Alright, here is my review from the debut DEFY Wrestling show from last night...
I showed up to the venue just before doors opened, and there was a fairly long line going around corner. I had to take BRUTAL dump, so I couldn't wait to get in, but I won't go into detail with that. I picked up standard standing only GA tickets for my friends and I, but one of them was able to get our seats upgraded to balcony level for free, which had a phenomenal view!
The show was hosted by one of the hosts from the morning talk show on the Seattle Rock Radio Station, and he was super over with the crowd. The microphone kept cutting out, so in NXT fashion there was a "AYYYYYYYYYYYYYYE, WE WANT A NEWWW MIC, AYYYYYYYYYYE WE WANT A NEWWW MIC" chant. He got a new microphone, and the show kicked off after a nice promo thanking everyone for making this happen and showing that the Seattle Wrestling Scene is the strongest that it's ever been.
*NOTE: Throughout the show there were first round matches for a tournament to crown the first DEFY Champion, but it was not advertised very well outside of the flyer*
The opening contest was "MDogg" Matt Cross (aka Son of Havoc from Lucha Underground) taking on a local competitor named King Khash. This was a great opener with Cross hitting all of his moves. Khash wasn't that bad himself and allowed Cross to "get his shit in". Matt Cross picked up the win to advance in the tournament.
The next contest was between two of the long time local competitors, Mr. Fitness and Eddie Van Glam. These two guys are some of the main names in the smaller promotion here, 321 Battle, and put on a very fun match. Eddie comes out to "Livin on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi and there was a HUGE singalong during his entrance that I tried to record, but missed
. Mr. Fitness picked up the victory (I don't think this was a tournament match).
The third contest was between two guys that I am not familiar with, but I guess are "big names" at a promotion I haven't checked out yet called Project 42, in a "Loser Leaves Seattle Match". This pitted Ethan HD against Mike Santiago. Despite not knowing who either guy was, they put on a DAMN GOOD MATCH. Some really stiff shots, as well great spots. I believe it was Mike Santiago that picked up the victory, sending Ethan HD out of Seattle.
The final match before intermission was a 4-way match between Drexl (who came out to Fantomas' cover of Rosemary's Baby) Kate Carney, Nick Radford, & The Catch. Sadly, this match was a bit sloppy. Of course these guys are doing something that I could never even imagine trying, but from an entertainment standpoint it was rough. There were some really good moments in it though, which lead to Kate Carney picking up the pinfall over Drexl. In a post match segment Drexl attacked Kate Carney.... WHICH LEAD TO DAVEY F'N RICHARDS OF THE AMERICAN WOLVES TO RUN OUT AND MAKE THE SAVE!!!!! He cut a promo saying he didn't get his Washington State Combat Sports Application turned in on time (yes... we require those.....) but he WILL be here for the next show in April.... I marked.
--Intermission--
The first match back from intermission was "Mr. Athletic" Jeff Cobb (aka Matanza of Lucha Underground) taking on Big Jack Cunningham. I think this was Cobb's 3rd or 4th time wrestling in Seattle, but my first time finally catching him. Big Jack was a.... well... he resembled Nia Jax. Big guy, same attire, and yeah... but dude was really athletic for his size (had to be near 300lbs)... but that didn't stop Cobb from picking him up and throwing him around the ring! Cobb picked up the victory to advance in the title tournament. This match was much better than expected, because when I saw Big Jack I thought he wouldn't be that great, but really good "hoss" match.
Side note: When announcing Jeff Cobb, the announcer said "Former Lucha Underground Champion" and Cobb corrected him saying "ALLEGED Former Lucha Underground Champion" LOL
Next up was a bit of a showcase between 4 luchadores from the local promotion Lucha Libre Volcanica in a tag team match. It pitted Ave Rex & Sonico (Los Sexi-Mexi's) against Batboy and Greengo Loco. I didn't catch much of this match because I wanted to his the merch tables while there was no crowd. For what I caught it was a really great match, especially when the Sexi-Mexi's were announced at a combined weight of 800... Tinder Matches
.
I hit the merch booth and met Matt Cross who was the most down to earth famous guy I have ever met. Dude was so laid back and insanely happy for the turnout. Said we were one of the best crowds he has ever wrestled in front of, and it didn't seem like he was just making me feel good since that was one of the first things he said when I shook his hand.
Next up was the MAIN EVENT featuring everyones favorite Cody Rhodes defending his GFW NEX GEN title against Shane Strickland (aka Killshot of Lucha Underground). There were tons of streamers for both guys entrances (Strickland was born in Tacoma, WA), and the pops were nearly deafening. Cody was in such high spirits, despite still playing heel from time to time. I am going to sound like a total mark right now, and I apologize since I know some of you guys will hate me for saying this, but this match was PHENOMENAL. Cody was on absolute fire, and Strickland was just on another level. He has impressed me on LU, but seeing him in person and all of his moves was just nuts! There were tons of near falls, a ref bump or two, and some rad spots. Cody picked up the win with a cheap small package.
After the match both men cut some deep promos thanking the crowd for making it happen and making the first show as good as it was. Cody took his time walking around the ring shaking and too-sweeting as many people as he could, and the show was over.
All in all the night was a blast and I am so excited to see this company grow. With Davey Richards appearing at our next show I can't miss it! The venue was really cool and a HUGE upgrade from the other venues that the local promotions usually run in. Anyways, here are some pictures and a short video
Me, Matt Cross, and my bassist
The ring before the show started
Davey Richards with Kate Karney
Jeff Cobb
Shane Strickland
Shane and Cody and streamers
The last frame of a dive from Cody that my camera didn't catch in time lol
Video of Strickland hitting Cody with a DVD on the apron (sorry for the stupid tall angle)
I showed up to the venue just before doors opened, and there was a fairly long line going around corner. I had to take BRUTAL dump, so I couldn't wait to get in, but I won't go into detail with that. I picked up standard standing only GA tickets for my friends and I, but one of them was able to get our seats upgraded to balcony level for free, which had a phenomenal view!
