(Editor's note this article would not have been possible without the support of the LVAC wrestlers and employees. I would also like to thank Zia Hiltey for graciously allowing me use of their photos*.
*All photos unless otherwise specified were taken by Zia Hiltey Photography and are used with expressed permission from the photographer.
Copyright for the photos rests solely with Zia Hiltey, any attempts to copy, distribute, or disseminate any photographs is prohibited.)
It was great to see the SteelStacks show come together, but (it) wouldn't have happened without (them) working hard for the last 4 years, running shows in . . .malls, drive-ins and our home in Sokols. - LVAC Commentator Joe Sposto
I had intended to witness an LVAC show for a while, primarily because they featured many of the wrestlers that I most respected from when I used to attend shows regularly.
This past August that opportunity arose when The Lehigh Valley Athletics Council or LVAC held its "Steelstacks Smackdown" event at Musikfest Cafe in Bethlehem PA to a sold out crowd.
A true "super no vacancy!" as lovingly described by Ring of Honor and guest LVAC commentator, Allentown native, and A-Treat soda enthusiast Ian Riccaboni.
Before doors opened the air hung thick with excitement as the train of fans spiraled around the multi-floor staircase waiting to pour into the Musikfest Cafe. I looked around in quiet splendor and took in the swirling visual.
Though I've never been fortunate enough to travel to Japan, somehow the Musikfest Cafe felt like Korakuen Hall; a legendary venue situated between the floors of a Tokyo office building.
Much like that unassuming office building, the outside facade of the ArtsQuest Center gave no indication of the majestic wrestling venue located inside.
I was surprised when the doors opened at the scheduled time for the meet and greet. One of the first ways that the LVAC subverted the expectations.
One of the longest running jokes in the independent wrestling scene is called "indie wrestling time". It's understood that most independent wrestling shows open doors at least fifteen to thirty minutes later than scheduled which then cascades into bumping the start time of the show. Not at LVAC; it felt nice to have a promotion that respects the time of its audience.
(Photo Copyright Kyle Giarratano)
Stepping into the venue proper was itself a spiritual experience. For a live pro wrestling junkie, walking through the doors of a venue is walking into a house of worship.
We weren't there to listen to thousand year old tales of courage and conflict; but instead to witness the creation of new mythology. To witness the heroes of our pantheon do battle, every bit as real as the emotions they elicit from us.
The cafe filled up fast as fans were eager to get autographs and photos with their favorites. The main draw being the photo and autograph opportunity with AEW superstar Eddie Kingston.
It was special to see so many fans lining up to meet Eddie Kingston; long deserving of recognition after two decades of grinding.
As I walked around and checked out the merchandise I couldn't shake the rising sense of familiarity.
It wasn't until I had the chance to catch up with AEW super official Bryce Remsburg that the feeling clicked.
Despite it being many years later and despite the fact that he now officiated matches in front of crowds many thousands larger Bryce still remembered who I was immediately.
In fact just about everyone I saw that night remembered me from "the good old days". That's when it hit me and I realized; the sensation I was feeling, was community.
It was no coincidence that the wrestling that I loved fostered this feeling of community. Where shows feel so special you have to attend them in person because no amount of taped replays will ever recapture the feeling of being there.
When the meet and greet met its conclusion I made my way up to the reserved balcony seating. This is where I experienced my second deviation of expectations.
Most wrestling shows' idea of concessions is mediocre burgers and hot dogs. Maybe buttressed by offerings of candy bars or cans of soda if you're lucky.
The LVAC took concessions to another level with a well curated selection of vegan food offerings alongside a good variety of beer on tap with table service delivery for food!
Now I am not a vegetarian myself nor am I even a fan of tomatoes. No hyperbole, the vegan tomato pie pizza they served was the most delicious food I ever ate at a wrestling show.
(Photo Copyright Kyle Giarratano)
I sat down at my table overlooking the ring, awaiting bell time and reverberating with an excitement that I hadn't felt in ages.
The house lights went down and the stage lighting transformed the ring; the backdrop of The Steel Stacks cut against the foreground of the squared circle. The light created the feel of an old smoky arena, evoking memories of the territory's past.
Soon after the audience was introduced to "The Party Czar" himself, Vlad Radinov. Vlad gleefully let us all know that as "The Party Czar'' he "knows where all the parties are". Just a great little line to set the expectation of fun, plus I always pop for word play.
Bryce came down the aisle to the familiar sounds of "The Price is Right" theme and it was time for SteelStacks Smackdown to finally commence!
Being a part of any LVAC show means having acceptance and respect from (your) peers. - The Boar
The first match was a six way scramble match between Gran Akuma, Jet Jaghori, Clara Carreras, Blaxstrom, Kamen MK and Pancakes.
