2023 -- H 6528

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING JUNE 13TH TO BE "PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING DAY” IN THE STATE

OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Morales, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Tanzi,
Ajello, Shallcross Smith, Cortvriend, Fellela, and Fogarty

     Date Introduced: June 14, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Professional Wrestling is an amalgamation of theater and sport that is

extremely popular in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 90 million Americans

follow World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), All Elite Wrestling (AEW), local independent

wrestling promotions, and other forms of professional wrestling; and

     WHEREAS, Professional Wrestling events such as WrestleMania have attracted more

than one hundred thousand paying customers in person, and millions more paying to watch their

broadcast. These events also bring in millions to help local businesses and communities grow

during a difficult time; and

     WHEREAS, Professional Wrestling, which got its start after the American Civil War,

developed by the turn of the 20th century into performance art in which matches are

choreographed to better entertain the customers while ensuring the physical safety of the

wrestlers. One of the biggest influences on the development of Professional Wrestling in the

United States was carnival culture and its reliance on theatrics to entice the public to buy tickets;

and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island has long been a haven for the wrestling world, with an

independent company dating back to the early 1990’s known as the New England Wrestling

Alliance (NEWA) which gave a platform for people to live out their dreams while also giving

back to communities across Rhode Island. Local programming like Public Access, independent

companies like the Rhode Island Wrestling Alliance (RIWA) and the Renegade Wrestling

Alliance (RWA) were formed and grew on the basics of NEWA where they were able to bring

wrestling into events, such as helping the Sport Celebrate Carville for the Special Olympics of

Rhode Island, and so many more great charities; and

     WHEREAS, Professional Wrestling is a significant part of American culture and its

landscape, giving fans a place to feel free and to enjoy their time, and to except everyday life.

Wrestling has given back by visiting our troops overseas and stars like John Cena have granted

the most Make A Wish dreams come true to date. Professional Wrestling and its wrestlers have

contributed so much to fans around the world, including the State of Rhode Island, so much so

that the ‘Official Wrestling Museum’ was founded by Dino Ruggiero which was formed to show

respect to the industry. Just like America today, it is diversifying its performers, productions, and

the people it appeals to, and contributes much to local economies as it sells out venues and

provides employment for many people; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

proclaims June 13th to be “Professional Wrestling Day” in the State of Rhode Island; and be it

further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to The Official Wrestling Museum, Dino

Ruggiero, and the Renegade Wrestling Alliance.

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