KSWA Fan Fest and toy drive for Allegheny County families returns after pandemic hiatus

Four professional wrestling title matches are part of a charity event featuring two pro wrestling hall-of-famers and, perhaps, a partridge in a pear tree.

The Keystone State Wrestling Alliance will host its 13th annual Fan Fest and Holiday Toy Drive on Dec. 4 at Three Rivers Harley-Davidson in the Glenshaw section of Shaler.

Patrons are urged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for those in need. Toys are being collected for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services’ Holiday Project.

“It’s a way to give back,” KWSA owner and promoter Bobby Orkwis said. “We have an opportunity to say thanks to the fans, and we believe in being very community oriented.

“It’s always one of the best shows of the year because we not only get to give back to the fans but to the disadvantaged youths. Our expectations are high. It’s a great venue. Wrestling and motorcycles go hand in hand. It should be a fun time.”

More than 100 toys have been collected at each previous fan fest, something DHS Director Erin Dalton appreciates.

“The Keystone State Wrestling Alliance has been a supporter of the Holiday Project for more than a decade, and we truly value their continued generosity,” Dalton said. “We are fortunate in Allegheny County to have community groups of all sizes, and from very diverse sectors, stepping up to provide donations and ensuring that children and youth facing challenges can have a sense of normalcy during the holidays.”

Fan Fest was canceled last year due to the pandemic.

The company was able to secure the venue through a partnership with George Gatto, president at Gatto Harley-Davidson as well as president and dealer operator of Gatto Cycle Shop in Tarentum.

“It’s almost like it’s brand new again,” Orkwis said.

KSWA also had its Halloween show at the motorcycle shop earlier this year.

Fan Fest matches

Heavyweight champ Anthony Alexander puts his title on the line against Edric Everhart.

Local wrestling legends Bubba the Bulldog and Super Hentai will take on “The Rev.” Ron Hunt and AJ Alexander.

The tag team titles will be decided in a gauntlet match with champions The Renegades versus “Officer” Dan Murphy and Harley T. Morris versus “The Ram” Anthony Drake and Sin Born versus “The King” Del Douglas and Verona’s own BROhemoth.

Golden Triangle champ Shane Starr defends his belt against Lucio Deveer.

Scarlett and Gabby Gilbert face off in the inaugural Donna Christanello Memorial Match.

Donna Christenello, a Pittsburgh native, was a pro wrestler trained by women’s wrestling icon and WWE Hall of Famer The Fabulous Moolah. Christenello was active from the late 1960s through the ‘80s and was a National Wrestling Alliance tag team champ with partner Toni Rose in the 1970s.

Christanello was inducted into the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2009. She died in August 2011 at age 69.

She and her niece, Angie Minelli, are both in the KSWA Hall of Fame even though neither of them formally wrestled for the company. Orkwis called the pair trailblazers for women’s wrestling in the Steel City.

“We always try to honor our past,” Orkwis said. “We thought it would be a great way to honor (Christanello) by having the first ever memorial match.”

KSWA senior referee Shawn Patrick, known to wrestling fans as the pride of Springdale, is expected to officiate most of the matches.

Special guests James J. Dillon and “Cowboy” Bob Orton, both members of the WWE Hall of Fame, are also expected to attend.

The card is subject to change.