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Wrestling troupe hopes to make an impact in Prince Albert

Aug 11, 2015 | 6:01 PM

High Impact Wrestling (HIW) is not like anything you’ve seen on television. The action is right in front of you, and—according to their promoter—that’s what makes it better.

“TV doesn’t compare to a live show. The energy and excitement at a live show is off the charts,” said HIW owner and promoter Mike Roberts.

The show Thursday night at Parkland Community Hall marks the wrestling company’s second stop in Prince Albert in almost a year. That’s why the company, based out of Regina, is working extra hard to make a good impression.

Roberts said all of their top stars will be coming to Prince Albert for the show.

“We’ve got a TV show that airs across the province. Unfortunately it doesn’t air in Prince Albert yet so these live shows are really important for us to get the product known,” he said. 

Tickets for Thursday’s show are available at Funky Fresh Bistro on Central Avenue. Tickets can also be bought at the door.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show is scheduled to start at 8 p.m.

Remembering Hot Rod

The wrestling industry was rocked this month by the death of legendary wrestler Rowdy Roddy Piper.

Piper, 61, died from a cardiac arrest suffered at his home in California on July 31.  A private memorial was held for Piper in Portland, Oregon on Tuesday.

Piper helped headline the first Wrestlemania with Hulk Hogan. 

The following year he fought Mr. T in a boxing match.  Few wrestling fans will forget the time he smashed a coconut over the head of Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka. 

“I don’t think anyone expected Roddy Piper to die,” said Roberts. “He was just one of those guys that you felt would always be there.”

Roberts never had the chance to meet Piper personally but said Piper was someone he looked up to. 

During one of his recent podcasts, wrestler, actor and musician Chris Jericho said Piper never got the credit he deserved.  Roberts said he agreed.

“Hogan was the juggernaut that launched the WWE to stardom but Piper was the villain who helped to get him there,” said Roberts. “There would be no Hulkamania without Roddy Piper.”

Roberts said just prior to Piper’s death, the company had been working to book him for a show next year.

nmaxwell@panow.com

Follow on Twitter: @nigelmaxwell