ALTOONA, Pa. (WJAC) — On Friday, pro wrestling returned to Altoona in a big way, as some huge wrestling stars, including two WWE Hall of Famers visited a local building with a rich wrestling history.

Big Time Wrestling returned to the Jaffa Shrine for the first time since 2019 and they brought one of wrestling's biggest legends with them.

"Four years and four months brother we're back. Finally, four years and four months. We're back there. Better than ever,” said The Patriot, pro wrestling star.

1996 Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle was also in attendance and spoke about the rich history of wrestling at the Jaffa Shrine.

"Well, this building is an incredible hotbed for wrestling, for pro wrestling. The WWE used to come here and, to see it continue on, whether it's WWE or Big Time Wrestling or any other promotion. It's just really nice to see that the fans are really appreciative, and that they want us to show up. So, this is a great feeling."

Angle wasn't the only wrestling star in attendance Friday, as former UFC and WWE star Matt Riddle had the main event slot.

"I think for Big Time Wrestling here, I think it's huge. This building has a lot of history. I think Pennsylvania in general has a lot of wrestling history. And I think so much of the time, the fans get back to us and being able to bring a show like this, bringing me and having Kurt Angle here kind of revitalizes that wrestling scene in this area."

Former WWE star D'von Dudley says it was time to bring wrestling back to the Jaffa.

"It's been good history. So, bring them back. Why not? The fans love it. Can't deny the fans what they need. So, bring them back and testify."

Big Time Wrestling has been coming to the Jaffa Shrine since 2012 and organizers say they bring a bit of everything from hardcore to tag team to women's matches.

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