Wrestling Legends To Appear In Ballarat For Starrcast Downunder
Oceania Pro Wrestling (OPW) and GLO Sports have announced that Starrcast will grace the City of Ballarat in 2024 with a 5-day event featuring all of the events highlights, such as signing sessions and stage shows. The event will also bare witness to the second incarnation of Empower, an all-women’s wrestling showcase that came to fruition in association with the National Wrestling Alliance.
One name already announced is the individual responsible for the birth of Empower, former WWE Womens/Divas and TNA/Impact Knockouts Champion Mickie James.
James had this to say upon the events unveiling:
I cannot express how excited I am to return to Australia for the first time in six years. There couldn’t be a more perfect time, place, and opportunity to host a second Empower event with a whole new feel than Australia and the City of Ballarat. I poured my heart and soul into the first one and wasn’t sure it would happen again.
Mickie James, OPW Press Release 1/12/23
Another very special appearance is scheduled for Bret “The Hitman” Hart, as well as individuals involved in the Canadian independent wrestling promotion Dungeon Wrestling, owned by Hart’s sons Dallas and Blade Hart, and independent wrestler Mo Jabari. Hart had this to say:
It is extremely exciting to be coming back to Australia for the first time in 20 years, in an event showcasing other legends and wrestling talent from around the world and from Australia. The Australian fans have always been so great to me, and I look forward to being a part of this event, along with the best from Dungeon Wrestling.
Bret “The Hitman” Hart, OPW Press Release 1/12/23
The press release also features quotes from owner of Starrcast Conrad Thompson, Minister For Tourism, Sport and Major Events in the Victorian state government Steve Dimopoulos and Oceania Pro Wrestling owner and Managing Director for GLO Sports, Cameron Vale:
I am excited to finally announce that Starrcast is coming to Ballarat in Australia. This is my first trip Downunder, the first time Starrcast has been held outside the USA and there will be many other firsts announced in the coming weeks
Conrad Thompson, Owner of Starrcast, OPW Press Release 1/12/23
Starrcast Downunder will attract fans from across Victoria, and further afield, to Ballarat for an incredible five days of action. The Victorian Government is proud to support Starrcast Downunder, not just for the boost it will deliver to the region’s tourism sector, but because it will showcase Ballarat’s capacity to host exciting international events.
Steve Dimopoulos, Minister For Tourism, Sport and Major Events, OPW Press Release 1/12/23
The combination of these wrestling shows is a first for Australia, a hotbed for wrestling fans and wrestling talent, where we can really put our best foot forward on an international wrestling stage, in a major regional location such as Ballarat.
Cameron Vale, Owner of Oceania Pro Wrestling, OPW Press Release 1/12/23
A link to the full press release on the Oceania Pro Wrestling website is provided below, with ticket information to be announced on December 18th.
News Writer. Based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Lifelong fan, admirer of the old school, born in the new age. Storytelling is a big passion of mine and professional wrestling itself is just one giant book. Naturally, it drew me in and has kept me close since before I could walk, talk and drop an elbow on my teddy bear!
