Monopoly Events is a Manchester-based company that specializes in organizing fan events. Founded in 2015 by Andy Kleek, the company was inspired by his passion for vintage toys, movie props, and 1980s pop culture. The company’s first event was For the Love of Force, a Star Wars-themed convention focusing on immersive experiences with prop and set replicas.
The inaugural convention was a success, so Monopoly Events expanded it to include other sci-fi franchises and renamed the event For the Love of Sci-Fi. Its success showed Kleek that there was a market niche for themed fan conventions in the UK. Monopoly Events then launched other “For the Love Of...” conventions, including “For the Love of Fantasy”, “For the Love of Horror”, and “For the Love of Wrestling”.
Kleek decided to organize a wrestling-themed convention after wrestling guests received an extremely warm reception at one of Monopoly Events’ comic cons. The first For the Love of Wrestling convention took place in April 2019 at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool. It drew about 20,000 visitors, many of whom came to see The Undertaker, who was making his first-ever convention appearance in the United Kingdom. Other famous pro wrestlers in attendance included Bret Hart, Ric Flair, Chris Jericho, Booker T, Kevin Nash, and many more.
Despite the success of the first convention, For the Love of Wrestling went on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event returned to the Exhibition Centre Liverpool in 2022 and moved to the Bowlers Exhibition Centre (BEC Arena) in Manchester the following year, where it has been held annually since then.
For the Love of Wrestling features appearances from active and retired wrestlers from various wrestling promotion companies such as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Ring of Honor (ROH), New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), and many others.
The convention program includes up to 20 live panels held over the weekend, during which guests will discuss their careers and answer audience questions. Fans also have the opportunity to meet their heroes during 20-minute meet-and-greets with select guests, as well as during autograph sessions and photo ops. The convention also features an Artists’ Alley, trade stands, and set and prop builds.
As with all conventions held by Monopoly Events, there are several types of tickets in different price and age categories. Infants under four years of age receive free admission, but an infant ticket must still be purchased for capacity records. Q&A panels are included in the entry ticket price, while tickets for autographs and photo ops must be purchased separately in addition to entry tickets. The convention also includes an afterparty for which a separate ticket is required. You can attend the afterparty without attending the convention.
Photo: fortheloveofwrestling.co.uk
