First Friday to feature wrestling for first time
Oct. 4—To paraphrase WWE superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson: finally, the Georgia Independent Wrestling Alliance is coming back to Milledgeville.
After more than four years of dormancy partially due to the pandemic, another chapter will be added to the local wrestling organization's book in a most unique location.
The GIWA makes its return Friday night in downtown Milledgeville as part of Main Street's First Friday for October. The Deep Roots main stage parking lot next to the post office will be transformed into an outdoor wrestling venue for this free event. Bell time is 6 p.m., and all ages are welcome to come cheer on the good guys and boo the heels in a night full of toe-to-toe action.
"It's different, fun, and why not? We are always working to bring people downtown to shop and dine through various activities and events," Main Street Director Carlee Schulte said. "The GIWA team brings in a full wrestling ring and will have a great performance for the young and young at heart."
Some seating will be set up around the ring, but fans are invited to bring their own chairs as well.
Friday night's programming is not only a departure for Main Street, but for the wrestlers as well. The National Guard Armory on Highway 49 is the GIWA's normal home and has been for a long time. Friday's event s believed to be the first held outdoors in the organization's history.
The GIWA, in conjunction with Georgia Independent Professional Wrestling out of Warner Robins, has six matches slated for First Friday Fight Night. Headlining the event is the Georgia Heavyweight Championship match between titleholder Chris "The Nashville Nightmare" Nelms and No. 1 contender "The Big Game Hunter" Johnny Camo. Nelms has held onto the belt for more than 1,800 days now and defended it, not only around the state, but the Southeast too. Now it's time to defend the gold in the town where he won it.
"It's been a long time since Camo and I stood across the ring from one another," Nelms said Monday. "I'm going to throw everything at him including the kitchen sink to keep the title."
The rest of Friday night's card includes: "The Ruffneck" Bobby Joiner versus Swole; Shawn Hunter versus Big Andy; tag team action featuring D Money and Nathaniel Vanderbilt versus Michael Walker and Troy Magnum; and Mr. Wright versus Tony James.
Kids will be able to get autographs and photos with their favorite wrestlers. Prizes will also be given out, and the first 70 kids to enter the event receive a free gift.
In addition to the wrestling action, First Friday will also have face painting artist Skyla Yates, fair foods on sale from Food Fair LLC, Kona Ice, and PaPa Peanut's boiled peanuts.
"Several nonprofits will be entertaining the kids with games and activities to participate in as well," according to the Main Street press release promoting the event.
