Published: August 05, 2008 11:46 am      

No charges from Sellersburg wrestling video

A videotape from a professional wrestling match in Sellersburg raised questions about whether the violence in the show was real or fake.

Indiana State Police and the Sellersburg Police Department investigated a videotape of a professional wrestling match at Alley Cat Lanes, 929 S. Indiana Ave.

The graphic video, which was sent to newsgathering partner WLKY-TV in Louisville, appears to show a young wrestler being severely beaten. The Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South, which runs the event, said the video is all acting and no one was hurt.

“They all say — even the young man who was in the wrestling match — that it’s part of the show,” said Sellersburg Chief of Police Russ Whelan. “I don’t know if I agree with that. I’ve got mixed feelings.”

Someone e-mailed Whelan about the wrestling tournament which was held in June, prompting the investigation.

Ian Rotten, owner and founder of IWA Mid-South, blames “petty, local politics.” He believes competitors sent the video to police trying to get his company in trouble. He said he has put on more than 500 shows and never had a problem anywhere else.

Rotten said the wrestler who appeared to be beaten was not injured and came back to watch the rest of the event later that evening. The wrestler is scheduled to fight again in Illinois in October.

IWA advertises its violence, and Rotten said the shows are adult-themed.

“I don’t want kids there,” he said. “Other organizations in the area are trying to put on family-oriented shows. That’s fine, but that’s not our niche.”

The group has been around since the 1990s. According to its Web site, matches also have been held in Jeffersonville, Charlestown and Clarksville in years past.

Indiana State Police also investigated the videotape, but decided to drop the case, said Sgt. Jerry Goodin. He said they were looking at whether the fight violated a new law against cage matches, but there is an exception in the law for shows.

Whelan did warn the bowling alley against hosting any more fights because they were not properly zoned for the event. The bowling alley owners could petition the Zoning Appeals Board to allow them to host future events, Whelan said.

Another event is scheduled at the bowling alley Aug. 30 and 31. Rotten said the bowling alley is working on getting clearance in time for the show. He said they also had an event there July 26.

The town seems divided about whether the wrestling should be allowed. Whelan said he has received many complaints and thinks most people in Sellersburg are against it.

Two people who work at different stores in the shopping center where the bowling alley is located agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity.

One owner said that although she does not like wrestling, the events do not bother her because they begin after her store closes.

“It’s just like what’s on TV I guess,” she said. “They know what they’re getting themselves into when they sign up.”

A worker at another company said her nephew tried wrestling at one of the events and hurt his back.

“It wouldn’t upset me one bit if they weren’t here anymore,” she said.

Mark Spellman, who lives in the Lakeside Estates subdivision across the street, said he would like to see one of the fights sometime.

“I guess it’s not the worst thing kids could get themselves into as long as no one’s really getting hurt,” he said.