Recap: XWA Xtreme Wrestling Alliance -Pittsfield, MA -5/3/2025

Words By: Rob Smittix

Pics By: Joshua Scarselli

I (Rob Smittix) have not been to a live wrestling performance in decades, as a matter of fact the last event I attended may have been The WWF’s Royal Rumble at The Knickerbocker Arena on January 19, 1992. So yeah… it’s been a while! But after this past Saturday, I think I’ll be going a lot more often, moving forward.

Saturday afternoon, Joshua Scarselli (Photographer) scooped me up at my place and we set off on our journey to Pittsfield, MA to attend the XWA (Xtreme Wrestling Alliance) event at New Moon Lodge. We arrived early and we got to watch some of the wrestlers warm up, which was a really cool behind the scenes look into the craft that is wrestling. One of my goals was to see if one of the wrestlers would body slam me. Seriously, I thought it would make a very entertaining video piece for our YouTube channel but the XWA’s attorneys decided it was way too risky, even though I offered to sign a waiver.

The regulations as I understand are really strict and vary from state to state but I get it… because what if I actually got hurt? All I envisioned was breaking my neck like Andy Kaufman and having to wear a neck brace for an extended period of time, which would totally clash with my most of my wardrobe. I did get a chance to interview the XWA Champ Justin Rando, which that video will be dropping on our YouTube Channel very soon. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE!  I may not have gotten body slammed at this event but I was able to thumb wrestle the champ himself and although he won as expected, I think I held my own (for as long as I could).

There were several matches that day and all I can say is wow! I forgot how entertaining wrestling is. Not only do these folks know how to keep the crowd engaged but they are also very skilled athletes. It takes a ton on training and trust to get in that ring with an opponent. I saw the pile-driver move done right before my eyes and I was blown away, it seems like one false move and it could be paralyzation.

I already knew that wrestling was an amazing artform but I guess after not seeing a match live for so long, I had been reminded how dangerous it actually can be. I have nothing but the utmost respect for these amazing athletes and I can’t wait to go again!