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UPW Pro Wrestling Celebrates 25 Years of Entertainment in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

ESCANABA — Professional wrestling, a sport often revered or jeered, has found a home in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for the past 25 years. UPW Pro Wrestling, an independent promotion, recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary Spectacular on Feb. 24, 2024, in Escanaba.

The origins of UPW Pro Wrestling date back to 1999 when childhood dreams of four individuals, Rick McCarty, Brent Webber, Shayne Junek, and Peter Sischo, became a reality with the promotion’s first show at Escanaba’s Delft Nightclub. Despite facing hardships and going on hiatus multiple times, UPW Pro Wrestling has always found a way to bounce back and provide entertainment for its fans.

The promotion has seen various venues over the years, from the Delft Nightclub to the UPW Arena in Gladstone, and now its current home at Iron Mountain’s Maxx Entertainment Center. UPW Pro Wrestling has also expanded its reach outside of Michigan, hosting events in Wisconsin as well.

With a mix of familiar faces like Peter B Beautiful and Slick Rick, as well as a diverse roster of talented professionals, UPW Pro Wrestling continues to draw in fans from all over. The recent 25th Anniversary Spectacular featured three standout performers: The Young Gun, The Grizzled Veteran, and The Special Attraction.

The Young Gun, The Dev, showcased his unique persona as “The Prince of Hardcore,” specializing in deathmatch wrestling. The Grizzled Veteran, J-Sin, shared his 22-year journey in professional wrestling, competing in top promotions like All Elite Wrestling and Ring of Honor. The Special Attraction, Eugene (aka Nick Densmore), brought back memories of his WWE days as he entertained the crowd with his masterful wrestling abilities.

Despite the stigma often associated with professional wrestling, UPW Pro Wrestling continues to provide a safe haven for fans to enjoy the sport. As the promotion gears up for its biggest event of the year, MarquetteMania 2, on May 4, fans can expect more special attractions and thrilling matches to keep them coming back for more.

Tickets for MarquetteMania 2 are available for purchase, promising an evening of entertainment and excitement for wrestling fans in the Upper Peninsula.