BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - For the third consecutive year, professional wrestling will be back at Kami-Con this weekend at the BJCC.
New Era Wrestling, a Jasper-based promotion that started in 2018, has become a staple at the annual anime convention in downtown Birmingham.
“To be able to bring our brand of pro wrestling to the Birmingham and Kami-Con audience is so exciting, for myself and the wrestlers,” said James Phillips, owner of the New Era Wrestling. “The fans in Birmingham are always really into the show.”
Ace Haven, former champion and long-time staple of both New Era Wrestling and ProSouth Wrestling in Piedmont, is also an anime fan. He loves the crossover between the two genres.
“Pro wrestling blends story telling with action and takes heavy inspiration from anime in that regard,” said Haven, the 2023 Georgia Wrestling History Booker of the Year for his work in ProSouth. “Anime fans won’t be disappointed this weekend as New Era has a talented crew of individuals that are just as much fans of the media Kami-Con celebrates as the convention’s attendees are.”
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Haven said to expect a lot of costumes and tributes to anime in the live performances.
“Kami Con is an incredible experience for anyone that attends but pro wrestling fans are in for a special treat seeing New Era perform,” Haven said.
Phillips said there will again be two shows at this year’s convention. The first starts at 7 p.m. Friday and the second is at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Both shows will take place in the East Exhibit Hall 2.
“In addition to our core NEW roster, we have wrestlers coming in from across the southeast,” Phillips said. “The Friday show will be an hour and the Saturday show is two hours. We are excited to bring the best three hours of independent wrestling to Kami-Con.”
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Some of the wrestlers coming to Kami-Con include the New Era Wrestling Open Champion Brandon Whatley, Tag Team Champions The Heavenly Butterflies, who have been seen nationally on All Elite Wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance, Dameon Ceretone, The Modern Day Kings, 74-year-old “Action” Mike Jackson, and more.
The 15th season of Kami-Con kicks off Friday, Feb. 9 at the BJCC and runs through Sunday.
For more information about Kami-Con, including a full schedule of events, visit kamicon.net.
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