For several days I’ve been lamenting on how I could put a positive spin on my most recent outing. I like to stay upbeat and when I talk about wrestling, I like to put my emphasis on the positives and downplay the negatives. However I think I would be doing a disservice to the Southern California Wrestling scene if I didn’t voice my disappointment about MPW’s “Big Trouble in Simi Valley.” As a caveat, I was told by another SCU member that their previous show was a lot better. A lot of little things hurt this show and I have to admit that I didn’t like this show.
Over a decade ago, Millennium Pro Wrestling was the IT fed in Southern California. The biggest names in SoCal would compete on a regular basis. And despite talents being forbid to compete on their shows, MPW was always able to find some of the most compelling wrestling matches on the planet, i.e. the amazing match between Super Dragon vs. Low. I was very excited about their return to the scene and boasted some dream matches including Tozawa vs. Taylor.
The set up MPW had at the Boys and Girls Club was great, it had a very professional and polished look to it. There were concessions and merchandising and folks had opportunities to take pictures at intermission with Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake and Melissa Coates. The atmosphere was very fan friendly and I think would look great on video as well as live.
During the show I was unsure of what MPW’s target audience was, it seemed they might not have been aware either. I thought they were going for a G Rated type of show; it makes perfect sense, a lot of families in attendance, in a Boys and Girls Club. However some of the antics in the ring might have been a little racy. I can appreciate trying to book a comedy match for the opener… Wisky Fists McIntosh and Josh Dunbar working against Frankie Dee and “Dr.” Vandal Drummond seem to be putting on. I wasn’t expecting a 5 star match. Some of the wrestling was bad, some of it was entertaining… but at the point the not so good “doctor” pulled out a bottle of pills, to (poison/harm) Wisky Fists, I was puzzled. Seems like an over the top gimmick for a family show. But instead of hurting McIntosh, they made him “stronger?” Now maybe I’m putting too much into it, but I didn’t think it was appropriate for a family show to have an angle where one of the wrestlers portrays performing under the influence. What message does that send the kids in the audience? I wouldn’t allow my dog to use a wrestler as a role model, let alone my daughter, but I feel that this was a bit tasteless. I thought the match was a fun little opener until that point.
The Announcer… I didn’t catch his name. He had a great set of pipes and did a great job of doing clear introductions, which is huge. I hate attending shows and you can’t understand what the announcer is saying. If you’ve never attended a particular promotion, it becomes a lot more difficult to become familiar with the talent, when you don’t even know their name. However, the shenanigans on the microphone were a bit much. The announcer’s role should be kept very limited and should never be intended to put you over. Hey guy, just stick to the script and try to get laughs from the peanut gallery.
The Maximum Championship was scheduled to be defended against the reigning title holder GQ Money and The Hobo. I was looking forward to this match for a couple of reasons. I’ve enjoyed the legacy of the Maximum Championship for years and although it has been a while since I’ve got to see it defended live, I’ve always like the title and what it represents. I haven’t actually seen GQ Money wrestle, since his days in XPW, I was looking forward to seeing if he’s changed much in the in-ring aspect. Lastly, I’ve heard nothing but great things about the Hobo, but I hadn’t really had an opportunity to see him go in a bout lasting longer than a TV time match. However, GQ Money was legitimately injured an unable to perform. I do not blame MPW for this match not taking place. However the aftermath of GQ noting being able to wrestle was again to me a bad booking decision. The Hobo stunned he isn’t getting his much deserved title shot, is attacked by Kodi Phillips. I don’t have a problem with sneak attacks in pro wrestling, but the guys was sporting a Not of the World patch on his gear. I’m not a religious person, but I see a contradiction in a character expressing his believes on his tights and then attacking his opponent from behind, not very Christian like. Now if that’s his gimmick, to be a guy who preaches the good word, but cheats to win, then I take it back. But if it isn’t, maybe have a change of gear… so that there is a little less confusion.
I think MPW’s Roster has a ton of potential; however I don’t think the younger guys on the roster have yet realized that potential. MPW had a diverse roster, not only were their match-ups I hadn’t seen before, but a lot of faces, I hadn’t seen before. Global Domination (Jimmi Mayhem and Mr. Tanaka) had kind of a throw back vibe, ala the J-Tex Stable in the old Jim Crocket Promotions. Mayhem’s look is awesome. I think these guys could be something special, but they were still green. In the past I’ve seen promotions hide green talent when pairing them with seasoned veterans. It benefits the match as well as the younger guys. It seemed that much of the 3 tag team matches excluding the main event, were efforts to hide some of the greenhorns. It didn’t work. It wasn’t just the occasional botched move, but the pacing. A lot of the show was more miss than hit.
I was happy to finally get to see Mario Banks in action, live. He lived up to his hype. He was very crisp and someone I hope continues to be elevated by MPW. I also enjoyed Ryan J. Morals. Even though in there match, there seemed to be a double switch on who was face and who was heel, Morals kind of had that cocky look on his face that usually can catch heat. And although Banks was cocky, he seemed to connect with the fans, even as a heel. I don’t understand why Banks and Cash’s manager Lestor Talbot would belittle them before the match and then turn on them during the match. It kind of gave away that some sort of swerve was coming.
Match of the Night Honors goes to Bo Cooper vs. Hector Canales. Now this match reminded me of the old MPW Days. The ability to elicit an emotional reaction from the crowd was what always drew me to MPW. Canales did a terrific job of getting a ton of heat. I’m familiar with Hector’s work in SoCal Pro and CWF Hollywood. “The Real Man’s Champion” did a terrific job of testing the nerves of the crowd with his mannerisms, his chops and splashes, even using Mama Canales to shield himself from Cooper’s wrath, it all played so well. And although I’m not a big Bo Cooper fan, the crowd loved him. He did a great job keeping the audience involved. Bo Cooper is over big in Simi Valley. I had never seen the two work together before, but they did a great job.
I think the special stipulations hurt the main event. I would have really liked to see Logan X and JJ Steel go toe-to-toe with Anchors Away. Being unfamiliar with the product I didn’t understand why Anchor’s would pick Hellkid to be the Special Referee, when their manager the US Mercenary could have done it. I really like Anchors Away, but they didn’t get to show off why they’re such a good tag team. I am glad that they worked the Barber into the finish. That was fun, watching that guy strut in the ring and put Hellkid to sleep with that patented finisher.
MPW has a lot of potential, but I don’t believe Big Trouble In Little Simi Valley got an opportunity to showcase that potential. Match pacing, some of the talent, and some of the booking decisions negatively impacted the show.
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