Growing in popularity
Former WWE superstars to compete in
upcoming 3XWrestling event
By Matt “It’s MillerTime” Miller
When the music starts up and the lights turn on, a feeling of comfort overcomes Gabe Thompson as he steps into the ring. Thompson, a.k.a. “Gage Octane,” is one of approximately 20 professional wrestlers on the 3XWrestling (3XW) roster making a name for himself in central Iowa. And while many sports fans in Des Moines attend major venues like Wells Fargo Arena and Principal Park, 3XW continues to grow in popularity in a new location (Des Moines Social Club, 1408 Locust St.) while attracting headliners affiliated with the sport.
“I have worked with a number of organizations that are not as well run as 3XWrestling,” said Thompson, an Ankeny resident. “It’s important to have stability as an independent professional wrestler, and that’s what this organization is about. It’s one of the top notch ones in the Midwest.”
3XW was formed in early 2005 as a way of providing central Iowa professional wrestling fans with a form of exciting entertainment. The organization held four live events in 2005, 12 in 2006, 11 in 2007 and 12 in 2008. 3XW has held events across the state including in Adel, Waukee, Perry, Ottumwa and Des Moines. It recently celebrated its four-year anniversary on July 17.
“Overall, 3XWrestling has being going well,” said Todd Countryman, co-owner of 3XW. “It’s hard to get the name out there when you’re working with a limited budget. It’s had its ups and downs, but for the most part, I feel confident where we’re headed.”
Countryman says bringing in big names associated with wrestling has helped audience numbers. On Sept. 18 at Clobberpalooza Classic II, 3XW will host former World Wrestling Entertainment and Extreme Championship Wrestling superstar Al Snow. Snow was a fan favorite in the WWE more than 10 years ago when the industry was at its peak among cable television ratings. TNA Wrestling and former WWE wrestler Sheik Abdul Bashir will also make an appearance, challenging Zach Thompson and Mike Sydal in the 3XW Tag Team championship.
“It’s exciting to have these guys come to Des Moines,” Countryman said. “It’ll be a treat for our regular fans and first-time visitors.”
Thompson agrees.
“It’s great for the organization as a whole when names like Snow and Sheik not only visit, but compete,” he said. “Your average wrestling fan might not know them, but the real wrestling fan will enjoy it a lot.”
In the 10 years that Thompson has been wrestling professionally, he says the pain he has endured is worth his time.
“Sometimes it’s a three-ring circus out there,” he said. “It’s not something you see every day in Des Moines. Wrestling used to be a taboo thing, but it’s not anymore. There’s something for everyone.”
While 3XW may never have the popularity of Monday Night Raw or some of the profession’s biggest names, Countryman says things are on the upswing for this brand of entertainment in downtown Des Moines.
“The sport has become more visible now that we’re at the Des Moines Social Club than in years past,” Countryman said. “We don’t want people to think about WWE once or twice a year when it comes to Des Moines, but more about 3XWrestling which is happening all the time right in their own backyard.”
Locker Room note: The first-ever TimberPine 5K Pumpkin Run/Walk Off-Road Race will take place on Sept. 26 at the TimberPine Nursery, 18863 Jewell Drive in Earlham. The race begins at 9:30 a.m. and a free kid’s pumpkin patch dash will be at 10:30 a.m. Registration is $20 by Friday, Sept. 11. Cost varies until race day. Proceeds will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. Call 834-2712 or visit www.timberpine.com. CV
Caption: Gabe Thompson, a.k.a. “Gage Octane” goes for the headlock against Zach Thompson. Visit www.3xwrestling.com. Photo courtesy of Todd Countryman
