Velocity One Pro Wrestling comes to Tiffin

TIFFIN — Velocity One Pro Wrestling (V1P), a newcomer on Seneca County's entertainment scene, is entering a new chapter as it officially becomes an LLC and finds a new home at the Black Swamp Sports Academy. More commonly known by his stage name Nolan Bates, founder Nolan Nance shared his excitement for the future of the organization as it transitions into a formal business. "Our main goal has always been to bring more sports entertainment into the Tiffin area and thanks to our partnership with Black Swamp Sports Academy we have reached our goal—to entertain our hometown," said V1P Commissioner Mike Madden. When asked what inspired Nance to move forward with registering V1P as an LLC, he shared that it is a door opener in a variety of ways. "Already we are beginning to receive sponsorships, which in turn allows us to rely less on ticket sales," said Bates. He continued, explaining that the organization has never existed solely to make a profit. "I grew up in Tiffin and am thankful to call it home, I felt like I had to give back somehow and the only thing that I know.. Is this," said Bates. Currently, V1P has received sponsorships from several local establishments, such as Patty's Place, Integrity Auto Mall, Xcaret, Level Up Tiffin, Danner's Recycling and Towing, and more. "The Salvation Army also helped us immensely, providing chairs for our first show and more," said Bates. According to Bates, these sponsorships will bring more eyes to V1P and grow the sports entertainment industry. He explained that not only will these places create advertising by having posters up at the establishments, but it will also spread through word of mouth. Early Days The organization made its debut in Fostoria in March 2024 with its event "Dawn of Destruction," a show that had roughly 250 people in attendance, according to Bates. "We had a few minor issues at the first show, but it wasn't anything we couldn't resolve or workaround," said Bates. For a while, attendance continued steadily, but once attendance reportedly began to dwindle, the organization began to explore new opportunities in the area. "There aren't too many other organizations as locally as V1P is, there are a few in Toledo, Marion and Mansfield," said Bates. Before settling on Black Swamp Sports Academy to be their new home, Bates shared that a few other options were explored as well, but he and other members of the organization felt Black Swamp was the best fit for them. "I'm lucky to have been introduced to the owners of Black Swamp, Jen and Jason Miller, by my brother-in-law," said Bates. Bates continued, "He just stopped in one day whilst they were there, mentioned V1P in a passing conversation and everything just kinda worked out from there." With the facility being home to several indoor sports and containing three volleyball courts, the set-up and teardown process isn't as complicated as one might think. "We will have to take down some of the volleyball nets and plug the holes that they sat in, bring in some chairs and of course, a fighting ring (raised stage) and the facility already contains moveable bleachers," said Bates. He continued, explaining that several pieces of necessary equipment to put on such a show are being acquired from some of the organization's fellow wrestlers and supporters. "Most of our stuff is being purchased out of pocket as we grow the organization," said Bates. "We have a ton of ideas for the future– introduction videos, extra mats on the floor surrounding the stage, and more." Future Plans The organization's plans moving forward, according to Bates, are going to continue with their primary goal of providing sports entertainment to his and V1P Commissioner Madden's hometown. In addition to being open to more sponsorships, the organization's recognition as an LLC allows them to collaborate with other organizations. "Currently we are working with Powerslam Pro Wrestling of New Philadelphia for three shows starting in March, where V1P's Gideon Haze will take on Powerslam Pro Wrestling Heavyweight champion Shawn Blaze. Not only will they collaborate with other organizations, but they are considering reopening their organization's Women's Championship Division, with details still pending according to Bates. In conclusion, the establishment of Velocity One Pro Wrestling as an LLC will not only open up the organization to sponsorship opportunities but will further advance their goal of making live sports entertainment more accessible in a local setting. V1P's first show at the new venue is set for 6 p.m. March 22, with the bell ringing at 7 p.m. 1625 CR 1, Tiffin. Visit velocityoneprowrestling.com to purchase tickets at special advance prices of $12 for General Admission, $18 for Limited front-row seating, and $15 for Limited second-row seating. Tickets can also be bought at the door for $15 for General Admission, $20 for Limited Front Row Seating, and $17 for Limited Second Row Seating.