SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (May 16, 2025) — On Friday, May 16, the gym at Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland, ME, transformed into a wrestling arena as Limitless Wrestling brought excitement and inspiration to a closed event for justice-involved youth and staff.
The event, a collaboration between the Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) and the Maine-based wrestling promotion, was spearheaded by professional wrestler and Juvenile Program Worker Justin “Ace” Romero. It marked a milestone in youth engagement efforts at the state’s only secure juvenile facility, combining entertainment with mentorship and community connection.
“I just wanted to thank everyone involved for their trust in this project and providing myself and the Limitless Team with the opportunity to not only provide entertainment for our residents but also to communicate the important message that anything can be achieved through perseverance,” said Romero. “It goes without saying, but none of this would be possible without all (their) help.”
Long Creek residents and staff watched matches featuring top independent wrestlers, including WWE Legend and Maine native Scotty 2 Hotty and his son Keagan Garland, Ace Romero, “The Alternative” Anthony Greene, “Not America’s Sweetheart” Davienne, Seabass Finn, Jose Zamora and “The Scufflin’ Hillbilly” Cousin Larry.
“We’ve never done something like this. It’s a time to cut loose and forget about any of the world’s problems or anything going on,” said Limitless Wrestling owner Randy Carver Jr.
“For anybody—whether it’s these kids or anyone else—it’s an escapism,” said Scotty. “It takes you out of the world for a few minutes. This is just as cool as everything else—whether it’s traveling to Europe to wrestle or coming back to my hometown.”
Organizers emphasized that the goal was not just to entertain, but to engage youth in a way that promotes self-expression, resilience and positive decision-making. The wrestlers held a Q&A session with Long Creek’s justice-involved youth following the matches.
“We really hope to have the residents leave with the message that no matter what your past is — your future can be anything you want it to be,” said Deputy Superintendent of Treatment and Programming Angela Fauth.
The collaboration underscores an ongoing shift in how MDOC’s Juvenile Services division approaches rehabilitation through the Maine Model of Corrections. Long Creek aims to promote hope and personal growth through trauma-informed, motivational programming in a setting traditionally associated with confinement.
"As the state's only juvenile detention facility, we serve a population from a wide geographic area and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds,” Superintendent Ryan Andersen said. “We continually strive to expose our youth to experiences they might not otherwise have had. We're grateful to have dedicated staff like Ace and community partners such as Limitless Wrestling, who selflessly help make these opportunities possible."
A Maine native with more than 15 years of experience in the ring, Romero has performed for major promotions including Impact Wrestling, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Major League Wrestling (MLW). In his work as a JPW, Romero uses his platform and personal journey to mentor justice-involved youth, promoting resilience, self-expression and second chances.
“This was a team effort,” said Romero. “To walk into that ring as both a staff member and a performer, and to see those kids cheering — that meant everything.”
The Maine Department of Corrections continues to explore innovative partnerships that support its mission of transformation and second chances.
About Long Creek Youth Development Center
Long Creek Youth Development Center, operated by the Maine Department of Corrections, is the state’s only secure facility for justice-involved youth. Located in South Portland, LCYDC provides a structured environment with access to education, mental health care, and personal development programs. The center’s goal is to empower young people to make lasting, positive changes and reduce recidivism. www.maine.gov/corrections/longcreek
About Limitless Wrestling
Founded in 2015 by Randy Carver, Limitless Wrestling is a Maine-based independent wrestling promotion known for high-energy events and community engagement. With regular shows across the state and a training facility in Brewer, Limitless has built a reputation as a launching pad for rising talent. Their events are available on IndependentWrestling.tv and YouTube.
To learn more about Limitless Wrestling, visit www.limitlesswrestling.com.