The following press release was issued:
Two Day “Extreme” Wrestling Round Up Followed by “Hardcore” Happy-Hour with Pittsburgh Wrestling Legends
PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh born-and-bred (New Brighton) professional wrestling legend and five-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion “The Franchise” Shane Douglas has teamed with an all-star wrestling ring of stars. Joining him are longtime manager “The Queen of Extreme” Francine and their seven-foot-tall “Little Brother,” Ned Rolsma, the Aliquippa native known to TV audiences as Marcus Eriksen from How I Met Your Mother. Together, the trio will host a two-day holiday homecoming celebration featuring both a convention appearance and a special Christmas-themed fan event.
First, Douglas, Francine, and Rolsma will appear at AnimeVerse / WrestleVerse, held Saturday and Sunday, December 20–21, 2025, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. This two-day
fan expo will bring together Anime, gaming, and professional wrestling enthusiasts for what is expected to be Pittsburgh’s biggest celebration of its kind.
Attendees can meet legends from the golden era of professional wrestling and enjoy exclusive panels and Q&A sessions, plus browse rare collectibles, figurines, anime merchandise, artwork, and more. In addition to Douglas, Francine, and Rolsma expect fan faves like Ric Flair, Sting, and Sgt. Slaughter.
Then prepare for the Hardcore Holiday Happy Hour at Helltown Brewing on December 20 starring “The Franchise” Shane Douglas, “The Queen of Extreme” Francine, and Rolsma which includes Yukon John & The Sulfer Creek Band (Rhythm & Blues Rock Twang.)
Fans are invited to “Chat & Chug” from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Helltown Brewing with some of Pittsburgh’s most extreme hometown favorites while enjoying local craft brews. The event will feature autographs, photos, Q&A time, holiday party games with prizes, and a festive blend of “Wassailin’ & Rasslin’” delivered with classic ECW-style energy.
For more information, visit AnimeVerse / WrestleVerse Fest and get tickets here. Plus, get details for Saturday, December 20, at Helltown Brewing.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!