Video: Retired Wrestler Holding Benefit For Charity And To Honor Loved One

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) — For more than two decades, wrestling fans knew him as “Luscious Kenny Valiant.” He began making a name for himself in 1981, competing in professional matches throughout the region.

During a stop in Ocean Springs in the early’ 90s, he met Tina Bandy. She would be his girlfriend for the next 23 years.

“She took care of me , and I took care of her,” Valiant said.

Valiant says Bandy helped him through an especially tough time several years ago, when diabetes, high blood pressure and other health issues, some of them related to his wrestling days, put him in the hospital.

After his illness, Valiant couldn’t work. He and Tina went through many trials but stayed together until Tina passed away, two weeks after the Tupelo tornado. She was only 48, the victim of a heart attack.

Now, to help pay for a tombstone and burial costs Valiant has organized a wrestling extravaganza this weekend at the Tupelo Salvation Army.

“It’s not old school, but it’s old style, I mean it’s still putting on a good show, like today, somewhat entertainment, but it’s not a bunch of talk,” he said.

“The Real Nature Boy”, “Anton Leveigh”, “The Snake Man Mitch Toretta” will all be in the ring.

“Has a snake that’s like 18 foot long, 200 pounds, takes him everything he can to bring it in,” Valiant said.

Valiant says the show will will have plenty of surprises and great wrestling. He’s also keeping his word to the family of the woman he loved.

“I promised her dad I would take care of her,” he said.

The Memorial Wrestling Match will be at the Carnation Street Salvation Army Gym on Saturday, beginning at pm. Tickets are $10.

For more information go to www.wrestlingnewscenter.com