NORWICH – With names such as Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle, “The Monster” Abyss, Mickie James and the “Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe on its roster, it’s no surprise Total Nonstop Action Wrestling is one of the biggest names in the professional wrestling industry. On Friday, the Chenango County Fair will play host to the television franchise, as its Impact Wrestling World Tour takes to the ring at 7:30 p.m. at the fairground’s grandstand.
While Hogan – one of the most popular wrestlers in the history of the sport – will not be on hand for Friday’s event, Olympic gold medalist Angle, Abyss, James and Samoa Joe will be, joined by a supporting cast that also includes Mr. Anderson, Beer Money, Inc., “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero, Billy Ray, Devon, Brian Kendrick, Angelina Love & Winter, Mexican America and more.
According to Chenango County Agricultural Society President Mary Weidman, securing the Impact Wrestling Tour for this year’s fair was a conscious decision to shake things up a bit and offer fair-goers something new.
“Tickets are still available,” stated Weidman. “We wanted to offer something different this year and it’s very popular on television. We know there are a lot of people locally who really enjoy professional wrestling.”
“The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero – a member of TNA’s Impact Wrestling crew for a little over two years – said people can expect a show like no other. And when “The Pope” is in the mix, “good things are going to happen, something good is going down,” according to the wrestler.
“When Impact comes live to a town, we offer something different, something exciting. That’s what TNA Impact Wrestling does; we make sure our fans get the most bang for their buck,” said Dinero. “As long as there’s one fan, one person, one child or one parent that leaves feeling entertained, my job is done.”
While Dinero admitted it’s exciting to travel the world with such an esteemed, talented crew of wrestlers, he reminded his fans that “The Pope rolls solo.” As to how many times an opponent has managed to get the best of him, he said it makes no difference in the long run.
“It’s not how many times you get put down, it’s how many times you get back up,” stated Dinero. “That’s how I live my life. Whether it’s the people watching on the Internet or the millions of viewers on television, it’s OK to fall. It’s OK to get your shoulders pinned to the mat, the important part is getting up.”
