Why? Because the timing just seems perfect. Fight Club Pro (FCP) just racked up it’s third anniversary event, and I myself have racked up twelve months of the promotion’s shows (the actual math puts it at thirteen, but that title would be far less catchy). What we have is an opportune time to look at the past, take stock of what FCP is capable of and consider what to expect from their future.
There May Be Some Bad Language
One of Fight Club: PRO’s compelling elements is it’s atmosphere, one that draws people to the venue before they even know that wrestling occurs. FCP sets up shop in a small nightclub called The Planet, perhaps more known for it’s hard music and drunken antics involving a stripper cage (see, you already want to come don’t you). Once a month, a ring is put together atop the dance floor and a metal fence is put up, to border the ring area. The bar is of course left open, encouraging patrons to have a rowdy night out and get loud for the event, and when it comes to volume, the pounding of the cage with both feet and fists is always resounding. Toss into that mix the fearless and fun chants that this atmosphere evokes, never expect any tame ‘you suck’ chants. This atmosphere could be described as unique, almost like an underground fight club feel and the fans of FCP love it. That’s why when ring announcer Mark Adams delivers the house rules, and states “there may be some bad language,” he is always met with a great cheer.
Spotlight: Rockstar Spud
A name known to those who know things, but it was a surprise for everybody last August when the opening bars of Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer began ringing out and the ‘Baby Jesus of British Wrestling’ made his presence known. The man was an instant hit, but more impressively it was before he had even set foot in the ring. His arrogant persona displayed in his ring entrance is stand out and is the epitome of entertainment. It stems from attitude to body language to verbiage and is in full flow at all times, resulting in all eyes being on Spud at all times, whether he be in the ring, or ringside supporting. Unafraid to engage, The Rockstar Spud always has a retort for fans and engages them with ease to create some of Fight Club: Pro’s most memorable instances. The man is set to take over the world once he gets the right platform.
The Home Team
Also known as an excuse to lower the number of wrestling spotlights in this articles, but the fact is that Fight Club: Pro offers a tremendous display of talent who have made their home Wolverhampton. Perhaps more impressive is the variety, ensuring a taste of everything from the world of professional wrestling. Trent Seven, the aptly named Super Don, offers what he labels as British Strong Style, a display of strength and endurance if there ever was one. Clint Margera favours himself as a hardcore specialist, and seems to have little qualms with taking punishment along with a knack for showing off his creative set ups. MK McKinnan, referred to as The Future, shows more technical prowess, with a greater array maneuvers and holds, and an ability to reel them off impressively in quick succession. In essence, covered is a wide spectrum of wrestling – something for everyone, and everything for someone who can embrace it.
Spotlight: Jonathan Gresham
Hailing from a background in CZW is a man who made a lasting impression on the FCP faithful. As it happens, his debut was coincidently a year ago at Fight for Honour, in a match many lauded as the best from the promotion. From the word go, the fans gained affinity for the American who was able to wow the audiences with his ability. Always receiving a positive reception, Gresham has made Fight Club: PRO his spiritual home. One doesn’t have to have doubts when they label Jonathan Gresham as one of the most talented wrestlers making the circuits today. From his displays he is clearly a disciplined man who puts a lot of stock into developing his craft and then sharing it with audiences he performs before. Anyone he wants reason to stand up, cheer and applaud wrestling, should seek him out.
International Flavour
It’s an outstanding thing. Little old Wolverhampton wouldn’t be expected to bring in the cream of wrestling’s crop, and yet a year ago at Fight for Honour they kicked off their twelve months by bringing in the then Ring of Honour champion, one Davey Richards. That heavyweight appearance is a great example of FCP’s penchant for bringing in the elite of wrestling talent. Such names include Mike Quackenbush, Colt Cabana, Sami Callihan, Eddie Edwards, Johnny Gargano and that is a reduced list of examples. Some of those have also made return appearances, suggesting that they are happy to return to FCP’s venue. When entry fee is in single digits, the chance to see some of the best the world has to offer is a welcome one, and one of FCP’s strongest assets. FCP has also displayed working relationships with companies such as Big Japan Wrestling (BJW) and Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), resulting in a multitude of crossovers and impressive imports.
Wrestler spotlight: Chris Brookes
Chris Brookes has quite the story, going from an aspiring wrestler putting his time in behind the scenes, to a core element of one of FCP’s rivalries. Brookes’ journey is great example of the promotions ability to craft an engaging story, one that leaves people keen to see how it develops when they return to The Planet. It has been a path filled with twists and turns that liken themselves to the infamous sports entertainment at times (not that that’s a bad thing), and the crowd has been invested in the man that they brought to success through chants, tweets and clothing. They’ve revelled in his opportunities, cursed at his setbacks, and on command have brought masses of toilet paper to toss at his enemies. Fans still look forward to the ragin’ climax that Fight Club: Pro offers as Chris Brookes is set on a collision course for the aforementioned Rockstar Spud.
In conclusion
Three key elements that make for an impressive promotion and three wrestlers you should seek entertainment from in the future. As it stands, Fight Club: Pro is the only one putting them all on one show, and these are only some of FCP’s credentials. After seeing emerging superstars and being allowed to witness great talents from the world, one wouldn’t be wrong to think that FCP has so much more to offer. Year two to year three was filled with grand improvements, now give me one good reason why you shouldn’t be here for year four?
You can find Derrie Catton on twitter at @DerrieCatton, and you can follow and like Fight Club: Pro at @FightClubPro and facebook.com/pages/Fight-Club-PRO/234516669556 Don’t forget to follow and like The Indy Corner at @TheIndyCorner and http://facebook.com/TheIndyCorner
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