Font ResizeJoe Applebaum remembers Jason Lee Smith calling him the morning after his mother died suddenly just to say "I love you. I'm sorry." Two years later he feels compelled to honor Smith, who died in a car crash Aug. 4.
It might seem pretty mushy for "The Applebaumer" to be speaking with such feeling about DJ Rizz, the pro wrestling protégé he took under his wing in 2005. Don't mistake the guys who bounce off each other like trampolines and twist opponents' limbs into pretzels with full-time thugs. The circuit is a family of sorts, Applebaum said. Ten pro wrestlers including Applebaum have lined up to perform at a Saturday fundraiser for Smith's 2-year-old daughter. Some of the proceeds will also go toward a scholarship in Smith's name for a Liberty High graduate.
Applebaum is hoping the event will bring some closure for Smith's family, especially the 15-year-old, twin stepbrothers who were hit particularly hard by the death of 26-year-old Smith.
Four years ago, Smith and a group of friends approached Applebaum about training for the pro wrestling circuit.
"He was probably about 160 pounds soaking wet," Applebaum remembers.
But what Smith lacked in heft he made up for in heart. Smith, who eventually went by the wrestling moniker DJ Rizz, was what's known as a highflier in wrestling. He was known for launching himself off the ropes for an aerial assault on larger opponents.
"He was a firecracker."
The young
Applebaum and other wrestlers and friends of DJ Rizz hope to honor that spirit this weekend. For Applebaum, it's a chance to return the friendly support Smith offered him when he felt lost — if not to Smith, then to his family.
"I'm just doing the same, then I have to move on."
