There will be a local flavour to the upcoming High Impact Wrestling show at the Western Development Museum.
North Battleford's Brett Robinson, or Brett Morgan as he's known in the ring, will be on the card for Tour De Rumble presented by High Impact Wrestling, Saskatchewan's professional wrestling promotion.
HIW primarily puts on one or two shows a month in Regina, one or two shows a month in Moose Jaw and more shows in Melville. Their shows in Regina are broadcasted on Access TV.
The stop in the Battlefords is part of a two-part, 15-show tour across Saskatchewan. Former WCW and TNA wrestler April Hunter will be at the stop at the WDM as part of the first leg of the tour.
Robinson says HIW provides entertainment for everyone, not just the hardcore wrestling fan.
"As entertainment for the whole family, there will be comedy-type stuff and action. There'll be a wide range of different performers who can do different things."
Robinson's dream of becoming a wrestler was sparked during wrestling's last stop in the Battlefords more than a decade ago. He remembers going to the Agrivilla to take in a show by the original, but now defunct, Stampede Wrestling.
"I watched as a kid thinking that maybe one day I could do this," says Robinson. "Now, over 10 years later, it's back and I'm lucky enough to be on the card."
Robinson grew up in North Battleford and was active in athletics. He played hockey for 13 years, including time spent with the Bantam Barons. During his time at John Paul II Collegiate, he also competed on the track team.
After graduating from JPII in April 2007, Robinson had a decision to make: either continue onto a post-secondary institution or follow his dream of becoming a wrestler out of high school. He chose to work towards a degree.
"[Wrestling] was something I wanted to do right out of high school, but then I thought I wanted to get a degree first and try to focus on school so I'd have something to fall back on."
Robinson attended the University of Regina beginning in Sept. 2007, enrolling in the Film and Video Studies program. This allowed him to pursue his interest in writing about film and television and researching in general. He earned his Bachleor of Arts in April 2011 and applied to the Interdisciplinary Studies Masters program. He decided to postpone his dream again because the program was only two years and has a goal of eventually earning a PhD.
"I always put a lot of focus on my academics and enjoying school," says Robinson. "I wanted to make sure I had [a degree] for my own enjoyment because I enjoy school, but also for something to fall back on if I want to try out this crazy dream of becoming a wrestler."
Robinson completed his Masters program, graduating in Sept. 2013. He was a nominee for the Governor General's Gold Medal of Academic Merit, which was earned by having the highest academic standing in his Masters program. Robinson then faced another decision about continuing his academics. Instead of pursuing his PhD, this time he chose to follow his dream of becoming a wrestler. He decided to attempt a career at wrestling now while he was still young.
"It's not like you can do it when you're 40," says Robinson.
He moved to Calgary, Alta. in January to train at Storm Wrestling Academy under former WWE, WCW and ECW star Lance Storm. The three-month training program focused on the basics of how to do things properly without getting hurt, like taking bumps and running the ropes. Growing up a fan of Storm was one of the factors Robinson considered when choosing his school.
"I really wanted to train with him because it's the most credible training school in Canada," Robinson says. "WWE recognizes his students as being trained properly. They don't need to retrain you because you were trained in your backyard or something. He's a credible trainer."
Robison added Storm was a "down to Earth" guy, eventually pushing the training to different aspects of the match and how to put a match together. As he started working shows, Robinson needed to pick a ring name. He looked back at his time in school to help his decision.
"I tried to think of a two-syllable name I wanted to use and I want it to have some significance," says Robinson, because two-syllable names are easier to chant. "I didn't want it to be overly cartoony, like Brett Thunder or something."
He adds, "I thought of TV characters I liked and who I could just use their last name. Not necessarily their character would influence mine, but just some significance that I like that character. I wrote my masters thesis on Showtime's Dexter. So, last name Morgan."
Robinson completed the three-month course and stayed in Calgary to make a name for himself on the independent wrestling scene. He signed a full-time deal with Prairie Wrestling Alliance to perform exclusively for them in Alberta. He says independent shows are great as former stars perform at these events. He can approach them and learn from their experiences.
Recently, Robinson moved back to North Battleford. For travelling, he says the Battlefords are a more central location, allowing easier travel to both Alberta and Manitoba, where he debuts this weekend as he challenges for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight championship.
But, Robinson is still focused on the upcoming HIW show in the Battlefords. In the Saskatchewan promotion, Robinson, listed as 6-2, 240 pounds, is one of the bigger guys on the roster. However, he says there is "a lot of variety" amongst the wrestlers.
"They have a lot of guys that are really athletic," Robinson says. "Then, they have guys that are big, bulky, brawler type guys"
There are also high-flyers, comedy acts and athletic wrestlers competing for HIW. The roster will be on display Aug. 3 at the WDM. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Freedom Skate and Snow or Phoenix Source for Sports. They can also be purchased at the door, which opens at 6:30 p.m. The bell rings at 7:30 p.m.
