NATCHEZ — Locals have a fighting chance to not be bored this weekend as Bayou Independent Wrestling will be back in the Natchez Convention Center on Friday night with five matches featuring seven professional wrestlers in matchups billed as “So You Think You’re Tough.”

Josh Newell, the promoter and general manager of Bayou Independent Wrestling said the show features a family friendly performance on a slightly smaller scale than the WWE but that is just as entertaining.

“It’s something different for this area,” Newell said. “We try to go to smaller towns that don’t have wrestling events like this. … These guys are in great shape, they’re athletes, and they’ll put on just as great a show as the WWE … and with it being a smaller show, you create more memories. … These wrestlers will shake your hand.”

Newell said the convention center doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the convention center in advance for $10 or $15 at the door.

The show — sponsored by DP Academy, Johnny’s Pizza in Natchez and Agave Café in Vidalia — lasts roughly two hours, Newell said, and features a women’s match between Jeanna Van Muscles and Stormie Lee, Jeremiah, former world title holders Barrett Brown and Steve Anthony and the main event match between John Saxon from New Orleans and Francisco Ciatso from Tampa Bay.

“Last time we were in Natchez there were around 250 people (attending),” Newell said. “We’re hoping that it continues to grow, and we can hold a match here every few months.”  Newell said a few of the wrestlers plan to meet at Agave Café on Carter Street in Vidalia after the show and are inviting the public to join them.

He said the next match would be Sept. 28 in Farmerville followed by a match on Nov. 3 in Brookhaven.

“We work hard and try to give everyone their money’s worth,” Newell said. “I know there’s only a handful of options for things to do with your family on the weekend — movies, etc. — We want wrestling to be on that list.”