“Dante is the best,” as quoted by Dante Drago. But will he be able to overcome 19 other wrestlers this weekend at Victory Pro Wrestling’s Gold Rush Rumble?
At VPW’s Battle in Bay Shore, Dante drew the dreaded #1 in the 20-person over the top rope rumble match that has become one of the stepping stones to greatness in Victory Pro Wrestling.
It all started in 2009 with the Gold Rush Rumble’s debut to crown the first ever VPW New York State Champion. Back then, the rumble was a two-part match.
In the first part, it was an over-the-top rope match to earn a spot for the main event. The last four competitors in the Gold Rush Rumble would meet in a fatal-four-way elimination match.
In 2010, the Gold Rush Rumble became an opportunity for the winner to challenge for any championship in Victory Pro Wrestling. Former Ring of Honor World Tag Team Champion Ricky Reyes would take the win in 2010, and he would challenge VSK for the New York State Championship. One year later, VSK would win and challenge for the VPW Tag Team Championships.
Kevin Fulton would draw #1 in 2012 and would go “coast-to-coast” to start the show and then end the night. Eric James would win in 2013.
In 2014, Mister Tibbs held the VPW New York State Championship and the Victory Pro Wrestling championship. He decided to put the New York State Championship on the line in the 2014 Gold Rush Rumble, the second rumble where a championship was contested. Jorge Santi would win and become champion.
In 2015, Fighter Cat won in an upset. In 2016, VSK would be the first two-time Gold Rush Rumble winner.
There was no Gold Rush Rumble in 2017, but the Rumble did return in 2018 with a new twist. Instead of a two-part contest, the rumble would be a sole survivor elimination rumble.
Mister Tibbs would add “Winner of the Gold Rush Rumble” to his resume in 2018. One year later Coach Mammone would win the Gold Rush Rumble.
In the first rumble after the pandemic, Johnny Collins was eliminated, leaving VSK as the victor… but the officials were distracted after Kaide Lothbrok caused chaos outside the ring. With VSK celebrating, the officials were able to turn around just in time to see the “eliminated” Johnny Collins dump VSK over the top to win in 2021.
The 2022 Gold Rush Rumble featured a victory by Mike Anthony, who had already professed himself as VPW Champion, despite not actually winning the title.
The winner of the Gold Rush Rumble has gone on to challenge and successfully claim the championship of their choice… all but one. Eric James, who won in 2013 fell short in his challenge for the VPW Championship. He is the only Gold Rush Rumble winner to date to not successfully convert his victory into gold.
Dante Drago believes this is his time. History dictates it can be done, as Kevin Fulton started the rumble in 2012 as number 1. Destructico drew #1 in 2014, with the eventual winner of the rumble Jorge Santi starting with him drawing #2.
On the other side of the spectrum, Dr Cool Jay Klang has the most coveted spot – the #20 spot. The problem is that nobody has won from #20 in the history of the Gold Rush Rumble. Cool has been on a roll lately and his momentum has been through the roof, so can he feed off that energy to pick up the win?
Another note to consider is the chance for new talent to debut, or old talents to return, and surprise the locker room with a win. VPW owner John E Radioo opened the doors to opportunity and may have some surprise entrants in this year’s event.
What will happen Saturday night August 12 when Victory Pro Wrestling returns to Pro Game Athletics in Bay Shore for The 2023 Gold Rush Rumble?
THE GOLD RUSH RUMBLE MAIN EVENT
The 20 person Gold Rush Rumble winner will have the opportunity to challenge for any
Victory Pro Wrestling championship of their choice!!
VICTORY PRO WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP
Champion Eric James will defend against “Shadowbanned” Jack Tomlinson
IN A TABLES MATCH!!!
This is Jack Tomlinson’s last opportunity to reclaim the VPW Championship!!
NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Champion Leo Sparrow vs Brother Greatness
VPW WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
Champion Valentina Vasquez vs Kelsey Raegan
VPW WOMEN’S TOP CONTENDERS MATCH
The Unforgiven Salem vs Evie de la Rosa vs Mother Endless
NEW VPW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Champions The Rat Bastards vs Security Inc
PLUS ALL YOUR FAVORITE VPW STARS!!
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
RINGSIDE SEATS – SOLD OUT!!!
GENERAL ADMISSION – $25
General Admission tickets are first come, first served
https://victoryprowrestling.ticketleap.com/
For more information call (631) 357-1810
