No ring wrestling brings the pain to Ridgeway Legion
December 14, 2025 at 7:44 AM
Wrestling returned to the Ridgeway Legion on Saturday night as fans watched a no ring match unfold feet away from the action.
The event took place December 13 at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 230 in Ridgeway, where Hybrid Championship Wrestling staged a no ring deathmatch show starting at 5 p.m. The card featured professional wrestlers from Ontario, Quebec and the United States performing without ropes or barriers inside the Legion hall.
Ethan Strong and Wade Allan collide during the opening match at the Ridgeway Legion while spectators keep a safe distance. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie RadioPromoter and organizer William Porter told Fort Erie Radio the decision to run the show in Ridgeway was rooted in local history and access.
“Just being able to bring something to a small town was such a great goal to have,” said Porter. “There’s been professional wrestling in Fort Erie and Ridgeway for many years, so that’s why we bring it back.”
Weapons are laid out before the opening no ring deathmatch at the Ridgeway Legion. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie RadioUnlike traditional wrestling, the no ring format placed competitors directly on the floor with fans positioned only steps away. The style allowed the use of handheld objects as weapons, a defining feature of deathmatch wrestling.
Porter said the Ridgeway show leaned more heavily into that format than some of the promotion’s past events–such as last year’s event by Sharp Wrestling–while still blending elements of standard professional wrestling.
Wade Allan delivers a strike to Ethan Strong in the first bout of the night. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie RadioBefore the first match, announcer Billy the Deathmatch Janitor gave safety instructions to the crowd, with the no ring format placing fans only feet from the action.
“If a wrestler’s coming your way, get out of their way,” said Billy.
The opening bout saw Ethan Strong challenge Wade Allan, with Allan answering Strong’s call from the back and winning after a short, physical fight on the Legion floor.
Wade Allan stands over Ethan Strong during the no ring opening match. Credit: Andrew Hawlitzky | Fort Erie Radio“Hit him again,” shouted a spectator.
“I’m working on it,” said Ethan Strong, after some close jabs to the face.
The Legion operated food and bar service throughout the night and ran a 50/50 raffle, with proceeds going to support Branch 230’s mission of serving the community.
The promotion plans additional events in the region in the new year, with future dates expected to be announced by the organizers.
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About The Author
Andrew Hawlitzky
Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation. "If you don't like the news, go out and make some!"
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