Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Keef.
Hi Tyler, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began in 2002 when I saw wrestling on TV for the first time. 2002 was a landmark year for me, as it was also the year I graduated elementary school, and received my first of 3 copies of Final Fantasy X for the PS2 – seeing full motion video and hearing voice acting in a video game for the first time – and discovered rock music.
Fast-forward 10 years and I’m in college studying media production, learning a couple of instruments, and most importantly: starting my wrestling training. It’s there where I met my best friend Josh Powers, and began a journey across the country (and sometimes overseas) that’s led me to meet some incredible people and see some amazing places I wouldn’t have otherwise.
By 2018, Josh and I had determined that the wrestling hotspot with the most talent-per-capita was the Carolinas, and we identified a need for another wrestling company to exist – right here in Greenville – to serve as a launching pad for hungry independent wrestlers to the next echelon of our sport. The entrepreneurial spirit that was passed down genetically by my parents began to shine, and we landed on a name for our company: Pro Wrestling TURBO.
We just wrapped up our 8th anniversary show, a memorial to our beloved ring announcer Brett Wolverton, and we have big plans to continue bringing our product to a variety of awesome venues across The Upstate. We stopped counting at 11, but at least a dozen of our wrestlers or staff have taken jobs with AEW, WWE, NWA or another major globally-distributed wrestling organization.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our company is unique, in that the final decision makers are also on the frontlines as performers. This is a blessing and a curse – in that Josh and I have to wear multiple hats on show-day and still be on the top of our game when the bell rings. Conversely, we can give feedback and advice to younger performers, understand and relate to them, and there is a degree of mutual respect that comes with knowing that we know from experience what we’re talking about.
Additionally, we’ve never had a major investor or sponsor, and our company has lived or died on ticket sales alone. We have survived a pandemic that shut down thousands of local businesses around us, a couple of start-stops, and have sadly had to witness some of our favorite places to perform (and just exist) be forced to close due to the misplaced burden of a sudden and unnecessary rise in liquor liability premiums.
We’re still going strong as we approach 10 years, and each obstacle has taught Josh and I how to be better leaders, better decision makers, and better people.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Pro Wrestling TURBO has entertained thousands across Upstate South Carolina at unique venues since its inception in 2018. Our credo is “Drama. Athleticism. Community.” and you can experience all three whenever TURBO is in your town. Independent promotions like ours are a vital channel for wrestlers that you see every week on national/global television.
We have been described as a “neighborhood cookout on heavy doses of caffeine,” and as “the fire marshall’s best frienemy.”
We provide fun for all ages with a TV-PG grade product – with a menu of local eats and drinks from either the venue itself or The Upstate’s massive roster of food trucks.
There is an intimate feeling to our shows, probably because people really love to pack in to watch some pro wrestling. There’s no experience quite like the sights and sounds of live pro wresting in person, and you can meet the wrestlers too.
Disclaimer: people in the front row may get wet.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
In early 2003, my Dad took me to see wrestling live for the first time – it was a local independent in Easley that is now occupied by Glenco Fireplaces. I now drive by during work at least once every other week, The ring, the matches, the entrance set, and the technology were just as fascinating to me as the TV wrestling was.
Pricing:
- Front Row – $25-27
- 2nd Row – $20-22
- 3rd Row – $19
- 4th/5h Row – $17
- Gen. Admission – $15
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.prowrestlingturbo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prowrestlingturbo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prowrestlingturbo
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-keef-8815016a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/prowrestlingturbo
- Other: https://www.wspa.com/plus/pro-wrestling-turbo/
