Talking Anarchy with Matt Jackson, Owner of Saint Louis Anarchy

Nathan Tucker
nrtucker@lc.edu


For years in the sport that is professional wrestling, women were often a sideshow. Their matches were not serious nor treated as such, but the industry has seen great change over the past generation. This Friday Saint Louis Anarchy is putting on the St. Louis area’s first ever all-women’s wrestling event, Ladies Night, in Alton’s own home of wrestling, Spaulding Hall.

“This event features women from all over the United States as well as St. Louis favorites.” said Matt Jackson, Owner of Saint Louis Anarchy. The main event match of the evening sees independent wrestling stars Kimber Lee and Allie Kat going toe-to-toe under the bright lights in Alton’s Spaulding Hall.

Asked about the significance of an all-women’s event, Jackson didn’t pull any punches. “It’s very important. For years women were looked at in a certain way in pro wrestling. That has drastically changed in recent years and I want to show that change to those in St. Louis. These women are some of the best athletes in the world.”

And he knows athletes in wrestling. Jackson is as seasoned as they come. “I’ve been in the business for seventeen years” he says, “Saint Louis Anarchy has been around since 2011. Before that it was Lethal Wrestling Alliance which began in 2001. Anarchy did not run shows between December 2016 and July 2018, due to me taking a job with National Wrasslin League.”

“I feel St. Louis has been one of the most important territories in wrestling, dating back to the ‘Wrestling At The Chase’ days.” adds Jackson. Wrestling At The Chase was a historically significant wrestling show in St. Louis, airing weekly on KPLR from 1959 to 1983. Legends like Ric Flair and Harley Race made a name for themselves in the Khorassan Ballroom at Chase Park Plaza, for which the show was named.

“I don’t enjoy most of the current St. Louis wrestling scene which is why I started Anarchy. Anarchy is more than a wrestling show, it’s a brand. Our fanbase here is the most passionate in wrestling.” Jackson emphasizes. “Adults with families cried when Anarchy came back. People have met their wives and husbands at our events. For some it’s the only place they feel they belong.”

“It’s way more important than just a show.”

Jackson isn’t just hyping his promotion when he says that either. Speaking as a wrestling fan writing this, you can feel that energy and passion when you’re packed into Spaulding Hall. Fans are enthusiastic for everything, from ferocious slams in and out of the ring, to a server from the bar bringing someone in the crowd a buffalo chicken pizza.

To experience the unique atmosphere of Anarchy and witness St. Louis’s very first all-women’s wrestling event, head to Spaulding Hall (405 East 4th Street) in Alton this Friday night.

Doors open at 7 pm, and the event begins at 7:30 pm.

Tickets are available online here, and also at the door of the event.

Follow @stlanarchy on Twitter for more information.

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