First Wrestling Takes Over First Ave for WREMIX!
Wow, long time no chat. Haven’t seen you since last year!
It being the first week of the new year, had to get that out of the way. If a bad joke is told alone in the woods, does it make the trees groan? Couldn’t risk that happening in 2026.
So I loved watching wrestling growing up. Seeing the fanfare, the costumes, the characters. Ears open and waiting to hear the next crumb of fresh lore and ever-evolving rivalries and scandals. Never had the opportunity to see any wrestling in middle school and beginning of high school when all the big boys were reigning. When I heard First Ave was hosting F1rst Wrestling’s Wremix on not one but TWO back to back nights, thought it would be a perfect time to take the plunge and finally see a live wrestling event.
Having been to First Ave for countless concerts and a handful of dance parties, wasn’t sure what to expect except there would probably be a giant ring in the middle and wrestling would…well happen. Found a sweet meter spot right across the street. $3 an hour, not too nad for being a stone’s throw from the doors. Got there a bit early, so had a good scope on when the line for entry was a bit shorter. Heading in the doors after eating a delicious half of a chicken wrap in my car, it was cool and strange to see the differences between a typical show and this event. A giant wrestling ring was indeed smack dab in the middle of the famous First Ave floor. One thing that struck me as different was the plethora of small merch tables and areas that dotted the floor around the ring. Cash only said all the signs. Some merch tables were just a few stickers a shirt or buttons, but many were a bit more established. Full of colorful pieces of memorabilia, took a gander before taking a spot near the walkway that lead from the stage to the ring.
Every good performance needs a ringleader, Wremix had the sassy promoter energy delivered right away. Decked out in a dapper suit and aqua hair, he started the show right with throwing shirts into the crowd. One actually hit me in the face as I was photographing as fans in front of me failed to snatch it. If it was my second time or third, or knew any of the performers, maybe would have kept it. Knowing how passionate wrestling patrons are, gave up the prize to the gleeful 20-something in front of me. He quickly went to showing it off to his friends, beaming with a genuine smile. Good deed done, now lets see some slams.
Didn’t have to wait long before the first match. The lights dimmed low, and behind a black curtain appeared the silloette of our first contender. Jordan sauntered out, confidently showing off his smile and shaking hands with fans. This would be an Uptown VFW Championship match, and his opponent was not yet known. Letting the crowd take a good gander and even a few caresses of the shiny wrestling belt he touted around the ring. The lights again went low, and who would appear but the Mad King himself, Eddie Kingston. The crowd exploded in applause and cheers. What a way to launch Wremix straight into epic territory.
Not wanting to leave the two titans to battle alone, None More Violent came out after a decent bout of theirs’. Was so exciting to actually see a tag team match in real life. One screens, it’s still fun but so far removed. Getting to hear the grunts and growls amidst the banter, the throws and slaps echoing. The plumes of sweaty breath catching the bright stage lights. Genuinely thematic and thrilling. After a bunch of good grapples and chokes, in the end Jordan came out on top and kept his title. Four out of four wrestlers are a MUST SEE. Impressed is an understatement. Tired but still looking quite happy, Eddie thanked the audience and invited them to say hey after the show for a paid meet and greet.
After seeing all that hard action, time for a sultry break. Sweetpea came out in a purple satin dress, hugging her ample curves in just the right ways. Slowly pulling of her elbow-length gloves one by one as she made her way to the ring. Blowing sweet kisses to the lucky people in the crowd, effortlessly revealed a tight corset and rhinestoned lace bra. Everyone was enchanted. She has a command of the stage any performer envies. Not only athletic but graceful, knowing how to tease and when to reveal. Burlesque is one of those magical artforms, and she is a master wizard. Some good tassel twirling was seen, but her flexibility and balance on those heels is truly a marvel. 11 out of 10. The decsription of her as a “Sexquisite Powerhouse” is right on the mark
Time to get back in the game. Time for the trio. The prestigious, historic and world renowned tri-coastal intercontinental tag team wrestling champions, The Midwest Assassins and The Operator appeared in all their glory. The Operator was dripping with charisma, the shiny black and red luchador catching the light just right. Flanking both sides were the fully masked assassins hamming it up hard. Flexing on the audience and receiving true villain boos, they moseyed into the ring with confidence.
