Minor league of pro wrestling coming to Iqaluit with benefit performances

Get ready to rumble.

Professional wrestling arrives for the first time in Iqaluit tonight, with shows tonight and Saturday at the Arctic Winter Games arena, starting at 8 p.m.

It's the first time the circuit, called "Blood, Sweat and Ears," has ventured to the Arctic.

"This is our first event outside Ontario," wrote promoter Arda Ocal in an email to Nunatsiaq News. "But it won't be our last."

While BSE is decidedly in pro wrestling's minor leagues, there are enough gigantic and terrifying-looking men and women taking part in the weekend's matches to ensure plenty of choke slams and headlocks.

One of the marquee names is a refrigerator-sized man aptly named Rhino ("The War Machine"), who used to wrestle in the better-known World Wrestling Entertainment circuit. He'll be taking on Bobby Roode Friday. There's also a women's match and a contest for BSE tag team championship, but a full card wasn't available before Nunatsiaq News' press-time.

BSE also features wrestlers named Kobra Kai, Sebastian Suave and Vlad The Penetrator.

"[Iqalummiut] can expect an exciting action-packed event that is family friendly and leaves you on the edge of your seat," Ocal wrote as only a wrestling promoter can.

But it's not all blood, sweat and choreographed violence. The shows also serve as a fundraiser for the Inuksuk High School Huskies basketball teams. Ocal didn't say how much the teams stand to make from the weekend, but said BSE often does benefit shows.

"Most of our shows are benefit shows, as we are very keen on giving back to the communities we perform in," Ocal said. Wrestlers were slated to make appearances in three Iqaluit schools, the youth centre and youth jail Wednesday and Thursday.

At $45 each, VIP tickets are sold out, but there are still tickets available at the door for $35.