Resistance Pro Wrestling Grows: My Visit

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For the past year I have had the pleasure of watching Resistance Pro Wrestling grow from a start-up backyard wrestling event to one of the most talked-about independent wrestling leagues in the industry.

Bringing back the intense drama of the classic 1980's Wrestlemania series, Resistance Pro has garnered lots of press in its first two years as something completely different from modern day wrestling and it's super serious cousin, mixed martial arts.

Traveling around Chicagoland (and soon to be touring America), Resistance Pro Wrestling has set up shop in local high schools, local dance clubs and the venue I prefer, Arabian Knights Horse Barn in the western Chicago suburb Willowbrook.

Creative director Billy Corgan from The Smashing Pumpkins is not a distant, off-site consultant, instead he is at every single event, helping with story lines, motivation and ultimately exposure for the young league.

His brother Jesse, a personal friend of mine, may just be next great heel (bad guy) in American wrestling, playing evil Colonel Jesse Corgan. Colonel Jesse craves the spotlight and wants to tear Resistance Pro Wrestling away from his brother. His "therapist" the lovely Miss Prig is at Jesse's side at all times helping their eventual take over of the league.

On the other side of the coin, heroes like Ego, Erik St.

Vaughn, Lonesome Jay Bradley and Jocephus Brody all represent "good" in a variety of incarnations. Good does not always prevail at Resistance Pro, but isn't the same true of life?

Behind the scenes, Resistance Pro Wrestling is just as good-hearted. Jesse allowed me to come to the event early and watch all of the blood, sweat and tears that goes into practicing for each match during the event.

Meeting all the wrestlers was awesome.

I thought at least a few of them would be stand-off-ish and egotistical, but each wrestler was kind and hospitable to me, the new face at the barn. Even the wrestler "Ego" seemed quite ego-less during the pre-show.

The coolest part of the day was sitting in on the "business meeting." The two owners (who are brothers) and creative director Billy Corgan all gave inspiring pep talks about the bigger picture of Resistance Pro. News about their reality show pilot for AMC was discussed, but also the fact that acquiring that goal means there must be another level of hard work and determination.

I was very impressed by their pragmatism and knowledge of what it takes to make it in the wrestling business.

The future of Resistance Pro Wrestling is indeed bright. They will be back at Arabian Knights Horsebarn at 6526 Clarendon Hills Road, Willowbrook, IL Friday July 25th for the event "The Mob Rules." The league has also started a community outreach program P.O.P. (Positive Outreach Program) helping the underprivileged all over Chicagoland. All the good karma is bound to pay-off for this young wrestling promotion.

For more info on Resistance Pro: http://resistancepro.com