10-year-old boy has wrestling birthday bash at Redmond City Hall

Nearly 30 professional wrestlers came to Max Shegnagaev’s 10th birthday.

By Stephanie Quiroz • October 14, 2019 8:30 am

The self-proclaimed most beautiful wrestler in the Pacific Northwest, Christopher Ryseck, walked down the stairs at Redmond City Hall, mirror in hand, toward the ring to meet his opponent Michael Jackson. The crowd booed as soon as he entered the ring.

On Oct. 6, Cathy Shegnagaev of Redmond hosted a private birthday wrestling show for her 10-year-old son, Max, featuring the two wrestlers. The two-hour event included a battle royale and back-to-back wrestling matches. More than 50 people attended the birthday party at City Hall. Shegnagaev said she flew in big wrestling talents, including a Michael Jackson impersonator/wrestler. Nearly 30 professional wrestlers came to perform for Max’s birthday. A wrestler herself, Shegnagaev said she’s worked with several of the wrestlers.

A Micheal Jackson impersonator made an appearance at Max’s 10th birthday bash on Oct. 6.

Wrestling became a part of Shegnagaev’s life nearly four years ago. She was introduced to the world of wrestling by her gym trainer Chris Church, who also happens to be Ryseck, her stage husband.

“Wrestling is my release of any stress and aggression,” Shegnagaev said about her experience. “You become someone else for the weekend…I love the interaction.”

Shegnagaev, who goes by Miss KatGalore, said she is part of the USA team when she preforms in Canada, where there is a “huge” wrestling community. Miss KatGalore also preforms in local shows including Without a Cause (WAC) in Everett, Combat Pro in Marysville, 321 Battle in Seattle, NW Pro in Tacoma and the Peninsula, Defy in Seattle and 5CC in Bellingham.

When asked about what her children think about Miss KatGalore and wrestling, Shegnagaev said they love it. They sit in the front row at family shows, cheering her on and interact with the other wrestlers.

Shegnagaev said she’s hosted four private wrestling shows and Max’s 10th birthday was one of the biggest shows. This was the first time she’s flown in several wrestlers, including Santana Jackson (the Michael Jackson impersonator), who was a surprise guest for Max. And according to Shegnagaev, the party was moved to City Hall due to the shut down of the Redmond Senior Center.

Max said watching the wrestling matches was his favorite part of his birthday. And according to Shegnagaev, he said it was the “best birthday yet.”

When it comes to wrestling, Shegnagaev said it’s an outlet and it’s performing. She hopes community members will become aware of local wrestlers and shows in the area. If anyone is interested in a private show or party, they can contact Shegnagaev at itskatgalore@gmail.com