The show was hosted by one of the hosts from the morning talk show on the Seattle Rock Radio Station, and he was super over with the crowd. The microphone kept cutting out, so in NXT fashion there was a "AYYYYYYYYYYYYYYE, WE WANT A NEWWW MIC, AYYYYYYYYYYE WE WANT A NEWWW MIC" chant. He got a new microphone, and the show kicked off after a nice promo thanking everyone for making this happen and showing that the Seattle Wrestling Scene is the strongest that it's ever been.
*NOTE: Throughout the show there were first round matches for a tournament to crown the first DEFY Champion, but it was not advertised very well outside of the flyer*
The opening contest was "MDogg" Matt Cross (aka Son of Havoc from Lucha Underground) taking on a local competitor named King Khash. This was a great opener with Cross hitting all of his moves. Khash wasn't that bad himself and allowed Cross to "get his shit in". Matt Cross picked up the win to advance in the tournament.
The next contest was between two of the long time local competitors, Mr. Fitness and Eddie Van Glam. These two guys are some of the main names in the smaller promotion here, 321 Battle, and put on a very fun match. Eddie comes out to "Livin on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi and there was a HUGE singalong during his entrance that I tried to record, but missed
. Mr. Fitness picked up the victory (I don't think this was a tournament match). The third contest was between two guys that I am not familiar with, but I guess are "big names" at a promotion I haven't checked out yet called Project 42, in a "Loser Leaves Seattle Match". This pitted Ethan HD against Mike Santiago. Despite not knowing who either guy was, they put on a DAMN GOOD MATCH. Some really stiff shots, as well great spots. I believe it was Mike Santiago that picked up the victory, sending Ethan HD out of Seattle.
The final match before intermission was a 4-way match between Drexl (who came out to Fantomas' cover of Rosemary's Baby) Kate Carney, Nick Radford, & The Catch. Sadly, this match was a bit sloppy. Of course these guys are doing something that I could never even imagine trying, but from an entertainment standpoint it was rough. There were some really good moments in it though, which lead to Kate Carney picking up the pinfall over Drexl. In a post match segment Drexl attacked Kate Carney.... WHICH LEAD TO DAVEY F'N RICHARDS OF THE AMERICAN WOLVES TO RUN OUT AND MAKE THE SAVE!!!!! He cut a promo saying he didn't get his Washington State Combat Sports Application turned in on time (yes... we require those.....) but he WILL be here for the next show in April.... I marked.
--Intermission--
The first match back from intermission was "Mr. Athletic" Jeff Cobb (aka Matanza of Lucha Underground) taking on Big Jack Cunningham. I think this was Cobb's 3rd or 4th time wrestling in Seattle, but my first time finally catching him. Big Jack was a.... well... he resembled Nia Jax. Big guy, same attire, and yeah... but dude was really athletic for his size (had to be near 300lbs)... but that didn't stop Cobb from picking him up and throwing him around the ring! Cobb picked up the victory to advance in the title tournament. This match was much better than expected, because when I saw Big Jack I thought he wouldn't be that great, but really good "hoss" match.
Side note: When announcing Jeff Cobb, the announcer said "Former Lucha Underground Champion" and Cobb corrected him saying "ALLEGED Former Lucha Underground Champion" LOL
Next up was a bit of a showcase between 4 luchadores from the local promotion Lucha Libre Volcanica in a tag team match. It pitted Ave Rex & Sonico (Los Sexi-Mexi's) against Batboy and Greengo Loco. I didn't catch much of this match because I wanted to his the merch tables while there was no crowd. For what I caught it was a really great match, especially when the Sexi-Mexi's were announced at a combined weight of 800... Tinder Matches
. I hit the merch booth and met Matt Cross who was the most down to earth famous guy I have ever met. Dude was so laid back and insanely happy for the turnout. Said we were one of the best crowds he has ever wrestled in front of, and it didn't seem like he was just making me feel good since that was one of the first things he said when I shook his hand.
Next up was the MAIN EVENT featuring everyones favorite Cody Rhodes defending his GFW NEX GEN title against Shane Strickland (aka Killshot of Lucha Underground). There were tons of streamers for both guys entrances (Strickland was born in Tacoma, WA), and the pops were nearly deafening. Cody was in such high spirits, despite still playing heel from time to time. I am going to sound like a total mark right now, and I apologize since I know some of you guys will hate me for saying this, but this match was PHENOMENAL. Cody was on absolute fire, and Strickland was just on another level. He has impressed me on LU, but seeing him in person and all of his moves was just nuts! There were tons of near falls, a ref bump or two, and some rad spots. Cody picked up the win with a cheap small package.
After the match both men cut some deep promos thanking the crowd for making it happen and making the first show as good as it was. Cody took his time walking around the ring shaking and too-sweeting as many people as he could, and the show was over.
All in all the night was a blast and I am so excited to see this company grow. With Davey Richards appearing at our next show I can't miss it! The venue was really cool and a HUGE upgrade from the other venues that the local promotions usually run in. Anyways, here are some pictures and a short video
Me, Matt Cross, and my bassist
The ring before the show started
Davey Richards with Kate Karney
Jeff Cobb
Shane Strickland
Shane and Cody and streamers
The last frame of a dive from Cody that my camera didn't catch in time lol
Video of Strickland hitting Cody with a DVD on the apron (sorry for the stupid tall angle)
Do you like old people porn? Because I just put enough to fill an old folks home in the wrestling section!