Ohio Hatchet Wrestling is proving they aren’t heels, as owner Larry Bailey comes out of retirement with excitement to answer a fundraising call from the Piketon Rockin’ Redstreaks Band Boosters.
While founded in 2009, Bailey is thrusting OHW back into the ring of professional wrestling management for the first time in many years.
“The Piketon Readstreak Marching Band contacted me to organize a show in Piketon. Previously, I ran shows in Logan and Athens, Ohio,” Bailey explained. “This was between 2009 and 2011. I’ve been wanting to do a rebirth since 2020 and now feels like it is the right time.”
Bailey explained that this launch is exciting because fans can expect more in the future. It can be a daunting task, according to the owner, who says venues need booked, talent needs signed, travel arrangements and hotels are planned, marketing is designed and distributed, the ring needs rented and more. Even with all that work, it is a passion he loves and is excited to bring back.
Bailey explained he never wanted to leave the business, but cost is an important factor. At the time, he ran into limitations with funding, and he says that he is now more prepared for the investment to bring his passion back to the ring. This partnership was also a little easier as a relaunch, since the venue is being provided for free, with the event serving as a fundraiser for the band.
“It is a lot of fun. Basically, seeing the fans and crowd happy is what fuels this drive,” Bailey said. “This is a kid friendly show. In the past, some shows have been more mature. For example, I’ve organized a death match in the past, which means the fans bring the weapons and they are bloody matches. Blood is now banned in Ohio and this show is a different vibe, so people can expect a show they can bring the whole family to.”
The show also features seven matches, five of which are titled matches which will consist of men and women wrestling. The title matches include women’s, heavyweight, tag team and more.
“A lot of people know it is predetermined now, but people still love the show,” Bailey said. “I grew up on this and you think the feuds are real. You think the bad guys are bad and the good guys are good and all that stuff. I want to bring a good storyline. I’ve been out of the scene for some time and this show will be the foundation of the storytelling we do in the future as we travel.”
The event will also feature a bake sale, a 50/50 raffle, opportunities to win prizes and more. The band will benefit from the concessions and side hustles completely, and a portion of tickets will go to the band, outside of some costs associated with OHW for running the show. Bailey will also have several vendors onsite with wrestling merchandise and have his own booth with swag.
The Piketon event, Don’t Call It a Comeback! Live Pro Wrestling!, will be held April 12 at 1414 Piketon Road. More information on wrestlers, the event and tickets, can be found on OHW’s Facebook page.
There will also be an opportunity for guests to get up close to the wrestlers for a meet and greet and potentially get photos. Included in the meet and greet are TNA alumni Shark Boy and ECW original “The Franchise” Shane Douglas.
According to Bailey, he has already sold over 100 tickets to the event and many remain. Ringside tickets are $20, floor tickets are $15 and bleacher seats are $10. There will be an after party at Ritchie’s Backyard BBQ.
“I’ve never presold this many tickets for a show,” Bailey said. “Ringside is already sold out, second-row seating is nearly sold out, and I still have some floor seating and bleacher seating can accommodate around 1,000 people; I think this is going to be an excellent show.”
