Bobby Sharp plans to make a big splash in Saskatchewan. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

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A man who holds nine regional pro wrestling championships, acknowledges there was a time not too long ago when he was in a very dark place and questioned if he would be able to step back inside the ring.

Bobby “Lion Warrior’ Sharp is among the featured talents of the latest Canadian Wrestling’s Elite (CWE) tour across Saskatchewan, and will be a part of Wednesday night’s event in Prince Albert.

In the summer of 2021, Sharp underwent a long overdue hip surgery, and then a few months later, during one of his return matches, tore his Achilles tendon. Sharp explained it was a very tough road coming back, but added he was also fortunate to have a lot of support.

“Like in 2010 [WWE Hall of Famer and current AEW star] Edge came back from the exact same injury so I figured if he can come and still have a career, then like it’s doable and it changed my mindset,” he said.

Sharp, who has experience wrestling for WWE and Stampede Wrestling, is currently working for numerous companies across Canada including CWE.

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His first professional wrestling match was in 2003, when he was 14. Recalling how he had a friend whose dad worked as a referee for Monster Pro Wrestling in Edmonton, Sharp said there was a special division and opportunities created for the wrestlers who were under the age of 18.

“It wasn’t like great training but it kind of sucked me in that this is a lot of fun and wrestling is like really, really cool”

Bobby Sharp and Kat Von Heez are Canadian wrestling’s true power couple. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Sharp continued his career as the one of the youngest active Canadian Wrestlers in history, and became the youngest Canadian Jr. Heavyweight Champion ever in March, 2005 at age 16. It was also in 2005 that the Edmonton Combative Sports Commission voted Sharp as the Professional Wrestler of the Year, and he remains the youngest recipient to win that award to date.

And while Sharp initially tried to model himself after some of his heroes (HHH, Kurt Angle and William Regal), he explained that while working in the independent he began to look up to the veterans.

“Then you get to a point where it’s just anywhere you can take knowledge from and you watch anyone you can,” he said.

The featured star on this CWE tour is Ultimo Dragon, who is making his first trip to Canada. The Japanese wrestling legend has held titles all over the world and worked for a number of big companies including WCW, WWE, and All Japan Pro wrestling. He’s also credited with popularizing the Asai Moonsault.

“This will be the last chance a lot of people get to see him perform in the ring and I hope it’s against me,” Sharp said. “The amount of stuff you are gonna get to see is incredible.”

CWE’s show in Prince Albert Wednesday night, which includes an Over The Top Rope Rumble main event, is at Plaza 88 and the doors open at 6 p.m. for VIP ticket holders; and 6:30 for everyone else.

Tickets are still available through the company’s website or at Colette Portamedic Services.

Following Prince Albert, the tour will proceed to Saskatoon Thursday night, followed by stops in Regina on Saturday and Estevan on Sunday.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell