Image credit: CFJC Today/Anthony Corea

By Marty Hastings

PRO WRESTLING

Griffore, The Enterprise call out Big Stack Bullies ahead of Thrash Wrestling event; Vixen Jade taunts Gaston

Jan 13, 2025 | 6:15 PM

KAMLOOPS — A question from a dying friend spurred Justin Griffore into the squared-circle: If you were on your death bed, what would you regret not doing?

“The answer was simple,” Griffore said. “I would regret not trying professional wrestling.”

Griffore, a lifelong wrestling fan, strapped on boots for the first time at age 37 and has since claimed more than 10 title belt victories under the moniker Justin Cider, travelling across B.C., Alberta and the Northwest Territories during his late-breaking career.

“You’re never too old to start following your dreams,” Griffore said.

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Cider is one half of The Enterprise tag team, which includes partner Charlie Joseph of Vernon.

The duo will square off against the Lower Mainland-based Big Stack Bullies this weekend at a Thrash Wrestling event in Kamloops.

The pro wrestling extravaganza – Cold Start, Hot Open – will get underway at 7 p.m. at Moccasin Square Gardens.

“We mean business,” Cider blusters at the end of a promo. “We’re going to send these Bullies packing back to the Lower Wasteland.”

Thrash returned to Kamloops in 2017 after a hiatus of about 10 years, a promotion that – like many in the entertainment business – would benefit from more mid-size venue options in the River City.

Nick Szalanski, owner and promoter for Thrash, is thankful for Moccasin Square Gardens, but notes a downtown venue that allows alcohol sales for profit would be ideal.

The Kamloops shows have entertained crowds of between 150 and 250 in recent years and Szalanski is predicting increasing attendance numbers.

“It’s going to be the greatest thing you’ve seen until the next one,” Szalanski said, noting he expects to put on five or six shows this year in Kamloops.

“It just keeps getting better and if you’re missing out, you’re under a rock. Live your life the way you want, but you’re never going to have any fun until you start coming to wrestling shows.”

Those who wish to suspend reality for their kayfabe entertainment this Friday will see The Vixen Jade, the only female scheduled to wrestle on the card.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” said Jillian Hagen, who morphs into The Vixen Jade in the ring. “For however long we’re out there … you’re a different person when you walk through that curtain. It’s intense. It’s emotionally and mentally draining.”

They crave reaction from the crowd.

“Oh, it must be what it’s like to win a Stanley Cup, I’d assume,” Griffore said. “It’s euphoric.”

Added Hagen: “It’s an amazing feeling. All wrestlers, we feed off the energy of the crowd and that’s what keeps us going and that’s what makes us want to keep coming out.”

Mistakes make room for creativity.

“There are always plans, but when things go left, you improvise,” Griffore said. “And when you improvise, that’s where the magic happens.”

Hagen ran the ropes for the first time six years ago, another fan-turned-grappler who was encouraged to take her first bumps by Kelowna wrestler Collin Cutler.

“I love being a woman in this business,” Hagen said. “It’s empowering. There is a lot of camaraderie among women in this territory and province and Western Canada. We all support each other and lift each other up, but yes, I’m generally outnumbered by boys.”

The Vixen Jade will be looking to crush one of those boys during a slobberknocker on Friday.

“I’m going to be fighting (The Aviator) Sean Gaston, who is pretty much a giant A-hole and a horrible person, and I’m very much looking forward to stepping in the ring with him,” Hagen said. “He’s a big dude, but I’m faster and I’m smarter.”