Destiny Wrestling Organization, a wrestling company started by a handful of friends out of high school, is on the cusp of its 10-year anniversary and about to host its biggest show of the year.
Many independent wrestling companies fade out within a few years of startup. Perhaps some of the potential entrepreneurs struggle with the cost of producing a show, fulfilling state requirements or eventually lose the interest of fans and are unable to fill the venue.
But a few government contractors, a carpenter, a restaurant worker and a structural engineer found a way to defy the odds and stay viable. Despite some setbacks along the way, the company is ready for “Day of Destiny X” to take place on Saturday, Oct. 21.
Adam Merrick, one of the original owners of DWO, said the idea of starting a wrestling company began as a reunion of sorts. He and some friends that enjoyed wrestling put on a backyard production, and one of them, John Gruen, suggested they keep getting together to do shows.
Gruen said one of the first challenges in starting a wrestling company was securing an adequate ring. His mother, who he said had better credit than him or any of his friends, footed the bill for the major purchase.
“She was able to get better financing,” Gruen said with a smile. “But we took care of it, paid everything back with interest.”
And so, the ownership group was formed — essentially forming a partnership comprised of those who helped chip in to pay off the ring.
Kevin Van Der Aa Keeffe said a lot of the original matches were more “hard core” in nature. He said those matches were fun at the time, but eventually a shift was necessary to expand the audience.
A lot of fans were entertained by the barbed wire bats and “10,000 thumb tack” matches, but not necessarily conducive to putting on a family-friendly show.
As the organization grew, the state athletic commission took notice and eventually stepped in when it was determined there were compliance issues.
The shows are considered a “combat sports promotion” and have similar requirements to that of a boxing or MMA match, such competitors carrying insurance and having on-site medical staff in case of emergencies.
In a previous article, the Daily Lobo reported on DWO getting shut down by the New Mexico Athletic Commission, only to make a return to the ring after satisfying all the requirements of the state governing body.
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Over two years later the company is still going strong and seems to be as viable as ever. Josh Thomas, another of the company’s original owners, said DWO has brought in former WWE or other professional wrestlers to hype up previous “Day of Destiny” events, but this year is expected to be different.
“Before we had to rely on bringing in a big name to sell our show,” he said. “But now, we’re in a position where we don’t necessarily need that to carry us.”
The fans’ engagement with the wrestlers and the ability to produce a top-notch show have mitigated those concerns, Thomas said, adding he is confident people will show up and be entertained.
But that doesn’t mean the occasional appearance doesn’t still occur. The company has still shown a propensity to treat fans to some wrestling icons.
Earlier in the year, ECW-original Tommy Dreamer signed on to compete in the main event at “Ultimate Jeopardy” on May 13. He lost to crowd-favorite Hobo Hank, who is known for enjoying some of the fans’ concessions on his way to the ring.
Dreamer apparently enjoyed the experience. Matthew Roblez, who joined the DWO ownership group in 2011, said Dreamer discussed how well-run the organization was and his match with Hobo Hank on a popular podcast hosted by former WWE superstars Edge and Christian.
The ephemeral experience of attending a live wrestling event is something all the owners agreed makes their company’s entertainment experience attractive. The fans get to interact with the product, and not every business can say that.
“Go to the movies tonight and try yelling at the actor on the screen and see what happens,” Roblez said. “He’s not going to say anything back to you — but our wrestlers will.”
Roblez said DWO has built a reputation of “doing things the right way” and has received ringing endorsements from several of the former wrestling stars, something that continues to allow the company to attract big-name talent.
DWO has also brought in such big names as Eric Bischoff, Jeff Jarrett, Sinn Bodhi and Bubba Ray Dudley (Bully Ray at the time) in the past. And former Total Nonstop Action wrestling star Angelina Love will be present at Saturday’s upcoming event.
“Day of Destiny X” will be the 10th installment of the independent wrestling organization’s annual event.
The show will take place Saturday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Westside Community Center, located at 1250 Isleta Blvd. with tickets starting at $15.
There is also a pre-show rumble that is set to begin at 6:45 p.m. For more information about the event or other upcoming shows, visit facebook.com/DWOwrestling.
Robert Maler is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers basketball, football and tennis. He can be contacted at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Robert_Maler.
