Dexter, Missouri - When the superstars of World League Wrestling (WLW) bring their form of family entertainment to this year’s Stoddard County Fair on Sept. 23, the event will have special meaning for one Southeast Missouri native.
Brian Thompson, a 1999 graduate of Dexter High School, is the regular ring announcer and play-by-play commentator for WLW, a professional wrestling organization based in Troy and operated by the legendary Harley Race. Thompson, who now resides in Lebanon, said the event is a “dream come true for him.”
“I am excited that WLW is coming to the Stoddard County Fair this year,” said Thompson. “This is the first time I’ve been part of a wrestling show, as a performer, in Dexter in nearly 10 years.”
Thompson grew up in Dexter and as a child became a pro wrestling fan, idolizing some of the business’ greats such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Sting, Bret “Hit Man” Hart and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Upon high school graduation, Thompson was able to become involved in the unique world of pro wrestling as a ring announcer for Gateway Championship Wrestling (GCW), an organization based in St. Louis at the time.
He has since spent the last 15 years traveling across the United States performing in the business that he loves primarily on weekends. He works in the field of economic development at what he calls his “regular job” during the week.
“I’ve been very blessed to travel to more than 28 states during the last 15 years doing what I love to do,” said Thompson. “However, there is just something extra special about coming ‘home’ to Dexter and doing a show right here.”
Thompson, who is also a graduate of Three Rivers Community College and Arkansas State University, said the opportunity to perform in front of friends and family still living in the Dexter area makes the event even more meaningful. His parents Jimmy and Thelma Thompson still live in Dexter as well as his aunt Brenda Williamson.
The WLW Wrestling event at the fair will be held at Arena A and will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Featured wrestlers include “The Legacy” Leland Race, “The Ego” Dustin Bozworth, Roy Lewis, “Black Hand Warrior” Dave Delorean, Karim Brigante, Brandon “Espy” Espinosa, “The” Ace Hawkins and more. Admission for the event is $5 per person. Fans age 5 and younger will be admitted to the event at no charge.
For more information on WLW Wrestling, visit www.harleyrace.com.
For schedule information on this year’s Stoddard County Fair, visit www.stoddardcountyfair.com
Photo Credit -Joshua Mashon Photography.
