ABOUT COMBAT ENTERTAINMENT PROMOTIONS LTD.

When Western States Sports (AKA NWA Western States) folded in 1981, it marked the apparent end of over 50 years of professional wrestling in Colorado Springs. A short-lived attempt to revive the territory by Dick Murdoch and Blackjack Mulligan failed to gain traction, leaving the region without a major promotion.

Determined to keep the tradition alive, lifelong wrestling fans Roger DeWitte and Ross M. Stoney took action. The two had spent years volunteering as ring crew and assisting NWA promotions whenever they toured through town, building connections in the industry. In 1983, they officially founded Stoney-DeWitte Sports Enterprises, launching Down Town Wrestling—a weekly televised wrestling show from the historic City Auditorium.

DTW quickly became a local sensation, drawing thousands of fans and featuring legendary stars such as Dusty Rhodes, Adrian Adonis, the Funks, and Nick Bockwinkel. It became one of the most popular television programs in Colorado Springs, helping keep the spirit of territorial wrestling alive.

However, in 1985, KRDO canceled Down Town Wrestling in favor of WWF programming, following the nationwide shift toward Vince McMahon’s expanding empire. Although DeWitte and Stoney continued promoting live events, attendance declined, forcing them to move into smaller venues across the city.

Without a major television presence, DTW entered an underground era, running sporadic events throughout the late 1980s and beyond. Records from this time are scarce, as much of DTW’s history was erased when KRDO reused the master tapes of the show to save money, turning Down Town Wrestling into lost media.

Despite this, the promotion never fully shut down. Though attendance was lower and publicity was minimal, DTW events continued in some form for over four decades, making it the longest-running wrestling promotion in Colorado Springs.

In December 2024, Ross M. Stoney passed away, leaving the rights to DTW with his wife, Esther Stoney. Recognizing the significance of this history, musician and filmmaker Steve Bates and comedian Matt Medina negotiated with Esther to acquire all remaining assets of Stoney-DeWitte Sports Enterprises.

In February 2025, the company was officially rebranded as Combat Entertainment Promotions Ltd., preserving 42 years of Colorado Springs wrestling history while preparing for a modern revival.

Coming Summer 2025, Down Town Wrestling will return to downtown Colorado Springs for a new generation—this time, broadcasting worldwide via the internet.

CONTACT US:

booking@combatentertainmentpromotions.net

business@combatentertainmentpromotions.net