Don’t Sleep On Global Syndicate Wrestling
Global Festival was the best wrestling event this weekend.
While the world buzzed about CM Punk’s return and SummerSlam this weekend, Global Syndicate Wrestling put on back-to-back nights of professional wrestling excellence.
Global Festival drew a combined attendance of maybe 100 folks inside the intimate House of Independents in Asbury Park, NJ, and was streamed live on YouTube with 1.3K views for Night 1 and a thousand views for Night 2 as of this writing. This independent promotion, which filmed its first event in February, comes across big league with high quality production, a stacked roster and accommodating staff. Even though there wasn’t a bad seat in the house, which included a balcony with a fully stocked bar, fans were invited to move up to the front row, if so inclined.
Global Syndicate Wrestling emphasizes the often-forgotten first part of “sports-entertainment.” For example, while there was a water gun fight during WWE’s second biggest event of the year, sweat splashed the Jersey crowd as Davey Richards and Josh Alexander grappled in a 20-minute clinic that had fans clamoring for more. The night before, Austin Aries unsuccessfully challenged NextGen Champion Gio Galvano in a match of the year contender. No silliness, no run-ins, no kicking out of everything, no illogical endings 25 seconds after the bell rang.
Just incredible athletes making you believe in their heated competition.
Lex Luger would be proud of @MostMarketable.#GSWAP #GSWGlobalFestival pic.twitter.com/oqQ2JMqeUO
— The Wrestling Estate (@TheWrestlingEst) August 22, 2021
That’s not to say Global Syndicate Wrestling avoids variety. The 400-pound Wrecking Ball Legursky (dressed like Jersey legend Bam Bam Bigelow) endured an onslaught from the 200 pounds lighter Charlie Tiger before colliding with Impact Wrestling’s Moose in a hoss fight. GSW World Heavyweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone tried teaching his best friend Richard Holliday how to be a babyface in a fun tag team match with the devious duo of Anthony Gangone and Donovan. “The Poisoned Youth” Robert Martyr received a standing ovation for his valiant effort against the unstoppable Jacob Fatu.
And then there’s the ladies. In May, a tournament began to crown the inaugural GSW Women’s World Champion. Deonna Purrazzo, a heavy favorite considering her recent win at TripleMania, had to pull out hours before Night 1 of Global Festival. So, the card was mixed up and Soul of Syndicate Champion Masha Slamovich – riding a wave of momentum this summer – replaced Purrazzo.
With a spinning heel kick and cradle piledriver, Slamovich defeated Trish Adora to advance in the finals. Later that night, Allysin Kay forced Vicious Vicki into submission to advance, but was jumped from behind by Slamovich. In the main event of Night 2, Slamovich went on the attack again, interrupting Kay’s entrance. The former NWA Women’s Champion was ready this time, tossing her feisty opponent off the ramp.
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What proceeded was the wildest fight I’ve ever seen. Kay and Slamovich brawled all over the building, bashing each other with trash cans, tossing each other into the brick wall and suffocating each other with a plastic bag. Even Aries’ nutrition book was used as a weapon! Back inside the ring, they exchanged kicks and submissions, neither woman ready to quit. Unfortunately, Slamovich wasn’t confident in her natural ability to get the job done, so she brought the bell in the ring as a decoy, and while the referee was distracted, cracked Kay’s skull with the title belt to make history and become the first GSW Women’s World Champion.
With so much going on this weekend, it’s a shame that Global Festival has gotten lost in the shuffle. But as a first-time viewer, I implore you to separate the wheat from the chaff and give Global Syndicate Wrestling your attention. With future matches like Fatu vs. Aries, Richards vs. Alexander (no time limit) and Jordan Blade challenging Slamovich, I can’t wait to hit the road again.
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