SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Cheers echoed through the gym at Long Creek Youth Development Center as the wrestling ring took center stage — and for a few hours, the energy shifted from confinement to community.
On May 16, Long Creek partnered with Limitless Wrestling, a Maine-based independent promotion, to host a unique event aimed at inspiring justice-involved youth through entertainment, mentorship and connection. The closed event featured matches from top independent wrestlers, including WWE legend Scotty 2 Hotty and his son Keagan Garland.
But behind the suplexes and stunners was a deeper message: No matter your past, your future can be rewritten.
“This was a team effort,” said Justin “Ace” Romero, a professional wrestler and Juvenile Program Worker at Long Creek. “To walk into that ring as both a staff member and a performer, and to see those kids cheering — that meant everything.”
Romero, a Maine native with more than 15 years of experience in the ring, was the driving force behind the collaboration between the Maine Department of Corrections and Limitless Wrestling. He’s performed for major promotions including Impact Wrestling and AEW, and now uses his platform to mentor youth at the state’s only secure juvenile facility.
Residents watched matches featuring wrestlers like “The Alternative” Anthony Greene, “Not America’s Sweetheart” Davienne, Seabass Finn, Jose Zamora and “The Scufflin’ Hillbilly” Cousin Larry. After the event, youth had the chance to participate in a Q&A session with the wrestlers, many of whom spoke candidly about their own struggles and triumphs.
“For anybody — whether it’s these kids or anyone else —it’s an escapism,” said Scotty 2 Hotty, who grew up in Maine. “It takes you out of the world for a few minutes. This is just as cool as everything else — whether it’s traveling to Europe to wrestle or coming back to my hometown.”
Limitless Wrestling founder Randy Carver Jr. called the event a “first-of-its-kind.”
“We’ve never done something like this,” Carver said. “It’s a time to cut loose and forget about any of the world’s problems or anything going on.”
While the body slams were choreographed, the impact was real. The event was designed to promote resilience, self-expression and positive decision-making — core elements of the Maine Model of Corrections, which emphasizes trauma-informed and motivational programming.
“We really hope to have the residents leave with the message that no matter what your past is, your future can be anything you want it to be,” said Angela Fauth, deputy superintendent of treatment and programming at Long Creek.
Superintendent Ryan Andersen said the event reflects the facility’s broader goals of creating meaningful, growth-focused experiences for youth.
“We continually strive to expose our youth to experiences they might not otherwise have had,” Andersen said. “We’re grateful to have dedicated staff like Ace and community partners such as Limitless Wrestling, who selflessly help make these opportunities possible.”
As the Maine Department of Corrections continues to explore innovative ways to support rehabilitation and second chances, events like this one offer a powerful reminder: sometimes, the path to transformation starts with believing in your own comeback story.
