The stars of F1RST Wrestling want you to taste their fists at Taste of Minnesota
WORDS BY PATRICK STRAIT
There are a lot of must-dos if you live in Minnesota—the State Fair, Twins games, and bottoming out your car in a lake-sized pothole. But over the past several years, a new cornerstone of being a true Minnesotan has dropkicked its way into our hearts: F1RST Wrestling.
Every month, favorites such as Arik Cannon, Darin Corbin, Devon Monroe and Free-Range Kara stomp, suplex, and moonsault at breweries, festivals, and bars all over the Twin Cities. So it’s only fitting that F1RST Wrestling will be bringing the action to Taste of Minnesota, giving wrestling fans and curious newbies the chance to see why the history of wrestling—dating back to the days of Vern Gagne and the AWA—is still alive and well, and carrying on through a new generation of talents.
To help you prepare for the chaos happening inside the ring, we’ve put together a quick get-to-know-you guide of some of F1RST Wrestling’s biggest heroes, dirtiest heels, and one man-sized possum.
“The Anarchist” Arik Cannon
Years wrestling: 22
Who is he? Arik Cannon is not only one of the hardest-hitting wrestling veterans in all of Minnesota, he’s also the owner of F1RST Wrestling. His signature red lumberjack beard and punk rock aesthetic have made him a favorite everywhere from WWE, AEW, and even Japan.
F1RST Wrestling highlight: “It’s hard to pick a favorite, because there have been so many amazing moments and memories over the years,” says Cannon. “And I know there are many more to come. But one that sticks out for me is when we made the announcement at First Avenue that F1RST Wrestling was headed to the Mall of America. I’ve wrestled for AEW, WWE, in Japan, and against some of professional wrestling’s biggest names, but the reaction from our fans and supporters in that moment was like nothing I’d ever experienced before.”
What to expect at a F1RST Wrestling show: “We pride ourselves on hosting events that are a safe and welcoming space for all fans, performers, and staff. Our goal is to highlight a diverse and inclusive roster of world-class talent with no barriers. Encouraging our talent to be themselves and empowering our fans to do the same. F1RST Wrestling is for everyone!”
“The Loudmouth Mercenary” Darin Corbin
Years wrestling: 19
Who is he? Quite frankly, Corbin is a total dick. But in, like, a fun way. He’s the current Wrestlepalooza champion, and enjoys running his mouth at the crowd almost as much as he enjoys Ginger-Snapping (his signature move) his opponents.
F1RST Wrestling highlight: “My biggest memory is when I won the Wrestlepalooza championship from Ariya Daivari. Or my tribute to Lex Luger at the Mall of America before Jerry Lynn ruined my moment!”
What to expect at a F1RST Wrestling show: “The crowd is the driving force behind F1RST Wrestling,” says the champ. “They get excited, connect with the talent, and are inclusive to a point where many fans feel like family when they are there. But since many of them have no respect for their champion, I love when I can ruin their night. It’s an overall experience for sure.”
“Black Sexcellence” Devon Monroe
Years wrestling: 5
Who is he? One of the fastest-rising stars in not only F1RST Wrestling, but in ALL of professional wrestling, Monroe brings a flashy, flamboyant, and high-flying style to the ring. He is the current VFW champion and exudes sex appeal inside the squared circle.
F1RST Wrestling highlight: “I can’t decide between two moments,” he says. “The first being my one-on-one main event match against (AEW superstar) Sonny Kiss at Wrestlepalooza, and the other is when F1RST Wrestling brought wrestling back to the Mall of America.”
Free-Range Kara
Years wrestling: 6
Who is she? Free-Range Kara is a true farm girl who loves a good hoedown almost as much as she loves a good throwdown. Even her most vicious opponents can’t resist her country charm. But once the bell rings, she shows that she’s got farmer strength that is a handful for any body in her way.
Brandon Gore
Years wrestling: “I’ve been wrestling for six years,” says Gore. “About as long as the shape-shifters have been among us. You’re not one of them, right?”
