Advertisement

Known professionally as "Timmy Titus," Morrison is a member of the Pure Pro Wrestling Organization. And Timmy Titus of Lapeer is right at home with the likes of fellow character wrestlers such as Bloodsport Champion Explicit Xavier Justice, Ooga Booga, Gutter, Sky Devian, Infamous Percy Lynn, Jimmy Whiplash, Nick Xero and Johnny Rebel.

The 2004 Lapeer East High School graduate and Mott Community College student has been involved in professional wrestling for about six years. Morrison became interested when he stopped in for pizza one day at Calvelli's Eatery in Lapeer.

"The owner's son used to wrestle in the back," Morrison said. "They were looking for wrestlers."

Pure Pro Wrestling owner and promoter Joe Byrd, 24, of Hadley Township, has always liked professional wrestling. More than a year ago he decided to create a franchise and live his dream. He hires trained professional wrestlers from all around the Midwest. He describes their shows as the same thing one would see on television with WWE, formerly WWF -- just on a smaller scale.

"It's a lot of local talent. Everyone starts somewhere," said Byrd of his wrestlers. "I'm always looking for someone, anyone who's got a dream."

Byrd and his wrestlers often take the show out on the road. Their Gluttons For Glory tour began Friday and will continue through September. The Aug. 3 contest at the Lapeer American Legion Hall pitted Timmy Titus, 23, against Kris Korvis in a special match. The crowded cheered for Timmy Titus, a local favorite, but booed Korvis, as he blatantly used illegal choking moves and taunted the Lapeer wrestler. Timmy Titus eventually dominated and won the match.

North Branch trial attorney Bernie Jocuns performed as guest announcer. Though he has similar experience for boxing and during the "Original Tough Man Contest" as seen on FOX TV, it was his first event for Pure Pro Wrestling. Jocuns explained that he wants to put Lapeer on the map.

Though professional wrestling uses a lot of theatrics, participants use moves such takedowns, slams, and full nelsons. Everyone is trained to wrestle safely, but sometimes injuries occur.

"It's not easy to get out there. It takes a lot of hard work, a lot of dedication. You definitely have to be a tough-minded individual," said Byrd, who also wrestles. "I'm only 24-years-old and I wake up feeling like I'm 40 some days. A lot of people don't understand just how physical what we do is. I want people to understand we're not backyard wrestling."

Byrd operates the Justice League School of Professional Wrestling out of his Hadley Township home to help prevent most mishaps. Members can train and practice and it's one of the most affordable wrestling schools in the area, said Byrd.

Pure Pro wrestlers not only put on their own shows, they can also be hired for bachelorette parties, autograph signings, birthday parties, fairs and charitable events. It's an inexpensive way to get the family out of the house in hard economic times, Byrd said.

"It's a good family friendly show," said Byrd. "It's full of action. You can't help but be entertained. Usually by the end of the show we've got them hooked."

The Gluttons for Glory Tour will stop locally on Aug. 24 and Sept. 28 at the Lapeer American Legion Hall and Aug. 10, Aug. 23 and Sept. 13 at the Davison Knights of Columbus pavilion. For a complete list, or to find out about the wrestling school, visit pureprowrestling.tk or call (810) 845-3962.