Gary Damron
Earlier this week, RealWV ran a story about the independent wrestling scene in West Virginia, as chronicled in “Grappalachia.” A number of fans and performers reached out to thank us for spotlighting the men and women who put their bodies on the line while engaging in an artful form of storytelling. Others who could care less about wrestling contacted us to express gratitude for the unique story about a fascinating part of Appalachian culture that has long been misunderstood. But one reader wrote with a request: “Can you recognize Gary Damron?”
Gary Damron is the man behind All Star Wrestling, one of the state’s strongest wrestling promotions located in the southern coalfields. He has long, bleached blonde hair and wears bold eyeglasses. He is a wrestling promoter, after all, and he looks the part. But he doesn’t act like it.
He is soft-spoken, humble, and exceedingly committed to his craft. For decades, he has poured his heart and soul into an artform that is an Appalachian as the coal mines surrounding his wrestling rings.
As our reader who nominated Gary said, “He is the driving force behind independent wrestling in West Virginia. It’s the love of his life.”
Don’t tell his dog that. Or his gospel concerts. They both get plenty of his attention, as does his 9-5 job at UPS. But his heart is in telling stories via the squared circle.
Early on in his career, Gary’s heart was bigger than his checkbook. It landed him in some trouble, and he’s spent everyday since trying to make good with his community.
Small towns across Appalachia are alive because of people like Gary Damron, who give their heart and soul to the smallest of tasks knowing that if they didn’t do it…it wouldn’t get done. Go to any gospel concert or wrestling show, and you will see Gary doing it all. From popping popcorn to selling tickets to paying the talent to putting on a show.
For continuing to show up in support of community development, time after time even when he gets knocked down, we are proud to name Gary Damron as the certified Real West Virginian of the Week.
Have a nomination for future weeks? Email us at news@therealwv.com.
