Backyard wrestling series filmed in Kitchener-Waterloo gets international recognition

A locally produced series about backyard wrestling is gaining international attention. CTV's Spencer Turcotte meets the cast and crew behind the show.

A made-in-Waterloo Region series that dives into the world of backyard wrestling is gaining international attention.

The Ropes, filmed entirely in Kitchener-Waterloo, has been selected for screening at the 2026 LA Webfest in Los Angeles.

The six-episode dramedy blends comedy and family drama while showcasing the region’s independent wrestling scene and local talent.

The series follows a wrestling-obsessed family trying to win back their backyard after losing it in a high-stakes amateur wrestling feud.

“The patriarch of the family decides to bet the backyard against his arch nemesis,” lead producer Denise Bodan told CTV News. “So the remainder of the season is them trying to win it back together through different matches as a family and as a community.”

Bodan said the idea for the series was partly inspired by the region’s lesser-known wrestling culture.

“Waterloo Region has a large wrestling background. I don’t know if a lot of people are aware of that, but we do have a large indie wrestling community here,” she said.

To help bring authenticity to the show, Bodan worked with local wrestlers from Off The Ropes Wrestling Studio, including performer Natasha Dunn Kvedaras, known in the ring as “Bad Nanny.”

Kvedaras portrays a mild-mannered librarian by day who transforms into an unhinged wrestler.

“I can beat people with my cane, with my wooden spoon. May have to take the diaper off, diaper wash my opponent in the face,” she said.

While Dunn Kvedaras is experienced in the ring, she said acting for television brought a different challenge.

“He picks me up and slams me into the ring. And then they’re like, ‘Reset. OK, let’s do it again.’ I was like, ‘How many times do I have to do this?’” she said.

Other cast members were new to the wrestling world entirely.

“I really respect the art of it now. I think it’s so cool after working on this series. People are so talented,” said actor Jessica Chin-King, adding she only performs a brief “cat fight” scene in the show.

Actors Shawn Maris and Marcella Young play a husband-and-wife duo working to reclaim their backyard ring.

Young said the story ultimately centres on family.

“This show is really about family. Family is messy. It’s weird. It’s the best. And I think that you don’t have to be perfect. If you stick together, you can overcome anything,” she said.

The series premiered on Bell Fibe TV1 in November 2025.

With its selection for LA Webfest, the cast and crew hope the exposure will help the show reach a wider audience, and possibly lead to a second season.

“Two words — ‘I hope.’ Actually, three words — ‘I really hope,’” Maris said.