps of my favorite tag team, Edge & Christian. By the time I am done wrestling, I want to be known as the guy who held the most tag team championships in the history of wrestling.

Scott Steel

Scott Steel is trying to make an impact in ECCW, but for 72 hours, he will try and make an impact for Wrestling with Hunger!

Scott started out wrestling on June 11th 2005. What a debut it was, a four way ladder match with Mike Dempsey, Ice, and Halo! That was defiantly a statement to the wrestling world on Scott’s style - pedal to the medal!

Steele got his break  in Salem Oregon for WCWC. Shortly thereafter, he got an opportunity to wrestle for ECCW.

Scott is really looking forward to such a unique opportunity that Wrestling with Hunger gives. “It matters to me a lot because we need to support the community, the way they have supported local wrestling.”

Scott knows he can help, and is looking forward to it! “It means a great deal to give back to the people because if I were ever in that place I would hope that there would be someone there to help me.”

Five Questions with Scott Steel

Q: What do your friends and/or family think about this?
A: They are very proud of me for getting involved with such a good cause.

Q: How are you preparing for this world record attempt?
A: Working out four days a week with intense weight lifting and cardio. I need to be in tip-top physical condition!

Q: What has been your best and most memorable match?
A: My best match would have to when Ice and I tagged up to face Memphis Raines & Mike Dempsey in the WCWC. However, my most memorable would have to be vs. Kyle O’Reilly in Comox, B.C.

Q: What is your biggest rival and describe your history with him?
A: Easily, the rivalry would be with B.J Laredo (then Kid Xtreme). We’ve known each other since high school and we try to out do one another in every way possible. We now are a team though, hopefully will be just as good as a team as we were enemies!

Q: Why did you get into wrestling?
A: I  got in to wrestling because I’ve always loved to watch it as a child, and wanted to be part of it because it was my dream.

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