The Georgia Straight steps inside WrestleCore’s world
A look back at Sara Harowitz’s 2023 feature on Vancouver wrestling, WrestleCore’s origins and the energy shared by performers and fans.
Behind the noise
In her August 2023 Georgia Straight feature, Sara Harowitz explored Vancouver’s independent wrestling scene through a hands-on visit to Lions Gate Dojo and conversations with the people behind the shows. WrestleCore founder Stevan Cvjetkovich was among those interviewed.
The piece traces his background as Kobra Kai, his lucha libre training in Mexico City and the encouragement from Calamity Kate that helped turn a one-off show into WrestleCore. It also explores how themed events and music bring new audiences to wrestling.
Our take: the crowd is part of the show
For us, a great WrestleCore night begins when the room gets involved. A cheer, a gasp or a perfectly timed boo becomes part of the performance. That is why the live experience matters so much: the crowd helps give every confrontation its stakes.
If you have only seen a short wrestling clip online, a whole show adds the missing context. Entrances introduce the characters. Matches give you reasons to take sides. By the end, the person beside you may be celebrating the same ridiculous moment you are.
Follow the story into the ring
Read Harowitz’s original reporting at the source below. Then explore our show archive for posters and available footage, or visit About WrestleCore for our own introduction to the promotion. This is an archive spotlight; the original article’s event references describe 2023, rather than the current schedule.