Bay City — The Historic Masonic Temple in Bay City was the perfect battleground for “Test of Strength”, a sold-out wrestling spectacle presented by Pure Pro Wrestling in February.
But this event was about more than just high-flying moves and championship clashes—it was a celebration of the preservation of one of Bay City’s most treasured landmarks.
Wrestling’s larger-than-life storytelling mirrors the timeless stories these walls have witnessed, reminding us that people have always gathered in places like this to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Stepping into History
Walking through the Masonic Temple is like stepping into history itself—a mixture of aged wood and timeworn stone. The moment you enter, the air carries a sense of the past and the echoes of countless events that have unfolded within its walls. The massive wooden floors bear the marks of history, their surfaces worn smooth by generations of footsteps.
The basement, where the rugged bathrooms reside, tells its own tale of endurance. Bricks are missing in portions of the walls, exposing the raw structure beneath. The space feels both eerie and authentic—a place where history isn’t polished but laid bare for all to see.
Yet, despite its imperfections, or perhaps because of them, the Masonic Temple has a charm that modern venues simply cannot replicate. It is a living, breathing piece of Bay City’s history.
Pure Pro Wrestling and its fans weren’t just spectators; they became part of the building’s story. Ticket sales and donations from the event contributed directly to preservation efforts, ensuring that this historic venue can continue hosting community events for years to come.
An Electric Excitement
The anticipation was palpable as attendees streamed into the historic Masonic Temple, their voices blending into an excited hum that grew louder with each passing moment.
The crowd was a melting pot of dedicated wrestling fans, families, and first-time attendees, all drawn together by a shared love for live entertainment. Children sported T-shirts of their favorite wrestlers, while longtime fans reminisced about past events, discussing matchups and speculating about the night’s biggest bouts.
Every seat in the house was filled, and standing-room-only sections became packed as last-minute walk-ups claimed the final available tickets.
By the time the first match was announced, the roar of the crowd was deafening. Chants, cheers, and playful heckles filled the air, setting the stage for an evening of pure, unfiltered excitement.
The collective passion in the room was undeniable—proof that professional wrestling is an emotional, interactive experience that draws people in and keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
While every match was exciting, a few stood out. Father Time, an elder statesman of the ring who has battled through cancer, a stroke, and blindness, faced off against the young Alpha Adams.
The crowd was fully behind Father Time, erupting in cheers at his resilience as he delivered powerful blows to his opponent, but the night ended with Adams securing a victory to overwhelming boos.
Wrestling Is Raw Entertainment
It was a story of perseverance and defiance, of youth challenging experience. Wrestling is about the emotion it stirs, the personal stakes it creates, and how the larger-than-life personalities bring universal themes—struggle, triumph, betrayal—to the ring.
The tag team battle between the Midwest Misfits and the duo of Big D & Bishop from Obsidian had the crowd on edge. The power of Big D & Bishop was undeniable, and their victory was met with a mix of awe and exhilaration.
Every match added to the larger drama of the evening, proving that wrestling thrives on the emotional investment of its fans. Whether they were cheering a beloved underdog or jeering a ruthless heel, the audience wasn’t just watching—they were part of the story.
While professional wrestling is often written off as scripted, the experience it delivers is anything but artificial. In a world dominated by screens, where entertainment is often consumed passively, wrestling demands something different.
It’s immediate, unpredictable, and thrives on the energy of a live crowd.
Like a great movie or theatrical performance, it builds drama and emotion—but unlike film, it unfolds in real-time, with no retakes, no edits, and no distance between performer and audience.
The fans weren’t there to debate authenticity; they were there to lose themselves in the stories, to cheer, to boo, and to be part of something larger than themselves.
Through ticket sales and donations, Test of Strength raised thousands of dollars for the Masonic Temple’s restoration, ensuring that this historic space remains.
Landen Taylor is a musician and explorer living in Bay City. Follow him on Instagram @landoisliving.
