Local Wrestling Extravaganza Showcases Queer and Black Talent

Wrestling fans are in for a treat this weekend as Indianapolis gears up for its own independent wrestling festival alongside the renowned WWE ‘Royal Rumble’ event. While WWE takes over Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night, February 1, the local wrestling community is abuzz with excitement as it prepares to host a remarkable showcase of diverse talent.

The independent promotion, Naptown All Pro, is spearheading this initiative with its ambitious festival, “Combat Crossroads.” This four-day extravaganza promises to shine a light on the vibrant and growing wrestling scene in Indianapolis and beyond, highlighting promotions and wrestlers from various underrepresented backgrounds.

Celebrating Diversity in Wrestling

“Combat Crossroads” will take place from January 30 to February 2, featuring a collaboration between Naptown All Pro and several other notable wrestling promotions. This includes queer-led 880 Wrestling, Game Changer Wrestling, Wrestling Revolver, and Black-led promotions like F1ght Club Pro Wrestling, WWA4, and ASÉ Wrestling, along with the emerging Midwest Territory promotion. Together, they will deliver an impressive lineup of eight exciting events.

Fans can look forward to seeing some of the most celebrated queer wrestlers in action, including GCW World Champion EFFY, the top-ranked DARK Sheik on the 2024 QWI 200 list, and Naptown All Pro Tag Team Champion Noah Veil. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to witness talent that is not only skilled and entertaining but also represents communities that are often marginalized in the mainstream wrestling scene.

A Vision Realized

“Combat Crossroads” is the brainchild of J-Rose, co-founder of Naptown All Pro, who has long envisioned creating an event of this magnitude. "Indianapolis is the ideal location for big events," J-Rose shared during a recent appearance on the LGBT In The Ring podcast. "Our city is perfectly sized to host such gatherings, making it a focal point for wrestling enthusiasts this weekend."

J-Rose explained that the festival aims to amplify the voices and talents of those who are frequently underrepresented, including Black and queer individuals, and others who feel marginalized within the community. "Our mission is to integrate wrestling into the cultural fabric of the city—art, community, and combat," they stated.

Building Community Through Wrestling

Since its inception in 2022, Naptown All Pro has been committed to fostering community within Indianapolis. By forming partnerships with local entities like World Famous Hotboys and the city’s annual hip-hop festival, Cherece, the promotion has established itself as a pivotal player in both the wrestling and local cultural scenes. "Everything we do is to uplift the city and give a voice to those who feel unheard," J-Rose emphasized.

With this festival, J-Rose and the team at Naptown All Pro are not only showcasing talent but also inviting the community and visitors to experience the unique spirit of Indianapolis. "If you want to see real change in the wrestling industry, this is it," J-Rose asserted. "Support this movement if you support diversity and change in wrestling."

Join the Action

The “Combat Crossroads” festival is set to be a cornerstone event in Indianapolis, running from January 30 to February 2 at the Fountain Square Theater. Wrestling fans can purchase full festival packages or tickets to individual events directly from Naptown All Pro’s official website. Additionally, the events will be available for live streaming on IWTV, TrillerTV, and YouTube, ensuring fans worldwide can enjoy the action.

This weekend promises to be an unforgettable celebration of wrestling, community, and diversity, bringing together fans and performers in a shared appreciation of the sport’s rich and evolving landscape.

Stay informed with the latest updates and inspiring stories by subscribing to our newsletter, dedicated to covering the most exciting developments in sports and highlighting the achievements of LGBTQ athletes.