ORWIGSBURG - Professional wrestling was a common attraction at the Orwigsburg Veterans Memorial Building just a few decades ago. Now that the borough is working to revitalize the building, it may be that way once again.
World X-Treme Wrestling C4 held its "Memorial Showdown" on Saturday evening at Veterans Memorial Building. The event helped raise funds for the Orwigsburg Veterans Memorial Development Task Force, a group of individuals working to renovate the structure. Tickets at the gate were split between the wrestling company and the task force.
"It's good to see everyone come out and support the renovations to the building," The Great Samu Anoa'i, company owner, said Saturday. "It's a good cause for the veterans."
The 8,100-square-foot building located at 300 Grove St. was dedicated July 16, 1950, in honor of all veterans. It was closed in 2010 due to safety issues and reopened last year after improvements were made.
"This is great," borough Manager Mike Lonergan said Saturday. "It's great to see the building in use and the community supporting it and I hope it brings in more events like this one. This is what we were looking to do when we talked about it years ago."
Lonergan said the borough used to own a ring for wrestling events many years ago.
"There's a long history of wrestling in this building," Lonergan said.
Greg Stewart, president of the task force, also recalled coming to professional wrestling events featuring big names at the building when he was younger.
"It's great to see this building being used again," he said. "It shows that we are doing the right thing in getting this building back on track."
State grants and donations have been used to pay for various renovations over the last few years. As of December, more than $1 million has been raised for renovations. The next project for the building is to replace the roof and other exterior work, Stewart said.
Stewart said Gene Snisky, a former WWE wrestler now living in Orwigsburg, was key in bringing professional wrestling back to the borough,
"This building has an enormous wrestling history and everyone knows that," Snisky said. "Just for me to be part of the group of guys to help bring it back is quite an honor."
Snisky said the first event WXW had at the building was successful and there was even a larger crowd there Saturday.
"Hopefully we can make it a regular thing," he said.
At the last show in August, the company champion Lance Anoi was still recovering from a broken leg. On Saturday, he issued an open challenge to defend his championship.
"I'm a little nervous but excited as always," Anoi said before the show. "I enjoy every time I'm with the fans."
For results, videos and more information about WXW C4, visit the organization on Facebook.