New Allied Pro Wrestling to debut at Corbin Civic Center

On Saturday, April 16, the civic center in Corbin, Kentucky will see the debut of the new Allied Pro Wrestling.

Photo submitted

Veteran wrestler Henry Shaw, along with Corbin attorney Shane Romines and Jordan Cobb have purchased Appalachian Pro Wrestling out of Pikeville and rebranded it.

“I’ve always wanted to be my own boss,” said Shaw a veteran wrestler.

While the deal was closed in October, Shaw said they could not hold an event until completing the licensing process.

“Corbin has always been one of my favorite places,” Shaw said, noting that it is known as a hotbed of wrestling.

Shaw said the current roster includes 18 wrestlers, and while it will include different styles, the focus will be on Memphis style.

“It is about going after the crowd and making the crowd happy,” Shaw said, noting that the goal is to bring back that realism from the territory days when fans truly came to hate and/or fear some wrestlers.

“We will be changing up some of the rules,” Shaw added, noting that the complete list of changes will be posted on the Allied Pro Wrestling Facebook page.

However, one change he did reveal was to take a page out of Japanese wrestling by giving the wrestlers 20 seconds as opposed to 10 seconds on the outside to get back into the ring.

“You will see more action on the outside,” Shaw said.

Shaw said Allied Pro Wrestling is slated to return to the civic center on July 2 and Aug. 20.

“The civic center is hard to book because it is frequently used for weddings and other events,” Shaw explained adding that the goal is to hold a show there on a regular basis.

Allied Pro Wrestling is also looking to hold shows in Williamsburg, London, Berea and Richmond.

“There is no such thing as territories anymore, but we don’t want to step on toes,” Shaw said.

Shaw admitted that starting from scratch offers a unique problem with no established feuds and no champions.

“We are putting together wrestlers who will present the best matches,” Shaw said.

Matches on the card for Corbin include:

• Adrian Alexander v. Aaron Powers
• Tyler Logan v. Henry Shaw
• Marty Clay v. Ray Waddell
• J. Smooth v. 747

And

• Marcus Johnson v. Shane Romines

Yes, attorney Shane Romines, who previous served as the commissioner of TSW Wrestling, will be an active wrestler.

“I’m both excited and nervous,” the 45-year-old Romines said, noting that he has been learning the necessary skills in the ring at his house. “I kept wanting to get more involved. It has been on my mind for the last couple of years.”

As to his character, Romines said he will begin as one of the heels as the bad guys are known in wrestling.

“It will be me but an exaggerated version,” Romines said. “I play the Champ who is a very cocky heel.”

Shaw said while there are no title holders at the moment, there will be a heavyweight champion, a midcard belt and tag team champions at some point.

“The women will be able to go after the heavyweight belt,” Shaw said. “I’m all for that because some of the women are tough enough to go up against the men.”

Tickets to the event are $15 for the front row and $10 for general admission.

More information is available on the Allied Pro Wrestling Facebook page.