Event to benefit efforts to pass new law
By Wes Wade | (wes.wade@thedailytimes.com)
Fans of wrestling entertainment are in for a treat next week as a professional wrestling event comes to town.
Wayne Keown, also known as “Dirty Dutch Mantell” in his wrestling days, is hosting a wrestling match Dec. 2 at the Alnwick Community Center, 2146 Big Springs Road, Maryville.
The “Battle in Maryville” match is to raise awareness and benefit a recent mission of Wayne Keown and his daughter, Amanda Moore, stemming from the death of Moore’s daughter and Wayne Keown’s granddaughter, Amelia Keown, 16, in an automobile accident in August.
Driver on parole
After learning the alleged at-fault driver in the crash was a man still on parole — with a lengthy record of traficc accidents and violations to boot — Wayne Keown and Moore have been seeking a new law to keep such individuals in prison and off the roadways.
The proposed legislation, dubbed “Amelia’s Law,” would be similar to the three strikes law, Wayne Keown said.
“It’ll be a true benefit,” Wayne Keown said of the wrestling match. “It’s a family event. It would be nothing out of the ordinary, nothing risque. It’ll be like the wrestling shows used to be and I think people will enjoy that ... it’s to get more awareness for Amelia’s Law.”
Seven matches set
Seven matches are planned for the Battle in Maryville, including wrestlers Ricky Morton, Handsome Jimmy Valiant, George South, Dangerous Doug Manning and wrestling duo Diamonds in the Rough. A ladies title match will also take place between Misty James and the Amazon Violent Adamz.
Both WWE and TNA donated merchandise, which will be raffled off and given out as door prizes.
Making his debut as a wrestling referee will be Maryville resident Jason Stinnett, who is also a firefighter with the Blount County Fire Department.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children under 10. The event starts at 6 p.m.
