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Bill Bain Makes A Name for Himself

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Blair Garrett

From hometown day job to high-flying national wrestler, Bill Bain of Thurmont has made a name for himself in the wrestling scene.

Bain has performed in various local shows, but he just recently made his biggest splash in the wrestling scene to-date, taking his talents to Monday Night Raw. Bain’s appearance on Raw put him in the spotlight of one of the hottest topics the show has ever seen.

The week before, former Olympian and WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle had returned to set himself up to the championship match by defeating the acting WWE General Manager, Baron Corbin. Angle had survived the 10-man battle royale to face against Corbin, overthrowing the GM to be the last man standing in a golden conquistador outfit.

Bain took over the following week, sporting the very same golden conquistador outfit, staring down a two vs. one against some stiff competition.

“Kurt Angle tricked them by putting me under the mask, and I ended up having the match against the Authors of Pain,” Bain said.

After Bain’s identity was revealed, Kurt Angle himself appeared, Angle slamming Corbin once more.

“It was about two minutes long, but still in front of about fifteen thousand people, and it’s gotten eight million views online and five million people watching,” Bain said. “It’s my biggest exposure in wrestling so far.”

Bain’s recent success stems from many hours spent performing in wrestling gigs all around the east coast.

“I got involved in wrestling sixteen years ago because I was a fan growing up,” Bain said. “I did smaller, independent shows all over the east coast, and then in 2009 is when WWE contacted me for some opportunities to work with them.”

October’s performance was not Bain’s first stint with the WWE. The Thurmont-based wrestler faced off against Vladimir Kozlov in 2009, starting just the beginning of his rise to fame in the wrestling community.

Although Bain has performed with the WWE before, each time is special in its own way.

“There’s definitely a big difference walking out in front of ten or twelve thousand people,” Bain said. “My friends and family have showed the video to plenty of people.”

Bain’s Monday Night Raw appearance was short and sweet, but hopefully not the last we’ll see of the new conquistador.

The identity of “El Conquistador” was revealed on Monday Night Raw to be Thurmont’s Bill Bain.

Courtesy Photo

Local Wrestler Fights the Odds, Both In and Out of the Ring

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Nicholas DiGregory

For independent professional wrestler, Bill Bain, wrestling is not just an occupation or a hobby—it is a way of life.

Born in Montgomery County, Maryland, Bain moved to the city of Frederick, Maryland, when he was thirteen years old. It was around this time that he began to realize his passion for wrestling, having grown up watching the weekend morning matches on TV with his grandfather and uncle.

Bain, a Thurmont resident for the past eight years, began wrestling in 2002, under the direction of fellow Frederick native and professional wrestler, Scott Fowler. During his training, Bain would assist at professional wrestling events, where he would pick up tips from the contenders.

“A lot of my training was ‘on the job’ type training, where I would go to shows and help set up and learn from the guys around me,” said Bain.

After about seven years of learning the ropes through training and smaller-scale wrestling events, Bain was given his big chance on July 28, 2009, when he made his first appearance with World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., for a professional match against veteran WWE “villain,” Vladimir Kozlov.

Since his debut, Bain has appeared at numerous professional events, ranging from WWE RAW; ESPN SportsCenter, with Shaquille O’Neal; and WWE Pay-Per-View Capitol Punishment 2011. He has shared the ring with some of the most renowned names in wrestling, from The Patriot to “Boogie Woogie Man” Jimmy Valiant. Bain’s personal favorite—and perhaps his most memorable—moment came when he supported legendary wrestler The Undertaker as his “druid” accomplice, during The Undertaker’s feud with rival wrestler CM Punk.

While Bain has faced some impressive adversaries in the ring, he has also faced some rather tough opponents alongside his wrestling career. In 2010, Bain was diagnosed with Ménière’s disease, a relatively uncommon disorder that attacks the inner ear, causing severe vertigo and impaired hearing. While the disease is incurable, the symptoms can be lessened by physical therapy and a low-sodium diet.

“Having Ménière’s disease is a battle that I fight every day. I am unable to eat a lot of foods I enjoy, and have to limit my going out to eat at restaurants, but you have to learn to make do with these things,” explained Bain. “There are many situations that are much more dire than this; I’m thankful that I am able to manage it and continue to live a fairly normal life.”

In addition to Ménière’s disease, Bain was also diagnosed with skin cancer in 2015. While the cancer was not dangerously advanced, Bain had to have atypical cells removed from eight spots on his body.

“Any time you are dealing with these types of issues, you want to remain positive and try to focus on the recovery,” said Bain. “But after having to go through multiple procedures, it has made me realize that it is important to take care of your body, as you only have one.”

Despite these adverse health conditions, Bain has refused to give up on his passion for wrestling. He will be appearing in several wrestling events in West Virginia and Maryland, between September and October 2016.

Regardless of where Bain’s next matches take him, he will be fighting hard, both inside and out of the ring. “No matter what you are going through currently, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to keep fighting through.”

More information about Bill Bain, including a full schedule of events and booking instructions, can be found at www.facebook.com/billbainfanpage.

Wrestler-Photo
                                         Bill Bain has faced numerous opponents throughout his wrestling career, including a rare disorder known as Ménière’s disease and skin cancer.
Curtosy Photo by: Chris Eichelberger Photography