A community of wrestlers and fans gather at Knox Presbyterian Church in Cambridge, Ont., for a night of matches organized by Cross Body Pro Wrestling Academy. The academy, founded by Ben Ortmanns about a decade ago, has found a home in the church basement where they host their wrestling events. Ortmanns is also the brains behind the YouTube series Uproar, which showcases footage from the matches held at the church. The unique setting of a wrestling school in a church basement has become a normal and accepting environment for the wrestling community.
Among the wrestlers featured in the event is Ahmed Alam, a 23-year-old immigrant from Pakistan pursuing his childhood dream of becoming a wrestler. Alam, who shifted his focus from studying to wrestling, juggles his love for the sport with his familial expectations. Another wrestler, Tyler Loveman, discovered his passion for wrestling in university after struggling with mental health challenges. Loveman, who grew up watching wrestling and idolizing stars like Edge, took drastic measures to pursue his dream and transitioned from university into wrestling school.
Laurel CassieD, the only woman wrestler on the card, developed her wrestling persona inspired by childhood memories of watching wrestling and classic cartoon characters. Wrestlers like Alam, Loveman, and Laurel CassieD have found a supportive community in the wrestling world and have made lasting friendships through their shared passion for the sport. In a highlight match of the night, newcomer Alex Gagne faced off against the current CBPW champion Mikey Jenkins, experiencing the thrill of performing in front of a crowd for the first time.
Ortmanns reflects on his own journey in the wrestling world, starting as a teenage wrestler and traveling across Canada to compete in matches against renowned wrestlers like Kenny Omega. Despite not reaching the pinnacle of professional wrestling, Ortmanns has contributed to the wrestling industry behind the scenes and founded the CBPW academy to help aspiring wrestlers fulfill their dreams. His dedication to pro wrestling and passion for mentoring young wrestlers drives him to create a supportive and inclusive environment at the academy and in the Uproar series.
The wrestling academy and its unique location in a church basement have provided a platform for up-and-coming wrestlers to showcase their talent and pursue their ambitions. Wrestlers like Alam, Loveman, Laurel CassieD, and Gagne have found a space where they can express themselves through the sport, fulfilling childhood dreams and forging lasting connections with fellow wrestling enthusiasts. Ortmanns’ vision for the school and the Uproar series is to continue growing and providing opportunities for aspiring wrestlers to hone their skills and make their mark in the wrestling world.
The wrestling event at Knox Presbyterian Church in Cambridge brings together a diverse community of wrestlers and fans who share a common passion for the sport. Through the Uproar series and the matches organized by Cross Body Pro Wrestling Academy, wrestlers like Alam, Loveman, Laurel CassieD, and Gagne have the opportunity to showcase their talents and pursue their dreams in a supportive and welcoming environment. Ortmanns’ dedication to mentoring young wrestlers and shaping the future of the wrestling industry reflects his deep love for pro wrestling and desire to help others succeed in the sport.
