The Allied Powers Wrestling Federation is an Indiana-based professional wrestling company founded in 1998 in Punxsutawney, currently owned by Kenneth “Bubba” Brewer Jr., of Rayne Township. (Facebook/Allied Powers Wrestling Federation)

By Josh Imhof, Indiana Gazette

Professional wrestling will soar from the top ropes into S&T Bank Arena at 3 p.m. Sunday with Redemption, presented by the Allied Powers Wrestling Federation.

Attendees will be able to see some of the best independent wrestling talent, according to Ken “Bad Bubba” Brewer, the event’s promoter.

Brewer used to be a professional wrestler himself, and throughout his 20-year career, Indiana County remained an integral part of his identity. Now, during his time as a promoter, Brewer has tried to bring wrestling back to his home.

“This is Indiana’s own professional wrestling company. (The announcer said) I resided from Indiana, Pennsylvania when I would come out. I’m just very appreciative for the opportunity to have an event in the area,” Brewer said.

Independent wrestling has remained popular throughout the western and central Pennsylvania area, according to Brewer. The weekend of the APWF matches, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling will also be holding events Friday and Saturday in Moon Township. This provides both wrestlers, as well as promoters like Brewer, with plenty of competition.

This means each show has to be special.

At last year’s show, the AWPF hosted the National Wrestling Alliance Heavyweight World Championship match between defending champion EC3 and “Big Time” Bill Collier.

“It was never here before, so I wanted to make it historical,” Brewer said.

This match ended in chaos when EC and Collier were ambushed by two other wrestlers, forcing the title contenders to put aside their differences and team up. The duo successfully defended the ring; however, they did not finish their own match and EC3 retained his title.

This year, the event promises the same level of entertainment as Collier returns to the ring once more for a main event showdown with Gorgeous Gregory. It will also feature former WWE wrestler Man Beast Rhyno and NWA’s Spencer Slade.

Despite some being skeptical of professional wrestling, Brewer thinks people knock it before they try it.

“The problem is a lot of people don’t like it until they actually see it. You’re up close and personal to the wrestlers. You’ll get to talk to them,” Brewer said.

Guests will also get to meet Erin Kelly, author of “Mick and Me: The Unlikely Friendship of an Unbeatable Tag-Team.” The book tells the story of how an interaction with WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley changed Kelly’s life and will give fans a unique opportunity to learn more about one of professional wrestling’s biggest names.

Tickets for the event can be purchased online at www.apwfwrestling.com or in person at PBJ’s Market off of Route 286. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Teddy Bear Fund Drive.

Josh Imhof is a student at Duquesne University and one of 10 Pittsburgh Media Partnership summer interns.