Who is he? While Gore has always been a sound mat technician who can wrestle, brawl, or fly through the sky, he’s a little bit…off. A few shots to the noggin over the past year have turned the bright prospect into a tinfoil hat-wearing, conspiracy-theory touting kook. But a loveable one!
What to expect at a F1RST Wrestling show: “There’s so much. The variety, the quality, the support,” he says, before quickly adding. “It’s much like what makes a good conspiracy theory…”
Badger Briggs
Years wrestling: 2+
Who is she? Badger Briggs is not someone you want to mess with. She’s a no-bullshit brawler who has put on technical wrestling classics and bashed in skulls during bloody deathmatches. Badger is not here to make you smile, but she will be grinning ear-to-ear while making your F1RST Wrestling favorites scream and beg for mercy.
Big O. Possum
Years wrestling: 1
Who is he? From the land down under, Big O. Possum is just your average, everyday giant marsupial who happens to have an appetite for scurrying across the top rope. Before you ask, the answer is yes—he has a tail. But if you step on it, you’ll be getting spun up like a boomerang.
F1RST Wrestling highlight: “My Wrestlepalooza debut when me and El Funky Fox interrupted the assault that some of F1RST Wrestling’s biggest bogans were inflicting on our good mate Thunder Frog,” he recalls. “The match didn’t go our way in the end, but it was quite the thrill to be in that First Avenue ring in front of all those rabid F1RST Wrestling fans!”
What to expect from a F1RST Wrestling show: “F1RST Wrestling is truly a show for EVERYONE, no matter your identity, background, or species! And whether you’re a lifelong fan or a pro wrestling first-timer, my mates and I can guarantee that you will have FUN.”
Warhorse
Years wrestling: “WARHORSE HAS BEEN WRESTLING 10 YEARS NOW, AND A BIG PARTY IS PLANNED FOR THE 69TH YEAR.”
Who is he? WARHORSE LIVES BY THE THREE M’S: MUSCLES, METAL AND ELBOW DROPPING CHUMPS FROM THE TOP ROPE. WHAT’S THAT? THOSE DON’T ALL START WITH M? TRY TELLING IT TO WARHORSE AND SEE IF YOUR FACE IS STILL ATTACHED WHEN YOU’RE DONE. AND YES, WE’RE YELLING. YOU CAN’T TURN DOWN THE VOLUME WHEN IT COMES TO WARHORSE.
F1RST Wrestling highlight: “MY BIGGEST MEMORY AT F1RST WRESTLING IS PLAYING AIR GUITAR AND HEADBANGING AT MALL OF AMERICA,” he screams at us at the top of his lungs.
What to expect from a F1RST Wrestling show: “THE ATMOSPHERE IS UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE. THERE’S LIVE WRESTLING, THEN THERE’S F1RST WRESTLING.”
Thunder Frog
Years wrestling: “I’ve been kicking bad dude’s butts all across the galaxy for 10-plus years! Rocked up every step of the way!”
Who is he? The true superhero of F1RST Wrestling, Thunderfrog and his mighty hammer can be found battling evil villains and showing off his mighty powers all over the universe. He also has a very cool accent and talks kind of like Borat, which makes perfect sense for an intergalactic super amphibian.
What to expect from a F1RST Wrestling show: “Everyone is a part of the party, from the fans to the ticket takers, and everyone in between,” he says. “After every show we feel like together we just sent lightning through the whole galaxy! Rocked up from the socks up! Wowee baby!”
Dak Draper
Years wrestling: 11
Who is he? Draper is a mountain of a man with a physique that looks chiseled from stone. He has wrestled and won championships all over the world, but often gets called “Diaper Man” by the F1RST Wrestling faithful, due to his questionable fashion decision to wear all-white tights.
What to expect at a F1RST Wrestling show: “F1RST Wrestling is an experience unlike any other because of the fans and the fun that they have,” he says. “Even though they range from diehard fans to first-time live wrestling enjoyers, the vast array of fans finds a bond in the fun that they have at F1RST shows. The energy from the fans is contagious and makes F1RST one of the best times.”