WWE Hall of Famer Ron 'Faarooq' Simmons coming to Buffalo for ESW show

Press Release

Empire State Wrestling's next event, “WrestleBash XIV,” will feature World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Famer Ron "Faarooq" Simmons. “WrestleBash” will take place Friday, Nov. 22, at Buffalo RiverWorks and also include top wrestling talent from the Northeast U.S. and Canada.

Simmons is well-known for his time in WWE as the leader of the Nation of Domination and teaming with John "Bradshaw" Layfield as APA (Acolytes Protection Agency). He held the WWE tag team championship three times with Bradshaw. Later in his wrestling career, younger generations knew him for his emphatic use of the word "DAMN!" as his catchphrase. Outside WWE, Simmons is known for being the first African-American to hold the World Championship Wrestling heavyweight championship and considered by many to be the first Black world champion in professional wrestling history. Simmons is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame due to his standout tenure as a defensive lineman at Florida State, which included twice earning All-American honors.

At “WrestleBash,” Simmons will be available for a meet-and-greet with the fans. ESW is opening its doors at 5:30 p.m. to allow fans extra time for the meet-and-greet. Check ESW's social media platforms if meet-and-greet pricing becomes available prior to “WrestleBash.”

Also announced for “WrestleBash”:

•ESW heavyweight championship casket match: Current titleholder "Big Time" Bill Collier vs. "Invincible" Vince Valor

•Ilio DiPaolo Memorial Cup match: Participants include "Big League" John McChesney, "The Inspiration" Gregory Iron, Edge of Hope's Jeremiah Richter and three other competitors to be announced

•ESW women’s championship: "Courageous" Christina Marie (c) vs. GCW's Allie Katch

•ESW tag team championship: CXR (C) vs. To Infinity & Beyond

•3-on-3 tag team match: Team Puma (Jonny Puma, Will Calrissian and Vinnie Moon) vs. Team Bennett (Kevin Bennett, Frank Feathers and Randy P)

•TNA Wrestling's "Speedball" Mike Bailey will be in action

Check ESW's social media platforms for more match announcements. A new DiPaolo Cup entrant will be revealed every Tuesday.

Sponsorship and limited vendor opportunities are available for WrestleBash. Anyone interested can email media@eswwrestling.com for more details.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with bell-time set for 7 p.m. Tickets are available at ESWTIX.com. Service fees apply. Front row is sold out. VIP/balcony is $45. Second row is $30. General admission is $25. All ticket prices rise by $5 at the door.