Last night's PUSO Wrestling's debut show, Unang Tibok, was one for the ages! You had to be there to see it! The show took place at Brawl Pit Bulusan, the mecca of pinoy wrestling. This post may be a little long, but please enjoy!
This blogger arrived nearly five hours before the start of the show by Grab (Philippines answer for Uber). Being concerned about traffic in Metro Manila, it was more than worth the extra hours.
Meeting up with wrestlers, a few fans, and eating the great quesadillas at Onyang's Cafe, were the early highlights well beforehand. The anticipation of what would be a memorable night was definitely there. There were a lot of photo-ops, something that is very warm and popular throughout Southeast Asia.
Leading up to the show, this fan knew that the show would go off well. The concern was how the fans would react to what would transpire this night. It didn't take very long once the gates opened and everyone was inside.
Receiving a Jun Capilos Jr. T-Shirt from Jelson, his son, was an emotional experience. This blogger thought of wearing it during the Battle Royal in honor of Jelson's dad. Instead, I wore it throughout the entire evening. Thank you so much Jelson, and to Dax Clothiers for putting out a great product! Also, I want to put a shoutout to The Nutcase for the shirts received. In the two years of purchasing, the shirts are of good quality. Thank you guys so much!
There was an experience of entering a wrestling ring, something I haven't done in 57 years as a wrestling fan. That was emotional in which I wondered how the tears were held back. It was an honor to step inside the squared circle that my past heroes such as Pat Patterson, Peter Maivia and Rocky Johnson entertained for many years. It was an honor to hold a championship belt with some of my current heroes of the current PUSO Wrestling roster with Jake De Leon, Joya and Joey Rosas. Thank you to all three wrestlers as well as Cholo, Rosh and the staff members who were the photographers of the event.
Then, there was the opening of the show and the unveiling of the Pusong Pinoy PUSO Wrestling Championship belt (thank for Rowen for the photo). If you weren't there to see it, the pinoy wrestling fans in attendance were in awe of what they saw! The cameras and photos were clicking! It was definitely a sight to see. Simple, but perfect design. Whoever is the first to win the championship will be deserving and look really good wearing this!
The show itself, and the fan reaction was what this fan expected.....and a lot more! There's something about Brawl Pit Bulusan that is magical. The fans are right on top of the action. The wrestlers and the fans feed off each other which makes for a better quality show.
The Unang Tibok show had two, first round tournament matches followed by the eight wrestler Jun Capilos Jr. Battle Royal. Following a 15 to 20 minute intermission were two more first round tournament matches followed by the Main Event of the evening.
Since there will be streaming of the event, this blogger will leave it up to PUSO Wrestling when they would like for me to post any results. However, in the meantime, this fan will tell you that each match was competitive and entertaining. Viewing what was happening, no one left Brawl Pit disappointed at what they saw. There were still over half of the people in attendance inside at least 30 minutes after the two hour plus show was completed. I believe the other half was next door at Onyang's Cafe sharing their observations of what they saw. In the coming days, there will be a hundred - plus stories of what transpired. Go for it fans! Let everyone on social media know.
In conclusion, the bar is set for future shows. If anyone thinks Pinoy wrestling has faded into the sunset, think again! It is very much alive and well!
Also, thank you to everyone! PUSO Wrestling, wrestlers, staff, the numerous sponsors, all the fans, Onyang's Cafe, and yes, Grab for getting me back and forth from the hotel. Everyone last night treated me as one of the family! Hopefully, I wasn't a pain in the butt.
See you guys sometime next year! In the meantime, will continue to support, follow and write about PUSO Wrestling. Hopefully, more will fans will follow. Have a good day everyone!
