Grimm SoCal Wrestling - The West Coast War (C-Verse)

[Chriswok]

Jan 2013

TEW.com

 

The East Coast and the West Coast have long been known for their influence in the music industry, most notably the evolution of Hip-Hop and Rap, which led to heated rivalries from the late 80s the mid 90s. However, The East Coast has long held the tradition of being the creators, certainly the innovators, of wrestling, but East Coast beware - times are changing. Over the last 18 months the West Coast has seen an influx of interesting and activity on it's wrestling scene.

 

Sure the West Coast has long been known by wrestling fans for being the forward thinking Coastal Zone Championship Wrestling (which has more or less been the sole contribution from the West Coast over the last 15 years), but in recent times the West Coast has started to gain the attention of rap fans as the emergence of Invincible Pro Wrestling, backed by high-profile Californian rapper Brother Grimm, burst onto the scene. Suddenly rap fans and wrestling fans alike had a new wrestling promotion to follow - an Urban Hardcore style of wrestling to follow!

This shouldn't have been a surprise considering DAVE Veteran Nemesis was in charge of booking. It's strangely old throwback to the days of the 90s and it's underground hardcore scene, with a hint of the chaotic garbage wrestling that was popular in Japan, seemed oddly... refreshing. In a time where wrestling is increasingly appearing to be based around some crack forumla design for success, IPW was out there and raw.

 

Yet, the successful partnership of Nemesis, Brother Grimm and Gil Thomas came to an end. Brother Grimm felt increasingly isolated, and hugely disrespected as idea after idea of his was turned down by Nemesis. Angered by the lack of input Grimm took his contacts, money, a large part of the IPW and, of course, his nightclub 'The Warehouse', and formed his own wrestling promotion - Grimm SoCal Wrestling. The 90's may have had the 'East Coast War', but the 10's of 2000 better prepare itself for the upcoming...

 

THE WEST COAST WAR

[Chriswok]

TEW.com

Report by David Coyle.

 

They - the fans of GSW - call it 'Warehouse Hardcore', which simply means anything goes. Every Wednesday night, Brother Grimm's club 'The Warehouse' hosts an open mic rap battle night. Young would be rappers from across the West Coast (and brave/foolish East Coast wannabes) test their wordcrafting skills against what is often a hostile crowd. Strangely, amongst all of this is Grimm SoCal Wrestling. A 1 hour wrestling show right in the middle of an open mic rap battle.

 

I've been invited to The Warehouse by Brother Grimm. He's noted for his media savvy, and seemingly knows that TEW.com covers a wide range of wrestling across the globe. Despite that, I'm sitting here in the West Coast and other than reports from California based wrestling fans I don't have much knowledge of GSW. I'm also a little unnerved as I have even less knowledge of rap music, and I've been to the West Coast perhaps twice my whole life, only one of those times to report on wrestling. I'm very much out of my depth.

Grimm has invited me here to talk about a number of things, and naturally promote something. I've never the man before, and I know nothing of his work, all I know is that he helped start up Insane Pro Wrestling and had a huge falling out with Nemesis. The feeling amongst wrestling fans is that Brother Grimm is an imposter who shouldn't be involved in wrestling. Based on where I'm currently sitting I'm not sure I share that opinion, if only because I value my health. Yet, do wrestling fans know the whole story or are they simply sided with 'Indie Legend' Nemesis?

 

Let's not ignore the fact here that Nemesis helped spearhead DAVE's involvement in the East Coast War and because of that is held in high regard with wrestling fans who remember that era fondly. Brother Grimm is a person best known for his involvement in the music industry, and owner of the 'Grimm RPM' record label that features some of rap music's greatest artists. Grimm is also an unashamed promoter - these are his own words, which is one of the reasons IPW were keen to have him on board when they formed in California nearly 2 years ago.

 

As Brother Grimm approaches his personal table in the VIP area of the club, where I've been sitting waiting looking exactly like the fish out of water that I am, I can't help but notice the large entourage that's following him. The largest part of that entourage is a man that is clearly over 300lbs and can only be described as massive.

He's simply referred to as 'Boneyard', and as I'd find out he's Brother Grimm's personal bodyguard, but also part of the GSW roster. Seemingly this is a common theme, for members of Grimm's entourage and/or record label to appear on GSW shows. The Warehouse's MC (MC Motormouth) is also GSW's MC. GSW's referee (Moore Vincent) is a personal friend of Grimm, and while I can't work out what he does outside of wrestling, I get the impression that he's a childhood friend that Grimm simply wants to keep out of trouble. Kandii, the young lady that has been bringing me drinks all night, is also used as a valet on GSW shows. As I'd go on to discover over the course of the night, it was this use of friends that was one part of the issue Grimm had with Nemesis at IPW - to put if plainly Nemesis said 'No'.

 

As Grimm sits down my mind goes blank. All the questions I knew I wanted to ask have suddenly escaped me. I have to look down at my notepad.

 

 

"Because I'm a huge wrestling fan..!" Grimm replies in a half angry, half excited manner. I asked him why he started GSW. I'm not sure if he's angry that I don't already know the story behind him and IPW. What I've heard isn't enough to write about as fact, which is in part why I'm here.

"Look, I want everyone to know that I'm no fool. I ain't got to where I am today, by being a damn fool." Grimm has started, I haven't asked a follow up question, but I get the impression he doesn't really care for what I have to ask. Regardless I sit and listen, write notes while the Dictaphone records it all.

"If Johnny [iPW's Nemesis] wants to turn that fool promotion into another DAVE, he can do that. But I ain't gonna be the guy that helps promote that ****. I was finding some of the best damn talent in the West Coast, I turn around and he's bringing in vanilla white boys that everyone has seen a thousand times before."

He's referring to the power struggle he had in IPW. Nemesis was hired as the booker, which ignited the interest of the smart fans who were keen for a rebel promotion to break up the monotone currently developing across North American wrestling. Gil Thomas was the money behind the promotion, while Grimm was the their connection to the West Coast scene. Clearly Grimm had other ideas, wrestling ideas.

 

"I wanted IPW to be the promotion I'm running today. Reality, man. True, gritty. Damn, the guys on my show are real, ya dig me? Look at this guy." Grimm is pointing at the bulking bodyguard Boneyard. "... he's nearly 400lbs of beef. His fists are larger than your skull. Everyone on the West Coast knows who he is and what he can do, not because of wrestling, but because he stands outside that door keeping damn fools outta ma way.

"Hell, Boneyard was gonna smack that damn ignorant East boy back into SWF. He was disrespecting me."

 

Again Grimm is talking about Nemesis.

 

"He's been booking the same **** for 10 years. Ain't nobody wanna see that anymore. When he put his boys over mine for the Tag Team titles, damn, he may as well have spit right in my face. Right in my face."

 

Moroi and Babau beat Aces High and Cali Slick for the IPW Tag Team Championship titles back in August last year. Days later Brother Grimm and a large selection of the IPW roster left. IPW were kicked out of The Warehouse, and the rumour at the time was if any of those that remained with IPW showed their faces within 10 blocks of The Warehouse... Grimm wouldn't be held responsible.

