Mayhem Pro 'Bad To The Bone' This Saturday, ft George Julio PWDU Pioneer Award

Mayhem Pro returns to Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, on Saturday, 28 June, with its upcoming event Bad to the Bone — and the card is shaping up to be one of the most stacked in the promotion’s calendar.

A major highlight of the night will be the presentation of the PWDownunder Australian Wrestling Pioneer Award to veteran George Julio, who will be the first recipient of the honour. The announcement was first made back in April.

Julio, a long-standing figure in the Australian wrestling scene, has spent decades wrestling, promoting, and training talent. He has remained active in recent years, including appearances at Mayhem’s Relentless School of Pro Wrestling. Several wrestlers featured on the Bad to the Bone card have credited Julio with helping shape their careers. Mitch Waterman posted on X, “Honouring a legend. I wouldn’t be here without him.”

The Pioneer Award was announced January of this year, designed to award those within Australian Wrestling to celebrate their contributions to the scene and influence of others.

PWDU staff writers made the following comments on George Julio and his contributions to Australian wrestling…

“Thank you George for all the sacrifices that you’ve made. The growth of Australian wrestling would not be possible without legends such as yourself paving the way.” – Mick Robson

“l have known George since the very late 1970s. George has a fantastic set up at his house with a full sized ring and some weights. In the early 90s l asked George to help train my younger brother Allan who wrestled as Red Hot Ricky Diamond, l had taught Allan the breakfalls and the basics and George just polished him up. George is very well loved and respected by everyone in the wrestling business, Australia wide.” – Ken “Dazzler” Dunlop

“This is so deserved. George helped shape many of our amazing talent here in Australia and I was blessed to have trained with him many years ago. He is a legend. Thank you, George! And keep killing it!” – Christina Boudib

“Your contributions to Australian wrestling have been truly instrumental, paving the way for a brighter future in the sport. Thank you. – Rhys Williams

“This is really well deserved. A legend of Australian wrestling – thank you for all you’ve done for professional wrestling. – Karl Wardlaw

“An absolute legend of the business that deserves every kudos coming his way. Thank you George for all you have done for the business.” – Dave Harding

“A true pioneer, it’s a privilege to use our platform here at PWdownunder.com to honour legends of Australian wrestling such as George ‘Hitman’ Julio. His contributions have raised the values and standards in Aussie wrestling, thank you George.” – Marek Indyka

In addition to the award presentation, the full match card has now been confirmed:

At Mayhem Pro’s previous event, King of Colac Lochy Hendricks refused to release a sleeper hold on Johari after the match had ended. Erika Reid appeared to make the save, Reid issued a challenge to Hendricks, proposing a tag team match. The match is now set: Lochy Hendricks and Nate Hunter will take on Erika Reid and Johari.

Fun Time Phil will take on Blake Malik. JXT faces off against Tommy A. MJ Russo’s challenge has been accepted by Edward Dusk.

Six-person tag team action, as The Cycle (Mitch Conners and Magnus Kolbeck) team up with Jake Navara to face off against King of Colac Champion Sketch and Mayhem Tag Team Champions The Physicals (Jimmy Castle and Johnny Jetts).

The Bad to the Bone Battle Royale will feature over 15 competitors, including Elaine Hope, Ace Shack, ‘Absolute Excellence’ Anth Cava, and Mitch Waterman. Many of the announced participants have taken to X, declaring themselves the favourite to win.

And finally, in a first-time match for Mayhem Pro, the heated rivalry between Syd Parker and JAB appears to be reaching its conclusion, as the two are set to collide in a Casket Match.