Get ready to witness the electrifying world of professional wrestling as two hometown heroes, Matt Ferranti and Jim Fiore, step into the ring at the upcoming Canadian Wrestling’s Elite (CWE) 17th anniversary event. But here’s where it gets personal—for these athletes, wrestling isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifelong passion that has shaped their identities and brought them full circle to their roots in Sault Ste. Marie. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, at Soo Blaster, promises an action-packed evening with multiple bouts that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
And this is the part most people miss—behind the glitz and glamour of the ring, Fiore (known as Diego DaVinci) and Ferranti (billed as Vinnie DaVinci) lead double lives. When they’re not delivering high-flying moves or dramatic takedowns, Fiore works at Tenaris, and Ferranti is a sales representative for Coca-Cola Canada. Yet, their dedication to wrestling remains unwavering. Fiore credits Ferranti for igniting his passion for the sport back in 2007, after a chance encounter at a local wrestling event. ‘He got me hooked,’ Fiore recalls. ‘I trained, and here we are today.’
Wrestling, as they describe it, is a unique blend of athleticism, artistry, and entertainment. It demands peak physical condition, stamina, and the ability to captivate an audience. Fiore, inspired by legends like Hulk Hogan, Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart, and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, sees Hogan as the greatest wrestler ever. Ferranti, meanwhile, draws inspiration from his martial arts background and high school wrestling days, having started his professional journey in 2006 after college.
But here’s where it gets controversial—while some view wrestling as scripted entertainment, Fiore and Ferranti argue it’s one of the most demanding and rewarding forms of performance art. ‘It’s athleticism and theatrics combined,’ Fiore explains. ‘In my opinion, it’s the greatest form of entertainment.’ Ferranti adds, ‘A lot of it comes from nostalgia, from the memories of watching wrestling as a kid. It’s about putting smiles on people’s faces.’
Both wrestlers have shared the ring with icons like Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and Carlito, experiences they describe as ‘surreal.’ Fiore’s recent victory in the Over The Top Rope Rumble at Soo Blaster, where he outlasted multiple opponents, is a testament to his skill and determination. Ferranti, too, has competed across Canada and the U.S., with standout matches in Montreal and St. Catharines, where he performed in front of 1,600 fans.
And this is where it gets emotional—for Ferranti, wrestling in his hometown is a ‘badge of honor.’ ‘It shows you can chase your dreams, even from a small town,’ he says. Fiore echoes this sentiment, recalling their emotional match against each other, which was supposed to be his retirement bout. ‘It really hit home,’ he admits. While a rematch isn’t on the cards, their friendship and mutual respect remain strong.
As the January 7 event approaches, both wrestlers are eager to showcase their skills. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the action kicking off at 7 p.m. ‘It’ll be the first show of 2026, and we can’t wait to see everyone there,’ Fiore says. Tickets are available at Soo Blaster or online at https://www.showpass.com/cwe-presents-the-17th-annivers-26jan07-1760104151838/.
Thought-provoking question for you: Is professional wrestling truly a sport, or is it more of a performance art? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
