When you come to the Pro Wrestling Academy in Campbell River, the coach Mike Becherer demands three things: respect, hard work ethic and passion.
With the respect for each other, the building, the ring and the people who are part of the journey, everyone will grow. Hard work beats natural ability in the long run. Nothing can beat the time put in. Passion is the burning desire to want something so bad the sacrifices are not something we wish we could change. It is not a problem to miss anniversaries or birthdays or trips with friends. Our passion is strong to go through the ups and downs that are pro wrestling, both physically and mentally.
A man who is full of all three qualities is Comox’s own Christian Kingdon. Known in the wrestling world as Judas Icarus, the well-mannered 19-year-old joined the academy after years of being a backyarder.
Judas figured that this would be his chance to do something with pro wrestling that was at one point unattainable in his eyes. Just over a year in, Judas is taking the independent scene by storm. Icarus is making waves in the Pure Wrestling Association and Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling, while breaking into Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling, All Star Wrestling and Big West Wrestling on the mainland.
On Aug. 19, Judas Icarus scored a huge win against three of his fellow Pro Wrestling Academy training partners. The fourth annual King of the EX tournament took place in Nanaimo. This year, there were ‘for win’ and ‘get in’ matches. Haviko, Nolan James, B.C. champion Nathan Legacy and Judas Icarus all qualified. The main event was set, and Icarus became not only the 2017 King of the EX but the new PWA British Columbia champion.
Judas was seen taking photos with his newly won hardware immediately following the match. Seconds after it was done, he was exchanging hugs with his family and letting his little sister hold the championship.
Judas represented his community as champion when the Pure Wrestling Association returned to action Saturday at the Comox Valley Exhibition. Another opportunity will present itself Oct. 1 when he goes one-on-one with WWE alumnus Carlito in Campbell River.
FMI: www.PWACanada.com