New team wrestling league to be showcased Saturday at Live Casino Pittsburgh
Wrestling fans looking for something to do Saturday should head to Live Casino Pittsburgh at Westmoreland Mall for a Folkstyle Showcase Four.
A new concept for wrestling will be on display as wrestlers compete for spots on teams in the Championship Wrestling Association. Bouts begin at 7 p.m.
“The showcase is to spread awareness of the league in the fall of 2026,” CWA commissioner Derek Crawford said. “The teams will have some sort of tie to their area. That will change when we start drafting wrestlers.”
There are currently six teams in the league: Pittsburgh Skywalkers, Central Pa. Whitetails, Philly Founders, Lehigh Valley Hellbenders, New Jersey Mob and New York City Response.
“We want to solidify these six teams before we look into expanding,” Crawford said. “I always felt a professional league would work. It gives these guys an opportunity to continue their careers.”
Ticket prices are $50 for second and third rows, and $40 for general admission. The front row is sold out.
There will be four more showcases: New Jersey in August, Detroit in September, Williamsport in October and Lehigh Valley in November.
The league hopes to begin in the fall of 2026, and the teams will have a roster of 26.
There will be nine weight classes: 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 195, 220 and 300.
“We are holding this showcase to get the communities involved and give wrestlers an opportunity to compete post-college,” Crawford said.
The matches are 9 minutes long split into three 3-minute periods. The scoring will be two points for a takedown and reversal, one for an escape and two and three points for a nearfall.
A wrestler will be awarded seven points for a pin, six points for super tech fall and five points for a tech fall, four for a major and three for a decision.
Derry and Pitt grad Micky Phillippi is on the Pittsburgh team that will wrestle out of Sunny Days Arena in North Versailles. Pitt-Johnstown National Champion Cody Law is also on the team along with former Pitt heavyweight Demetrius Thomas.
Wrestlers who signed with other teams include Ed Scott, Mike and John Van Brill and Gavin Hoffman.
Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.
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