Reveling in the Winter Wonder Slam
Pahrump may not present much of a traditional winter wonderland but there was plenty of holiday spirit at this year’s Winter Wonder Slam.
A free family-friendly event brought to the community by Matt Sadler of A Hope Bail Bonds and pro-wrestler Sinn Bodhi, Winter Wonder Slam returned for the second year on Sunday, Dec. 22. The McCullough Arena was brimming with spectators as a host of professional athletes took to the ring for fast-paced match-ups that had the crowd screaming with enthusiasm.
The main event of the day featured the Billionaire Boys from Arizona versus new Bodhi – formerly Kizarny from WWE Smackdown and a new resident of the valley – partnering with his student and current WWE prospect, Ice Williams.
Another major contest pitted Damen Ace, managed by the Grinch, against Santa and his elves and it was one that absolutely enthralled the audience.
“The Grinch was hauled off in cuffs by Nye County Sheriff’s Office Explorers following the match for stealing Santa’s milk and cookies in front of almost 2,000 witnesses!” Bodhi detailed. “Wrestlers from Arizona, Nevada, Utah, California and Lucha Libre stars from Mexico volunteered their performances as well. Plus, we held a special meet-and-greet with ECW legend Sabu!”
Babyface Bobby Beamer and the daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Tito Santana, Jenny Santana, acted as announcers and hosts for the event, which Sadler said he could describe in just one word.
“Spectacular! Spectacular crowd, spectacular support from the volunteers and sponsors and a spectacular show!” he raved. “I don’t think the weather could have been any better for any outdoor sporting event like this. We’re estimating somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 people entered through the gates and at the peak, we must have had over 1,400 people watching from the bleachers and ground level.”
Concessions were handed out completely free of charge. “We practically ran out of everything,” Sadler said. “Over 1,100 hot dogs were eaten and easily 1,300 drinks were served. Over a thousand bags of chips were eaten and hundreds of free popcorn bags and cotton candy servings were handed out. And I’d estimate over 600 stockings were given to kids and they were stuffed with candy, keychains, mittens, smaller toys and other prizes. At the finale, larger brand-new toys were given out to at least 600-700 kids, including items like teddy bears, bicycles, LCD pads, Magnadoodles, action figures, dolls, footballs, art supplies, dart guns and so much more. And a huge bonus was the wrestlers giving out free event posters and signing them for the fans!”
“I want to personally thank the main event and show sponsors, Koolsville Tattoo, DJ Soundz, Sinn Bodhi, A Hope Bail Bonds, G Dallas Horton and Associates, John Wehrly, George Wehrly and Greg Hafen,” Sadler concluded. “Dozens of other businesses and individuals donated time and money to our cause as well. And a shout-out for my wife, Sharon, who sang a killer rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the show. This newspaper edition would probably have to be double the size for the space to express my gratitude toward all who helped! See you next year, when Winter Wonder Slam will be even better!”
Contact reporter Robin Hebrock at rhebrock@pvtimes.com
