United Pro Entertainment -- Kingsland on January 25

From United Pro: United Pro Entertainment returned to action on Sunday, January 25, with a special “Test Run” event held at Axes & 8ight...

From United Pro:

United Pro Entertainment returned to action on Sunday, January 25, with a special “Test Run” event held at Axes & 8ights Sports Bar & Lounge. The show marked United Pro’s first event in nearly nine years and drew an estimated crowd of roughly 120 fans, many of whom were returning supporters who had been waiting for the promotion’s return. 

The event was sponsored by local business These Colors Don’t Run Tattoo & Piercing and served as a soft-opening collaboration with Axes & 8ights, a newly opened venue. The goal of the evening was twofold: to reintroduce United Pro to the community and to allow the venue’s staff to gain experience hosting live wrestling events. By all accounts, the night was a success on both fronts, becoming a record-breaking day for the bar.

Doors opened at 4:30 PM with a casual meet-and-greet, and the show began promptly at 4:59 PM with the National Anthem performed by 5:05. 

The ring announcer was Chianne Michaels. The commentary team was Maestro and Michael Walker, doing commentary for his first time ever.

The opening segment featured United Pro representative Kevin Kantrell, who thanked the fans for remembering United Pro and supporting its return. Kantrell then invited sponsor John Boy Ink., owner of These Colors Don’t Run Tattoo & Piercing, into the ring and announced him as the special one-night-only guest enforcer for the main event. 

This was interrupted by Randy Reno, who claimed he was there for the fans to “bask in his glory” and warned John Boy not to get in his way. Kantrell stepped in to diffuse the situation, sending Reno to the back. 

Match One: Hollywood Hunter James vs. “The Machine” Bryce Maddox 

The opening contest set the tone for the night and the standard United Pro aims to deliver. The match was fast-paced, physical, and highly athletic. Bryce Maddox showcased why many believe 2026 will be a breakout year for him, but after missing a frog splash, Hunter James capitalized by hitting his Brain Buster to score the victory. 

Match Two:  "That Dude" Jon Davis vs. Draco Nix (Student vs. Teacher Match) 

Head coach of the United Pro Training Project, Davis, faced the first-ever graduate  Draco Nix. The match began respectfully, with multiple fist bumps following earlyin exchanges. On the third attempt, however, Draco refused the show of respect and mocked Davis, calling him an “old man.” From that point forward, Davis took full control, finishing the match with a powerbomb roll-through followed by a devastating lariat. 

Match Three:  "Frat Daddy" Bryce Cannon vs. Christyan Taylor 

A familiar name in Georgia wrestling, Cannon faced Taylor, who debuted a new character tailored to the venue’s theme The Axeman, a lumberjack-inspired persona. The crowd quickly embraced the character, erupting into repeated “2x4!” chants as the match progressed. Despite the fan support for The Axeman, Cannon secured the win after striking Taylor with the Keg stand on his paddle behind the referee’s back. 

Following a brief intermission, the evening moved into the main event. 

Main Event: Randy Reno vs. “Flying Fro” Michael Walker with Special Guest Enforcer: John Boy Ink. 

Walker stepped away from the commentary table to face the arrogant and unpredictable Randy Reno in a match the crowd stayed fully invested in from start to finish. After Reno grew frustrated following a near fall, chaos erupted. Reno grabbed a metal chair and appeared ready to strike referee Clark DeBenedetto, but John Boy Ink. intervened, removing the chair. As Reno turned around, Flying Fro capitalized with a spinning DDT followed by a Froggy elbow splash to earn the victory, with both DeBenedetto and John Boy raising Walker’s hand. 

Reno, however, was not finished. He confronted John Boy again, leading to a brief brawl that included punches from John Boy, Flying Fro, and a surprise shot from DeBenedetto. Reno staggered into a massive body slam from John Boy Ink, prompting Flying Fro to call for the cover. Walker and DeBenedetto made a simultaneous three-count. As the show came to a close, fans remained in their seats, clearly hoping for more action. 

An announcement was made that United Pro will return to Axes & 8ights on Sunday, March 29, which was met with loud applause. On the way out, Kantrell and venue staff received overwhelming positive feedback, with many fans stating they planned to bring friends to the next event. The United Pro Test Run was a success for the fans, the community, the venue, and the long-awaited return of United Pro Wrestling.