Professional wrestling allows fans to indulge in carnage, without having to visit the hospital. After a year filled with jumps from the top ropes, combatants gripped in crippling submission holds, and deafening screams from a vehement crowd, a local wrestling organization is taking the next step to create a pipeline for up and coming local entertainers.
Duke City Championship Wrestling (DCCW) is an Albuquerque-based organization celebrating its one-year anniversary and is the brainchild of Fred Slow.
Slow, who squeezes in running the wrestling operation when he’s not co-hosting a daily sports radio show, says he’s amassed a group of about 50 fans and helpers who come out every month to help set up chairs, shoot video or anything else he might need a hand with.
“We have a lot of really tough individuals that support us,” Slow says.
DCCW is now preparing to team up with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), famously owned by Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins. The NWA is also the governing body of a group of smaller, independent wrestling territories. A partnership with DCCW could mean a direct path to the pros for Albuquerque wrestlers and some special guest stars coming to Albuquerque. Slow says that if everything goes according to the plan, the local production will still go on as usual, but with “a little icing on top of that cake.”
“That icing will be the talent of the National Wrestling Alliance,” he says.
Brian Idol, a national promoter for the NWA, tells The Paper. they’re “in the process of evaluating” DCCW as a potential territory.
“I would say to this point, everything has been exceptional and I think both sides see the upside in doing it,” Idol says.
Idol says the hope is that the partnership will lead to famous faces from the world of professional wrestling.
“The goal of the NWA, on a local level, is to present fans with big-name, national talent that they otherwise may not get a chance to see in their area,” Idol says.
But it’s not just Slow and Idol who are working toward putting Albuquerque on the wrestling map — or mat.
Slow and company transform the Historic El Rey Theater into something almost unrecognizable. They assemble an entire ring that takes up the majority of the venue’s standing-room space. Most of the main stage is converted into a VIP section with seats close enough to see every detail of the elaborate matches. DCCW is a local production in its truest form, and the owners literally do a lot of the heavy lifting required to make the operation run smoothly and safely. On any given match day, Slow and his business partners can be found tightening straps and turnbuckles or testing equipment. That community support often results in new jobs and, in at least one case, new business partners.
Fernando Gonzalez, a co-owner of DCCW, was a fan at first. He returned one night to the venue after an event was over with the intention of becoming part of the DCCW family.
“I went back in while everybody was cleaning up and I introduced myself to the other members of the ownership group and just asked them for a job basically,” Gonzales says. “They were more than amenable to seeing if there was a use for me in DCCW.”
In hindsight, Gonzales seems like he’s made for his role as announcer. In addition to wearing sharp suits and yellow aviator-style sunglasses, he has a booming announcer voice that rivals many in show business.
Slow’s other partners include Joe Singer, better known to fans as the wrestler Hobo Hank, as well as Aaron Burnett, co-owner of El Rey, who can be found at the door handing out wristbands.
All hands will be on deck on May 25, not only in honor of the imminent partnership with the NWA, but also to celebrate DCCW’s one year milestone.
No birthday bash would be complete without surprises. Slow doesn’t want to give away too much, but says there will be some “fun gimmick matches.” Duke City Toys has donated some party favors and fans are encouraged to bring wrapped presents that can be used as weapons in the ring.
Slow says the one year anniversary is the perfect reminder of exactly what goes into a DCCW show, but also what wrestling means to both performers and fans.
“[We have to] remember why we’re all doing this and that it’s because it’s an art form,” Slow says. “I’m regularly impressed by the individuals who are able to express their art through my business.”
Duke City Championship Wrestling: Birthday Bash (you over the head)
Saturday May 25, 2024
El Rey Theater
Doors open at 5 p.m.
*All Ages