Pro wrestling makes its debut in Strathmore

By John Watson Local Journalism initiative Reporter

Making their debut visit to Strathmore, CANAM Wrestling dropped in to put on a unique and exciting show for residents, while also unveiling new partnerships, during their show on Jan. 29 at the Strathmore Civic Centre.

Otto Gentile, CEO of CANAM wrestling and the Alberta Wrestling Academy, said for fans of television such as the WWE, it was a show they definitely did not want to miss.

“If you enjoy professional wrestling and storytelling, that’s what we do best. We have an incredible roster of rookies and veterans who have been around for 20 or 30 years as well,” said Gentile.

“We’re debuting in Strathmore … I know we’re going to have an incredible show, we’re just hoping that the people of Strathmore embrace this.”

A total of seven matches were performed Saturday night ranging from individual fights for belts and titles, to tag team brawls which were performed both in and out of the ring.

In between the rowdy and chaotic matches, CANAM unveiled its partnership with Bikers Are Buddies Canada.

“We have recently signed a deal to work together to eliminate bullying from the schools, from at home, online, whatever we can do to give a community some help with outreach and education and just us being around letting the kids know that we’re there for them,” explained Gentile.

The partnership is being called the Alberta Wrestling Academy Battling Against Bullying (AWABAB), which during Saturday’s show, unveiled their new championship title to pair with the partnership.

Working against bullying isn’t the only stance CANAM takes for the betterment of wellbeing for local youths, as Gentile explained CANAM doesn’t stand for the commonly used “Canadian-American” attribution.

“CANAM has been around since 1996 and (stands for) Constantly Against Narcotic and Alcohol Misuse. We work a lot with kids who do have problems with drugs (and) alcohol, we work with kids who have disabilities,” said Gentile.

“We’re trying to do our best to spread a positive message to the communities and we’re trying to give back to the communities in taking on these kids who have these issues by giving them a second chance at life through the art of professional wrestling.”

The Alberta Wrestling Academy aspect of the organization launched on Oct. 3, 2020, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Acknowledging the presumed insanity of the decision, Gentile said the school is doing well and is proud to have begun to see students graduate and begin working as professional wrestlers. 

“We’re still going strong and a lot of our students have now graduated their training and are now working for us under the CANAM wrestling banner,” said Gentile.

“A lot of the kids do have problems that we deal with. We’re just trying to be those role models who show them that it’s okay to have these issues and to let them know that we’re there for them.”

Often, the stories that are told in the ring are about good versus evil. Gentile explained often good will triumph over evil, while other times the villain will come out victorious.

 Ultimately the goal is to engage with the crowd and have them become invested in the characters and the stories.