Ever thought of typing www.christianwrestling.com into your Web browser? If you had, you would have found yourself at the Christian Wrestling Federation’s Web site.
In the frenzy to offer “all things Christian” to believers, entertainers and retailers have birthed some unsuspecting vehicles for spreading the Gospel. One such surprise comes in the form of a wrestling match with a message that doesn’t just “slam, kick and crush.”
“We are a Non-Profit organization that hopes to express the love of God to youth all over the country in a new and dynamic way,” reads the CWF Web site. “We hope to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people through a positive message throughout our shows. With a show and a testimony by one of our wrestlers or a gospel presentation, we will do whatever it takes to spread the word.”
This isn’t just a “kinder, gentler” wrestling. The audience will still witness a full nelson, headlocks, the military press, the hip toss and–of course–the power bomb.
So, what makes this group of big, sweaty guys beating up on one another different from their WWF counterparts? The pre-show Bible study, breaks for sermons and testimonies and the post-match one-on-one with curious teens.
These wrestlers for Jesus frequent church youth groups, camps and other events for youth. And those interested in learning some of the moves used by the CWF team can enroll in their training course for becoming a professional wrestler.
“We will teach you everything from the very basics to the most advanced highflying maneuvers,” the site boasts.
With names like Jesus Freak Rob Vaughn (CWF president), The Saint, Apocalypse, Angel and Martyr, CWF wrestlers personify their Christian faith even in titles.
The CWF is bringing new meaning to the Bible verse on each page of its Web site, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph 6:10).
Jodi Mathews is BCE’s communications director.
