After a long absence from the local wrestling scene, Matt Vandagriff is preparing for an appearance at a local show. This Saturday night, July 17, the Oakdale High School alum takes the ring for RGR Lucha Libre.
“It’s been about two years since I have wrestled at a local show (in the 209) and I am excited. My parents and friends get to see me so that’s cool,” said Vandagriff.
Vandagriff lives in Las Vegas and is a rising star in professional wrestling. He has wrestled in multiple states and even internationally. His schedule has been packed, not even the pandemic stopped him from competing.
“I have been so busy, which is great. I have been wrestling nonstop and I love every minute of it. I like the travel, meeting fans and competing.”
His schedule continues to be filled over the rest of summer and into the fall. He has matches coming up in Nevada, California, Arizona, Texas and Washington.
“My goal is to wrestle in all 50 states, I’d like to say I have done that,” Vandagriff noted.
He is a high flyer wrestler and this weekend’s match (with his opponent yet to be named) is expected to be a fast paced affair.
“I don’t know who I am wrestling yet, they have not told me. All I know is that it is going to be fast pace and high flying.”
The show is being held at Urbano Restaurant Lounge at 1016 H St., Modesto with a start time of 4:30 p.m. Vandagriff will wrestle four straight days during this stretch. Starting July 15, he will be in Los Angeles, followed by Oxnard, Modesto and Laguna Hills. Also scheduled to appear on the card at the Modesto event are: Dragon Lee, Texano Jr., Sam Adonis, Mecha Wolf, Damian 666 and more. For ticket information call (209) 622-7104.
Vandagriff is excited to wrestle in front of energetic crowds again.
“The pandemic limited fan attendance but now it seems like we will get back to capacity again. The fans make us (wrestlers) perform at our best. They make everything, they make bumps hurt less because we are feeding off their reactions. I truly can not wait.”
Recently Vandagriff has wrestled veterans of the sport including former World Wrestling Entertainment and Impact Wrestling starts EC III and TJ Perkins.
“It was a great experience and they are great to work with. I hope to wrestle with them again soon.”
Vandagriff’s goal is to wrestle for any of the top promotions in the industry by the end of 2022. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Ring of Honor (ROH), Impact Wrestling and Major League Wrestling (MLW) are currently the top promotions in the United States.
