Wrestling returns to Lynn in a big-time way

LYNN – Professional wrestling returned to Lynn last night in front of a full house at St. Michael’s Hall.
The card, headlined by Scott Steiner, also provided an opportunity for fans to connect with their favorite wrestling superstars.
“It don’t matter the size of the crowd,” said former World Championship Wrestling title-holder Scott Steiner. “I came here to give these people 100 percent.”
Steiner and “Mr. USA” Tony Atlas signed autographs and mingled with the crowd before the show.
“When you get to be my age, and young kids still remember who the hell you are, it’s a very good feeling,” said the 60-year-old Atlas. “Lynn has a lot of real friendly people and a lot of great wrestling fans.”
The show?s promoter, Big Time Wrestling, also donated a portion of the gate to BTW wrestler and Saugus High alum Anthony Mitrano, who is battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Mitrano hoped to be at the show, but is still receiving treatment in New York.
Former wrestler and World Wrestling Entertainment booker Kevin Sullivan also fought in a “Lynn Street Fight.” Sullivan, who has been in the wrestling business for 44 years, explained how he was one of the driving forces that turned Hulk Hogan from a popular good guy into one of wrestling’s most hated villains in 1996.
“Hogan didn’t want to do it,” said Sullivan. “He thought he’d lose too much money he was making on T-shirts and advertisements. But even he didn’t realize how big he would become as ‘Hollywood Hogan.'”
Steiner recently turned down a WWE Legends contract.
“The contract wasn’t worth the paper it was written on,” said Steiner. “The people in charge there don’t know the audience anymore. Triple H [Paul Michael Levesque] goes out every week on television and brags he’s the CFO, but I wouldn’t brag about that when your ratings are down and your stock drops $450 million.”
Steiner has headlined at bigger venues around the world, but was grateful for the opportunity to fight in Lynn.
“Without the fans, there would be no wrestling,” he said. “There would be nothing without them.”Justin Barrasso can be reached [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.