Two local companies have merged with the idea of bringing a double whammy to their shows, as well as bringing more bang for the consumer’s buck.

And it’s all happening in Sampson County first.

For the first time, The Classic Wrestling Federation and the band Red River Revival, both based in Sampson County, will team up to bring a live wrestling show with live entertainment.

CWF founder and wrestling legend Billy Jackson said the two groups are currently booking dates throughout the southeast, with the double bill running from Jacksonville, Fla. to Washington, D.C. beginning in 2011.

But Jackson noted the first date is reserved for Sampson County.

The shows will kick off this week, on July 3,1 at Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.

“This is the first time this has ever happened,” said Jackson. “And we are just really excited about it.”

Jackson, a legendary wrestler who has toured the world and is in numerous wrestling hall of fames, as well, is from Sampson County and came out of a six year hiatus because, as he puts it, he was “tired of seeing these rinky dink (wrestling) shows” destroying the sport.

“I was beginning to see every kid on the street who has a ring putting on shows,” he said. “There is no quality to the shows and they have all but destroyed independent wrestling.”

Wresting legend Ken “Superbeast” Fox agrees.

“We single-handedly brought these types of wrestling shows back to Sampson County in 1984,” he said. “Pro wrestling didn’t even come through here before that. We brought real pro wrestling back to the area. The business got disrespected by what was on television and a bunch of backyard boys doing shows. Anybody can buy a ring, but you have to know what you are doing before you get in that ring. We want to bring back old school wrestling and bringing it back to being a sport. Period.”

“It is no different than country music,” says Jackson, drawing a pinpoint analogy. “You have got country music fans all over the world who want real country music, but they are getting stuck with music now, what we called in the 80s, pop — country music is gone. The poll experts say, ‘that is what they want to hear’ No it’s not. These boys here (with the band) are bringing back real country music.”

Some of Jackson’s bravado can be mistaken for arrogance, but make no mistake, Jackson loves what he does.

“I can see where people would feel that way, but it is not,” he said. “This is about passion. It is all about the passion.”

“When it comes to wresting and what I have seen over the past 10 years, and what it has become,” says Fox, “it makes me sick to my stomach. I don’t like the way it has been done, but we are going to get it back the way it is supposed to be, and I don’t care if I step on toes along the way.”

The turing point was when Jackson took his children to a bigger wrestling show that came to the area and was disappointed with the results.

“My kids are big time fans,” he said. “I was going to buy ringside seats, and they were over $100 apiece. I realized that the normal working family cannot afford these prices. I can give you just as good or more entertainment for your dollar, so everyone can come out and enjoy a good show.”

Jackson is banking on it.

“I am staking a 25-year career, but I can guarantee that I can give you a show that you will come away feeling like you have been to the best wresting show you have ever been to in your life. And for anybody who hadn’t seen Jerry sing yet ... you put us together out there and that is more entertainment then you can shake a stick at — good music, good wrestling, food — what more could you ask for? The general rule of thumb for us is to give you an $150 show for a $15 ticke,t not the other way around.”

When the idea to put a live concert and a wrestling show together with their cousin came together, the members of the band did not hesitate. “We have grown over the past couple of years, and this was a good way to get our music out,” said Jerry Jackson, lead singer of the band. “We are in this for the long haul.”

Jackson said the band, which includes, Johnnie Autry, lead guitar; G.C. Melvin, keyboards; Glenn Jackson, bass; Jason Brewington, drums; and Joe Nelson, background vocals, will begin and end each show in which they are associated.

“We will open up for the wrestling show,” said Jerry Jackson. “And after the show is over, we will play some more. We are very excited about it; we can’t wait to see what happens. We are in this 100 percent together and pushing each other.””

In between the gigs with the wrestling combo ticket, the band will also be booking other shows.

“We are getting ready to put our new CD out there,” said guitarist Johnnie Autry. “Hopefully, it will be out by January. Right now, we are getting a lot of feedback from our page at ReverbNation and that is exciting for us as well. There is nothing in Sampson County where people can go and listen to live music. We got back to basics and got back to family and this just seemed like the perfect idea for all of us.”

In fact, the local band has been planted firmly in the No. 1 slot on the site with hits to their profile.

The July 31 show in Roseboro is expected to be a doozy, says Jackson.

“We got a tag team coming in called the Mass Destroyers and Baby Doll,” he said.

There is also Allison Danger,Windell Smooth, Johnny Lightning, The Maniacs, Mad Dog ... that is just scraping the surface. These guys could be headlining on this card. When we were putting this list together, the talent is just incredible.”

Jackson said the double bill is also booked for Kenansville on Aug. 13. Both shows will be taped for television.

“In five years from now, we want to be nationwide,” said Jackson, “but we are going to stay based right here in Sampson County. The people are going to get their first look at what we will be bringing on July 31.”

The show is geared to be a family show.

“We want to get it back to the excitement and giving people a lot for their money,” said Jackson. “This is going to be a family show and it is going to be a whole lot of fun.”

Doors open at 5, band starts at 5:30 p.m. and the show will start around 7.

For more information or updated dates on the Classic Wrestling Federation, click on to www.pwaib. com; for more information, updates and booking information on Jerry Jackson and Red River Revival click on to www.reverbnation.com/#/redriverrevival.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or send e-mail to sisports@heartlandpublications.com.