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| Marion Fontaine literally walking a tight surface here, but will figuratively walk one with the Extravaganza Photo Credit: Christopher Codina/Dirty Dirty Sheets |
TH: What was your main inspiration for the Extravaganza?
MF: It's the idea of trying to do something different in professional wrestling. I've always embraced the blend of theatrics and athleticism that you have with wrestling, so the Extravaganza is focusing on creativity in regard to characters while at the same time collecting numerous talented athletes in wrestling. The intention was to create an event where everyone is having fun; the wrestlers, the film and photo crew, the people helping out, and especially the fans.
It's honestly creating an experience for fans. It's not just the action they'll see in the ring, but the decorations, the ragtime band, the costumes people wear, among other elements that lend to the atmosphere.
TH: Was selling modern indie wrestlers on such a retro idea a challenge?
MF: Nope. Not in the least. The only person I couldn't sell the idea to was a local wheelman who owned and rode a penny farthing. He had no interest, but as far the the roster and everyone else taking part, we had no trouble gaining interest from the wrestlers.
A little less than half the roster are vintage characters as is, so they were happy to be in an environment that complements their persona. At the same time, the wrestlers that will have special vintage characters for the Extravaganza, were completely on board. I think it's reiterating the point of creating something different in professional wrestling. It's a fairly new concept for a show, and I think that's what triggered everyone's initial interest. It's going against the grain from what you usually see in independent professional wrestling and allowing the concept of these characters to be the main attraction. The entire roster is excited to be apart of this concept, and it's very encouraging.
TH: Will the in-ring stylings be fully informed by the style of the 1920s, or will there be some hybridization going on between past and present?
MF: You know I think it'll be a blend of olde and new styles. Although like to think you'll see more flying mares at this show than any other in recent memory. Most of the roster is use to performing the modern style and you'll see that come through in exhibitions, but at the same time we are very much encouraging the incorporation of vintage grappling and maneuvers.
TH: RD Evans and Matt Cross will be wrestling for the "World Championship of Professional Wrestling." Is this a sign that the Extravaganza is the first show in a new promotion, and if not, will the Championship be defended in other area promotions like Absolute Intense Wrestling or PRIME?
MF: At this point we are all really just focused on making the Extravaganza the best show we can Sunday. There will be various elements moving forward to see if additional shows are possible, but right now we want to make this Extravaganza something special, hence the inclusion of the World Championship of Professional Wrestling. A title match felt necessary and these two competitors are two perfect wrestlers to compete for it. Whether or not additional promotions will acknowledge it's prestigious lineage remains to be seen. We'd like to think that both competitors are extremely talented and marketable, and willingly to defend the title anywhere in the world.
TH: Why did you choose the Huron County Fairgrounds as a venue?
MF: It seemed like the perfect venue for a themed event of this nature. The Extravaganza is being held inside the judging barn on the grounds and has old wooden grandstands, wooden exposed beams, and two large barn doors we'll open to get a nice cool breeze moving throughout the show. The venue was another one of those elements that felt like it needed to complement the theme. The original idea was to hold the event outdoors, but we wanted to play it safe with the possible weather conditions.
TH: Will the concession stands be selling 1920s fare to keep with the mood?
MF: Actually our resident concession barker will be tossing bags of popcorn to any fans who are too drawn to the action to leave their seats. He'll be walking around throughout the show and hurling heaps of popcorn the hungry fans. Additionally, a concession truck will be present on the grounds and selling the usual fair food to patrons: hot dogs, soda pop, and other familiar menu items.
TH: You announced a moustache competition as part of the non-wrestling festivities. What other sideshows do you have scheduled?
MF: Yes, the Best Stache in Show will take place at the Extravaganza as well as an online competition for those fans who'd like to vote and aren't physically able to make the show. In addition to the moustache competition, we have two talented ladies featured at the Extravaganza. One being our ring lady, who is actually the toughest ring lady East of the Mississippi. I'd highly refrain from any cat calling towards here, unless a few gents are looking for a knuckle sandwich. Our second lady will be the famous bearded lady and will be available for photos during intermission. Our ringmaster of ceremonies will also be on hand to entertain the crowd for those few brief moment in between exhibitions.
TH: Will any of the promoted wrestlers be competing in non-match feats of strength?
MF: I believe you might see some of the strong men showcasing their feats of strength both inside and out of the square circle. The Jollyville Jeepers and Matthew Cross are a few men that come to mind who could very well put on a spectacular of strength for audience members.
TH: Bear wrestling has been a staple of the carnival circuit for years. Did you try to get a match with a bear scheduled?
MF: We actually were in the planning staging to include the infamous "Dancing Bear of Groton Township" into the Extravaganza. However we recently learned of new bear attraction amendments put in place in Erie and Huron County local legislation, which wouldn't allow us to include the bear for this Sunday.
TH: Why should the average wrestling fan make the trek out to the Extravaganza?
MF: Fans should come to the Extravaganza to be involved a truly unique experience. The effort, expenses, and time that have gone into planning this Extravaganza have all been with the audience in mind. Since the idea came together, it's always been about creating a wrestling show with an atmosphere for the fans. We've got an incredible collection of talented wrestlers on the show and many of them will be playing vintage characters specifically for the show, that I assume you'll only see at the Extravaganza. It's paying close attention to detail and the elements that take place outside of the squared circle so we can keep fans entertained every which way they look.
I really don't know where else you'll see moonshining men vs. prohibition politicians, a tough as nails ring lady, live ragtime band performing entrance music, an imperialism safari hunter, strong men, bare knuckle brawlers, a $1,000 open challenge, and a newsie handing out the hottest news off the presses. It will truly be an Extravaganza for all fans to see.
All the information one needs, right from the source himself. Why don't you be a dear and join the crowds for this landmark event in professional grappling exhibition?