By Melissa Antoinette Garza
The boys came back to town last night, and I was vamped to see them! I do my best never to miss a Pioneer Valley Pro Wrestling show. PVP is a local indie promotion that brings far more to the table than WWE has in years. They’re energetic, fun and always have compelling and cool story lines going on.
I’m happy to say that their last event of the year did not disappoint. Despite a necessary postponement due to New England’s crazy ass weather, PVP still pulled together a great show that delivered on every level.
The night opened with The Closers/new commissioners, Sexy Jesus and Big Bacon accompanying their friends, PVP Champ Dexter Loux and Tag Team Champ The American Sumo, Mike Gamble to the ring to discuss the events of the last show. All four are excellent with promos and fab behind the mic. Sexy Jesus and Big Bacon explained their unexpected heel turn. Hey, they tried to be nice, but weren’t recognized enough. They really had no choice. It’s the fault of the fans, really.
Dex had surgery so he was out of in-ring competition. He did stop by though to say that the doc confirmed he heals quicker than anyone else. He’s just that good! I fucking love Dex. He cracks me up so much.
Sumo was fighting in the main event against Wrecking Ball in a #1 Contenders Match where the fans present were able to pick the stipulation during intermission. Wrecking Ball didn’t want to wait for the main event and came out to kick some ass at the intro.
This opening definitely set an energetic wild tone and got the crowd pumped for the night to come. PVP is always great at starting and ending big. Their strong plot lines, the charisma of the wrestlers and the athletic abilities of their roster all come together brilliantly and help make certain the attention of the fans always remain where the action is.
The first match saw baby-face Dr. Reginald Heresy take on heel Mike Law. Law came out with a huge totally legitimate 1000 lb barbell that took three men to carry back. Heresy was more lighthearted and came out dancing and giving everyone high-fives. As much as I love my heels, Heresy always has me cheering. He’s too friendly. I can’t boo a guy that friendly. It would be like booing Mr. Rogers or Bob Ross. You get a one way trip to hell if you do that! The match was a great one and got the crowd revved. I was happy to see Heresy take the win and celebrate on his way out.
Next was Regional Women’s Champion, Ariela Nyx who took on former champ Davienne. I love both wrestlers, but I was most certainly cheering on Nyx. She reminds me a bit of Sensational Sherri, who is one of my favorite heels of all time. Sherri was wild and strong and one helluva fighter. Nyx is too and so I always side with her.
Davienne has more of a technical strong-woman approach to her style which works fabulously with her character. Her fan-base is strong and it’s easy to see why. Both of these fems rock it hard and bring 110% every time I see them in the ring.
Nyx was escorted to the ring by the Benefactor, who was an excellent addition to the tone of the match. I like that dude. I saw him once before months ago. He’s got a mouth on him, but is the first to run and hide. He’s all about the green and loves bragging about having it.
We then saw a tag-team bout between two masked men known as The Arsenal. They were brought down to the ring by Chi and fought against Steve Azure and Johnny Pretty Boy. The Arsenal took the win pinning Johnny Pretty Boy. When the carnage continued after the bell, neon pink wearing Kirby Wackerman ran to the ring to help out Steve and Johnny. It culminated in a friendly hug between the three dudes.
Kirby Wackerman is probably the strangest cat in PVP. It is as if Bret Hart and Eugene (Nicholas David Dinsmore) got trapped in Seth Brundle’s transporting device. He is a unique one and has a definite cheering squad within the audience. They justifiably love him and he is fun. Still, I’d love to see him turn heel. It would be hilarious, if he started cheating to win, but still celebrated as if he’s an aloof good guy.
Next up was Strong Man Champion Dan De Man vs. Ted Goodz. De Man came out declaring himself Dan De Claus and had a gift bag. He claimed there were Prada and Rolexes in it but before he could give us any of the presents, Ted came to the ring. Way to cock-block, TED! Something tells me Dan De Man did not have anything for the fans and instead just had some netting to choke poor Ted with. The fight was a great one and ended in a disqualification declaring Goodz the winner. Heck Dynamite shocked and pleased the crowd by showing up and attacking Dan De Man.
Chi and Kirby found their way back to the ring, this time in a bout against each other. Chi is the fucking man. He has a menacing look and an equally terrifying personality. He once whipped A.J. Styles so bad that Styles now thinks the world is flat. Okay, maybe Styles believed that before, but Chi is a badass mofo. He has some killer moves and a great gimmick. Not only is he fabulous in the ring, he rocks it behind the mic. The match was fantastic. In the end, The Arsenal interfered which doomed Wackerman’s chances of winning.
Where were Steve Azure and Johnny Pretty Boy? Wackerman helped them out. They should have run out to help poor Kirby. Hopefully this fuels a little anger and rivalry so we can see Wackerman go postal.
Lastly, in the main event we had American Sumo, Mike Gamble take on Wrecking Ball in one of the best matches I’ve ever seen in person. I go to a bunch of wrestling events and have all my life. Whether indie, WWE or WCW back in the day – if it’s local, I go.
These two men gave their fucking all. The stipulation ended up being a Miracle on 34th Street Fight. The two men pummeled each other in hopes of securing the bout against Dex.
Whether hitting each other with chairs outside the ring or insane and mind-boggling suplexes inside the ring, American Sumo and Wrecking Ball were fan-fucking-tastic.
The Closers came out to help Sumo secure the victory, but were interrupted by the Grinch. Sexy Jesus and Big Bacon took the bait and ran after the Grinch while Matthew James of WMW (Western MA Wrestling) sneaked in for revenge. Wrecking Ball got the pin despite Big Bacon trying to get back into the ring to stop it.
This means that Wrecking Ball has a chance to win Dex’s belt. I hope he doesn’t! Wrecking Ball is a badass, but Loux looks great in gold and is one of my all-time wrestling faves.
If you live in New England or are somewhat local, support the indie wrestlers and take in a show. This one like many others was held at the Eastfield Mall in Springfield MA, and it is always cheap to get in. Everyone has an awesome time, and you will too!
Just don’t be a fucking asshole and stand on the sidelines without paying. I’ll mean-mug you and trash talk you come intermission if you do that shit. It’s as disrespectful as you can get. These dudes and chicks come from all over and give their fucking all. They put up the ring. They take down all that. They get there early and they stay fucking late. They do it for the love and the artistry of the sport. Don’t fuck them out of the few bucks they ask for. If you can’t pony up the green, stay the fuck home. Most of the people who come are awesome. They pay their entry fee and enjoy the hell out of themselves so just be one of the cool cats and don’t steal.
For updates on new events and to find out when the information for the next show is posted, follow PVP here: https://www.facebook.com/PioneerValleyPro/
