PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — WrestleMania kicks off at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday night. But before the big show, one South Street business is giving everyone a taste of pro wrestling action for free.
SuplexMania is a block party — with a twist.
“We’re shutting down the entire block between Sixth and Seventh on South Street, putting a ring in the middle of the street, and having live wrestling in there that is free for everyone to come see,” said Woody Kumetat, manager of Suplex Vintage Wrestling on South Street.
With WrestleMania returning to Philly for the first time in 25 years, he and his team had to do something to celebrate. That came in the form of hosting South Street’s first-ever open-air wrestling show.
“And maybe the last,” he said. “We’ll see how this goes. It’s definitely going to be historic either way.”
Suplex employee Albert Gutierrez said their goal is to bring pro wrestling to everyone.
“People who missed an opportunity to go see WWE or people who can’t afford it or people who are just out and about, they can see what we do and see what wrestling is all about,” he added.
Suplex booked a lot of independent wrestlers for the show, from local wrestling school students to bigger names like Joey Janela and All Elite Wrestling’s Nick Wayne.
The event not only celebrates pro wrestling but also South Street itself.
“South Street means so much to the history of Philadelphia,” Kumetat said, “and we’re trying to remember that as we do this thing where we put a ring here and have a moment that you just never thought could happen.”
The party takes place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Matches start at 1 p.m.
Dozens of events are happening across Philadelphia for Mania Week. Read more here.