The Outsider
Julio Diamante
Mattick
Hardcore
Beneath the chandeliers in the Harmony House of Webster, New York, the well-used ring canvas is bloody and sweat-stained. Fans get a close encounter in the tightly packed rows of cheap chairs. Here, on the independent wrestling circuit, athleticism intertwines with storytelling, and skill, a world far removed from the well-financed spectacle of televised wrestling. Independent wrestling is defined by dedication and perseverance, where financial rewards are often scarce, and the occasional "hot dog and a handshake" is just considered paying your dues. These are not simply athletes; they are performance artists who aim to suspend disbelief—Julio Laracuente "The Diamond," a classic heel and aerialist. Will Carroll, “The Outsider” a manager partners with Dick Greco, the emotive "Hardcore," thrives in the bloody spectacle of deathmatch wrestling. Matthew Tickner, "Mattick," a trainer, wrestler, and promoter, hones the skills of the next generation. The wrestlers are more than their characters, often a stark contrast to the strong personalities they portray in the ring. This story offers a glimpse into their world, a close-knit community where there is serious personal risk, and the love for the sport drives their dedication.