When you think of pro-wrestling, you may be inclined to think that it’s just two buff dudes bashing their heads in to see who is the better man. You may be right to some degree, but it’s much more nuanced than that. The tales woven through the art of grappling often get dismissed as mere corny shit, yet when you immerse yourself in the narratives and characters, you’re in for an incredible journey especially in the world of Filipino Pro-Wrestling (FPW). We here at CLAVEL were invited to the most recent set of tapings for their show, and it was an exhilarating experience indeed.
Laughs & Lariats
Pinoy branded humor can be seen peppered throughout each of the matches with snide remarks coming from both the wrestlers in the ring, as well as from the passionate fans at ringside. From heavily raining chants of bobo at the bad guys to singing John Cena’s entrance theme whenever a wrestler does a move similar to one of the WWE legend’s finishing moves, the fans’ voices consistently fill the studio, showcasing their deep investment in every match.
In addition to the over-the-top action, characters who you would normally pass by on the street or see around the kanto take center stage, their personalities dialed up to the 10 for maximum audience impact. From a match where two grown men wrestle in onesies and use inflatable animals to a Pinoy version of Jeff Hardy who literally adopts his gimmick, moveset, and entrance, and is branded as The Enigmatic Charisma, Jeffrey – lighthearted fun permeates the entire vibe throughout the show.
Red-Ol-Mania Running Roughshod
Continuing on the narrative thread from FPW’s previous show at Unfinished Business, the promotion’s bossman, Red Ollero, continues to stack the deck against his adversaries in this afternoon of match tapings. Examples of this include putting James ‘IDOL’ Martinez‘s spot on the roster at stake against the outsider, Outback Adam from Australia; allowing Gymbro Thiago to utilize his weight belt in the grudge match against Jeffrey; and planting seeds of dissention between teammates Evan Carleaux and Cali Nueva by dangling a future shot at the FPW title, only to have their hopes crushed (both metaphorically and physically, with a steel chair) by Vandals Manila’s very own Quatro.
This power tripping has led us to the main event, where Red Ollero is determined to dethrone the longest-reigning champion in Pinoy wrestling history by enlisting the help of a formidable ally: the imported powerhouse, Jeff Cobb.
Pinoy Pride vs. Pinoy Pride
The main event featured a monumental clash, as King Kupal and FPW Champion Mike Madrigal went head-to-head against Red Ollero’s handpicked juggernaut, Jeff Cobb, who traveled all the way from the shores of Hawaii. For context, Jeff Cobb is a half-Filipino international superstar who has claimed championships worldwide and is renowned for his otherworldly strength. Meanwhile, Mike Madrigal has dominated the promotion for over 500 days as their top champion, and Jeff Cobb poses as his most intimidating challenger to date.
The heart of the champion couldn’t withstand the onslaught of the challenger. When Jeff Cobb executed his Tour of the Islands finisher, he cradled Mike Madrigal and spun him around with enough velocity to secure the three-count, clinching the FPW Championship to the surprise and delight of the fans. He vowed to take the championship overseas and elevate Pinoy wrestling to new heights.
The full-length matches from the tapings will be showcased on FPW’s official YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to catch all the astig action and stay up-to-date with their latest content.
