DOWNEY - What do you get when you mix a little comedy and athleticism with a whole lot of theatrics? Angelo Trinidad calls it professional wrestling.

"It's a live action comic book, soap opera," said Trinidad with a laugh. "There's comedy, action, and drama...I've always been a lifelong fan."

Nonetheless, in an effort to expand its fan base and garner more exposure, pro wrestling affiliate NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood will host its first live, non-televised event at The Epic Lounge in Downey this Saturday.

NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood, a weekly hour-long program, which airs every Sunday morning, is a co-production between NWA Pro Wrestling and KDOC-TV Los Angeles, which reaches over two million homes in the greater Los Angeles area.

Trinidad, who started out volunteering for small wrestling shows, running the music and taking tickets at the door, now serves as ring announcer and producer for the NWA Pro Wrestling television program, filmed every week at Glendale Studios in Glendale.

He believes holding live shows around Los Angeles County will not only help the NWA affiliate gain new fans, but it will also offer existing fans an opportunity to see their favorite wrestling stars in person.

"This is something we've always wanted to do," said Trinidad, 28. "We tape every month in Glendale, but we wanted to bring the show to them, bring an experience they won't see on TV."

The whole cast from NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood will be in attendance showcasing seven to eight wrestling match-ups, some that have never been seen on television before including a match between International TV Champion Scorpio Sky and Nick Madrid.

Trinidad said the show will be very intimate with just 100 seats inside The Epic Lounge, located at 8239 2nd St. in Downtown Downey.

"We want to reach areas out of reach, anything outside of a 25-mile radius," Trinidad said. "It's pointless to have shows where we tape - we're bringing pro wrestling to Downey. It will be a more interactive experience where fans can interact with 30-40 wrestlers, meet them at intermission and get autographs."

Trinidad, who works in Downey, also plans to produce shows in Orange County and other local cities in the greater Los Angeles area.

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt in Downey is sponsoring the NWA wrestling event and gourmet hamburger restaurant LA Buns, located next door to The Epic Lounge, will be selling burgers, beverages, and sandwiches during the show.

The cost of admission is $10 a ticket. The doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the show starts at 4 p.m. For more information, Trinidad encourages local residents to visit nwahollywood.com

"This is a unique opportunity to see your favorite wrestlers live, up close and personal," Trinidad said. "If you've never seen pro wrestling, come to the show in Downey. Come see what it's all about. Seven to eight action packed matches...this is good entertainment at a good value."

********** Published: May 10, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 04