Grimm has a huge amount of influence on the West Coast, especially within California. He built up a rap empire out of The Warehouse. He remained loyal to childhood friends, and helped launch the rap careers of some of the biggest selling artists in the last decade. He's determined now to create a wrestling empire.

 

"2013. That's the Year of Grimm in wrestling, ya feel me? IPW? Ain't **** on my shoe. We're going to murder them. We're going to make sure they're out of business. If Nemesis wants to disrespect me, he better know I'm going to return it. 2013 - year of the Grimm. West Coast War is on. We're coming for you, Nemesis. We're coming for YOU!"

 

Grimm seems highly aware I'm recording the conversation, as his speech turns increasingly like a promo. I'm pretty sure I've been used, and Grimm has achieved what he wanted. I'm a little bit aware now of what GSW is all about - it's the HQ for a War movement. While the East Coast War was about innovation and an attempt to out do each other with wrestling, I get the distinct impression that the West Coast War is about ending a livelihood. Either Grimm is going to cause Nemesis to bow out like a wounded dog, or Grimm will run his own empires into the ground trying. It's deeply personal and centered around a huge feeling of disrespect.

Grimm has surrounded himself with friends and 'family', those who he can trust, to help him build up and establish this new wrestling empire to be. He has money. He has connections, and he has the backing of the West Coast.

Nemesis has the backing of wrestling population, as well as 2 decades with of experience within the wrestling business. He's returned from his hiatus and there's an air of excitement about his involvement in IPW. Whatever happens in 2013, it's going to be interesting.

 

Just remember - West Coast War; The first shots were fired this day.

[Jaded]

Really cool start - have been hoping someone would do a diary with one of the new feds. Best of luck!

[Chriswok]

TEW.com

 

I didn't think it was a coincidence that I had been invited to The Warehouse on a Wednesday night, the same night as their open mic night and the wrestling show both held under the label of 'Warehouse Hardcore'.

What struck me as 'odd' was how different Grimm SoCal Wrestling was to most other wrestling promotions. Most other promoters and shows would usually have their wrestlers appear a few hours before the show. At GSW the wrestlers were the show. I had arrived at The Warehouse early in the Wednesday morning, and had spent most of the day sitting around waiting for Brother Grimm. It was only after I met him, and some of the stars, that I had realised that the majority of people in and around The Warehouse were the actual wrestlers. This was Grimm's base of operations, and as such all the important people involved with his business empire worked here. Yet, it was like a giant private social club, a personal night club for those within the inner circle of Grimm RPM.

So while the workers of other indy shows were like passing ships in the night, those involved with GSW knew each other, worked with each other outside of wrestling, and were generally good friends. It was more akin to a National Wrestling show.

 

"You wanna know what makes all this differen'?" Brother Grimm asks. Even if he didn't have his entourage he'd be an intimidating man. He's tall, and clearly looks after himself. While he isn't big compared to wrestlers, he obviously works out, but it's not so much his physical presence that gets to you. It's something else - an aura. When he speaks he's part preacher and part boxing promoter, you hang on his every word, even if you are extremely aware he's out to sell something to you. He speaks with a passion and conviction - he believes in what he's saying.

"All of this is real." Grimm continues, referring to The Warehouse. "Look at that guy over there." He points to a white guy that has just walked in. "He's a kid. He wants to be the next big rap star out of the West Coast. So he came to me. He calls himself Top Dolla." Grimm laughs, his entourage laugh along with him. "Damn fool ain't gonna earn ****, but he keeps turning up here every week for open mic nights. My man Busta Capp is going to put him into his place tonight in a rap battle. He hates the kid's guts."

 

Busta Capp is another rapper on Grimm's 'Grimm RPM' label. Apparently he's a very successful rapper, but I wouldn't know that. Seemingly Top Dolla used lines that dissed Busta Capp in last week's open mic night, which almost caused what can only be described as a 'small conflict' for legal reasons. Grimm told me that Top Dolla isn't aware that Busta Capp will be here tonight. I sit there wondering if I'm being worked, and what this has to do with wrestling, yet regardless of all that I believe Grimm 100%. He has magic in his voice, which can only be a bonus in an industry like music... and wrestling.

 

As the night draws closer and The Warehouse starts to fill up, it becomes clear that the vast majority of the crowd have paid for the OPen Mic Night, while a handful of people (probably lost wrestling fans like myself) have paid for Grimm SoCal Wrestling. Grimm himself doesn't appear concerned, even if he himself spends more time throughout the night overseeing the Open Mic Night from his private VIP lounge.

GSW's 1st match starts, it's happen as a rap battle kicks off. In the ring are two guys I've never really seen in person before - Cheech Kong and E-Z. On the mic for the Open Mic Night is Top Dolla, he launches into a viscous verbal assault. Again his target is Busta Capp. I have no idea why Dolla wants to call out Busta Capp so badly, but I can't help but feel that this is all very similar to a wrestling promo, if only faster, a little more personal, and full of vitriol and swearing. Yet, Grimm is right - it feels real.

The club erupts when Busta Capp walks onto the stage. He has a swagger that would suggest he's confident - extremely confident. Top Dolla looks taken back by the sudden appearance, but doesn't let that stop him too much as he launches into another impromptu verbal assault. All it took was one sentence from Busta Capp to whip up the crowd and verbally backbreak Top Dolla. "You call yourself Top Dolla cos you're priciest bitch on the row."

The put down was seemingly too much for the young guy, as he launchs into Busta Capp. Physically launches himself. MC Motormouth and Boneyard step in to seperate the two man.

 

"Gentleman." MC Motormouth begins. "If you want to fight, we have the facilities for that..." He gestures over to the wrestling ring. Seemingly the match between Kong and E-Z had finished (not that anyone noticed or cared). I myself had become caught up in the rap side of the nightclub. I also found myself becoming increasingly confused - is this really... real?

 

GSW Warehouse Hardcore

Top Dolla vs Busta Capp

Devyn Retribution vs Drop Kix

Brown Pride vs Long Beach Crew

[MaxxHexx]

Top Dolla vs Busta Capp

Devyn Retribution vs Drop Kix

Brown Pride vs Long Beach Crew

 

I really enjoy your narrative style. I look forward to seeing how you write matches.

[Jaded]

 

I really enjoy your narrative style. I look forward to seeing how you write matches.

 

Seconded - there are a bunch of awesome diaries for TEW 2013 already, but this is really intriguing because between the new fed and the awesome narrative style, it feels very different from anything I've read for ages. Great work!

 

GSW Warehouse Hardcore

Top Dolla vs Busta Capp

Devyn Retribution vs Drop Kix

Brown Pride vs Long Beach Crew

[Midnightnick]

Top Dolla vs Busta Capp

Devyn Retribution vs Drop Kix

Brown Pride vs Long Beach Crew

[smwilliams]

Top Dolla vs Busta Capp

Dolla sucks. Capp does too, but he's more popular.

