Since 2018, Divine Pro Wrestling has been bringing women’s professional wrestling to audiences throughout the region. With its 16′ x 16′ ring, Divine Pro Wrestling currently performs at Uplift, the LGBTQIA+ bar and community space in downtown Ann Arbor.
Led by a collaborative team that includes owner/promoter Eric James, the group is focused on offering a full slate of performances by women.
“There was a gap in women’s only wrestling promotions,” said James. “Normally women get one or two matches out of 11.” At a Divine Pro Wrestling show, every performance is by women. “Our roster is diverse. We have trans wrestlers and people who are 6’3” and 5’0.” Size differences make magic happen in the ring,” said James.
“I’m a Washtenaw County native and wanted to get back to places where I spent a lot of time and give people entertainment that wasn’t expensive,” said James. “We have a unique venue with a different atmosphere than what you usually get with pro wrestling. The venue is welcoming. We want to be that wrestling company that you identify as being at Uplift.”
For Divine Pro Wrestling, it’s all about creating a safe and welcoming environment – for performers and fans.
“In pro wrestling, you can stand a foot away from the ring and be part of the action,” said James. “That increases the pressure on the wrestler to make that connection, so you want to come back and see them. We’ve fostered an atmosphere for that, that’s also safe and welcoming. The general vibe of Uplift has character, and we’ve brought that to our DNA,” said James.
Most of the audience at a Divine Pro Wrestling show doesn’t usually attend pro wrestling events. “Eighty percent of our audience doesn’t watch other wrestling. We like to say we’re a gateway to pro wrestling, and there is a lot of responsibility to set a high standard for what they’re enjoying,” said James. “The audience is fans of drag. Pro wrestling is drag. We see ourselves as a band of misfit toys and this is the island we’ve found. People have a preconceived notion of what pro wrestling is and we’re here to break that.”
For the performers, it’s all about the characters they’ve built.
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“We wanted to focus on people who had larger than life characters,” said James. “Maybe let’s not take ourselves so seriously. Let’s bring comedy into it. Let’s let our personalities show through and give chances to those who want the mic.”
If you’re interested in getting a taste of what an event is like, you can watch performances on YouTube.
Tickets for a Divine Pro Wrestling show are for people 21 and up and start at $15. The next event is Divine: The Gaythering on June 20. Charity sponsorships are available and will benefit the Jim Toy Community Center, Safehouse and Friends of Michigan Animals Rescue.
