DAYTON – The world of professional wrestling is a divisive one. For a lot of people, it’s something that they were familiar with to some extent as children but as they grew up, they grew out of it.

Some people hear that it’s “fake” and write it off completely. However, some people (like myself) absolutely love pro wrestling and all of its intricacies.

We all know about World Wrestling Entertainment and maybe even some of the other larger wrestling promotions in the world. But some of the best pro wrestling in the world happens in tiny, hot buildings for less than half the price you’d spend at a large show.

The Wrestling REVOLVER held two shows featuring big names in the world of pro wrestling at the Calumet Center in Dayton on Saturday, Aug. 24.

“The Dayton crowd at REVOLVER is so much different than a big WWE arena or event TNA,” REVOLVER fan V said. “It feels so much more down to earth and personal. That’s what makes it really special to me.”

The Wrestling REVOLVER has been bringing wrestling fans together for nearly nine years now, with shows taking place all around the country.

Owner, promoter and wrestler Sami Callihan blends together traditional pro wrestling with lucha-libre, hardcore and comedy to create a wrestling product that has something for everyone.

“I always loved wrestling,” said David, a fan who drove from Indiana to see REVOLVER. “I used to wrestle in the backyard with my cousin and can remember running back and forth between rooms as a kid to watch WWF (now WWE) and WCW every Monday.”

It is hard to find a more diverse crowd of people at an event than the crowds you find at wrestling shows. People young and old, men and women of each and every background coming together to root for their favorites and watch a performance the likes of which you can get nowhere else in the world.

“I love that big orange building,” V said. “That venue has been my introduction to the world of live professional wrestling and I feel so attached to it. It has given me so many opportunities to have great nights with my friends, connect with other fans, meet people I look up to and form connections with them.”

Pro wrestling is all about storytelling. At its simplest form, it is a battle between good and evil. It is the closest you can get to watching a comic book or an anime in person. It can be similar to watching your favorite sports team play a big game.

“It’s the weirdest, most athletic storytelling medium there is, combined with the fandom and camaraderie or any other sport,” V said. “Wrestling is fake but the moments are real.”

Despite whatever preconceived notions you may have of pro wrestling, if you are able to get yourself and a group of friends to an independent wrestling show, do it. Forget whatever you may think about the sport and try to allow yourself to be overtaken by the atmosphere and the moment.

If you’re anything like me, you may get hooked for life.

The Wrestling REVOLVER will return to the Calumet Center in Dayton on Saturday, Oct. 19.