 

Devyn Retribution vs Drop Kix

Kix has some potential which makes me think he gets the win.

 

Brown Pride vs Long Beach Crew

Cali Slick is the best midcarder in GSW. Brown Pride are okay, but nothing special.

[Chriswok]

TEW.com

Reporter - David Coyle

 

GSW Warehouse Hardcore

Wednesday WK1 January 2013

 

I sat and watched as the match between Top Dolla and Busta Capp broke out in The Warehouse. What can only be described as a heavy hand touched my shoulder, when I turned and looked Brother Grimm was standing next to me, leaning back on his cane.

 

"It's all real." He spoke as he normally would, calmly and paced with that strange mixture of preacher and boxing promoter, his voice carried over mob that had started to surround the ring.

 

In terms of wrestling the match was pretty terrible, yet most of the fans at ring side seemed to be shouting abuse at Top Dolla based on his rapping skills. I had to give Grimm so credit, while this was in no way, shape or form, like any wrestling show I had been to before, those that had turned up seemed to be enjoying it. The few wrestling fans in the building were giving both guys abuse for, well... being rappers trying to wrestle. That's exactly what the match looked like. It was a strange situation to witness, a cross section of cultures both clashing and working in synergy to provide would could only be described as... something unique. I want to write Urban Wrestling, but I'm not even sure what that means. It's rap and wrestling. Wrappling?!

 

What instantly stands out as different to me, isn't so much the hardcore rules, or the fans, or even the strange mix of reality, rap and wrestling. No. What stands out is that while the wrestling is happening MC Motormouth is commentating. He has a mic in his hand, he's standing on the stage over from the ring and commentating on the match, his voice carrying over the house PA for all to hear. It seems to fit in the underground style of the night club, and the style of wrestling that Grimm SoCal Wrestling are putting across.

 

As for the wrestling, it wouldn't win any awards - no positive awards.

Top Dolla and Busta Capp's 'fight' easily lasts 5 minutes too long. Their punches land hard in the body and awkwardly when aimed at the head. Their kicks are often parried or blocked, there are no real submission attempts or traditional holds or throws. It finally ends (after 10 long horrible minutes) with Busta Capp's military style boots leaving an imprint on Top Dolla's face after a brutal Mafia Kick. Sadly, it's all too clear that these guys aren't wrestlers.

Sure they might be established rappers (in Top Dolla's case a wannabe on the rap scene) but their wrestling leaves a lot to be desired. I can only imagine they're suffering from it being 'real', but at the same time if it didn't have that grit I wouldn't be so grabbed by it. It's a mixture of fear and intrigue, like the moment you see a dead animal on the road and you're not entirely sure what to do. Or when you catch yourself looking over the edge of a cliff into the local lake and wondering what you're doing there.

 

Things didn't end after the pinfall, in what would look like a typical beat down that would call the attention of the cops, Busta Capp stood over Top Dolla. Capp's boot firmly planted on Dolla's chest, Dolla seemingly out cold. Then the beatdown came. Again it looked 'real', Grimm watched on with a smile on his face making me wonder if this had been planned at some point; not in a traditional wrestling sense but more of an old style mafia style 'hit'.

The slightly bloody and groggy Top Dolla was escorted out of the ring by two of the bar staff, Busta Capp left the ring. Moments later he was passing between Grimm and myself, a coy smile, a quick handshake and what looked like the passing of money. Now I can't be sure if what I saw was related in anyway to what I had thought, it simply could have been the fee Capp was due for his appearance at tonight's show, but I did wonder (and as I'd find out later wondering could lead to trouble).

 

After a brief pause the next match started, a man introduced as Devyn Retribution by MC Motormouth gave a clenched fist pump to the crowd (rap and wrestling sections didn't seem interested).

Devyn was another wrestler I had never seen before, if he was a wrestler. I assumed he was as I hadn't seen him involved in the Open Mic Rap Battles held earlier in the evening, and he lacked that certain mystique that rappers seemed to have. He was a young guy, probably in his early 20s, a little pudgy looking (clearly not a fan of the gym), and seemed nervous.

I got the impression this was his first wrestling show, certainly one of the first ones in front of such a mixed crowd in a strange location. In that respect I empathized with him. He seemed like a nice guy, who took a wrong turn and found himself in the bad part of town, yet despite that was going to make the best of it.

 

His opponent was an athletic looking guy, tiny and spry, who was announced as Drop Kix (I edited this later as I originally had typed 'Drop Kicks'). He had a star spangled sweat band on his head, to match his star spangled tights. He looked even younger than Devyn, but a little more lively, and less concerned about the environment. Either he had had his fair share of alcohol today, or knew what he was in for. As soon as the match started I realised why Devyn was nervous looking.

Seemingly he had wrestled on GSW's Open Night at the Warehouse back in October of last year, and made a fatal mistake letting on he wasn't a fan of rap music. He didn't mean it in a bad way as such, MC Motormouth had asked him who his favorite artist was (any answer from the collection of artists on Brother Grimm's record label would have worked nicely in that situation), and Devyn replied honestly, and nicely, 'Oh, I'm not really a fan of rap music, I prefer Sou..." he never got to finish that sentence as the boos and shouts of 'Chuck him' exploded around the club.

 

Drop Kix looked every much like your typical indy wrestler. Again he didn't seem to have any real connection with Grimm's rap empire (though apparently had the sense to name 'Big Baby Dad' as his favorite rap artist when asked on his debut). Much like your bottom of the ladder indy wrestler he was basically a spot monkey. He had one or two 'go to moves' you could tell made every match regardless of the situation, while everything else was terrible. Devyn seemed a slightly better overall wrestler, but the crowd were murdering him (verbally of course - legal team). I'm surprised Devyn was able to last out for 7 minutes before dropping down for the job against Drop Kix, who won by a quick roll up. I'm not sure that was the planned ending (if it is indeed planned), but I can understand why it might have happened. Devyn left quickly before chairs were thrown. Had I just saw GSW's number 1 heel?

 

Rap music. Loud Rap music started to play, only it wasn't recorded, it was live. 'Long Beach Crew' appeared on the stage, at the other end of the club from the ring, with live mics in hand.

'Long Beach Crew' are clearly the hometown favorites, and naturally a part of Brother Grimm's 'Grimm RPM' record label. The duo of Aces High and Cali Slick are partners in rap and in the wrestling world. They make their way down towards the ring, moving between the crowd, who are singing the end word of every line being rapped by Aces High. Clearly their songs are well known and popular to the house crowd. I strain my ears to try and pick up the words being sung (shouted), but it's a tough challenge with the mix of the overloaded PA system, a hundred people shouting, and the quick fire delivery from Aces High and Cali Slick (who's main role within the pair seems to simply be to say 'YEAH' and 'HUH' between breaks in the rap from Aces High).

Yet, once again it's a case of rap ability being greater than wrestling ability, as another terrible, terrible match is put on for the crowd - and this one lasts nearly 15 minutes!