I loved seeing Akuma out of retirement and in the action. His storied Chikara rivalry with Shane Storm is one of my favorites of indie wrestling history.
I was impressed with the construction of the match. It's not easy to find little bits for everyone to shine without overstaying your welcome especially as an opener. It's a tight-rope that not many multi-person matches can pull off. A testament to the skill of all involved.
Jet Jaghori was the perfect snotty little punk, I wanted to punch him in the face from the balcony! Kamen MK electrified the little kid in me who still thinks there isn't anything cooler than a masked wrestler.
I'd love to see more of Pancakes. I was very impressed with the soundness of his moves. Clara showed great potential as well by squaring up and not backing down.
Blaxstrom picked up the win after taking advantage of the chaos. A great pace setter that helped to warm up the crowd.
The next contest traded out referee Bryce for Dan Yost. I had to do a double take because I'm certain Dan and Bryce could have been brothers. Strong Hebner brother vibes there.
We (Gummi-Boar) have a great act going. Erica and I are best buds, so to package and present that friendship and closeness that we have, it’s validating for us personally and professionally. - The Boar
Gummi-Boar (Erica Leigh and The Boar) versus Rex Lawless and Little Mean Kathleen was one of the matches I was most looking forward to seeing.
I had first seen The Boar back when he was known as "The Proletariat Boar of Moldova" in one of the "Wrestling Is" promotions and it was awesome to see his evolution into a full blown hoss!
Speaking of hosses, the most memorable part of this match was the "hoss fight" between Erica and Little Mean Kathleen. The ensuing clash proved once and for all that "hoss" is a state of mind and not a state of size.
(We) have an irreplaceable connection with the fans that come out and support us, and that’s my favorite part. There’s a real sense of community, acceptance, and belonging with LVAC shows. - The Boar
Gummi-Boar stood victorious after the hard fought battle and hoss fight. I'm not sure if The Boar even left his feet during this one!
Without time to catch our breath the next match was ready to start as Puf with Simon Sutherland took on Atomic Super Thunder Frog.
I love how this match was built around Super Thunder Frog's hammer. Similar to the real Mjolnir; only those that are worthy can lift and use the hammer. This allowed for a lovely mix of comedy and wrestling with moves built around the hammer.
If you haven't wrestled you just don't know how quick your wind goes. Nerves can do it let alone running or jumping. Puf never missed a beat and never looked tired.
That's outstanding conditioning in any circumstance, but with Puf's frame it's next level conditioning. Proves again that body does NOT make the wrestler.
The combined forces of Puf and his underhanded manager/hot dog cook Sutherland were enough to send the Frog back to the swamp.
Doing commentary (at LVAC) gives me a place to feel wanted. - LVAC Commentator Joe Sposto
Then came the match I was most looking forward to experiencing as Eddie Kingston returned to the Pennsylvania indies in a trios match teaming with Frightmare and UltraMantis Black to take on The Batiri (Obariyon and Kodama) and "Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams.
Everything about this match filled my heart with joy. From Eddie's entrance where a crowd of a thousand rabidly chanted in unison to the Tennessee Water-Pump, a beloved spot of myself and LVAC commentator Joe Sposto.
The Spectral Envoy and The Mad King did just enough to win against Williams and The Batiri, but the losing squad gave it their all to an appreciative crowd.
After the match Eddie got on the mic to speak from the heart. My words couldn't possibly match the emotion and impact of a raw Eddie Kingston and it would be hubris to try here.
The quality time I get to spend with the other people involved (in LVAC) is rewarding. I love them all. - Dan Champion
Sign up for iwtv.live promo code NEPA and watch this post match speech for yourself. If you feel even ten percent of what he made us feel in the audience it will be worth the price alone.
After an expertly timed intermission, (everyone needed 10 minutes to collect themselves) it was time for some more levity as LVAC commissioner Chris Reject came down to continue his issues with Hydra.
Think what would happen if a sea monster and Jack LaLanne were put into a blender and came out as one entity. You would have Hydra.
One of the hardest styles to do well in pro wrestling is comedy. One of the hardest skills while wrestling is emoting properly while wearing a mask.
Put those together and you can imagine the kind of deft skill it takes to do comedy wrestling as a masked wrestler. Hydra has always had a gift for the style that is a joy to behold.
I am not involved in LVAC more than a wrestler that loves to help out and promote the shows, but when I see 900 people at the Steelstacks it makes me proud. Nights of hanging posters, tagging musikfest, doing videos with local businesses were all worth it. - Dan Champion
The altercation between my favorite sea-monster and the LVAC head honcho spilled out into a huge match planned for the upcoming Oct 21st "Let's Hang Out Show". It will be Mask vs Career in a huge multi-person tag match!!! Limited tickets still available!
Hopping back into the action next was a tag match featuring Myung-Jae Lee and Havoc taking on Ultimo Ant and Razerwyng.
