But, say three local wrestlers, the profession needs cleaning up, and they’re doing something about it. Christian Wrestlers Coalition (CWC) is transforming the “seedy side” of wrestling with its squeaky clean shows and calls for Christian discipleship.

In the ring, Brandon Mayes is known as “Carnage Antwane.”   (Courtesy Photos)

“My two partners and I love what we do,” said Brandon Mayes, one of the group’s founders. “We have loved wrestling since we were children. But we also wanted to take the stigma out of it – that element of immorality and the sexual overtones in how the women dress.”

Mayes, whose ring name is Carnage Antwane, got together with Calvin V. Casey (Caution!) and Rodney Howard (Hot Rod) to form CWC as an alternative to mainstream wrestling.

“We still have some of the drama and story lines that get fans involved,” said Mayes. “They are essentially the good vs. evil match-ups you would ordinarily see. But we’ve taken away females in the little outfits and use of bad language. Wrestling fans love our shows, especially youth and teens. They see that wrestling is a sport the entire family can enjoy just like when we were growing up.”

Church gymnasiums, school auditoriums, and municipal facilities are sites where “Christian wrestling” can be seen across the Mid-South.

All three co-founders have harbored a passion for wrestling from a very young age. All three are now ordained ministers. They watched Saturday morning wrestling and honed their moves in backyard wrestling matches.     

Brandon Mayes is becoming a popular announcer on the wrestling circuit.

Mayes was a junior at Central High School when he got his first professional bout.  He said, “Calvin saw an amateur wrestling match on public access and called me. We knew we were so much better than those guys and emailed the sponsor. They emailed us back and made an appointment to see us. We wrestled with each other for the audition. They loved us, and we taped a match for television the very next day.”

At CWC demonstrations, wrestling matches are presented with Christian music and prayer.

“The ring is our pulpit,” said Mayes, “and it has opened so many doors for ministry to others. Thousands of wrestling fans need the Lord, and God has given us this great opportunity to evangelize through something we love so much. It’s truly been a blessing to us as well as others.”

Casey enjoys down time with wife and biggest fan, Lindsey Casey.

Casey’s passion for wrestling may be in his genes. He grew up watching it on Saturdays with his father, brothers, aunts, and cousins. Later, he was told by relatives how deeply his grandfather loved the sport.

“My grandfather had emphysema when he died, but up to the time of his death, he would go to Monday night wrestling faithfully at the Coliseum,” said Casey. “He would have his oxygen with him and everything. That’s how I feel about it. I love this sport so much. It’s got to be hereditary.”

Howard, the play-by-play announcer for several wrestling organizations, recently moved from his career in the ring to one behind a microphone. Although CWC is a new venture, he said two longtime role models helped to shape its mission.

 “You look at guys like Evander Holyfield and George Foreman and what they brought to the boxing ring,” Howard said. “We want to present good, clean fights in a wholesome atmosphere. Fans can come and cheer the good guys and boo the bad guys. Whoever wins, we have created a platform for altar prayer.”

To those who question the authenticity of wrestling, Mayes has this to say.

Rodney Howard’s  wrestling days are behind him now that he has become “Hot Rod,” the play-by-play announcer.

“Wrestling is a sport as well as a form of entertainment,” he said. “At times, someone will get hurt, but we try not to do that to each other. Wrestling is like a carefully choreographed dance, like a ballet, so to speak. It takes practice and training, but I believe anyone committed to learning the sport can be successful.”

Those interested in becoming a CWC wrestler, or to schedule a show for church or school, call (901) 596-6501 or (901) 212-1253.