Titles on the line as pro wrestling returns to Verona for Battle in the Borough III

Sounds of song and slams are slated to once again echo throughout Verona as a local pro wrestling promotion plans its pending post-pandemic performance.

All championship titles in the Lawrence­ville-based Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) will be up for grabs in Battle in the Borough III.

Bell time is 6 p.m. on Aug. 21 at Cribbs Field along Second Street. Matches have yet to be finalized.

“We are behind the scenes planning,” said owner-promoter Bobby Orkwis. “It’s just great to be back out there.”

The Keystone State Wrestling Alliance first brought its outdoor show to Verona in 2018 and was able to build off that success with a bigger crowd in 2019.

Shows stopped in February 2020, shortly after its 20^th anniversary show at Spirit Hall and Lodge in Lawrenceville, due to the pandemic.

KSWA returned to action via an outdoor tour in May with recent stops in West Deer and Homestead among them.

“It was a rough 14 months not only for wrestling but for everyone,” Orkwis said. “With the restrictions and everything, we didn’t feel comfortable (returning sooner).

“It’s been fantastic. You don’t know if (fans are) going to come back, and they came back beyond our expectations. They just continue to show their support, which is really humbling.”

Hundreds of people are expected to be at Battle in the Borough. It is presented by the Lower Valley Athletic Foundation and Verona’s parks and recreation department.

Other upcoming events

There will be a party atmosphere not just for the return of wrestling, but for the borough’s 150th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the borough’s legendary car cruise this summer.

Riverview High School chorus is expected to sing the national anthem and “Happy Birthday” at the wrestling show.

Lower Valley Athletic Foundation members will be handling all of the raffles, including gift baskets and 50/50, as well as concessions to help raise money.

It will be the first major test of the recently built concession stand and restroom facility at the park.

“Last year we didn’t have anything, so this year it looks like everyone’s trying to make up for that,” foundation President Vince Flotta Jr. said. “We should be celebrating because it’s our 150^th birthday. We want to make sure that’s the atmosphere we keep throughout the summer. I’m hoping that all of these events build off of each other since they’re so close together.”

The car cruise is scheduled for Aug. 14 along East Railroad Avenue near the borough building.

Verona’s 150^th anniversary celebrations are scheduled at Cribbs Field for Sept. 18 and Sept. 19. More information will be released in the coming weeks.

Orkwis said the Lower Valley Athletic Foundation is one of the reasons he brought his wrestling promotion to Verona.

“That organization is very community oriented and we are very community oriented, so it’s kind of a perfect match,” Orkwis said. “It is fun to get out there. It’s important for us to be involved with the communities and give back to the communities we love.”

Keystone State Wrestling Alliance title holders include heavyweight champ Anthony Alexander, who is a Deer Lakes High School grad; Golden Triangle champ Shane Starr of Sharpsburg; Five Star champ J. Ru; and tag team champs “Big Country” Matt McGraw and the “Pittsburgh luchador” Yinza.

Riverview graduate and Verona’s own Ian Taylor, known in the wrestling circuit as BROhemoth, plans on celebrating in and out of the ring.

“It’s always a blessing to be back in my old stomping ground,” Taylor said. “I’ve loved what they’ve done with the place. I look forward to turning the town upside down. I guarantee it’s a night no one is going to forget.”

General admission is $10.

People are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Fans can expect to see the match schedule posted at kswa.net shortly after its Aug. 14 show at Laurel Highlands Council in Sharpsburg.

More information about Battle in the Borough activities is available on the event’s Facebook page.

A KSWA wrestling show is also scheduled for Aug. 20 at JB’s Roadside Bar and Grille in West Deer.