Connecticut – We’re Back! Riverfront Rumble 5 Returns to Portland in August!

PORTLAND, Conn. – What began as a grassroots effort to raise money for cancer research has become one of Connecticut’s most anticipated summer wrestling events. Riverfront Rumble 5, presented by Victory Pro Wrestling in partnership with A Fight Against, returns Saturday, Aug. 29 to Concentric Brewing Company in Portland.

Now in its fifth year, the family-friendly wrestling event continues to grow in both scale and impact, blending high-energy entertainment with heartfelt purpose.

“It started as just an idea,” said organizer Naji Chester-Payne, the founder of A Fight Against. “We wanted to create something different – something that would entertain and inspire, while also supporting a cause that touches so many lives.”

From Riverfront Park to a Brewery Brawl

After reaching out to Victory Pro Wrestling, the idea became reality when the first Riverfront Rumble took place in 2022 at Portland Riverfront Park. Featuring the stars of Victory Pro Wrestling, the event raised funds and awareness for cancer research, earning the attention of fans, sponsors, and even professional wrestling promotions.

Riverfront Rumble had outgrown its original setting. In 2024, the event moved to Concentric Brewing Company, transforming the outdoor beer garden into an arena for high-stakes, hard-hitting action.

Bigger Stars, Bigger Impact

This year’s event promises to be another big event. Riverfront Rumble 5 will feature a loaded lineup of independent wrestling’s fastest-rising stars, as well as some of VPW’s top talent. Among those set to appear are VPW Tag Team Champions Committed to Excellence, New York State Champion David Graham, and Muay Thai Monster Kalypto.

“Every year we look to bring something new to the table,” said VPW owner John E Radioo. “And this year, we’ve got talent that fans across the region have been dying to see live.”

“This is a celebration of life, strength, and community,” Radioo said in a recent interview. “To be able to bring wrestling back to Connecticut again, especially at an event like this. It’s not just a ‘show’, it’s a statement.”

For a Cause That Matters

While the in-ring action is sure to thrill fans, the heart of the Riverfront Rumble remains its mission: raising awareness and funding in the fight against cancer. Proceeds from the event will support local organizations and research initiatives selected by A Fight Against.

“Wrestling is a platform,” said Chester-Payne. “It brings people together – families, friends, neighbors. We use that energy to remind people why we’re here: to make a difference.”

The partnership between VPW and A Fight Against is expected to continue beyond this year’s event, with plans for additional outreach and collaboration already underway.

Tickets and Event Info

Riverfront Rumble 5 will take place Saturday, Aug. 29 at Concentric Brewing Company in Portland. Doors open at 11:30 am., with the first bell set for 12:30 pm. The event is open to all ages, with food and beverages available from Concentric Brewery.

Tickets and more information are available at VictoryProWrestling.com.

For Chester-Payne and the team behind A Fight Against, the hope is that fans leave the show entertained, but also reminded of the power of community.

“Every punch, every slam, every cheer, it all means something,” Chester-Payne said. “This is more than a wrestling show. It’s a fight we all share.”

Victory Pro Wrestling returns to Connecticut on Saturday, August 29, at Concentric Brewing Company in Portland..

Tickets are available now at VictoryProWrestling.com.

Victory Pro Wrestling is licensed and sanctioned by the New York State Athletic Commission.

Follow Victory Pro Wrestling on social media

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Twitter