Shots All Around at Fiesta Pro
Christmas Chaos/Hanukkah Havoc welcomes indie talent from the tri-state area.
Fiesta Pro Wrestling is a party unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
There are no main events – just Last Calls. Instead of shaking hands before the match ala ROH’s Code of Honor, there’s the Fiesta Toast where each competitor takes a shot. At the last event, Brittany Blake German suplexed Jordynne Grace onto a piñata, drawing a huge pop from the crowd.
“Fans get into our quirky aspects,” says A.J. Panarella, the company’s co-booker. “We’re different than a family-friendly promotion. We try to create a fun, party atmosphere.”
Panarella has been a pro wrestling fan since 1990, discovering the spectacle when his father, a big boxing fan, was flipping through channels one night and saw James “Buster” Douglas refereeing a match between Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage. The Manhattan native was instantly hooked, desperate to be involved in the industry.
As A.J. Pan, he’s made good on his dream: serving as ring announcer for FWE events in New York, doing commentary and managing in BCW, and leading the PCA stable in ECWA, where he currently manages the promotion’s heavyweight champion, Azrieal.
Some of his clients will be competing this Friday at Fiesta’s fourth event, Christmas Chaos/Hanukkah Havoc. The promotion launched in Long Island at the end of 2016, but due to recent changes made by the New York State Athletic Commission, Fiesta has moved to New Jersey.
“Our goal is to keep wrestling fun and have a good time,” Panarella says. “We have competitive matches but with a little flavor added.”
One of Panarella’s clients – a good friend he broke into the industry with over 15 years ago and has already been announced for the 2018 Super 8 Tournament – “Colossal” Mike Law will be taking on the “Whipped Cream Sex Machine” Stan Stylez. “Stylez is an incredibly entertaining individual,” Panarella says. “We look for guys like him who are very good workers and have character. You’ll go home and remember the Shake Weight, the whipped cream, and what he did in the match.”
In another Last Call, “The Heart Killer” Chris Wylde looks to continue his winning streak, having beaten Curt Hawkins, Robbie E and Mike Orlando at the previous Fiesta shows. He’s been challenged by Anthony Gangone, a rising star in the New York indie scene looking to knock Wylde off his throne.
In a style clash, the flamboyant Eddy McQueen goes against Killian “Shooter” McMurphy. At the last event, McQueen tried squirting Karen Q with a water gun, but she turned the tide and doused him and Penelope Ford with super soakers.
In other action, ECWA Women’s Champion Karen Q will square off with Tasha Steelz in a non-title bout. Orlando will meet Panarella’s former client Howie Timberche in a battle of the big men. Faye Jackson, whose milkshake brings all the boys to the yard, will take on Johnny Rodz’ student Nadi.
And of course, who knows what the “Hasidic Outlaw” Mathias Glass will do for Hanukkah Havoc.
Fiesta Pro Wrestling comes to the Princeton NJ Elks Lodge in Blawenburg, NJ on Dec. 1.
For tickets and more information, visit fiestaprowrestling.bigcartel.com
Follow Fiesta on Facebook and Twitter.
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