 

Even though it's the first time I've seen either team, I'm not surprised at all that Long Beach Crew picked up the win against the Latino group of Brown Pride. I'm not even surprised that Brown Pride were booed relentlessly throughout the match, with MexiCain getting an insane amount of heat. I'm not entirely sure why they're getting so much heat, and make a note to ask Brother Grimm about it in the wrap up interview tomorrow before I head back up to Philadelphia.

 

What surprised me the most was how poor a tag team Brown Pride made. Clearly they're friends, and they've only ever worked together as a team, but there's no chemistry there between the two in regards to wrestling.

 

Just as the night is winding down the opening bars of new music play, it's a little more pure, old-school in respect, even I can tell the difference. Whereas most of the music played throughout the night has been gritty, this is like an old hip-hop theme.

 

"CALI PIMPS AND LA WHORES..." MC Motormouth shouts out over the PA, extending the 'whores' so it's like a wolf scream. "It's the champion of the Grimm SoCal... FRO SURE!"

 

Now, even I know this name. Not only because he made #498 in the 2012 Power 500, but because I've heard his music before. Strangely. Fro Sure isn't even the biggest name on Grimm's label at the moment, but Grimm believes he'll be the biggest by the end of 2013. What Fro Sure is, is a decent, honest, clean cut young man that enjoys old school hip-hop. He's also the Grimm SoCal American Champion. He'd look 'average' in regards to wrestlers if he wasn't for his amazingly styled Afro, which is part wrestling gimmick, part rap gimmick and entirely real. Fro Sure's niche is that he is so damn likable. I've only seen him in person for a few minutes, and he's just a natural likable guy. He's enjoying every moment, but not so much so you despise his happiness. He takes time show respect to MC Motormouth for the introduction, as well as a quick salute to Brother Grimm.

The night ends with a strange impromptu song from Grimm SoCal's American Champion, and rising Hip-Hop artist. Suddenly the night doesn't feel so terrible, as the mood has lightened. I even managed to make out several lines of the sing, which strangely contained no swearing and no threats of violence. Just smooth lines and a story about his life...

 

As the night winds down, I'm left sitting in the VIP section of the room wondering again. Can a promotion founded by a Rap Promoter, based inside a rap club, with rappers for wrestlers really survive? Can it ever become popular outside of the 100 or so rap fans that attend every Wednesday night?

 

----

 

Pre-Show: E-Z defeated Cheech Kong

 

Busta Capp defeated Top Dolla

Drop Kix defeated Devyn Retribution

Long Beach Crew defeated Brown Pride

 

Thank you for the comments, and playing along with the hot picks.

 

There will be an upcoming interview with Brother Grimm, so if you have any questions - Wrestling related, or if you're a big fan of his Grimm RPM artists/label, please feel free to ask them here. I'll do my best to get them answered for you.

[Jaded]

Grimm: Don't you think you could do with getting a few real wrestlers in to show these guys how to do it?

 

Chriswok - Awesome. I know I said something similar a few days ago but reading the match reports just backs that up - this is completely unlike any other diary I can remember for ages. Really, really stands out. Can't wait for the next show!

[Voeltzwagon]

Sounds like you got bad chemistry for Brown Pride as a tag team. I am starting to think it is their destiny to break up because two of the three test games I did with GSW they sucked as partners. Amusing to an extent, but also annoying because they seem like they could become a good cornerstone for the tag division normally.

[MrSelfDestruct]

this is badass. can't wait to see what kind of guys you get in this, so much potential!

[MaxxHexx]

Sounds like you got bad chemistry for Brown Pride as a tag team. I am starting to think it is their destiny to break up because two of the three test games I did with GSW they sucked as partners. Amusing to an extent, but also annoying because they seem like they could become a good cornerstone for the tag division normally.

 

In 100% of my games they sucked as wrestlers.

[Voeltzwagon]

In 100% of my games they sucked as wrestlers.

 

To be fair so does most of their roster to start. Their only plus was being a tag team and it seems the game loves to take that away. If I decited to ever go GSW long term I would probably just drop them if I wanted any chance to do well.

[Chriswok]

I don't mind, it's sort of made me think about it and how best to use it. In a strange way it works well with the idea I have in my mind about the crowd dictating events.

 

Remember, get those questions in for Grimm David Coyle has a one-to-one scheduled soon!

[Chriswok]

TEW.com

David Coyle

 

'Rap' up Meeting

 

I went to sleep yesterday after typing up my submission for TEW.com, leaving a question open in the air.

"Can a promotion founded by a Rap Promoter, based inside a rap club, with rappers for wrestlers really survive? Can it ever become popular outside of the 100 or so rap fans that attend every Wednesday night?"

 

I'm not going to claim I had a sleepless night thinking about this, after the overwhelming ride I experienced first hand at the GSW show I fell asleep as soon as I lay on my side, but that's besides the point. I know the answer, or at least Brother Grimm knows the answer.

We're due one final wrap up meeting, which is usually a chance for whoever I'm reporting on, or interviewing, to read over what I've published, allow them to make corrections and basically say 'Yup, that's fine, I agree with all that/that's what I said' (so they can't then turn around and sue me). However, Brother Grimm wants me there a few hours earlier. I'm not entirely sure why, but I instantly feel worried and full of dread. Let's not forget I'm what feels like a million miles away from home here - the opposite corner of the country, in a culture backdrop I'm not really used to (despite an upbringing in Philly). Sure I'm covering wrestling, which is a mixture of two passions I have (wrestling and journalism), but I'm uncomfortable. Perhaps it's the rap elemental.

 

It is the rap element.

 

For those who have shared a car with me, you'll know what my taste in music is like. For those who haven't, well, let's just say I'm stuck in the 90's listening to metal and rock, with a slight adventurous fling into some 80's Hip-Hop (the clean radio friendly stuff). If I'm feeling really frisky I'll turn on the radio and see what the local stations have on offer, which strangely enough is how I had heard of Fro Sure. He was on the radio as I was driving the rental car from LAX to the hotel I was staying in.Anyway, I've totally digressed from the point here.

 

I'm on my way to meet with Brother Grimm, he called me and requested I meet with earlier than originally planned at The Warehouse. I watch as the California passes by, the hire car I'm driving has made the same journey a number of times already over the last two days, but the trip itself is still a strange one. I leave the generally safe area of the hotel and head down into district The Warehouse is based. California is a strange place, not only is it hugely diverse culturally due to it's close proximity to Mexico, but it's music scene sprawls across the state, and certain sections of the state can even be designated by what genre of music is most popular - Skaters, Stoners, Surfers, Metal heads, and of course Rappers.

 

I'm greeted by Boneyard, the huge bulking bodyguard that seemingly never sleeps, at the door of The Warehouse. He never seems to speak, but his intentions and demands are always clear as I know I'm meant to enter and make my way through the VIP section of the club. Boneyard is shadowing my movements, shadowing being a double edge meaning as he physically overcasts me. Brother Grimm is there waiting for me. I've never once spoken to Grimm inside his office, I'm not entirely sure why, but I quickly dismiss the thought, as I notice a lukewarm smile on Grimm's face.

