Wrestlers tackle Waynesboro
Organizers offer different take on traditional events
By Anne Marie Kyzer

Hulking wrestlers will take to the ring Saturday night to duke it out and deliver a message to their audience.

Unlike most wrestling shows or events, though, organizers say their message includes Christian principles instead of threats and vulgar language.

Timothy Blackmon, the founder of WFJ Pro Wrestling or Wrestling for Jesus, hopes his events will capture the attention of wrestling fans and give them life lessons they can take away from the event.

Blackmon explained that WFJ Pro events present a drama, just like most other wrestling events, but with one major difference.

"We make the drama geared toward the family and include life applications and Christian principles," he said. "Why not do something inspirational with it instead of something that's basically just garbage?"

Blackmon founded the non-profit organization five years ago as a different means to reach old and new generations of wrestling fans.

After growing up watching wrestling with his dad, Blackmon said he grew tired of the present day shows that he can't watch with his own children.

He said WFJ provides a way for him to enjoy wrestling and reach out to fans in a meaningful way.

"We have some good wrestlers. This is the way we attract the fans," he said. "But the whole purpose of the event is the message. They'll listen to me speak in my wrestling outfit faster than they'll listen to a preacher in a suit and tie."