A high-flying spectacle was just what the crowd needed to heat things back up. I was particularly impressed by everyone's ability to get back on the same page after a minor hiccup.
Miscues and mistakes happen in pro wrestling and being able to move past and deliver a great match after one is the mark of a true professional.
The moves of the wily veteran Havoc and the technique of the young Myung-Jae Lee neutralized the masked high-flyers this time, but I don't think we've seen the last of this match up.
We were treated to an unexpected surprise as the planned singles match between Davienne (making her LVAC debut) and Gabby Ortiz turned into a Triple-Threat match as AEW/ROH and LVAC star Willow Nightingale got on the house mic and inserted herself into the fray!
It felt enriching to see how far women's wrestling has come. No longer are the days where the same 2-4 wrestlers fought to get booked on a few shows.
We are experiencing a renaissance of talented wrestlers finally getting a chance to show what they can do. Pro wrestling is for everyone; and the LVAC is a shining example of that ideal.
To the shock of the audience, Davienne picked up the win on Gabby after lying in wait to strike. Quickly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the LVAC.
A sign of a well run wrestling show is knowing when not to overstay its welcome. When Vlad announced that it was time for the main event I realized LVAC had nailed it.
We’ve (Orange Cassidy, Dan Champion, and Lucky13) been just hanging out and wrestling for over 20 years now, it’s just what we do. - Lucky13
Multi-person tag matches have always been my jam since the days of tape trading to get access to Michinoku Pro and trios matches from Mexico. So it wasn't going to take much to get me fully invested.
But, then to have Orange Cassidy, Dan Champion, and Lucky13 in the match and I'm downright giddy. The beauty of following pro wrestling is you get to see people go from taking a shot at their dreams to achieving them.
Our (Lucky13, Orange Cassidy, and Dan Champion) passion for pro wrestling was lit in the backyards of homes in rural New Jersey on summer nights. We started our wrestling journey together and we all took different paths . . . So it’s awesome when we can all be in the ring together.- Dan Champion
The first time I saw OC, Dan, and Lucky they were wrestling in a poorly ventilated warehouse hosting an underground wrestling show. Three skinny, young kids who just wanted to perform.
Now nearly twenty years later, Dan Champion is a well-respected veteran with an impressive resume and physique to match, Lucky13 is a lauded deathmatch wrestler and underrated all-rounder, and Orange Cassidy is a mega-star for AEW and the current AEW All Atlantic Champion.
Add in indie wrestling legends Cheeseburger, and Delirious, rising stars Abby Jane, Vita VonStarr, and Logan Easton Laroux, and former WWF hall-of-famer Sidney Bakabella and you've got the blueprint for a memorable main event.
LVAC has a special feeling about it when your there . . .maybe it's the mix of old friends and the energy of the people there but the locker room, the shows, just all have this vibe that makes everything really fun. - Lucky13
The main event was full of high-flying, hard-hitting, and even wig-snatching action! This is a match you need to go out of your way to see!
After a hard fought back and forth and some attempted shenanigans by Sidney Bakabella the team of Cheeseburger, Abby Jane, Delirious, and Orange Cassidy emerged victorious to end the night on a high note and send the crowd home happy.
LVAC has always felt like a home for me in wrestling . . .having the chance to wrestle at a sold-out Steelstacks for LVAC meant the world. - Abby Jane
Pro wrestling works best when it's not about the wins or losses but the experience. There are few promotions that can build the kind of community and trust with its audience that LVAC has built.
Being in that main event was everything I could have dreamed of . . .in front of a thousand people cheering like crazy, but I got to be there with people that I look up to and train with . . .It’s something I’ll never forget and that reminds me of why I started wrestling, and why I love this sport so much. - Abby Jane
The best example of this is that LVAC understands that you can't just take from your community; you have an obligation to give back.
One way they chose to give back was to run a food drive for The Hispanic Center of Lehigh Valley, a non-profit dedicated to helping the Lehigh valley community fight food insecurity for some of its most vulnerable residents.
When the final tally was measured they had collectively filled two full cars with food, as well as amassed a cash donation of over $3,000 to the HCLV (click the make to make your own donation.) If that wasn't enough Eddie Kingston also donated his booking fee to the charity!
Pro wrestling and it's capacity to help never gets the credit it deserves, and quite frankly it's embarrassing to know that this article is the first one to highlight this donation.
LVAC isn't just a pro wrestling company, it's a community, and the kind of show you need to experience for yourself!
Lucky for you that such an opportunity is just around the corner as this Friday Oct 21st at 7pm, LVAC returns to their home at National Sokols in Bethlehem PA for "Let's Hang Out".
Limited tickets are available! Come check out great wrestling, vegan food, booze, music, a costume contest and maybe even bowling with Dan Champion!
Support indie wrestling!
