A crowd of 200 knowledgeable, and wildly enthusiastic fans (from many different states, and several foreign countries) packed the old Eagles Club, and they would not be disappointed!
First official match saw Kelly Skater take on Nicky Ross in a good match won by Ross with a roll-up.
Next up, Davita Rose vs Mercedes Martinez. This was a very competitive, hard hitting affair, with plenty of offense by both women. Martinez took the win with a fearsome looking cradle piledriver.
Third match saw Cincinnati, Ohio native Hailey Hatred take on Kalamity. Again fans were treated to fast, hard hitting action! Hatred won with a ferocious powerbomb. In a display of sportsmanship Hatred helped her foe to her feet, and both raised their arms to loud cheers from the fans. At this point, Michigan's Mena Libra, and Melanie Cruise, did a run-in to break up the display of good will (and set up a future confrontation?).
Next up, Sara Del Ray took on Yubi Oka. Words simply fail me: this was simply one of the three best matches I have ever seen! And I have been watching wrestling for more than 50 years. The two women went all out, with spectacular, hard hitting action that told a story, and had fans on their feet and cheering wildly!
After a series of believable near falls, Sara finally gained the victory with a missile drop kick. If she is not the best woman wrestler in the world, who is? Stay tuned.
Next up was an interview segment that saw Impact Wrestling's Madison Rayne, (Ashley Lane in Shimmer) confront former partner Nevaeh. This ended in a pull apart brawl.
The fifth match saw the great Japanese star, Kana, make her debut. That she would play the heel was established by video vignettes (shown earlier) showing her rebuffing efforts by Sara Del Ray, and others, to welcome her to Shimmer.
Her opponent was Mia Yem, and this was another spectacular match with ferocious action, and some spectacular spots. Kana won with a submission maneuver that had me fearing for Yem's safety.
Next up Pro Wrestling Illustrated presented a plaque to Madison Eagle,(Champion of Shimmer Wrestling) recognizing the Australian as the number one woman wrestler in the world. Serena Deeb (formerly part of CM Punk's " Straight Edge society" in WWE) came out to challenge Madison to a title match.
This was a very well done segment, both women were 100% believable in their statements and responses to each other. Selling the importance of the title, and what it meant to them, without brawling, or screaming at each other. This approach made their upcoming match seem like a major, competitive event.
Next Daizee Haze, and partner Tomoka Nakagawi, (Shimmer Tag Champs) came out in street clothes, declaring they didn't have anything to prove, and were" taking the night off." Of course, this idea was overruled, and they were forced to defend against the team of Ayumi Kunihari, and Ayako Hamada.
Again a great match, with a great story propelled by four talented women pushing themselves to the limit. The challengers finally won, when Kunihara, pinned Nakagawi after two brutal looking suplexes. The fans showed their appreciation of all four women's efforts with a "That was Awesome!" chant.
The seventh match saw Nevaeh defeat Asley Lane. My vision was obscured by some one standing in front of me, so I didn't see the winning maneuver.
Next was Cheerleader Melissa taking on Britani Knight. Melissa won with a version of a cradle piledriver. Saraya Knight came out to berate Britani, who fled for the safety of the dressing room!
Match number nine saw Portia Perez take on Jessie McCann. Although Perez was the heel in this contest, she had plenty of supporters! At the seven minute mark, competing chants broke out in support of both competitors. Perez, after faking out the referee, with an attempt to bring a chair into the ring, ko'd her opponent with a chain around her fist that she had smuggled into the ring. Winner: Portia Perez.
Tenth match saw Saraya Knight took the measure of Allison Danger, in a match competed under British rules.
It was at this point that we left. Now for some editorial comments. This spectacular show clearly demonstrated what women wrestlers are capable of delivering when given the time to perform in the ring, and on the microphone. The story telling was excellent, the give and take was top shelf. The athleticism was at an extremely high level.
Can't wait to see them again!
