One wrestler barked like a dog, and another got tossed out of the ring.
Bridgeview Park District doesn’t usually look like this.
But on Friday night, July 18, it turned into a full-blown wrestling arena for the district’s first-ever live professional wrestling event.
The ring lit up under strobes. Seats along the ropes filled early, and the bleachers were getting packed with families, friend groups, and fans in wrestler merch.
Two particular fans came out for Trevor Outlaw.
“It’s a great way to get the community involved with each other,” said Kylie O’Connell., who helped bring the event to life.
“It’s family friendly, and it’s very enthusiastic,” she said. “Instead of going to the movies or an arcade, which is still fun, this is very interactive and a show all in one.”
The show called “Camp Freelance” started as an idea for the district’s summer camp field trip. Kylie had the thought, why not bring wrestling to the kids?
She reached out to Trevor Outlaw, a local wrestler who trained with Freelance Wrestling Academy for years, and also her boyfriend.
“He’s one of the bad guys tonight, so we’ll be booing him,” she said, laughing.
The lineup has no dull moments. Regan Lydale fought Davina Thorne, and Stone Ambrose took on Darius Latrell. Outlaw went up against Trent Wrigley in the final match.
Then there was Good Boy, a wrestler who committed fully to acting like a dog, tail wags and all.
“This was awesome, great energy,” said attendee James Perry, who snagged a seat near the ring. “Great lineups.”
Between bites of nachos and cheese, fans cheered, booed, and kept their eyes on the ring.
O’Connell said they sold out more tickets than expected. No trip downtown, it was close to home, no big-ticket prices.
“It’s right here, in our backyard,” O’Connell said. “I’ve been going to wrestling matches for the past few years now, nothing stiff or dry. Great entertainment.”