Shonna Greenwell

Raleigh Rasslin’

In December 2022/January 2023, Do by Anna Beth Adcock1 Comment

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Gimmick wrestling is going down in DTR.

Ready to rumble, Raleighites? For the first time since the pandemic, G.O.U.G.E. Wrestling (aka Gimmicks Only Underground Grappling Entertainment) is bringing the brawl back to Boylan Heights—literally. 

Founded by wrestling promoter Greg Mosorjak, aka “Count Grog,” this premiere NC wrestling association first found its humble beginnings amid the Raleigh beer scene as Southern Championship Wrestling. When SCW ended, G.O.U.G.E., a more modern and classic version of wrestling, was born circa 2006 in its wake—hosting its first show at now-closed Kings. It eventually made its way to quirky DTR art gallery and local grocery Rebus Works a little over a decade ago, when owner Shonna Greenwell found her photography muse in these one-of-a-kind wrestling matches and its
comedic participants. 

“I was at one of the matches and knew this was what I wanted to photograph and the story I wanted to tell,” says Greenwell. “I loved everything about it because it’s so good-versus-evil, theatrical and entertaining.” 

And entertaining it is, with each show featuring anything from hot dog referees and onstage beard shavings (!) to weird themes, sideshow oddities and outrageous costumes. The performers keep the shenanigans going with their own individual shticks—think pingpong champs, cowboys, mafia members, carnies and more (ever seen a cowboy fight the Italian Mafia?!).

As Mosorjak puts it: “If you’re a wrestling fan, you’ll love it, but you don’t have to be a wrestling fan to love G.O.U.G.E. It’s interactive, fun and we don’t take wrestling seriously.”

“It is performance art,” adds Greenwell. “It’s kinda lowbrow, but has the ability to connect with all kinds of people”—as proven by the range of spectators in attendance, from families to young adults to neighborhood residents to recently reelected Rep. Deborah Ross, who posted up at G.O.U.G.E.’s October event. 

“It’s absolutely hilarious,” says Ross. “People stand on the bridge, watch and cheer, and I stopped by and walked my dog down. It’s entertainment and it’s part of being in this community.”

If you missed the brawl’s initial comeback in October, the blood, sweat and tears—er violence, humor and fun!—will be returning to Rebus Works for round two in the spring (!). … And it’s sure to be a real knockout. facebook.com/gougewrestling

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