CWF Takes on WWF.(Christian Wrestling Federation)(Brief Article)

In order to provide an alternative to the WWF's culturally corrosive rendition of pro wrestling, especially for American youth, former college football player Bob Vaughn launched the Texas-based Christian Wrestling Federation (CWF) in May of last year. Vaughn was pursuing his own wrestling career in Texas independent leagues when he became dismayed by the abrasive non-Christian environment. Then a friend suggested, "maybe you could make a ministry out of it." Vaughn, aware of wrestling's considerable following among young people, liked the idea. He began drafting the blueprint for the CWF in August 1999. A key objective would be to combine the scripted entertainment of professional wrestling with scriptural preaching. The CWF's website describes the Federation as a non-profit group that "hopes to express the love of God to youth all over the country in a new and dynamic way. Today the popularity of wrestling is at an all-time high. We hope to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people through a positive messa ge throughout our shows.... Our main focus is to reach the youth of America."

The CWF primarily differs from the WWF in that it "does not condone foul or obscene language from its wrestlers," or their making "obscene gestures to one another or the audience." Also, "you will not see any half naked women walking to the ring with the wrestlers." It was formally launched on May 10, 2000, when some 400 enthusiastic teens and their parents attended its ...