IOWA – Souris Valley Wrestling (SVW) has made its mark in Iowa City, collaborating with Underground-Pro Wrestling as a presenting sponsor. Troy Kramm, owner and operator of SVW, recently travelled to Iowa to witness the action firsthand and strengthen ties with the wrestling community there.
For Kramm, the expansion was inevitable. SVW has been sponsoring Underground-Pro Wrestling since its launch in October 2024, and the Souris Valley Championship, currently held by Davenport’s Dane Leon, has been defended at every event.
“I personally wanted to see this happen, so I decided to make a trip down to Iowa to see this event in person,” said Kramm.
He was the only representative from Weyburn at the Iowa event, but he returned with a vision.
“By going to this event in Iowa, I was able to see how important it is to have a team of like-minded individuals together to run an event,” he said. “Currently, I am working on connecting with potential sponsors to secure a locally made wrestling ring and other equipment to host events that are 100 percent Weyburn owned.”
The Iowa event featured no-ring wresting, a gritty, high-intensity alternative to traditional wrestling.
“It is more extreme and violent,” said Kramm. “It attracts a more diverse and adult crowd than traditional wrestling. It tends to resemble a bar room brawl as the fight takes place in a venue without the traditional ring. It is much more chaotic. I will be the first to say that it is not for everyone, but those who like it, really like it.”
Kramm finds the chaos thrilling.
“Anything can and will happen at a no-ring show. These shows resemble a punk rock concert. Traditional wrestling shows are great, but going to a no-ring wrestling show is a totally unique experience. I just enjoy the energy that the crowd provides. They are loud and truly make the event even more memorable.”
Beyond the wrestling, Kramm connected with graduates of the Black and Brave Wrestling School, co-founded by WWE star Seth Rollins and Marek Brave.
“These individuals welcomed me with open arms and wanted me to feel welcome,” said Kramm. “Having the opportunity to see the Black and Brave training facility was special.”
In no-ring wrestling, performers must command the audience’s attention.
“If you are the "face" you want them to cheer, and if you are the "heel" you want them to boo,” said Kramm. “I don't want to disclose to much, but the wrestlers need to know how to work in a more intimate setting where the crowd is more likely to be unimpressed if things do not look good. They really have to give it their all and put their bodies on the line.”
While Iowa’s scene shares similarities with Saskatchewan’s, local heroes, family-friendly shows, Kramm said there is one key difference, the fan turnout.
“Wrestling has been very popular here in Saskatchewan, but there are not as many regular events that people can go to unless you live in larger cities. If things keep going the way they are, these smaller communities will see this change and have more opportunities to see events.”
Dante Leon, SVW’s reigning champion, has held the title for a year thanks to his unpredictable mix of technical skill, strong-style strikes, and high-flying dives. A Black and Brave graduate, Leon now mentors new wrestlers while competing globally.
“Dante is someone special,” said Kramm. “He is a mix of proficient technical wrestling, Japanese strong style, and high-flying insanity.”
To find out more about upcoming events with Souris Valley Wrestling, follow SourisWrestling on Instagram.
Souris Valley Wrestling Presents, Underground-Pro Wrestling 3 Match card and results:
"The Burning Star" John Bonhart VS. "The Mezican Bull" Hector De Oro. (Hector De Oro)
Souris Valley Wrestling Championship Match: Master Toadd VS. Dante Leon (Champion) (Winner: Dante Leon)
Tag Match: Calvin Kelly and Cash Kennedy (Rizzky Business) VS. Tori Fox and Izzy B (The Hot Blondes) (Winner: The Hot Blondes)
Carlos Oliva VS. Shane Boucher (Winner: Carlos Oliva)
