The spirit of professional wrestling goes back to ancient Rome, when cheering fans would watch their champions square off on the sand covered floor of the coliseum.

A new organization has brought that spirit and the thrill of live wrestling close to home.

Last month the Xtreme Maximum Championship Wrestling Federation (XMCW) conducted its third event at the Nitro Community Center. XMCW is owned by Group Sports Entertainment, Inc., which was formed January 2001 and licensed in W. Va. February 2001. It is currently the home of 12 wrestlers with another two currently in training.

All but one of the XMCW wrestlers hail from the state and three are Marshall alumni.

XMCW matches are a bit different than what is seen on television today. They are typically well paced with a high amount of energy. Garbage cans and pans are freely used as weapons in the ring.

During one match, wrestler Kyd Dynomite was sent flying over the barricade and almost landed on fans in the front row. XMCW sweetheart Ms. Amanda was hit over the head with a metal pan by "Razor Blade" Mark Stevens.

Characters in the XMCW include villains, like "the Unholy," and heroes like "Lone Wolf" Lance Roberts.

A XMCW event is a chance for wrestling professionals to live out their dreams. They take serious chances, like "suicide dives" to a gym floor, being hit with pans and real estate signs, and being dropped through tables. They take staggering blows from real metal chairs.

Wrestler Tony "The Beast" Steele, former Marshall student, said he has dreamed about becoming a wrestler since he was a little boy.

"My dad and I would watch wrestling on television. I always dreamed of being like the Ultimate Warrior, Bam Bam Bigelow and Bret "The Hitman" Hart at that age. It wasn't till I was about 18 when I knew that I'd actually do it," Steele said.

Championship contender "Mr. Attitude" Alan Matthews from Milton attends Marshall and is pursuing a degree in sports management and marketing. He has also worked in two other wrestling federations and dreams about becoming a professional wrestler.

"I was a big Hogan fan during the Rock 'n' Wrestling era. I remember my brother and I used to wrestle on my granny¹s couch and bed. We even made Championship belts out of cardboard boxes," Matthews said.

XMCW may not be as well-known as WWF, but it has plenty of fan support. The last three events have averaged between 300 and 350 fans in attendance.

Aaron Andrew, senior executive member of Group Sports Entertainment board of directors, said the XMCW provides communities with a form of weekend entertainment they could enjoy without sitting in front of a television.

"Our program gives them a reason to get out of the house during the weekend and bring their friends and families to attend the event. It allows an entire group of people the opportunity to get out and enjoy themselves; to become involved and participate in our events," Andrew said.

The fans add an extra level of intensity to the matches. Steele said the fans are "absolutely insane."

"I love them. They rock. Every time I step through those ropes and look around at all the people who came out to see what I've got, I get cold chills. The signs, the chants ... it's a wonderful thing," Steele said.

Andrew said the fan interaction at the events is always surprising.

"Our fans are just as vocal and involved as what the wrestlers are themselves. We have never seen a more interactive fan base in the independent scene as what we¹ve witnessed at our events. The wrestlers are very appreciative of the fans becoming as involved as they do," Andrew said.

At the end of the event, wrestlers, referees and other officials come out and shake hands with all the fans. They give autographs and pose for pictures to show they appreciated the fans' support.

"I'll tell all of you this much," said wrestler "Bad Boy" Dallas Michaels. "All of us at XMCW, when we put on a show each month, we all put our bodies on the line. We don't know whether we will get injured or survive. It is a risk that we all take. We all want the fans of XMCW to be happy and enjoy our shows."

The next XMCW event will be at the Nitro Community Center Saturday, July 21 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5.

Those interested in more information about the XMCW can visit their Web site at www.go.to/XMCW or www.crowza.com.