 

"Sit down, Davey." It's the first time Grimm has called me by my name. No one has called me Davey since my 1st grade teacher, she used the same passive aggressive tone. I suddenly felt like I was a kid and about to get a lecture.

"Your articles on Grimm SoCAL Wrestling have been a success." He speaks slowly and precise. Everything he says is measured. "YouBox hits of our last show are twice as any previous show." GSW record every show they hold and have it uploaded to the internet on the popular video streaming website Youbox. Apparently Moore Vincent is charge of IT, and GSW website.

 

I'd later discover that the initial post on TEW.com about going down to the West Coast to get a report on the rumored West Coast War between Grimm SoCAL Wrestling and Insane Pro-Wrestling sparked a surge of interest in subscribers. Not so much the rap based fans, but the wrestling fans that were interested in happenings of former DaVE alumni/mastermind Nemesis. As a side effect to that those same fans started to look at what Grimm SoCAL Wrestling were doing, the quickest way... YouBox. This seemed to have pleased Brother Grimm, and strangely answered the question I had left floating in the air last night, and to paraphrase it slightly - Can a promotion based around rappers ever by successful and grow?

The short answer: Yes.

 

Overnight.

 

I had no idea if this would be a sustained success for GSW, and Brother Grimm didn't seem too concerned, but he had an idea on what caused it and how to help maintain it.

 

"How about you work for me." It wasn't a question. I sat motionless, the words Grimm had spoke had pretty much suplexed me out of the chair. "Wrestling fans don't understand us. They don't know the reality, or the culture, of rap." Grimm continued to speak, ignoring the fact I hadn't replied to his proposition. "You don't. I know this. I look at you, and I know this. You look like you're not in Kansas anymore, you act like you're not in Kansas anymore. I know this."

 

I'm still trying to understand what Grimm has asked of me, why would he want me to work for him. I've worked for TEW.com for several years now, working my way up from freelance reports (terrible freelance reports) on my local wrestling promotion. That led to a basic rate subscription to cover the Philly area, which lead to becoming a staff writer (which is where I am today). TEW.com is one of the premium wrestling websites on the internet, and (at the risk of self praise) knows what's happening across the wrestling scene. You guys probably know this, as no doubt you're subscribers.

So I wasn't sure at all what Brother Grimm was suggesting.

 

"You've been here two days. You've seen one show. That's not long enough to understand our way of life, the culture of Grimm SoCAL Wrestling. The culture of the South Coast Rap scene or the people within Grimm RPM." Grimm continued. "Hell, it took me 15 years to build this empire, and you think you can write about it after 1 day of sight seeing. I don't think so." That same passive aggressive tone is carrying on his voice, only it's mixed with pride. Clearly he has every reason to be proud of what he has achieved, yet like he said I have no real idea how he managed it, or what exactly it is he has achieved with his empire.

Sure it's one the most successful record labels in the music industry, certainly the rap industry, I know that much, but I'd struggle to name all the artists under it's umbrella. Or any of the other business within his empire (Grimm SoCAL Wrestling withstanding).

 

"I want'choo to work for you. To work for me." He goes back to the job offer. Again it's not a question. It's an outright demand. I get the impression this is how most of his acquisitions go. I'm very aware of Boneyard standing over Brother Grimm's left shoulder, and Moore Vincent standing over his right. Grimm leans forward.

 

"Do I intimidate you."

 

---

 

TEW.com's one-to-one with Brother Grimm will be posted by the end of the month. Please submit ANY questions you wish to have answered.

[3rdStringPG]

Question for Brother Grimm from Twitter user 3rdStringPG from Manila, Philippines. (OOC - Don't look for me there, I don't even have a Twitter account! )

 

Brother Grimm, given your contentious relationship w/Nemesis, is there any1 from IPW you'd like to hire?

 

(OOC - Hope that fit into the character limit. )

[Chriswok]

#HeKnowsWhereYouLive

 

Good question!

[Chriswok]

Do I Intimidate You

 

TEW.com

David Coyle

 

Do I Intimidate You.

 

Before I go any further, I want to make it clear that I was absolutely intimidated by Brother Grimm - and this was even before I had met him. Over the last decade, perhaps even more, the man had managed to build an entire Rap Empire on the West Coast. It began with small roots, as most empires do, relying on friends from his local neighborhood to help make it work. Most of the success came from his own music and songs, which he gradually built upon by having friends feature here and there. I'm now rap historian, but I guess this where the moniker 'Brother Grimm' came from, as he was essentially looking out for his childhood friends.

 

As the 80's turned into the 90's Grimm became increasingly more popular, as his music became part of the growing hip-hop/rap culture on the West Coast. He was smart enough to befriend local radio channels, and word quickly spread of this young artist from the West Coast that was representing an entire forgotten sub-culture of America. Then of course the East-West Coast Rap conflicts started to develop around this time too; drug and gun culture started to become heavily linked within the rap game, and rumours started to develop.

Now I can't say, because I haven't seen it, that Brother Grimm owns a gun, or runs a drugs game. Yet, the rumours are there. The stories are there. Grimm will be the first to laugh at them, and ignore them, but I wouldn't know - I'm not brave enough to ask him face-to-face on THAT subject. I barely have enough guts to question him on the risque elements he's adding to wrestling.

But let's just slow down a bit. Regardless of the rumours, the fact that a man who is only in his mid-30s has managed to achieve so much from nothing should be rewarded and celebrated. Yet, it's not really talked about. Sure the rap community holds Brother Grimm in high regards, and he's one of the top rap artists in the country. So it does seem strange that he'd take his time, and his own money, to start his own wrestling promotion.

 

"Do I intimidate you." Brother Grimm had asked.

 

I sat there in silence for a while, not really looking at him, but not wanting to avoid looking at him either. Behind him stood Boneyard and Moore Vincent.

 

Does Brother Grimm intimidate me? Of course he did. Take into account all that I've mentioned previously - his rap empire and all the rumours. The money. The women. The power. A physically imposing build. The whole demeanor and 'get up' he wore. The entourage. Yes, he intimidated me. So why I replied 'No' I'm still not entirely sure. I'm not sure it was the answer Brother Grimm was expecting either. He continued to look at me, and even behind the aviator sunglasses I could tell he had adjusted his look as if trying to look through me. It FELT like he was trying to look through me.

 

Well, the truth is I had spent 2 days with Brother Grimm and Grimm SoCAL Wrestling and in that time had only briefly managed to gain an insight into the apparent West Coast War brewing between Insane Pro-Wrestling and GSW. Or to be more slightly more accurate - Nemesis and Brother Grimm.

I had 101 questions I wanted to ask. That I felt I HAD to ask to understand more. I had a basic understanding why a highly successful rapper would want to become involved in wrestling.

 

"I mean, yes." I quickly changed me answer. I went on to explain that of course I was intimidated by him. I was intimidating by most thing, it was just who I was. And while I might have been extra intimidated by Brother Grimm, I didn't want to come across as the complete basement dwelling nerd that I most certainly am. I had confused myself, so I could only imagine how Brother Grimm felt.

