Seattle Smacks Down Fake Wrestling League

Classifies spoof as a sport, then regulates it

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 25, 2009 9:39 AM CDT

(Newser) – Seattle has put the smackdown on a mock-wrestling circuit that stages WWE-style bouts in bars, putting the fake league is in the strange position of trying to prove its antics aren't a sport. Seattle Semi-Pro Wrestling, which started as an "art joke" in 2003, says it's merely staging theatrical "fight cabaret." But the city has ruled otherwise—with pricey consequences, reports the Wall Street Journal.

As "sports entertainment," the SSP would have to hire medical personnel and buy a regulation wrestling ring, in addition to posting a $10,000 bond. The league's paltry budget can't cover that, members say. They blame their situation on retribution from a character they wrote an embarrassing story arc for: The Banana got mad that his Second Banana sidekick was about to betray him and blew the whistle.

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[Videos (3)]

The days of amateur wrestling on the Seattle Semi-Pro circuit are probably over, since the state wants to classify the group as a sport, and levy fees that the volunteer performers can't pay. (©antjeverena)

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Mr. Fitness VS. Deevious Silvertongue, in a fight of the Seattle Semi-Pro Wrestling league. (reaxmusic)

Bars host semi-pro wrestling events where onlookers can whip beer cans at the contestants. (csiteric)

Chronic Pain Match Part 4: Draven Lawless vs Master Blaster Fight for the Pacific Middleweight Championship in the Seattle Semi-Pro wrestling league. (JakeBriggs)

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Seattle Smacks Down Fake Wrestling League