Havelock heavyweights learn the ropes in local wrestling circuit

Charles Ponder likes to play the hero.

The founder of Havelock’s own Independent Circuit Wrestling Federation explains that Valek — his fist-flashing, tough-talking alter ego — is a fan favorite by design.

“I play a straight-edge character,” he said. “I’m here to eliminate evil in professional wrestling. If it wasn’t for the fans, there would be no wrestling, so I’m here for the fans.”

Ponder has wrestled as Valek since a group of wrestling enthusiasts formed the ICWF in 2001. The circuit has a stable of about a half-dozen independent pro wrestlers and three students in its Ground Zero pro wrestling school.

Ponder said his character, nicknamed the Prodigal Son, is a reflection of his gratitude to the fans who keep the ICWF rolling. Ground Zero graduates select their own identities, he said.

“You make your gimmick up based on your real-life persona and who you are,” he said. “It’s based on who you are as a person in real life.”

The stars of the Independent Circuit Wrestling Federation are athletes and entertainers, not musclebound masochists trading punches in a backyard bloodsport, he said.

“Backyard wrestling’s nothing like professional wrestling,” Ponder said. “I hate that, I despise that. It’s not really wrestling. It’s just a way for people to get hurt.”

But stepping into the squared circle isn’t for the timid. ICWF wrestlers hone their high-altitude flips and test their cardiovascular endurance in weekly training sessions at the Havelock Recreation Center.

“If you don’t have cardio, you won’t make it in this business,” said Ponder. “You’ll get blown up in a match — meaning you can’t get your breath back.”

The ICWF and Ground Zero school were based in Havelock’s East Plaza, which burned to the ground in 2006, displacing several businesses. Since the fire, wrestlers have held weekly training sessions and matches at the recreation center.

The league’s $7,000 wrestling ring is kept in Ponder’s storage building when not in use, he said.

Another wrestling school — Crash Promotions — has sprouted up in Havelock. The facility offers training for wrestlers, referees and managers and hosts pro wrestling shows in its 238-A U.S. 70 West storefront.

Ponder said the ICWF and Crash aren’t affiliated, but some local wrestlers participate in both groups’ events.

Averaging just 30 to 50 people per show when the ICWF began, attendance has climbed to between 150 and 250 for most events held in the past year, Ponder said. Fans flocked to the ICWF’s comeback show last September — the first one since the East Plaza fire — selling out the Havelock Tourist and Event Center.

“We’re very honored to have our fans,” Ponder said. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be what we are today. We’re not wrestlers if they’re not willing to support us — and that’s just like the pros. I’m not Valek. The fans make me Valek.”

Wrestlers make as little as $5 and as much as $150 per event based on ticket sales, he said, noting that all ICWF members hold one or multiple jobs. Wrestling is their passion and part-time profession, but it’s not a moneymaking venture.

“In the indie circuit, there is no money to be made,” Ponder said. “This is where you go to get noticed to go to the pros and make money.”

“There’s some guys who are in it for the wrong reasons — the money, the fame, the women,” added Daniel Bumgarner, who wrestles as Delicious Danny Darling. “That’s a waste of our time. We’re just local guys who are trying to entertain people.”

The wrestlers won’t disclose whether the outcome of their matches is ever decided before the bell rings, but they are quick to point out that the sweat, skill and athleticism that attracts fans to the ringside can’t be faked.

“They can’t say anything until they actually get in the ring and experience it,” Ponder said. “They find out just how real wrestling is.”

That’s what Will Huckaby, Dave Cook and Kyle McMilleon are discovering. The Ground Zero students met with three ICWF mainstays on Sunday afternoon to continue their training.

Aspiring pro wrestlers can learn the ropes for a $100 tryout fee and $100 monthly fee for 14 months, Ponder said, adding that all students sign a liability waiver.

“A tryout is not a matter of whether or not we say you make it,” Ponder said. “It’s a matter of whether you come back the next week.”

Huckaby, who goes by Remix in the ring, said he’s always had an interest in pro wrestling.

“There’s no greater job in the world,” he said. “Everyone wants to grow up to be a wrestler. You get to step into the ring and slam people around.”

Most ICWF stars and students grew up watching the exploits of Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and others in the pantheon of pro wrestling legends. But James Sturgeon, aka C.P.R. for Crazy Punk Rocker, said he won’t watch today’s televised pro wrestling.

“I don’t watch wrestling,” Sturgeon said. “I don’t have anything to do with wrestling except doing it. (But) I wouldn’t give it up now. It’s part of me.”

Theatrics and over-the-top storylines are integral to the wrestling world, but Ponder said the top-level wrestling leagues have sunk to lurid tales and raunchy come-ons to attract fans.

The ICWF, he said, is different.

“You don’t see any naked women running around,” he said. “There’s no foul language. This is a family show.”

Ponder said what gives him the greatest thrill is building a local legacy for independent pro wrestling.

“Ten years down the road, 20 years down the road, people will remember us,” he said. “People will remember the ICWF, and they will remember what we did for the community.”

WANT TO GO?

ICWF Labor Day Lashing

Featuring world title rematch — C.P.R. vs. Delicious Danny Darling and tag team title match — Southern Justice vs. The New Age Sheepherders

Saturday, Havelock Recreation Center

Doors open at 6 p.m., bell time 7 p.m.

Advance tickets $8, night of show $10

Tickets on sale at Havelock Recreation Center, Swing Zone Family Fun Park, Williams Farm and Garden, Trent Auto Parts

More information: www.icwfextremewrestling.com

Crash Underground pro wrestling show

Featuring Jagger, Delicious Danny Darling, Frankie Fontane and a 10-man battle royal

9 p.m. Friday, 238-A U.S. 70 West

$5 admission, limited seating available

More information: 444-9987 or www.crashwrestling.com