In the affluent community of Boca Raton, Florida, known for its pristine beaches and luxury properties, an unusual spectacle is drawing crowds: professional wrestling. The man behind this unique venture is Matt Maschler, a veteran real estate broker who has successfully merged the worlds of multimillion-dollar home sales and family-friendly sports entertainment.
Maschler, who leads a team of about 20 agents at Signature Real Estate Finder, has found a novel way to combine his passion for wrestling with community engagement and brand building, creating the Boca Championship Wrestling league as a charitable, upscale alternative to typical independent wrestling events.
Key Takeaways
- Matt Maschler, a South Florida real estate broker, founded the Boca Championship Wrestling (BCW) league.
- BCW was created as a family-friendly entertainment option, avoiding the grittier aspects of some independent wrestling circuits.
- Each event serves as a fundraiser for local charities, including Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and the George Snow Scholarship Fund.
- Maschler views the league as a tool for community building and brand awareness for his real estate business.
From Law Books to Listing Agreements
Matt Maschler's career did not begin in the fast-paced Florida real estate market. He started his professional life as a real estate attorney, practicing in New York and New Jersey after completing law school. In 2005, he relocated to Florida, a move that would position him at the center of a volatile housing market.
When the market collapsed a few years later, Maschler identified an opportunity within the downturn. He took on a leadership role in a high-end residential community, focusing on sales and development during a difficult economic period. “It was a pivotal time,” Maschler noted. “We turned it around, and I stayed there for about seven years.”
This experience solidified his reputation in South Florida. Today, he manages Signature Real Estate Finder, a division of Signature International Real Estate. His team handles a wide range of properties, from modest condominiums to expansive waterfront estates.
A Philosophy of Service
Maschler emphasizes a people-first approach in his business, a principle he believes is key to longevity in the industry. "Whether it’s a $30,000 condo or a $3 million waterfront property, if you concentrate on good customer service and the person, you can succeed in this business," he stated.
An Unexpected Pivot to the Wrestling Ring
The idea for a wrestling league in Boca Raton emerged during the global pandemic. With live events on hold, Maschler, a lifelong wrestling fan, saw a dual need: a platform for wrestlers who were out of work and a new form of entertainment for a community seeking safe, local activities.
“I missed going to shows, and I’d become friends with some of the wrestlers,” he explained. “After they were released, I wanted to create a platform to showcase them—something family-friendly and fun for the community.”
This led to the creation of Boca Championship Wrestling (BCW), launched in partnership with Championship Wrestling (CCW). Maschler was determined to create an experience that stood apart from the stereotypical image of independent wrestling.
“I wanted to make it very child-friendly. Independent wrestling could get a little grimy or bloody. I wanted something that parents could feel good about bringing their eight- or nine-year-olds to.”
Instead of warehouses or small gyms, BCW events are held in professional venues like theaters and ballrooms, reinforcing the upscale, family-oriented atmosphere. The concept has been met with positive community feedback. “People say, ‘I can’t believe there’s wrestling in Boca,’ and then they bring their children and tell me it was the best day ever,” Maschler shared.
More Than Just Entertainment
From its inception, Boca Championship Wrestling was designed with a philanthropic mission. Each show functions as a fundraiser for local organizations, allowing attendees to enjoy an evening of entertainment while contributing to important causes.
Supporting the Community
BCW has reported supporting several prominent local charities, including:
- Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital: A leading pediatric hospital providing care to children in South Florida.
- George Snow Scholarship Fund: An organization that provides college scholarships to students in Palm Beach and Broward Counties.
“It’s something for the community,” Maschler explained. “We get to have fun and give back at the same time.” This charitable component has helped integrate the wrestling league into the fabric of Boca Raton's community life.
A Unique Branding Strategy
While driven by passion and philanthropy, the wrestling league also serves a strategic business purpose. Maschler acknowledges the connection between his public-facing role as a promoter and his real estate career.
“It’s also about brand awareness,” he said. “I love Boca, and I wanted to create something unique that brings people together.” The energy and showmanship required to promote a wrestling event are not unlike the skills needed to market a high-value property.
Maschler draws a direct parallel between the two fields. “Real estate is show business,” he asserted. “You have to be prepared, you have to engage your audience, and you have to deliver.” The wrestling events provide a platform to build relationships and trust within the community, which can translate directly into his real estate business.
The Enduring Appeal of South Florida
Maschler remains a strong advocate for Boca Raton and the wider South Florida region, both as a resident and a real estate professional. He attributes the area's growth to its quality of life, strong schools, and tight-knit communities. For transplants from the Northeast, the area offers a sense of familiarity.
“New Yorkers have been coming to South Florida for over a hundred years,” he pointed out. The reasons are consistent: a desirable lifestyle, lower taxes, and an easier pace of life, all within the same time zone and a short flight away.
However, he is also realistic about the region's challenges, particularly the significant increase in housing costs since the pandemic. “Before COVID, the houses were much more affordable,” he admitted. “We’ve lost that part of the argument. But people still see value here—the lifestyle, the weather, the freedom.”
By blending his expertise in real estate with his passion for professional wrestling, Matt Maschler has created a unique identity. He is not just selling homes; he is building a community brand, one property listing and one body slam at a time.
