Wrestling legends in Batavia: Jake 'The Snake' Roberts & Buff Bagwell to appear at ESW's debut

Empire State Wrestling will hold its first event in Batavia on Sunday, July 16, with “Mayhem at the McCarthy.” The event will be at the McCarthy Ice Arena and feature a meet-and-greet with two pro wrestling legends: Jake "The Snake" Roberts and Buff "The Stuff" Bagwell.

A household wrestling name who gained fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s during his tenure with the World Wrestling Federation, Roberts is well-known for beating his opponents with the DDT and placing his snake, Damien, across their bodies. Roberts was inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in 2020. He now works as a manager with All-Elite Wrestling and serves as a special adviser in its community outreach program.

Bagwell was a longtime member of World Championship Wrestling's roster. He worked for the promotion from 1991 to 2001. During that span, he was a five-time WCW tag team champion and a member of the New World Order. His recent career activity includes regular appearances at independent wrestling events and wrestling conventions across the U.S.

Matches for “Mayhem at the McCarthy” will be announced on ESW's social media platforms over the weeks leading up to the event. A variety of ticket and vendor booth options are available at ESWTIX.COM.