“Friends And Family” Are The Backbone Of Wrestling Success

The Anthony Trozzo family celebrates Shane Starr's at Millvale Days this past September.
Thanks to the Trozzo family for the photo.

 By Trapper Tom, Editor, KSWA Digest

In Indy professional wrestling, there used to be a derisive phrase called “Just friends and family,” who attended events. This was used especially when a new promotion started and there were just a few people eating popcorn in the folding chairs that circle the ring.

At one time there were also critics who complained that a federation that was growing in popularity was only buoyed by the venue offering adult beverages alongside carbonated sodas, nachos and cheese. This nag was issued even when ignoring professional sports teams in baseball, basketball and football were offering much more expensive beers along with more fanciful snack food. The crying never really made sense on both accounts, and some have borrowed that playbook themselves.

Family and friends supporting loved ones is always key to any kind of success. A brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, mother, father or grandparent (or even a “work bro”) going out of their way to encourage their family members is elementary. And special.

For a quarter of a century, family and friends have attended more than 400 Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) matches to support the Megastars. When those wrestlers have their own families, it can make for a special bonding exercise and core memories.

Family and friends bring more family and friends. Then there are neighbors, co-workers and more. In an era of social media, consistent and positive word of mouth remains the best way to sell tickets and grow a fan base.

Kris Kash takes a moment to sign an autograph for a young fan. Courtesy of Trapper Tom.

A wrestler may have children, and those wrestling fans in the making form their own friendships at events. Next thing you know, a wrestler has a corner of the arena flashing hand-drawn signs and cheering on their favorites.

In an ever-growing niche market, the “family-friendly” market for Indy wrestling remains the most grounded, and in a way groundbreaking. Just short of wholesome, it’s something a family of four can attend together, and for more than 25 years in Pittsburgh, for a family-friendly price tag.

In 25 years, Megastars in the KSWA have experienced the support and love of spouses who film matches and sell merchandise. Behind the scenes, they have offered words of encouragement and support far from the squared circle. Wives and girlfriends have befriended each other. Their children have taken robes back to the locker room or led rooting sections. Their grandparents sat in lawn chairs during outdoor shows.

In the KSWA marriages have been formed and other life-long friendships have been forged. Family and friends have bolstered a group of upstarts from Peabody High School and Bloomfield to Lawrenceville, Sheraden and hundreds of cards in between. One never knows who has or will step inside the doors of a wrestling event.

Family and friends need to be celebrated, as they are the unsung backbone of the KSWA. Here’s to all who have made this the most remarkable professional wrestling organization in Pittsburgh’s grand history.