 

"You do intimidate me, but I don't want to work for you. I don't know anything about rap." That seemed enough to break the silence, as Brother Grimm broke into a baritone laugh, which was echoed by Boneyard and Moore Vincent. Apparently I had pulled out a hell of a joke.

"No, man. You wouldn't be working FOR ME, exactly." He lifted his Cane slightly, which seemed to be the queue for the Barmaid (Kandii) to bring whatever Grimm's drink of choice was. She left me a water, it might have been a rib, but it's what I would have ordered anyway. "Grimm SoCAL." Brother Grimm continued, the mood was suddenly a lot lighter.

I had had the chance in early years to sit in on booker meetings across the small (TINY) local promotions across Philly, but this was on another level. For one there was a lot less swearing, a lot less smoke and it didn't smell of stale piss or cheap ale. Secondly, despite the intense air... it was relaxed. Really relaxed.

 

"I want you to stay here and write about GSW."

 

I felt like an idiot, and would have joined in with the laughing, but I was sure that would have only confirmed my status as 'idiot'. Why would Brother Grimm need a white guy from Philly to write about his rap empire. His newly formed wrestling promotion on the other hand? OK, that made slightly more sense to me.

 

"You've been here 2 days, Philly, and you've seen 1 show. How can you give a true opinion of what we do, ya feel me?"

 

Brother Grimm had a very valid point, I had to admit. What was happening down in GSW was so different, that to only give it 1 day's coverage - to dip my finger in (so to speak), didn't seem fair.

As it would transpire Brother Grimm wanted me to stay and work for him. Report on GSW shows and post the reports up on the GSW website, as well as any other websites I may know of - in a way become the main PR guy for GSW. I felt flattered, but scared at the same time. He hadn't even read what I had written about the show I saw last night. I was still aphrensive in sharing that information with him, as I didn't feel like I had been overly... flattering.

Again I argued that I had no real understanding of the rap culture the promotion was based around, and that I was writing 'blind'. Yet, this seemed to appeal to Brother Grimm. He wanted someone who 'didn't understand' to write about his promotion for others, to help put across the counter-culture that was happening down on the West Coast.

Seemingly this was the basis of the entire issue with Nemesis. Grimm didn't want another wrestling show, he wanted a rap show.

 

I sat there and thought about what this could mean for me. Could I afford to quit TEW.com and write for GSW and hope I didn't offend Brother Grimm with my open and frank views on Grimm SoCAL Wrestling?

 

Remember - Subscribers to TEW.com are able to submit questions for our upcoming interview with Grimm SoCAL Owner and Founder Brother Grimm.

[Kingster]

How can somebody become more popular as the 70's turned into the 80's when he was just born in 1976?

 

Anyways, I like your diary a lot and I'm very interested to see how this story develops.

[Chriswok]

Haha meant 80s into 90s - good spot! You passed the test!

[Chriswok]

TEW.com

David Coyle

 

Questions to Grimm

 

As the meeting progressed it became clear to me that Brother Grimm really was a smart man. Now, at the risk of trying to put myself over here, it seemed to me that Brother Grimm wanted to use me as a tool to promote GSW. He wanted my writing, the audience, the connection and the understanding of wrestling that I could bring to write about GSW. It was a complete clash for cultures, and I think Brother Grimm was extremely aware of that. He wanted that clash to be clear, it was THAT clash which was his hook, his selling point - the one thing that made Grimm SoCAL Wrestling different to any other promotion in business today.

This is what Nemesis didn't understand, as Brother Grimm would again explain. To try and put across he was angry with Nemesis would be an understatement. He was furious. In Grimm's eyes he had been disrespected and undersold by Nemesis. Thrown to the wayside one they had used Grimm's connections in the South West, and blanked out of any creative decision making.

 

"Nemesis has been neutered. His balls are in jar and that jar is in a pawn shop." Grimm explained.

 

That was Grimm's way of suggesting that Nemesis had sold out.Before his return to wrestling, no one had seen Nemesis for several years. I wasn't sure what he had been up to (though it was something I was eager to find out). I wasn't too sure how open to the idea Brother Grimm would be, but I know TEW.com would be interested. It seemed a missed oppourtunity to not try and get in touch with him while I was down on the West Coast. Yet, the fear of Brother Grimm had so far held me back. I feared he'd take it as a sign of disrespect.

 

Power was something, but respect is everything.

 

Despite the hustle of running his music empire, Brother Grimm seemed keen on the idea of a one-to-one interview. I was nervous. I still wasn't entirely comfortable around Grimm, who was never without at least 2 members of his entourage (today Boneyard and Busta Capp had the honours of tagging along), or the fact that most of the meetings took place at The Warehouse. It just wasn't my scene - my scene was a comfy sofa, lounging around in my underwear reviewing wrestling from all over the world without ever leaving Philly. Of course, the one time I did leave Philly was to come to the West Coast and look at the situation I'm in now. I've least I've got my pants on.

I found myself in a strange situation where I was the PR Man for Brother Grimm. I had reviewed 1 live GSW Show, and the next thing I knew I was being asked to stay around and review every GSW show 'as you see it'. Brother Grimm seemed to like that I was at least honest, or perhaps I was the very type of person GSW was rebelling against - the average wrestling fan.

Regardless, there's a very strong possibility this could be my last article exclusively for TEW.com.

 

Brother Grimm was keen to put his point across and had agreed to an interview to appear on TEW.com's '1-2-1' feature. He had warned me in advance that he wouldn't pull any punches, and if anything he said was censored or edited, he'd be sure to pull no kicks either

 

I had a list of questions I had prepared before I set off for California, and a whole host of new ones that had developed over the last few days as my reports on TEW.com drew traffic. They were mainly questions from regular subscribers to the website, so most of them were decent and about wrestling though a few random questions had made it through too.

 

Q: Before you become a co-founder of a wrestling promotion, and then the unique founder of GSW, were you a wrestling fan?

 

Grimm: Of course, fool! I'm not just going to wake up one morning and think 'Hey, lets use a little bit of my amazing wealth, and precious time, on creating a wrestling promotion', you think? I grew up watching Supreme Wrestling Federation like everybody else, but then I realised I needed more. I didn't need this phoney looking cartoon characters, so I started to go watch Combat Zone - Remember Combat Zone? Now that... now that's wrestling. Still a little phoney, but that's wrestling. I had to stop going to shows in the end as my face too damn unique, and people wanted to talk to me. I can't watch a show, if people standing in my face all the time.

 

Q: Who was your favourite wrestler?

 

Grimm: Hmm, I have a favourite fighter. Someone who was true. Someone who was... just who they were... Ken "Mayhem" Midden. Now, I ain't a big fan of bikes, or bikers... but man, Midden was crazy. He was just a hard as nails sonofabitch, and you believed it. You knew when he was cracking skulls on the TV, he was cracking skulls in the parking lots of New England.

 

Of course my man, Rudy (Rudy "Rumble" Roper) had some pretty brutal beatdowns at the hands of Midden.

