GCW DETROIT: VERY FUN, VERY VIOLENT

In the world of pro wrestling, atmosphere can be everything. When properly utilized, it can take the fan experience to a whole other level. GCW understands this well, and so it comes as no surprise that they found the perfect venue for their brand of wrestling: Harpos in Detroit. 

 

Harpos is a concert theater in a rough part of the city, and its interior reflects that. Stained carpet, paint chipping away, no air conditioning, and let’s not even talk about the condition of the bathrooms. In short, it’s a dump. But don’t get it twisted, that is not an insult. Harpos is the perfect setting for the extreme, gritty style that has elevated GCW to being the premier wrestling federation in the world when it comes to hardcore and deathmatch wrestling. Hell, you can smoke indoors! As the kids would say, it’s a vibe. 

 

But that’s not to say that GCW is all light tubes and flaming tables. The September 14th show gave fans a good dose of everything. From the high flying, Luchador style of Alec Price and Arez, to the comedic prowess of Maki Itoh and Kylie Rae, to the hard hitting action of Gringo Loco and Man Like DeReiss, fans got a complete pro wrestling experience. 

 

But make no mistake about it, GCW knows what butters their bread. The back half of the show was highlighted by 3 death matches, each one more extreme than the last. By the time it was all said and done, about 100 light tubes were broken, and everything was on fire, including tables, panes of glass, and even hands! 

 

The night was capped off by a wonderful surprise. When Mance Warner and local favorite Danhausen’s title match went to a no contest, the match turned into a tag team match. Mance Warner brought out Broski Jimmy, and Danhausen recruited Joey Janella! The crowd popped, and while Danhausen may not have been able to capture the title, he captured the hearts of all in attendance as the good guys stood victorious at the end of the night. 

 

Janella wasn’t the only surprise of the evening, as former NXT and current Ring of Honor star Blake Christian did a sneak attack on Ciclope to start an impromptu match. However, the biggest surprise of the evening for this reporter was the standout performance of Megan Bayne.

 

This was my first time seeing her perform, and trust me when I say this woman has “it.” She and Brooke Havok put on the wrestling match of the night. German suplexes, top rope superplexes, and triple powerbombs were just a few of the incredible moves Bayne was able to do. She has the look, size, charisma, and in-ring ability to be a major, major star. GCW has launched some amazing careers, including Jon Moxley, Jacob Fatu, Mark Briscoe and more. It won’t be long before Megan Bayne is included in that group, count on it. 

 

Full results:

 

• Alec Price defeats Arez (10:16)

• GCW Tag Team Title: Violence Is Forever (Dominic Garrini & Kevin Ku) (c) defeat The Pillars(Malcolm Monroe III & Tommy Vendetta) (9:41)

• Maki Itoh defeats Kylie Rae (9:23)

• Gringo Loco defeats Man Like DeReiss (10:53)

• Megan Bayne defeats Brooke Havok (11:29)

• Ciclope defeats Blake Christian (12:45)

• Thrunt (1 Called Manders, Dark Sheik & Effy) defeat 2 Tuff Tony, Breyer Wellington & Mad Man Pondo (w/Violent J) (10:19)

• Death: Sawyer Wreck defeats Crazy King (8:49)

• Death: John Wayne Murdoch defeats Dr. Redacted (12:16)

• GCW World Title: Mance Warner (c) vs. Danhausen - No Contest (8:17)

• Bad Boyhausen (Danhausen & Joey Janela) defeat Deathmatch Royalty (Broski Jimmy & Mance Warner) (14:10)