Warsaw grad promoting wrestling event as fundraiser for BYC, Warsaw Little League
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Dale Hubler-dhubler@timesuniononline.com
Growing up, Brian Johnson was quite the wrestling fan, as in body slams, piledrivers and sleeper holds. He cheered for stars like Mr. Perfect, The Ultimate Warrior and the tag team Demolition. Johnson was such a fan that he and his friends started their own backyard league called Trampoline Wrestling Association. Now 31, Johnson, a 2001 Warsaw Community High School graduate and former Tiger basketball player, says he is living out his dream. Competing in the Deleware-based Funkdafied Wrestling Federation, the 6-foot-4, 200-pound Johnson is now the spandex-wearing, top-rope-jumping crowd favorite. He wrestles under the name “Lightning Bolt” Johnson and has quite the fan base. He is currently the FWF’s cruiserweight champion. He’s also promoting a show that will be held at Lakeview Middle School in Warsaw on March 22. “I’m living out my dream,” said Johnson, who resides in Warsaw again. “I was a huge wrestling fan as a kid. I guess I never outgrew it. When you wrestle in an independent association, you’re not doing it to get famous or rich. You do it for the love of the sport, and I love what I’m doing.” The event at Lakeview Middle School on March 22, the second FWF show to be held in Warsaw, is serving as a fundraiser for Baker Youth Club and Warsaw Little League. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with action slated for approximately 7:30 p.m. Johnson said there will be at least eight matches on the card. “I grew up going to the old boys club,” said Johnson. “Tracy Furnivall was my freshman basketball coach. I now have a platform to be able to raise money and give back to BYC and Warsaw Little League. Those places are great for our community.” The main event on the card for the March 22 show is Johnson’s match with WRSW on-air personality A.C. McCray. McCray was Johnson’s corner guy during a Nov. 16 match at Lakeview Middle School when Johnson grappled nationally-known wrestler Robbie E. In a twist, McCray, a Wawasee High School graduate, turned on Johnson and helped Robbie E win in Johnson’s hometown and in front of a crowd that was there to see Johnson. Johnson is building up the angle of the Warsaw/Wawasee rivalry and is allowing 7th to 12th grade students from both schools free admission if they show their school ID. “This is a family-friendly event, and I’m trying to get as many people as possible to the show at Lakeview Middle School,” said Johnson, who made his wrestling debut in 2012 and has worked approximately 40 shows. Also on the card is a match fans will be sure to enjoy – a battle royal featuring a number of former WCHS athletes and locals. Among those scheduled to compete in the battle royal are Kris Hueber, Nick Perkins, Chris Parker, Brodie Ewert and Whitt Huffer. McCray won the battle royal at the previous show in Warsaw. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, call 732-551-0960. Tickets can also be ordered by calling The Downtown at 574-267-6000.
