More to the Story with Staley: Big Orange Arm Wrestling

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — At one time or another, most of us have had an arm wrestling match with a friend or family member. But there are professional arm wrestlers, and they mean business.

Some of the best will be on display this coming weekend here in Chattanooga.

The men are ready for this weekend’s “Big Orange Bash” here in Chattanooga.

That would be the 154 Pound Arm Wrestling North American Invitational.

Some of the top ranked competitors will be here. Accordingly, it’s being billed as the biggest such event ever in the Scenic City.

“A lot of people don’t know that it’s a sport. Until they get down and research it,” said promoter and competitor Laray Jenkins. “We’ve had arm wrestling all over the place. It’s a really big sport that a lot of people don’t know about.”

“You fall into it and come to love it. You can’t ask for a better sport,” promoter and competitor Chris Griffith said. “It’s like a big family. You can’t ask for better.”

Organizers say it’s very rare to have such top ranked talent gather at one tournament.

Training for such a big event is tedious. You must have the proper technique. And you have to be serious. Because the best are just that: serious.

“You definitely can get hurt,” Jenkins said. “Usually these tournaments are double elimination. So, if you are not prepared, you’ll get flashed in both matches. And then you’re done in five minutes.”

“Everybody thinks it’s just arm power. But it’s much more,” Griffith added. “It’s really from your nose to your toes. Pushing, pulling, dragging. It’s crazy!”

The round robin tournament goes down this Saturday, May 20 at Brew And Cue on Rossville Boulevard.

That’s when they’ll decide who’s the better man!