Professional wrestling is one part athletics, one part theater, and two parts entertaining fun. Owning its roots to the days of traveling carnivals, today’s pro wrestling business has morphed into a billion dollar industry — with companies like World Wrestling Entertainment, All Elite Wrestling, Ring of Honor and Impact Wrestling ranking in the lion’s share of profits.

Locally, the owner and promoter of Southern Tier Wrestling — an independent professional wrestling federation — is all about providing the best value for money spent in a family-friendly atmosphere, which showcases up and coming professional wrestlers and iconic wrestlers from yesteryear.

To keep his shows affordable and accessible, Grey was charging $20 for ringside seats prior to the COVID-19 pandemic; $10 for adults; and $5 for children. However, given the current state of the U.S. economy, he may have to up his prices to break even.

“Indy shows that were charging $20 for ringside seats are now charging $25 or $30,” he said. “The cost of everything, and I mean everything, has gone up. I’d like to keep my ticket prices where they’re at, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to.”

Randy Grey, right, is pictured arguing with a professional wrestler at a local Southern Tier Wrestling show prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grey is the owner, founder and manager of STW, a regional, professional wrestling promotional company. Submitted photos

However, quality isn’t something he’s willing to budge on.

“I created STW to give back to the community,” Grey said. “We will never be as large as the big three wrestling promotions, but we do alright for an organization of our size and in our location. I really don’t make money on these shows; I just try and break even.”

Both regionally and locally, Grey has booked independent mainstay wrestlers such as “Big Time” Bill Collier, J-Rocc, “The Landlord” Ryan Cassidy, and Anthony Gaines.

“I love this area — it’s my home and we don’t have anything like this here,” Grey said. “I do this for the love of the performance and to give back to my community. I almost always shoot to break even, but I tend to lose a little here and there for each show. This is an expressive hobby.”

If Grey has it his way, he would like to return to the Chautauqua County Fair for a performance, and maybe do a show or two at a local ballpark. He’d also like to do more shows and fundraisers for nonprofit organizations and schools.

For more information, find Southern Tier Pro Wrestling on Facebook.