Pittsburgh benefit event returns

This Saturday, the Pittsburgh wrestling world will join forces, as talent from every major independent group in the region will come together for what has become the steel city’s super show of the year for the fourth edition of Stomp Out Cancer, a fundraiser that donates 100% of the event’s proceeds to the American Cancer Society.

The efforts to put together this annual event began in 2017 when Matt and Kenny Tressler, two brothers that focused their fandom and passion for professional wrestling toward a cause close to their hearts. Matt and Kenny are two of the most familiar faces on the independent scene, attending events on a near weekly basis for more than twenty five years. Over those nearly three decades, the brothers have worked in a variety of roles for nearly every local organization and developed friendships with several performers. Promotional materials, commentary, ticket tables, merch tables, and work as organizers of live cards are all on their extensive resume. Quite simply, the Tresslers became as known around the circuit as many of the athletes that had matches in the ring. They recruited their longtime friend, who they often cite as one of their brothers, Jesse Forney to design all the graphics and marketing campaign for the charitable cause. Jesse has built websites and designed posters for several independent groups and has been in the industry nearly as long as the Tresslers. Their Freebird-type faction poured their efforts into the fight against cancer, as the disease has such a devastating impact on so many from all walks of life.

Sadly, very similar to many people, cancer had a profound impact upon the Tressler family. Matt and Kenny’s mom was diagnosed with cancer in late-2011 and passed away shortly afterwards at the age of just 54. Mrs. Tressler was always known as a very caring lady, something she displayed often in her career as a nurse before her untimely passing so the brothers wanted to use the avenue of sports entertainment to honor her memory, as well as contribute to those that battle the terrible illness today.

As mentioned, the project was launched in 2017 and immediately became a must-see event for the loyal crowds of the Pittsburgh area. Over the course of the three annual events, an all-star cast of Pittsburgh talent, as well as guest stars, put on memorable performances all in the name of a noble cause, to stomp out cancer. Names like Lee Moriarty, Dennis Gregory, Troy Lords, The Mane Event, Chase Owens, Shirley Doe, Chris Hamrick, Dominic DeNucci, and numerous others have appeared on behalf of the Stomp Out Cancer efforts.

“Stomp out cancer has always been a top priority show for me to be apart of. In my life, I’ve lost two family members to cancer and friend of the family that was like a father figure to me. I’m just happy to help raise money for cancer research and hopefully one day we can finally stomp out cancer,” said Ronnie Starks, pesky ringside manager that has been a staple of the tri-state area for several years.

As we know, the COVID-19 pandemic that hit in early-2020 shuttered the entire world, with a profound effect on the pro wrestling business at every level. National organizations paused their live touring schedules in favor of closed set tapings with the safety nets of hefty television contracts to maintain their companies. For independent groups, ticket sales are such a critical part of a successful business plan that the concept of no audience for events wasn't financially realistic. Only a handful of live cards were held in the Pittsburgh area during the pandemic with limited capacity and accommodations made for safety protocols.

Obviously, the jam-packed audiences that support the Stomp Out Cancer project are what allow funds to be donated to The American Cancer Society from the ticket sales so without the option to safely run events with as many fans as possible, the Stomp Out Cancer series went on a hiatus to make sure that the event could maximize its contribution to the research efforts to combat the disease.

It wasn't until 2022 that the Pittsburgh circuit truly began to emerge from the pandemic, and it took each organization a period of time to get back on its feet with regular events to bring back its usual fan base. Now, the Pittsburgh area is thriving, with live matches held by a variety of organizations almost every weekend. Stomp Out Cancer will be the only event that will bring grapplers together from all of those stellar organizations. The International Wrestling Cartel, Prospect Pro Wrestling, Renegade Wrestling Alliance, Ryse Wrestling, and others will all be represented on the card.

After five years away, Stomp Out Cancer:The Reboot is looking to bring back the biggest and most important event of the year for Pittsburgh wrestling. Organizers, staff, and the grapplers are anticipating the return of the fundraiser.

"I took a  six-year sabbatical from the wrestling business, and in that time a group of the first guys that I met and befriended in wrestling put together these three benefit shows. I’ve popped in and out a few times since then, but considered myself retired until I was asked to participate in this year’s event. This is going to be meaningful for a few reasons. First and foremost, it’s for a great cause. I’ve lost people I love to cancer and am more than happy to give my time and some personal donations towards cancer research. Aside from that, it’s a great way to give back to some guys that have supported me since the beginning," said Dash Bennett, a former cornerstone of the NWA-East group that will lace up his boots one more time to return to the ring for the good cause.

"Stomp Out Cancer is a show that I greatly appreciate and support. The reason being that my grandmother was diagnosed with liver cancer back in Mid 2012. After fighting a tough battle, she passed in December 2012. So this show, it’s a memorial and a big support to Stomp Out Cancer," added Tad Jarvis, one half of the current Ryse Tag Team champions.

The August 17th card will be held in Uniontown, PA as well-respected veteran grappler Brandon K donated the use of his Ryse Wrestling venue, a converted Sears building in the Uniontown Mall, to host the event. With dozens of athletes slated to appear on the card, Stomp Out Cancer:The Reboot will be the biggest in the fundraiser’s history, a project that donated nearly $11,000 total to the cause over the course of three stellar events with hopes of raising the biggest funds yet for The American Cancer Society this year.