Whatcha gonna do?! CCRI brings pro wrestling charity event to Knight Campus
Whatcha gonna do?! CCRI brings pro wrestling charity event to Knight Campus
March 28, 2022
Can you smell what the Community College of Rhode Island Theater Program is cooking?
The CCRI Players and the Office of Student Life are teaming with Watch This Fight
(WTF) Wrestling, a Rhode Island-based independent wrestling promotion founded by Class
of 2016 alumnus Nic Carcieri, on Friday, April 15 at the Knight Campus’ Bobby Hackett
Theatre to present Watch This Fight Green 2022, an action-packed charity event with all proceeds benefiting Friends Way RI, a bereavement center dedicated to children and teens ages 3–18 and their adult caregivers.
The event features 24 professional wrestlers – three of whom are current CCRI students
and two who are alumni – competing in seven matches, highlighted by reigning WTF champion
“AJP,” a current student and Tiverton, RI, native, defending his title in the main
event against Rick Recon. The first bell is 7:30 pm and tickets are available online
at ShowTix4U.com.
Through his relationship with Carcieri – a Cranston firefighter, wrestling referee,
and occasional in-ring performer – CCRI Theatre Program Director Ted Clement channeled
his inner childhood as an '80s wrestling fanatic to bring the college a unique event
that also benefits a great cause. Carcieri promoted his first event in 2016 to raise
money for the family of a colleague who died of brain cancer.
Since then, all proceeds from every WTF show have benefitted a specific charity, among
them Pink Heals; The Tomorrow Fund at Hasbro Children's Hospital; and, most recently,
Operation Stand Down RI.
Why pro wrestling? With its over-the-top personalities, embellished storylines, and
high-flying acrobatics, wrestling, as Clement describes it, is performance theater
at an ear-splitting volume.
“Professional wrestling has all the hallmarks of great theater,” Clement said. “The
stories, narratives, protagonists, antagonists – it’s a world unto itself.
“To bring wrestling to our environment is a thrill, because wrestling is theater and
has all the elements of what makes theater exciting and immersive.”
“We have a lot fun and raise some money,” Carcieri said. “The opportunity for us to
do something we love while benefitting a good cause is rewarding.”
The matches scheduled for WTF Green 2022 are a mishmash of some of wrestling’s best
gimmicks and concepts, from the Fatal Four-way Tag Team Championship featuring four
tag teams competing at once for the promotion’s vacant title to the Women’s Triple
Threat Match between current student and Warwick native “‘The Great Warrior Wolf’
Nakoma Tala,” Class of 2015 alumna “Isana,” and “Dajaé Simone” in which the first
wrestler to score a pinfall or submission wins.
The most chaotic match could be the Five-Man Fanny Pack Scramble, which opens with
all five competitors in the ring at once. The first one to score a pinfall or submission
wins. The prize? A fanny pack, of course.
Cranston native and current student “BC Kidd” is one of the five wrestlers competing
for the coveted fanny pack, and Class of 2007 alumnus “R.I.O.T. Kellan Thomas” battles
“Masshole” Mike McCarthy in a singles match.
The wrestlers appearing at WTF Green 2022 are part of the expansive New England and
northeast independent – or indie – circuit, which is comprised of small regional promotions,
comparable to minor-league baseball affiliates such as the Worcester Red Sox.
Most, if not all, wrestlers cut their teeth on the indie circuit, and several who
began in the northeast are currently wrestling for major television promotions, including
Tommy Wansaw, a.k.a. Bear Boulder, a New Jersey native who wrestled twice for Carcieri
at WTF and is now part of the tag team Bear Country wrestling for All Elite Wrestling
(AEW), whose weekly AEW Dynamite show averages nearly one million viewers. The up-and-comers
stepping into the ring on April 15 could be the stars of tomorrow.
“A lot of the talent in this area has an opportunity to climb the ladder to one of
the bigger promotions,” Carcieri said. “That’s the beauty of what we do. Every once
in a while, the right person gets the right push at the right time. You never know
where you might see them next.”
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The Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Energy are teaming up to offer a free exploratory program designed to give participants a window into the growing utilities industry.
Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
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Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announces that four distinguished faculty members have been recognized with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. The recipients, honored for their exceptional dedication to student success and academic excellence
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Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce that it has been designated a Military Friendly® School for the fourth consecutive year, achieving Gold status for the first time during the 2025–2026 academic year. This prestigious recognition underscores CCRI's unwavering commitment to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families.
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On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) celebrated a milestone achievement: its 60th Commencement Ceremony. Held at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, the event marked the culmination of CCRI’s year-long diamond anniversary celebration and was a stirring tribute to six decades of transformation, opportunity, and achievement for Rhode Islanders.
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The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) softball team is headed back to the NJCAA Division III Softball World Series for the second consecutive season following another remarkable run in 2025. With a 19-7 overall record, CCRI is currently ranked No. 6 in the NJCAA Division III national poll and will represent the Northeast District and Region XXI at the World Series, held May 21–24 at Carrier Park in Dewitt, NY.
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Brendan Murphy, former Smithfield, RI, resident and one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the Community College of Rhode Island’s men’s basketball program, was honored recently as the college’s Athletic Alumni Award recipient at the state’s 2024–25 Scholar-Athlete Awards ceremony hosted by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.
