Frontline Pro’s Chicago-area debut heads busy weekend locally

By Mike Pankow

July 18, 2019

Over the years, professional wrestling has been known for pulling at the heartstrings, telling emotional stories and being very charitable toward its audience and for special causes.

Frontline Pro is no exception. The company ran by Wisconsin native and combat veteran Ben Manthe helps support many different causes with proceeds going to programs to help military and veteran organizations.

“Bulletproof” Ben McCoy, who is bringing Frontline Pro to Oak Lawn on Saturday night, chokes Gringo Loco on the ropes during a Zelo Pro show in Chicago on April 28, 2019. (Photo by Mike Pankow)

Manthe’s Frontline Pro is promoting its first show in the Chicago area this Saturday night, Frontline #12, at Southwest suburban Oak Lawn at the Oak Lawn Pavilion. Bell time is 7 p.m.

Manthe, better known in the business as “Bulletproof” Ben McCoy, is very fortunate to be alive. He took a bullet to the face while serving in Afghanistan in August 2011. McCoy had several major surgeries, including facial reconstruction, and had to battle through the emotions of losing several of his brothers-in-arms who committed suicide upon his return to the United States.

Wrestling was one of the things that drove McCoy, who toiled in the industry for a few years before joining the army in 2010. He returned to wrestling in 2014 and created Frontline Pro in March 2018.

McCoy has wrestled in the Chicago area previously as he defeated longtime local competitor Gringo Loco at Zelo Pro: Wrestling on Weed St. on April 28.

McCoy is part of a 10-man Survivor Series-style match on Frontline Pro #12, teaming with local veteran Vic Capri, Justin Dredd, Nick Colucci and TW3, collectively known as “Mad Dog Club Worldwide,” to face the Northern Lights All Stars of Backwoods Brown, Ruff Crossing, Mojo McQueen, E.J. Jensen and a mystery partner.

There are several other top-notch matches on the card, including the Frontline Pro Heavyweight Champion Logan Lynch, who has held the belt for over a year, defending the title against J Ca$h. Oak Lawn native Joe Alonzo will be facing his mentor, longtime Chicago wrestler, Robert “Ego” Anthony. In tag team action, The Four Star Heroes of Matt Knicks and Chris Castro will face Acid Jaz and Bryce Benjamin. A women’s triple threat match features Sierra facing Missa Kate and “Blue Phoenix” Vanessa Azure. “The Greatest Spectacle in Pro Wrestling” DDS, best known for competing in Kaiju Attack Wrestling, will also take on “The Wanderer” Alex Riley. There are other matches planned as well.

There are several other local shows to check out this weekend as well:

Kaiju Attack Wrestling: Quarrel at the Quarry, Quarry Pub and Grill, Lemont, Friday (July 19), belltime: 9 p.m.

The big attraction is Mike Flannery facing Kaiju Attack Wrestling champion Eric Priest in Flannery’s final match. DDS is facing Jason Hades. In a tag team match, Ari Akuma and Jack Shatter will take on Jesus Bryce and Warbear EDA of “The Following.” Lamar Titan will fight Brendan Conway in a Falls Count Anywhere match. A triple-threat match features Davey Bang vs. Pariah vs. Rylie Jackson. Also, in an intergender match Vanessa Azure squares off with Sizzling Stan Stylez. Be advised this is billed as a 21-and-over show. Musical acts will begin at 7:15 before the wrestling action.

Esparza

Chicago Style Wrestling: All Day, Guerin Prep High School, River Grove, Saturday (July 20), belltime: 7 p.m.

CJ Esparza defends the CSW Metra Division Championship against Jake Andrews. Veteran Steve Boz takes on Jack Moody. Heather Reckless squares off with Miranda Rites in a women’s match. Also among those advertised are “All Day” Marshe Rockett, TJ Steel, Chris Miller and Mitch Blake.

POWW Entertainment: American Legion Post #703 Drop Zone Bar, Fox Lake (July 20), Saturday, belltime: 7 p.m.

Matt Dewar defends the POWW Midwest Championship (with manager PL Myers banned) against Kal Herro, son of longtime Milwaukee-area wrestler and promoter David Herro. X-Con takes on Tylor Sullivan in a street fight. Meathooks O’Bannon will take on Trainwrecker. In a three-way match, the “High Priest” William Jacobs goes against Dave Rydell and De La Sombra. Plus there’s plenty more.

Galli Lucha Libre: Galli #443, Arena Galli, Villa Park, Sunday (July 21), belltime: 6 p.m.

Two championship matches are advertised, including Bandolero vs. Rey Fuego and Eros vs. Slayer. Other talents include: IMPACT Wrestling star Michael Elgin, Air Wolf, Angel Dorado, Barry Ryte, Gringo Loco and Chico Suave.

All cards subject to change.