Bay Street Yard transforms into open-air wrestling arena in Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Bay Street is being transformed into an open-air wrestling arena as it hosts a live pro wrestling block party.

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Bay Street Yard teamed up with NRG Wrestling to create something different while keeping the focus on the community. WINK Sports reporter Lauren Halpern went to check it out.

"This is an opportunity for us just to connect with the community over something different, something unique and entertaining," said Brian Buechele, event coordinator for Bay Street Yard.

The local partnership brings in homegrown talent and gives fans a front-row experience in their own backyard. 

"What you guys can expect from the ring is a lot of action, a lot of body slams, a lot of cheers, a lot of boos, the whole nine everything," said Georgio, host of NRG Wrestling.

For fans, it's more than just wrestling. It's a shared experience for a growing fanbase in Southwest Florida.

"It's kind of how we actually connect to become friends too," said Sean Massey, a wrestling fan. "So it just really brings people together."

Elson Tracey, another wrestling fan, encouraged people to embrace the entertainment value. "If everybody needs to just put the whole fake wrestling thing aside and have fun, it's about having fun," Tracey said. "It's not being fake. It's just fun. You'll probably enjoy it a lot more than anything."

Beyond entertainment, the event shows what local businesses can create when they come together. Buechele said it's about getting the word out that Bay Street offers more than just music.

"We pioneered with a local business to help each other grow in the long run," Georgio said. "And I think at the end of the day, it'll be beneficial. And it's also WrestleMania weekend. So why not put on a show?"

The free event continues with live music from the band Rock Republic inside Bay Street Yard until 9 p.m. to keep the party going.