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The Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Energy are teaming up to offer a free exploratory program designed to give participants a window into the growing utilities industry.
Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
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Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announces that four distinguished faculty members have been recognized with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. The recipients, honored for their exceptional dedication to student success and academic excellence
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Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce that it has been designated a Military Friendly® School for the fourth consecutive year, achieving Gold status for the first time during the 2025–2026 academic year. This prestigious recognition underscores CCRI's unwavering commitment to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families.
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Warwick, RI -- Samantha Lescarbeau knew she would experience one life-changing event at CCRI commencement. But she never expected what would happen after she walked across the stage at Amica Mutual Pavillion on May 15.
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Warwick, RI -- The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announced the winners of its 2025 Student Film Festival following a weekend of cinematic talent and storytelling. The festival kicked off with a red-carpet gala on Friday, May 10, and continued on Saturday, May 11, with a full day of student film screenings. The event drew students, faculty, and local film lovers to celebrate the achievements of CCRI’s talented filmmakers.
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May 22, 2025
Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) will launch the next phase of work-based learning to increase internships for students to work directly in workplace environments, gaining valuable skills and experience necessary for college and career success.
CCRI and Delta Dental of Rhode Island Partner to Strengthen Dental Workforce for Rhode Island's Future
May 20, 2025
A partnership between the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and Delta Dental of Rhode Island (DDRI) is building a pipeline of highly trained, workforce-ready dental hygienists to respond to a nationwide demand for dental hygienists and lay the groundwork for a stronger, more sustainable oral healthcare system in Rhode Island.
CCRI Celebrates its 60th Commencement with Powerful Speeches, Generational Milestones, and a Proud Legacy of Alumni
May 16, 2025
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) celebrated a milestone achievement: its 60th Commencement Ceremony. Held at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, the event marked the culmination of CCRI’s year-long diamond anniversary celebration and was a stirring tribute to six decades of transformation, opportunity, and achievement for Rhode Islanders.
CCRI Softball Advances to NJCAA Division III World Series for Second Consecutive Year
May 14, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) softball team is headed back to the NJCAA Division III Softball World Series for the second consecutive season following another remarkable run in 2025. With a 19-7 overall record, CCRI is currently ranked No. 6 in the NJCAA Division III national poll and will represent the Northeast District and Region XXI at the World Series, held May 21–24 at Carrier Park in Dewitt, NY.
Record-Breaking CCRI Alum and World-Renowned Artist Brendan Murphy Receives Athletic Alumni Award
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Brendan Murphy, former Smithfield, RI, resident and one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the Community College of Rhode Island’s men’s basketball program, was honored recently as the college’s Athletic Alumni Award recipient at the state’s 2024–25 Scholar-Athlete Awards ceremony hosted by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.
CCRI Student Athletes Honored at this Year's State Scholar-Athlete Awards
May 07, 2025
Ten student-athletes from the Community College of Rhode Island were honored last week for their athletic and academic achievements as part of the annual Scholar-Athlete Awards held in House Chamber of the Rhode Island State House. The Legislative Awards are designed to provide public recognition for student-athletes from CCRI, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island for significant achievements in their academic and athletic pursuits. The honorees have also demonstrated exemplary citizenship and community service.
CCRI and RIC Launch New Fully Online RN-to-BSN Program
May 06, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and Rhode Island College (RIC) are proud to announce the launch of a new, fully online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) program. This innovative partnership offers CCRI nursing graduates a seamless, affordable, and flexible pathway to earn their BSN while delivering the academic rigor and clinical relevance that Rhode Island’s healthcare system demands.
CCRI Partners with United Way to Open 211 Satellite Office
April 29, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a 211 satellite office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
CCRI Launches Free Ophthalmic Technician Training Program
April 23, 2025
Warwick, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce the launch of a new Ophthalmic Technician training program through its Division of Workforce Partnerships. This 120-hour program, beginning in May 2025, is free of charge and designed to prepare participants for immediate employment in a fast-growing healthcare field.
CCRI Foundation Elects Four New Members to its Board of Trustees
April 23, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Foundation has appointed four new members to its Board of Trustees. We are honored to welcome these four distinguished leaders to the CCRI Foundation,” said Rosemary Costigan, Ph.D, RN, Interim President of CCRI. “Their diverse backgrounds, deep ties to the community, and shared dedication will support us in advancing the college’s mission of access, equity and opportunity.
CCRI and Rhode Island Energy partner to launch free utilities career exploration program
April 17, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Energy are teaming up to offer a free exploratory program designed to give participants a window into the growing utilities industry.
Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
Four CCRI Faculty Honored with NISOD Awards of Excellence
April 10, 2025
Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announces that four distinguished faculty members have been recognized with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. The recipients, honored for their exceptional dedication to student success and academic excellence
CCRI Achieves Gold Status as Military Friendly® School
April 10, 2025
Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce that it has been designated a Military Friendly® School for the fourth consecutive year, achieving Gold status for the first time during the 2025–2026 academic year. This prestigious recognition underscores CCRI's unwavering commitment to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families.
