2023 -- H 6528
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING JUNE 13TH TO BE "PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING DAY” IN THE STATE
OF RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By: Representatives Morales, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Tanzi,
Ajello, Shallcross Smith, Cortvriend, Fellela, and Fogarty
Date Introduced: June 14, 2023
Referred To: House read and passed
WHEREAS, Professional Wrestling is an amalgamation of theater and sport that is 1
extremely popular in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 90 million Americans 2
follow World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), All Elite Wrestling (AEW), local independent 3
wrestling promotions, and other forms of professional wrestling; and 4
WHEREAS, Professional Wrestling events such as WrestleMania have attracted more 5
than one hundred thousand paying customers in person, and millions more paying to watch their 6
broadcast. These events also bring in millions to help local businesses and communities grow 7
during a difficult time; and 8
WHEREAS, Professional Wrestling, which got its start after the American Civil War, 9
developed by the turn of the 20th century into performance art in which matches are 10
choreographed to better entertain the customers while ensuring the physical safety of the 11
wrestlers. One of the biggest influences on the development of Professional Wrestling in the 12
United States was carnival culture and its reliance on theatrics to entice the public to buy tickets; 13
and 14
WHEREAS, Rhode Island has long been a haven for the wrestling world, with an 15
independent company dating back to the early 1990’s known as the New England Wrestling 16
Alliance (NEWA) which gave a platform for people to live out their dreams while also giving 17
back to communities across Rhode Island. Local programming like Public Access, independent 18
companies like the Rhode Island Wrestling Alliance (RIWA) and the Renegade Wrestling 19
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Alliance (RWA) were formed and grew on the basics of NEWA where they were able to bring 1
wrestling into events, such as helping the Sport Celebrate Carville for the Special Olympics of 2
Rhode Island, and so many more great charities; and 3
WHEREAS, Professional Wrestling is a significant part of American culture and its 4
landscape, giving fans a place to feel free and to enjoy their time, and to except everyday life. 5
Wrestling has given back by visiting our troops overseas and stars like John Cena have granted 6
the most Make A Wish dreams come true to date. Professional Wrestling and its wrestlers have 7
contributed so much to fans around the world, including the State of Rhode Island, so much so 8
that the ‘Official Wrestling Museum’ was founded by Dino Ruggiero which was formed to show 9
respect to the industry. Just like America today, it is diversifying its performers, productions, and 10
the people it appeals to, and contributes much to local economies as it sells out venues and 11
provides employment for many people; now, therefore be it 12
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 13
proclaims June 13th to be “Professional Wrestling Day” in the State of Rhode Island; and be it 14
further 15
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 16
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to The Official Wrestling Museum, Dino 17
Ruggiero, and the Renegade Wrestling Alliance. 18
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