For Hardwick, being bad feels so good

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Jim Hardwick knows he’s doing his job well when he’s hated.

Boo him, scream at him and even throw things at him. He loves every minute of it.

As owner of the Eastern Wrestling Alliance and the Pain Factory, Hardwick, who wrestles as Jim Christian, plays his “bad guy” part in the ring.

But outside the ring, he also trains other wrestlers and promotes the alliance, including writing the soap opera story lines for shows.

Each week, Hardwick and his partner, Joe Hamilton, decide “who’s getting beat up and who says what,” Hardwick said.

And almost every evening, after his day job at his insurance company, Hardwick sheds his shirt and tie for training.

“You definitely don’t get into wrestling to become rich,” said Steven Riggs, who wrestles with Hardwick and is part of the Christian Academy, Hardwick’s wrestling group.

And EWA shows have a unique aspect — they are family-oriented.

“If people want to see skin, they can go to a strip bar, not my show,” Hardwick said. “I want families to be able to attend together.”

The alliance also helps out charities.

Donald “Doc” Chalk, a fan and now sponsor of the alliance, said, “It’s something I’m not embarrassed to bring my kids to.”

“In other places, it’s the whole ‘sex sells’ thing,” Riggs said. “He’s promoting something kids can watch, and parents don’t have to worry about them seeing something they shouldn’t.”

As a mentor and a wrestler himself, Hardwick sacrifices time and his own body to put on a good show.

“It’s hard to break into the business,” Hardwick said. “You’ve got to be in really good shape and willing to take some bumps.”

kprahlad@baltimoreexaminer.com

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