 

Q: What inspired you to become a co-founder of IPW?

Grimm: Reality. A good old reality check. I looked around I saw none. All these cartoon looking mutha****ers. You know? Combat Zone Championship Wrestling used to be the king around here. Then they turned COASTAL Zone... with freaking lobsters and shit. I mean, sure they're doing well and everything, but they've been around for over a decade and they're still running the same digs. Cartoon Lobsters will only get you so far. People want to see people kicking the crap outta over people. Not Lobsters pinching people on the ass!

 

Of course... reality doesn't always, cos it scares people. Lesser people. People like Nemesis. That stupid old leatherhead got scared the moment he met me. Scared that I knew what the people wanted, yet had never been 'IN DA BUSINESS', scared I could spot talent, scared I could draw in crowds he had never seen before... So what did he do? He brings in cartoon looking mutha****ers...

 

Q:Brother Grimm, given your contentious relationship w/Nemesis, is there any1 from IPW you'd like to hire? (from Twitter user 3rdStringPG from Manila, Philippines)

 

Grimm: Of course, I'd hire back all ma'old crew. Just so I could slap 'em upside the head and dump on their asses, for not having the respect to follow me from IPW to when I started GSW. Those fools be checking the shadows for dollars in a few months - Anslem Briggs & Moses Makesh, you disrespected me.

 

Q: Don't you think you could do with getting a few real wrestlers in to show these guys how to do it? (provided by TEW.com subscriber 'Jaded')

 

Grimm: You see - this is what I'm talkin' about righ here. The ignorance and lack of respect towards me and my stars. 'Real wrestlers'? I invite any and all wrestling fans to come and watch any of the Warehouse Hardcore videos, which are on the internet, or come to California and watch our first supershow in person. Then talk to me about real. We're as real as it gets. We don't look like what you see on the TV, cos the stuff on the TV is phoney, by the numbers and it's TV. We're at the roots down here. It's lifestyles. It's reality.

 

GSW hold a weekly show at The Warehouse called 'GSW Warehouse Hardcore', there is a show being held next week.

 

GSW Warehouse Hardcore Wk2

Busta Capp vs Drop Kix

Deaf Touch vs Mexico's Finest

Mexican Hardcore Killers vs Long Beach Crew

[Midnightnick]

Busta Capp vs Drop Kix

Deaf Touch vs Mexico's Finest

Mexican Hardcore Killers vs Long Beach Crew

[Chriswok]

TEW.com

David Coyle

 

Wednesday WK2 Janurary 2013

GSW Warehouse Hardcore

81 Grimm SoCAL Denzines in Attendance

 

WK2 - GSW Warehouse Hardcore

 

It's Wednesday Night, and The Warehouse has that strange mixture of Rap fans and Wrestling fans. It may have just been my imagination but there seemed to be a few more 'wrestling' fans in attendance this time. I'm basing that on the fact that there are a few more people wearing tees with their favourite wrestler's faces/slogans. Strangely there are a number of Jim Force shirts, a Sam Strong shirt, and a few CZCW shirts, yet no one is wearing any GSW gear. I wonder if GSW even has merchindise, or if Brother Grimm secretly believes wrestling merchindise will make his Empire look tacky.

Just like last week the main attraction on the Wednesday nights are the Open Mic Nights, where would-be-rappers have a chance to showcase their ability in front of a (somewhat) hostile crowd. It can make and break a guy in seconds. The sideshow is the wrestling, GSW Warehouse Hardcore, yet that too can make and break a guy in seconds. I saw this first hand last week when Devyn Retribution was in the ring and the GSW crowd verbally assaulted him for nearly 10 minute straight.

 

"Ladies and Gentleman of the Grimm SoCAL." MC Motormouth's voice cuts through the PA system, it's time for the show to begin. "Before the show begins tonight I have a special guest who wants to put things riiiiight."

My stomach tightens as I see Devyn Retribution step up onto the stage from the waiting aera behind. The crowd goes to 11 on the vitriol scale.

"What is it you want to tell the Denzines of Grimm SoCAL?"

 

There is a pause, not from the crowd who continue their shouting, but from Devyn. I feel for the guy. I realised last week that I related to him on many levels, even if most of them were superficial and based around the fact we're both wrestling guys in a rapper's world. The crowd, or the Grimm SoCAL Denzines as MC Motormouth called them, have not forgot that Devyn is an 'outsider'.

 

"I want to apologise for what I said..."

 

I'm convinced that Devyn will never finish what he wants to say, as the crowd amp up the hate even more. It's a strange mixture of heat, as it comes across as genuine, and I have to admit I feel somewhat scared. I can only imagine how Devyn Retribution must feel right now standing out there in the open trying to address a crowd of people who seem to hate the fact he's alive and standing in front of them. To think all he did was announce his liking for Soul Music. My UPOD will never make it within 10 blocks of this place, if they ever see the music I like... I shudder to think.

 

"... when I said... I like Soul..."

 

Devyn is stuttering and what he's saying is getting lost in the mix. For a moment it almost comes across like he said he likes soul even more. The crowd certainly heard that, as they boo again. A drink is thrown, it lands at Devyn's feet, which is enough for him to be violantly sick over MC Motormouth's shoes. Devyn is told to leave the stage. Boneyard has appeared amongst the crowd, patrolling. I'm not convinced he cares who threw the drink, but he makes a move to settle the crowd down a little.

I find it strange that a guy who is so nice is seemingly the biggest heel on the West Coast. I'm not sure he even realises it, or if Grimm SoCAL has a Face/Heel policy.

 

The click of a gun being cocked followed by a gunshot explodes over the PA as Busta Capp makes his way down to the ring. There's a strange mix of cheers and boos but the general feeling is contempt - I wonder if it's fear. They saw last week what he did to Top Dolla, who was nothing more than another kid off the street who wanted to get into the rap game. Beaten in the ring and then curb stomped for having a dream.

This week Busta Capp is against Drop Kix, the small spry wrestler with the star spangled headband, who defeated the man everyone loves to hate Devyn Retribution.

 

Both these guys served up a pretty terrible match last week against different opponants, so my hopes for this being anything near a wrestling match had checked out along with the contents of Devyn Retirbution's stomach. There's no commentary for this match, as MC Motormouth was in the VIP area having his (more than likely) expensive shoes attended to.

This only made the match even stranger. While MC Motormouth isn't your normal wrestling commentator, his unique style works here in GSW and it does add a certain flavour to what would otherwise be extremely bland and difficult to watch 'wrestling' matches. A draw back of the reality that Brother Grimm is providing.

 

Busta Capp seems to have the advantage due to his size and strength. It doesn't help that Drop Kix seems totally off his rythmn tonight, blowing the two spots he actually knows how to do judging by the rest of his match (and last week's terrbile match).

Then a voice can be heard over the PA - it's Top Dolla, the young wanna-be-rapper from last week, who's dislike for Busta Capp earned him a boot to the face for his troubles.

 

"It's Busta Capp, just like on the mic, his wrestling is crap.

