10 Times Wrestling Shows Became Total Anarchy
2. Joey Ryan And Karl Anderson Spark A Race Riot (NWA, 2007)
On 27 April 2007, Houston, Texas, hosted an NWA Pro Showcase that allegedly became infamous in the area, per the account linked here.
Prior to a schedule faceoff against Ultimo Dragon and T.J. Perkins, Joey Ryan and Karl Anderson took to the ring to provoke some heel heat. They yelled racial slurs to the predominantly Hispanic crowd telling them to leave the US and go back to Mexico. The adults in attendance responded with boos and jeers, the younger attendees had other ideas.
While no venue is fully prepared for a race riot, the Plaza de San Miguel had minimal security, no barricades, and a dirt floor. Kids filled the ring and jumped off the turnbuckles as referees tried to help out security with little success. Those outside the ring, flung bottles, debris, and clumps of dirt. The wrestlers had long fled for shelter. Despite being pre-warned of the potential for a small-scale insurrection, police officers in attendance remained seated claiming no law had been broken.
After the match was cancelled, the babyfaces returned and attempted to use an impromptu autograph signing session to quell the chaos. They too were covered with dirt and debris.