Professional wrestling is many things. It’s a soap opera with a referee; a theatrical exhibition of strong bodies slamming against each other before a worldwide fandom; and a money-making marketing blitz. When it first achieved mainstream success in the 1980s and '90s, wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin were familiar names whether you watched their highly-animated matches or not.
And it only continues to grow. Last month, Netflix signed a deal with industry giant WWE to move the Monday Night Raw programming to the streaming platform. Sean Durkin’s acclaimed drama The Iron Claw, released in December by A24, delves into the legacy of a family of wrestlers, the Von Erichs. And the Netflix comedy series GLOW offers a fictionalized account of the now-defunct, Las Vegas-based Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling circuit.
Off-screen, however, wrestling has continued to build its audience, finding new homes in varied pockets of the world. Las Vegas’ GrapHouse is one of the many pro wrestling offshoots creating its own in-ring melodramas, while simultaneously pushing for inclusivity and dignity.
“There’s this old guard way of thinking with a lot of old wrestling promoters where you have to pay your dues and get walked on before you get an opportunity,” says GrapHouse organizer Christopher Mounts. “There were frustrations coming from the kids about not being booked properly, being paid late or not at all. We decided we had to be the antithesis of that.”
Founded by Jody The Wrestler (now known as Jody Himself), Sandra Moone, Lazarus and Adriel Noctis—with Mounts joining later—GrapHouse has been a beacon of change and a solid source of entertainment since 2021. From its humble beginnings in a mall, the group has since found a home at Fergusons Downtown and its matches are nothing short of exhilarating and chaotic.
Attendees are welcomed to stand ringside and fully immerse themselves in this sport without rules. You might catch a spritz of water from a dramatically tossed cup or make way as the athletes tumble out of the ring to finish the match on the ground, but that’s the fun of it.
Central to GrapHouse’s ethos is prioritizing gender inclusivity and safety. “We are a huge proponent of what they call intergender matches,” says Mounts. “I don’t think that men should just be wrestling men and women should just be wrestling women—if you’re going to be in a physical sport, nine times out of 10 you’re able to hold your own, so why not put you with people that are going to push you to be a better talent?”
Now in its third season, GrapHouse continues to redefine the scene with a commitment to community engagement. Alongside thrilling matches and storytelling, the group has expanded its impact beyond the ring. Organizers forged partnerships with local charities and initiatives, dedicating space at their events to raise awareness and accept donations. And its night market is a hub of local vendors offering diverse goods. From handmade crafts to tasty bites, the free market adds an extra layer to the already dynamic atmosphere.
Mounts says it’s common for wrestling promoters to borrow ideas from their competition—theirs is not the only wrestling organization in Vegas—but he hopes GrapHouse’s competitors adopt their efforts to give back. “It’s time for us to start rallying behind our communities that have rallied behind us for so long,” he says.
Holding bouts at Fergusons positions GrapHouse to draw audiences from a wider demographic, and coupled with top-notch production values, it guarantees an unforgettable event for both newcomers and seasoned wrestling enthusiasts.
“I don’t know if Vegas has always been a wrestling town, but I can confidently say for the last six years there’s been an uptick,” says Mounts. “It’s really lit a fire—but competition only breeds excellence, right?”
GrapHouse presents: Moment4Life March 8, 6 p.m., $25, Fergusons Downtown, graphouse.net.
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