Test Run Pro Wrestling (TRPW), a unique sports entertainment federation, announced its closure earlier this week after a long period of inactivity. Known for its innovative approach to wrestling from 2005 to 2013, TRPW combined athletic competition with creative storytelling, notably through its signature tournament, the Player Bowl. The decision to cease operations marks the end of an era for a promotion that captivated the imaginations of fans and participants alike.
Owner Joey Styles shared the reasoning behind this decision, stating, “After a long discussion with our roster and others involved with this storied promotion, we’ve decided now is the best time to walk away.” He expressed gratitude to the wrestlers who participated, the crew that supported them, and the fans who made the promotion possible. TRPW was particularly famous for introducing match types that pushed the boundaries of traditional wrestling, including the brutal freefall match where victory depended on dropping opponents from great heights.
Despite its vibrant history, TRPW has not hosted a marquee event since 2015. The decline in activity and creativity raised questions about the future of the promotion. Yet, the reason for its closure is not solely financial or logistical. The closure reflects a personal journey for the creator of TRPW, revealing the intersection of childhood imagination and adult responsibilities.
In an unexpected twist, the real-life narrative behind the promotion’s demise involves the creator’s collection of action figures. The action figures that represented the TRPW roster suffered an unfortunate fate due to the playful antics of a pet cat, which caused irreparable damage to the figures stored away in boxes. This incident prompted a deeper reflection on the impact of TRPW on the creator’s life.
Memories of pairing wrestlers for match events and developing storylines flooded back as the creator contemplated the significance of these imaginative pursuits. “Those match cards, those stipulations, those long title reigns weren’t just for fun,” the creator noted. “They were the foundation for just about everything that I’ve done creatively.” The experience of crafting narratives and tournaments was more than just a pastime; it was a means of expressing creativity and building worlds.
As life progresses, the responsibilities of adulthood often overshadow these creative outlets. The finality of closing TRPW serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing imagination, even in the face of growing up. The creator emphasized that while the “rings get packed up” and the “match cards stop being written,” the imaginative muscle remains intact.
In a world where creativity can sometimes take a backseat, the story of TRPW reflects the joy that comes from engaging in imaginative play. Whether it’s through re-engaging with childhood toys or simply allowing one’s mind to wander, these creative pursuits can bring smiles and fulfillment.
The legacy of Test Run Pro Wrestling may fade, but its impact on the creator’s life endures, illustrating the significance of imagination in shaping personal and professional journeys. As the final curtain falls on TRPW, the message resonates that creativity, regardless of its form, remains a vital part of the human experience.
