RealProWrestling finale to run on Sunday, May 15 on PAX TV and Wednesday, May 18th/25th on Fox Sport
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Kimberly Moran (BZA)
05/12/2005
WRESTLING HISTORY IN THE MAKING WITH THE REALPROWRESTLING - OLYMPIC STYLE-WRESTLING LEAGUE INAUGURAL CHAMPIONSHIP EPISODE THIS WEEKEND LOS ANGELES - The inaugural season of the RealProWrestling league is coming to a close with the season finale Championship episode this weekend. Wrestlers will compete for $250,000 in prize money in seven individual weight classes and the inaugural Championship Team Title. The championship episode will air Sunday, May 15 on PAX at 4 p.m. ET/ PT, 3 CST/MST (2-hour airing) and will re-air on Fox Sports Net on Wednesdays: May 18 and May 25 at 3 p.m. nationally. (two hour-long airings) The television broadcasts are electrifying one-hour shows for parents and children of all ages to view and enjoy. RealProWrestling is a league presenting pure athletic performance and family values-based entertainment presented in an exciting and dramatic fashion. RealProWrestling showcases the talents of the elite athletes combining Freestyle and Greco-Roman rules and techniques. RealProWrestling provides wrestlers an opportunity to compete beyond collegiate and Olympic competition in a professional atmosphere comparable to leagues such as the NFL, MLB and NBA. Final Episode Championship Match-ups: 121 lbs. - Sammie "The Bull" Henson (Pennsylvania Hammer) vs. Teague Moore (Oklahoma Slam) 132 lbs. - Tony DeAnda (New York Outrage) vs. Zach Roberson (Iowa Stalkers) 145 lbs. - Eric Larkin (Texas Shooters) vs. Doug Schwab (Iowa Stalkers) 163 lbs. - Joe Williams (Chicago Groove) vs. Joe Heskett (Iowa Stalkers) 184 lbs. - Muhammad Lawal (Oklahoma Slam) vs. Brad Vering (New York Outrage) 211 lbs. - Daniel Cormier (Oklahoma Slam) vs. Tommy Rowlands (New York Outrage) 264 lbs. - Tolly Thompson (California Claw) vs. Pat Cummins (Pennsylvania Hammer) Video profiles are available at www.realprowrestling.com (under Teams) Current Team Standings/Points: 1. Iowa Stalkers - 87 2. New York Outrage - 56 3. Oklahoma Slam - 53 4. Pennsylvania Hammer - 50 5. Chicago Groove - 47 6. California Claw - 33 7. Texas Shooters - 13 8. Minnesota Freeze - 1 Founded in 2002, RealProWrestling is based in Nashville, Tenn. and is the creation of two former Northwestern collegiate wrestling teammates, Toby Willis and Matt Case. "Finally, the world's best wrestlers can earn a living at what they do best," said Willis, co-founder and CEO. "Wrestling fans deserve to see their heroes compete against the best in the world." According to the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA), more than one million wrestlers participated in collegiate and high school programs in the United States in 2003 with an additional 20 million individuals currently living in America having participated in the sport of wrestling in the past. Studies by National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) show that wrestling is the sixth highest participant sport in America despite not having a professional league or marketing efforts. The league consists of eight teams from around the country made up of seven different weight classes ranging from 55 kg/125 lbs. to 120 kg/250 lbs. Regional teams will include the New York Outrage, California Claw, Chicago Groove, Iowa Stalkers, Oklahoma Slam, Minnesota Freeze, Pennsylvania Hammer and the Texas Shooters. Team line-ups and coaches will be announced at a later date. Fan favorite and 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Rulon Gardner is a commentator for the league with the likes of RealProWrestling spokesperson Dan Gable (wrestling legend and Olympic Gold Medalist), and coaching staff of Bobby Douglas (wrestling legend and Olympic coach), and Steve Abas (2004 Olympic silver medalist). Matches take place atop a specially designed elevated circular wrestling mat in a 360-degree Roman coliseum-inspired arena. A total of eight cameras captured the action on the mat to present the live audience and television fans alike the greatest viewing experience. Live heart pounding music will increase the already intense atmosphere surrounding the event.