'It's very theatrical'

Big Whiskey, Thunder Kitty and Forever Young walk into the Wea Recreation center.

That’s not the premise of a joke; it’s the scene from Sunday night, when BMFX Wrestling Limited hosted its monthly championship, “Rise to It”. BMFX is a professional wrestling non-profit, which owner Brian Smith said makes donations to the community.

“Lots of people will say that pro wrestling is fake, but a lot of acrobatics and gymnastics are involved. It could be considered theatrical,” said Ethan Bates, head of marketing.

“We have tag teams, one-versus-one, ladders and bring-your-own- weapon-style matches where audience members can bring their own weapons for the participants to use,” Bates said.

One participant who felt especially partial to the sport was Jeremy Hadley, also known as “President” by BMFX staff.

“Pro-wrestling is the only real sport,” he said. “All of these other sports like football and basketball are fake. It’s very physical; you go home with bruises, and it is also a way of storytelling.”

Despite training since 2005, Hadley does not have a stage name, though he introduces himself as “Taylor’s version of pro wrestling.”

“Pop music has Taylor Swift, pro wrestling has me,” he said.

After falling in love with Taylor Swift’s first album, Hadley has frequently listened to the singer, incorporating her songs into his daily life during workouts and drives.

“But I prefer the old Taylor, you know.”

Grande All Invitational Champion “Big Whiskey” Jared Kripke won the competition in a triple threat match, allowing him to maintain his title as company champion.

“I just love representing my hometown and professional wrestling. Me traveling around a lot, it’s nice to be able to represent Lafayette,” Kripke said.

Similar to BMFX’s mission, representing Lafayette is essential for Kripke.

“I just get to be known as Lafayette, the best from Lafayette.”

Kripke has been wrestling for nine years and even featured in the Netflix documentary “Wrestlers.”

When asked if he had done anything to celebrate, Kripke said, “I mean, my name is Big Whiskey.”