Independent wrestling’s popularity has skyrocketed over the last few years. Even in the local communities the “Support Indy Wrestling” movement has grown rapidly. Valley Championship Wrestling, VCW, is owned and run by Joshua Andrew Gehman.

A Stockton native, Gehman also wrestles under the name Andrew Arch and is currently the VCW Port City Champion. This Sunday, Gehman will clash with the self-proclaimed “King of Stockton” D-Rogue in a ladder match.

VCW had a large turnout for its July 14 show at Discovery Martial Arts and on Sunday, Aug. 12 VCW will present Proving Ground. This event is stacked with local talent and international superstars. Newly crowned VCW North American Grand Champion, Nathan Brick takes on one of independent wrestling’s up and coming superstars, Funnybone.

Funnybone is known globally and leaves fans speechless with his eerie intro and high-flying wrestling style. Lucha Underground’s Vinnie Massaro will tangle against “Big Ugly” JD Bishop in a number one contenders match. Currently seven matches have been scheduled featuring three title matches. More matches and announcements are available through their Facebook page (search Valley Championship Wrestling). Tickets are available at the door and the event will be staged at 1700 Pacific Ave., Stockton.

Proving Ground has a special start time of 5 p.m.