UNCP student working FREE pro wrestling show this Saturday in Lumberton

By Nathan Walls
Editor

One of the top independent wrestling promotions in North Carolina will be offering a free show to its fans on May 1, and featuring a UNCP student, when World Class Extreme Wrestling (WCEW) co-hosts Leader Homes’ Customer Appreciation Day in Lumberton. Bell time is 1 p.m. and gates open at Noon for an autograph session.

UNCP senior Tre Smith, who also wrestles as Eugene M. Smith III, refereed a WCEW show last year at the Lumberton National Guard Armory and is anticipating the same role this time around, in front of his hometown.

"I feel very fortunate to be able to be involved so heavily in something I thoroughly enjoy,” Smith said. “I look forward to every show that I am involved with, and I thank all my friends, family and my fiancee in supporting me."

Smith has been an independent wrestling referee since Nov. 17, 2001, where he debuted in Columbus, N.C. for OMEGA Wrestling.

"I will eventually have to give this wrestling and referee gig up, when I graduate on May 8 and when I get married on Dec. 4,” Smith said. “I will have to start looking for a full-time job in the business world, but until then and until I step foot in my full-time employment, I am going to enjoy wrestling and being a referee."

On the card is a WCEW heavyweight title match between champion The Stro, formerly the Maestro of WCW, and “Stunning” Steve Michaels. Other matches include hardcore champion Aaron Devil putting his title up for grabs versus Tyrone Knox, tag team champions East Coast Bodily Harm defending against the Youth Fighters and a King of Lumberton Royal Rumble.

Also scheduled to appear are Team Drive By, Leo Alure, Kid Evil, Draven, Justin Feechie, Eric Gibson, "Nitestic" Eddie Brown, Indian Outlaw, "Mean" Marc Ash, DJ P Roc, Zane Dawson, Truitt Fields and Hometown Boy, all of independent wrestling fame.

Some of the same wrestlers will travel to Rockingham that night for a paid WCEW event at the Richmond County Rescue Squad, which, along with the Lumberton show, is being billed as “Double Trouble Weekend.” Admission in Rockingham is $8 for adults and $5 for children.