Sunset Professional Wrestling (SPW)
Mission Statement - Sunset Professional Wrestling is dedicated to transforming regional festivals and major events into captivating, family-friendly spectacles. We honor the innovative wrestling heritage of Northern Ontario by presenting high-quality, artistically integrated performances and conflict-driven stories that are engaging, accessible, and entertaining for all audiences, strictly maintaining a PG environment free of profanity and excessive violence.
The Sunset Flip: A History
The Sunset Flip is an iconic professional wrestling maneuver with deep roots in Northern Ontario, Canada. It was invented in 1948 by Canadian wrestler William "Dinty" Parks, a native of North Bay. Crucially, Parks named the move after his family's local business, "Sunset Park" (also known as Sunset Cabins), firmly linking the maneuver to the region. The move is executed as a dynamic aerial counter, typically involving the attacking wrestler somersaulting forward over a bent-over opponent's back, using the momentum to roll the opponent into a surprise pinfall.
Throughout the decades, the Sunset Flip evolved from a clever reversal into a foundation for highly athletic, modern wrestling. It became a staple for lighter, high-flying wrestlers due to its speed and visual impact, and is frequently used from elevated positions, such as the top rope or the ring apron. Its principles have even been adapted into higher-impact variations, most notably the Sunset Flip Powerbomb. The move's enduring legacy is its ability to instantly shift the momentum of a match, proving that a surprise pin is just as valuable as a finishing move. For Sunset Professional Wrestling, the move serves as a powerful symbol of regional innovation and high-flying athleticism.
The Dual Legacy: Clayton Windatt & Rusty Blackwell
The heart of Sunset Professional Wrestling (SPW) beats with the energy of a single, multifaceted individual: Clayton Windatt, the visionary founder, and his in-ring persona, Rusty Blackwell, The Backwoods Butcher. This unique duality doesn't just run the company; it embodies the very mission of the promotion, blending professional arts administration with raw, regional athleticism.
Clayton Windatt: The Architect of Sunset
Off-camera, Clayton Windatt serves as the administrative backbone and creative director of SPW. As the founder, Windatt envisioned a wrestling promotion deeply rooted in the artistic, community-focused spirit of Northern Ontario. His professional background drives SPW's commitment to high standards, strategic festival partnerships, and the creation of a strictly PG, family-friendly atmosphere. Windatt’s mission is clear: to elevate professional wrestling beyond mere sport into a legitimate, scalable form of performance art that honors the region’s heritage—a nod to the move that inspired the company's name, the "Sunset Flip." He manages the logistics, the talent scouting (from local up-and-comers to international TV stars), and the partnerships that make SPW a turnkey event solution.
Rusty Blackwell: The Backwoods Butcher
When Clayton steps through the curtain, he transforms into Rusty Blackwell, The Backwoods Butcher. Blackwell is the rugged, uncompromising embodiment of Northern Canadian grit. His persona is defined by a hard-hitting, no-nonsense style that contrasts sharply with the high-flying moves of the Sunset Flip namesake, representing the durable, blue-collar spirit of the area. Rusty Blackwell serves as the promotion's standard-bearer, delivering powerful, intense matches that anchor the show. His presence guarantees a memorable, physical contest that resonates with the tough-as-nails character the audience expects from a regional powerhouse.
The Synthesis
The combined efforts of Clayton Windatt and Rusty Blackwell define SPW. Windatt ensures the company is professionally run, safely insured, and strategically positioned for growth in the festival circuit. Blackwell provides the thrilling, visceral experience that draws crowds. Together, they create a product that is both aesthetically compelling and structurally sound, symbolizing the perfect clash of artistry and physicality that is Sunset Professional Wrestling.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement
At Sunset Professional Wrestling (SPW), we believe that professional wrestling, as a theatrical and athletic art form, is strongest when it genuinely reflects the world we live in. Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is integral to our mission, our artistic vision, and our regional identity.
We are actively dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual, regardless of background, can participate, contribute, and shine without prejudice.
Our Guiding Principles
1. Representation & Access We commit to proactively seeking, booking, and promoting talent from all historically marginalized or underrepresented communities. This includes, but is not limited to, wrestlers and crew of all genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, ages, and abilities. We understand that diversity on our roster leads to richer, more authentic storytelling.
2. Respect & Safety We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, and bullying in all forms—in the ring, backstage, and at all promotional events. Every member of the SPW community, from main eventers to backstage staff, is entitled to a safe, supportive, and respectful working environment.
3. Equitable Opportunity Opportunities for advancement, main event slots, artistic input, and compensation will be based purely on merit, performance quality, and dedication, never on discriminatory criteria. We strive to eliminate systemic barriers that hinder equitable participation in our sport and business.
4. Community Connection We recognize that the communities we serve are diverse. Our stories and character development aim to resonate positively with all audience members, using professional wrestling as a platform to celebrate acceptance and strength through shared experience.
Our Actionable Commitment
Talent Scouting: We will maintain relationships with training facilities across the region to ensure our scouting pool is intentionally diverse and inclusive.
Creative Storytelling: We empower our diverse talent to contribute to their own characters and narratives, ensuring representation is genuine and avoids harmful tropes or stereotypes.
Venue & Accessibility: We prioritize working with venues and events that provide accessible facilities for both our talent and audience members.
Continuous Education: SPW management and leadership commit to ongoing education and review of our policies to ensure they align with current best practices in EDI.
By upholding these principles, Sunset Professional Wrestling ensures that every show is a celebration of athleticism, artistry, and Northern grit, shared by performers and fans from every walk of life.