Everyone was coming out. Rudy Hell all of a sudden appeared. Making sure to greet his fans along the way as he leapt around the ring and stood high on the ropes. Not to be left solo, he was joined by Shane Black and brining in definite heel energy, Mr. Williams. Nutting himself as he clambered through the ropes was excellent slapstick. Bringing a clipboard, he graded his fellow wrestlers and invited them to take part. A few okay scores were revealed, as well as a poorly illustrated wiener. All gravy. All fun. Can see why people jump at the chance to go to these events. Some friendlier faces joined the fray including Darin Corbin and Free-Range Kara. Decked out in glittery spandex top and bellbottoms and fringed out of course. She danced around, beaming at the crowd who returned the kindness in excess. She was a definite favorite. Paul Reed had a great entrance, carrying a 12 pack and chugging one epically before entering the fight. Not sure how common it is for both female and male presenting wrestlers to fight with one another, but F1rst Wrestling serves it all. Refreshing to see some badass females go toe-to-toe in large matches with the boys.
Music break! F1rst Wrestling being at First Ave should of course have a musical act. Make it good, and make it local. Cheap Bouquet may be a newer band in the pop punk scene, but they took to the mainroom stage like it a well seasoned veteran. The three-piece group with accompanying drummer did well for a crowd who was slightly unsure of them. Winning them over with a few originals between wrestling matches is a good way to snag a few unsuspecting humans into your fanbase. Technical but boisterous, guitarist Chelsea and guitarist/vocalist Brandon were excellent. The sound was crisp and performance lively. Lead singer Sam’s vocal stylings are fantastic for the genre, can see that this is just the beginning of a bright rise in the music world. When they came back later in the night, they broke the stage barrier to romp around the wrestling ring a bit. Not gonna lie, I reaaaaaally wanted to join them.
One of my favorite matches of the night was between Effy and Shane Black. Effy has the personality of a colorful sunrise, loved seeing the sweet leg holds with some fishnets on. Shane Black was dressed in Lifeguard attire, and after Effy stripped down he followed suit. The physicality mixed with comedy was chef’s kiss. It actually boggles my mind how much planning goes into these routines. To be able to hold the gaze of hundreds shouting at you front feet away as you get your ass tossed by another full-grown man and not skipping a beat was thrilling and impressive as a green-horn to watch.
Blond and bubbly Rebecca J. Scott and brutal Badger Briggs were ready to go right after the music set finished. The contrast was great. The tornado of girl next door vibes blending with boxer was Scott's bread and butter, while shiny sharp chompers and blacked out eyes delivered on Badger Briggs’ namesake. A few hiccups in the beginning with holds being off, but they got the water boiling decent enough after a few missteps. They had some of the best expressions of the night to me. Eyes wide, hits felt strong, chemistry was bubbling over in every hold. Very fun to watch these two duke it out.
Emerald Eve would be doing a performance next. Clad in dazzling royal purple and the song was Prince, of course. Tis the place for that, it IS First Ave after all. Though it was short and sweet, her sumptuous body was giving everyone the full meal they needed. Gorgeous and sexy, the boys couldn’t get any closer while she danced and tantalized. My favorite move was when she hooked her heels onto the ropes for a bit of show-and-tell. My eyes and ears were wiiiiiiide open. Loved her routine.
For the biggest match of the night, the F1rst Wrestling Championship would be a battle. Ryan Cruz came out to “Higher” by Creed which delighted every soul in the space. Lots of small signs dotted the crowd for him. Joey Janela was perhaps my favorite wrestler of the night. His swag was on point and proved he knew exactly what the audience wanted. Having the ability to read people, and even harder, a crowd of liquored up revelers is an invaluable talent. Throughout the match, even in the quite moments where he recovered in the corner, his body language and expressions kept me starstruck. As they collided, small tufts of Joey’s long wavy hair ripped away, thankfully he has a full mane and can afford some battle scars. It was a randy wild match, a ton of close calls but in the end Ryan Cruz came out on top. Celebrating his victory to thunderous applause.
Last match of the night but certainly not least, a four way rumble with Devon Monroe, Gringo Loco, Magico, and Serpico. It was a flurry of movement and energy. Fireworks can be fairly compared to how Devon Monroe moves. Hot, loud, and everyone can’t take their eyes away. I’m not gonna stop ranting about how athletic these wrestlers actually are. The audience was hypnotized and I couldn’t not also be. Was planning on only staying til 10pm, but couldn’t resist. My fingers couldn’t extend my parking fast enough when I realiozed, wow this is way too fricken fun. How can a local wrestling show be this great? Passion.
First live wrestling match in the books for me, and it was a doozy. I can’t wait for the next one.
