Oh it’s true, it’s darn true, a giant wrestling convention is coming to the city of Tampa September 16/17. If you’re a wrestling fan, then you can definitely smell what this Top Rope WrestlingCon is cooking. Some of the premiere talents of today, and legends of the past will gather at the expo hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds in the fall. Diehard wrestling fans, and casual holdovers from the Attitude Era will certainly recognize Olympic Gold Medalist, and multi-time WWE, TNA/Impact, NJPW champion Kurt Angle. The wrestling machine is one of the marquee participants in the convention.
Wrestling is in Tampa’s DNA. WWE legend Dave Bautista (Batista) calls Tampa home, and he just opened a tattoo studio downtown. WrestleMania just took over Raymond James Stadium last year, and many stars of WWE’s developmental brand NXT call the Tampa Bay region home. Early in the pandemic, WWE also taped its Raw and SmackDown shows inside Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, and in the Yuengling Center at USF Tampa. While you probably can’t see or spot him. wrestling icon turned blockbuster actor John Cena also calls Tampa home. The Tampa Bay History Center just recently hosted an exhibit dedicated to wrestling’s legacy in the state of Florida.
Event organizers have slowly announced a slew of top tier talents set to participate in meet and greets and panels during the event. Those who follow All Elite Wrestling, a new promotion that has swept the world with airtime on both TNT and TBS, are in for a true buffet of personalities. Buddy Matthews, Brody King, and Julia Hart, three members of the hard hitting, mist spewing House of Black, will be in attendance.
Scenes from WrestleMania at Raymond James Stadium
Top Rope WrestlingCon brings wrestling icons to Tampa
Anyone out there hoping to join the ranks of the Blackpool Combat Club? Lord William Regal is one of the announced panelists. Regal’s legacy in the wrestling industry is oft celebrated, yet still understated. His peaks and troughs in the industry, working through his own personal demons, and emerging in the end as the foremost voice for pure wrestling talents, is something that will grow your heart and put a glint in your eye (just before he delivers a royal knee to your cornea).
Legend Kevin Nash, aka Diesel aka Big Daddy Cool), is going to be at Top Rope WrestleCon. Few performers have more stories in the business than the former leader of the Wolfpack and co-founder of the Outsiders and The New World Order. Nash himself was at the center of the Monday Night ratings wars of the late 90s between WCW and the WWE.
Deonna Purrazzo, regarded as one of the top technicians in professional wrestling today, will perch on her own thrown at the event. Moose, former Impact World Champion, is bringing his larger than life presence to the event as well.
New Japan Pro Wrestling hosts a show inside the St. Pete Coliseum
Stars from All Elite Wrestling coming to Florida State Fairgrounds
More names are being announced daily leading up to the festivities. The team behind WrestleCon in Tampa are no strangers to the convention circuit. Spencer Steward is the owner and founder of SharkCon (now in its 8th year), and Tony Vela is the owner and founder of Green Inc Promotions.
For those unfamiliar with conventions, it isn’t simply sitting around a ring to view choreographed carnage. Through panel discussions, live interviews, and signing booths, guests get to enjoy a rare glimpse behind the curtain of pro wrestling. It’s everything every fan ever wanted to know about the life of wrestler. This is also a chance for longtime fans to show their appreciation for the women and men who put their bodies through tables, ladders, and chairs for the entertainment of millions.
Tickets are on sale now and can be secured online. Follow Top Rope WrestleCon on Facebook and Instagram to see the latest on announcements on participating wrestlers.
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