CWF Takes on WWF.

In order to provide an alternative to the WWF's culturally corrosive rendition of pro wrestling, especially for American youth, former college football player Bob Vaughn launched the Texas-based Christian Wrestling Federation (CWF) in May of last year. Vaughn was pursuing his own wrestling career in Texas independent leagues when he became dismayed by the abrasive non-Christian environment. Then a friend suggested, "maybe you could make a ministry out of it." Vaughn, aware of wrestling's considerable following among young people, liked the idea. He began drafting the blueprint for the CWF in August 1999. A key objective would be to combine the scripted entertainment of professional wrestling with scriptural preaching. The CWF's website describes the Federation as a non-profit group that "hopes to express the love of God to youth all over the country in a new and dynamic way. Today the popularity of wrestling is at an all-time high. We hope to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people through a positive messa ge throughout our shows.... Our main focus is to reach the youth of America."

The CWF primarily differs from the WWF in that it "does not condone foul or obscene language from its wrestlers," or their making "obscene gestures to one another or the audience." Also, "you will not see any half naked women walking to the ring with the wrestlers." It was formally launched on May 10, 2000, when some 400 enthusiastic teens and their parents attended its inaugural event at the Family Cathedral of Praise in Mesquite, Texas. The CWF roster currently includes some 15 wrestlers, at least five of whom are ordained ministers. They volunteer their time, but sponsors of the events are asked to pay for expenses.

Most names used by the "good" and "bad" guys in the ring have a biblical ambience, including "Jesus Freak" (Vaughn), "'Apocalypse," "Angel," "The Beast," "Jonah," and "The Saint." At the conclusion of the initial event, a 16-year-old high school sophomore and WWF fan told a reporter for the Dallas Morning News: "It was really fun. There wasn't that much difference [between the CWF and WWF], except this had a better message. And this wasn't vulgar or anything." When the evening's four matches were over, a CWF representative addressed the audience, then made a low-key altar call. As described by the Morning News, "about 30 young people went up to dedicate their lives to Christ or receive prayer. Moments later, the CWF wrestlers themselves - now wearing street clothes -- came back to the ring for a joint prayer."

Media coverage of the CWF has increased in recent months. Knight Ridder News Service ran a favorable story in June and it has been profiled by CBS News and People magazine. Requests to appear on television shows and make videos have also surged. And, Bob Vaughn reports, his fledgling effort is attracting support from increasing numbers of wrestlers and fans disgusted with the excesses of the WWF.