You can call him
‘The People’s Champ’

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

Mike Hoch is a popular guy among the kids at Northeast Community Center, serving as summer camp counselor for four years and director for the last four.
So, when a professional wrestler "beat up" Hoch in front of the campers last week, the kids rallied to their leader’s side.
"Mike, Mike, Mike," they chanted in unison.
The kids were in the community center’s auditorium to watch a demonstration by American Championship Pro Wrestling when Hoch was pummeled by Korpse, the ACPW Internet/Television champion. The wrestler weakened the camp director with punches and kicks and flattened him by hitting him in the head with the championship belt.
Now, Hoch plans revenge and is readying for a rematch by fine-tuning his 6-foot-4, 340-pound body.
"All muscle," he joked.
The gentle giant, who teaches during the school year, promises his young fans that he will turn the tables on Korpse during a July 28 wrestling card at the center, at 2840 Holme Ave.
"I’ll make the TV champ a chump," he vowed.
Stan Cohen, executive director of the center, saw the reaction of the young people and has begun to call Hoch "The People’s Champ."
Korpse, who hails from Frankford, will have to let his actions do the talking. He plays a dead character, complete with face makeup, who does not speak.
Korpse and the other ACPW superstars are regulars at the Northeast Community Center, which has hosted monthly wrestling cards as fund-raisers for the last year. The wrestling organization has developed a loyal following.
The July 28 show will feature eight to 10 matches, including men and women grapplers. It’s being billed as "Mad Hatter" night, with opponents determined by fans picking names out of a hat. The lineup could include friend against friend and partner vs. partner.
So there’s no guarantee that Hoch and Korpse will square off, but their paths are expected to cross in some manner.
While the action can get heated, Northeast Community Center officials explain that the evening is geared to people of all ages.
"We do a family-friendly show," Cohen said. "There’s no blood, no foul language and no exploitation of women."
Chris Sutton is president of ACPW, which has been in existence for three years. The organization trains its wrestlers at a gym at Front and Norris streets in Kensington.
The stable of wrestlers includes tag teams and individual stars such as Marco Polo, Annie Social, Big Slam Vader, Vinny Hoffa, Simply Stoned, Jim Beam, Breaker Morant and Joey Rizzo.
The heavyweight champion is Patch, who will defend his title on July 28 against longtime nemesis Kwame.
Like Cohen, Sutton enjoys the family atmosphere at the shows. He brings his wife and two children to watch.
"It’s a good way for kids and families to get together," he said.
The community center gym is large enough to accommodate a 16-foot-by-16-foot ring and seating for 220 people. The atmosphere is enhanced with music and flashing lights.
There should be a capacity crowd later this month judging by the reaction of the 200-plus campers and preschoolers who witnessed the Korpse/Hoch clash.
The wrestlers like to sign autographs for fans after the matches.
"These guys are great with the kids," Cohen said.
Besides welcoming a live audience, ACPW videotapes the bouts for international pay-per-view showings.
Sutton, though, said nothing beats the rush of being right on top of the action.
"We’re not that far away from the crowd," he said. "We’re right there trying to get them involved. The excitement level is beyond belief." ••
The next American Championship Pro Wrestling card at the Northeast Community Center, 2840 Holme Ave., will be on Saturday, July 28. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m.
Tickets are available in advance or at the door. They cost $20 for the front two rows, $10 for general admission and $7 for kids.
Call 215-335-0870 or visit acpwrestling.com for more information.
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com