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Minneapolis

Photos: Pro wrestling is alive and kicking in Uptown

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Wrestlers and their entourage headed to the ring.
Wrestlers Mitch Paradise, left, and Billy Blaze made their way to the ring with their entourage. They were part of an evening of pro wrestling put on by Prime Time Wrestling at Calhoun Square on Aug. 29.
Matthew Hintz for MPR News

Prime Time Wrestling organized a free series of wrestling matches at Calhoun Square in Minneapolis' trendy Uptown neighborhood, which has exposed the sport to some new possible fans.

"We get some hipsters down there that usually wouldn't go out of there way to go to a wrestling match," Gregory McDonald, Prime Time owner, said. "They see it, they walk in, and seem to stay and like it."

Minnesota has long been known as a mecca for pro wrestling, largely due to the influence of Verne Gagne, who ran the American Wrestling Association out of Minneapolis until 1991. McDonald said the independent professional wrestling companies in the country have been thriving.

Photojournalist Matthew Hintz attended last month's match. The next free night of wrestling is Sept. 26 outside Calhoun Square.

Gallery
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Roadhouse Ross laid on the ground.
Roadhouse Ross laid on the ground near the crowd as he recovered from a hard hit from his opponent.
Matthew Hintz for MPR News
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Wrestlers and their entourage headed to the ring.
Wrestlers Mitch Paradise, left, and Billy Blaze made their way to the ring with their entourage. They were part of an evening of pro wrestling put on by Prime Time Wrestling at Calhoun Square on Aug. 29.
Matthew Hintz for MPR News
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The tag team known as Cat and Frog Connection
The tag team known as Cat and Frog Connection were introduced.
Matthew Hintz for MPR News