Come on now Drop Kix this trucker ain't ****"

 

I cringed as Drop Kix turned to look for Top Dolla after hearing his name. That and the rapping was terrible, even I could tell that. As Drop Kix turned back to face Busta Capp he was greeted with that heavy boot of Capp's right to his face. After 5 minutes Busta Capp had won with his brutal looking Mafia Kick.

 

For a moment I thought Top Dolla was going to get away with his interruption (and terrible rapping), but he turned and ran straight into Boneyard, Grimm's chief bodyguard and The Warehouse's bouncer/internal law enforcement. His giant hand grabbed Top Dolla by his rusty looking wifebeater vest and hauled him into the ring. The crowd made that noise which suggesting they all knew Top Dolla was in for a beating now.

 

"CHUCK HIM!" Some parts of the crowd shouted, regulars no doubt who had become accustomed to Boneyard picking up trouble makers and 'chucking' them out with ease. Only this time Boneyard threw Top Dolla in the ring. Busta Capp took a step back as Boneyard made the clumbersome climb into the ring after Top Dolla, street smarts coming into play as even he didn't want to stand in the way of Boneyard and a beatdown. It was difficult to watch.

 

I know Brother Grimm prides GSW on being 'real', but this seemed almost too real...

 

Boneyard only stopped after Top Dolla couldn't defend himself any longer, or stand up, or seemingly move. I wasn't the only one looking around for a sign of 'fake' about the beatdown. The GSW crowd from the rap side seemed to enjoy it, the wrestling based section of the crowd didn't. Some even left. I felt the urge to join them. It was strange seeing the clear divide in understanding, but something made me stay. Grimm SoCAL crowd seemed hot after that beatdown, which seemed to flow into the next fight.

 

MC Motormouth had returned to his place on the Main Stage overlooking the ring, and introduced a wrestler called 'Deaf Touch'. He too was one of the few wrestlers I recognised by name that had appeared so far for GSW. I will admit that this too wasn't due to his wrestling ability, but rather TEW.com ran a small profile on him a few months back when it was discovered he was the first officially deaf wrestler.

Originally from Detriot, Deaf Touch now found himself on the West Coast. I wasn't sure if he was involved in Brother Grimm's Empire outside of GSW, and I hadn't had a chance to ask him. While he was deaf he could read lips just fine, and was perhaps the best wrestler on the GSW roster.

His opponent was an angry looking guy called 'Mexican's Finest', and much like the other Latino fighters who had appeared last week, the crowd hated him. Hated him.

 

The crowd were into this one in a big way, I got the impression they simply enjoyed seeing the Mexican guy getting kicked around the ring.

I guess that's the interesting thing about California, it's a strange melting pot of cultures thrown together and for the most part doing their best to attempt to get along. However, GSW throws the niceties out of the window. It's clear where the fan base alliance lies, and it isn't with the Latino scene on the South-West Coast.

 

After the previous two 'fights' this match up seemed like a 5-Star Affair, with Deaf Touch doing all the work to put the action together. I guess one of the advantages of being deaf is that you'll always get to be the ring general, and build the match.

After what seemed like a life time Deaf Touch finally won with a Crooked Moonsault into a pinfall. The crowd seemed to go wild. I made a note to find out what the story was behind Mexico's Finest and co the next time I was able to meet with Brother Grimm. I hoped it wasn't too soon, as I still hadn't replied officially to his job offer, which is why this report is still under the TEW.com banner.

 

After the match Deaf Touch pulled a microphone from one of the ring crew, and started to taunt Sanchez Villano.

 

"Is this really the best, Mexico has to offer, Sanchez? This meat head."

 

Mexico's Finest had left the ring by this point, not that anyone noticed. Some people had left to get more drinks, while others seemed to be half interested in what Deaf Touch had to say. Seemingly if you weren't beating the life out of someone or rapping, people weren't that interested.

The music of the Mexican Hardcore Killers (E-Z & Sanchez Villano) played, it sounded like home recorded garage music. The crowd hated it. Sanchez, the taller of the two Mexicans, stood and looked at Deaf Touch square in the eye.

 

"Sanchez, why don't you and the rest of your little Latinos go back home to Mexico. You can't hang with the So-Cal Crew. In fact... yo, where's my crew at? Where's my boys Aces High & Cali Slick?"

 

The hate died away into a strange mixture of silence and annoyance as Long Beach Crew (Aces High & Cali Slick) made their entrance. They crowd didn't seem to care for Aces High at all, which made me wonder if there was some history I wasn't aware of, but they seemed keen to support Cali Slick. I definitely felt like I had missed out on some GSW history at some point between the wrestlers in the ring.

 

"Mexico's Finest... Mexican Hardcore Killers... please... we've got Mexico's Biggest Bitch, and the Mexican Hardcore Pillers..."

 

Deaf Touch dropped the mic, turned his back on Sanchez and left the ring. It looked like Sanchez was going to get the cheap shot in on Deaf Touch, but Cali Slick stepped in and attacked first. Suddenly a Tornado Rules Tag Match had started, not that I'm entirely sure anyone would be aware of what rules exactly were in place right now. Basically it was a Wednesday Night to everyone else.

 

The match seemed to really get the crowd pumped and involved. Again, I was confused, and made a note to check up on the history here. Why were the Mexican wrestlers getting so much hate? Surely it wasn't simply because they were from Mexico..?

Whatever the reason was, I was going to find out. However, I couldn't help but notice that E-Z and Sanchez made a fairly decent tag team together. They worked well, and generally looked like they care about the welfare of their tag team partner... not that I'm entirely sure they actually cared, or even if it was some form of in-ring psychology. As far as those two guys were concerned, it too was a Wednesday Night and they were just making sure they could walk out of the ring to see Thursday Morning.

 

In truth the match, like most of the other matches tonight (and last week) was poor by standard wrestling terms, but the fans seemed to enjoy it. Somewhere there was some hidden reason for all of these reactions, and I was going to find out. After 12 minutes or so Villano hit Aces High with the Villano Knee Connection, just as E-Z pinned Cali-Slick against one of the turnbuckles. Mexican Hardcore Killers had won, and it felt like the place was going to go crazy. Bad crazy. Not the good crazy.

 

Mexican Hardcore Killers are celebrating their victory in the ring. Really throwing it in the faces of the crowd, who in turn are really thrown things in the faces of Mexican Hardcore Killers - chairs, glasses, bottles, whatever they can get their hands on.

Just as it felt as though people were going to storm the ring, Aces High, Cali Slick and Deaf Touch seemed to regroup and storm the ring to attack Mexican Hardcore Killers. The beat down continued for a few minutes, before finally Mexican Hardcore Killers were pushed out of the ring by the sole of Cali Slick and Deaf Touch's boots.

 

MC Motormouth had returned to his spot to draw everyone's attention to a closing rap act of the night...

 

I took this as my queue to leave.

 

Interview with Devyn --- E-

Busta Capp defeated Drop Kix --- F+

Top Dolla raps about Busta Capp --- F+

Boneyard's beatdown of Top Dolla --- F+

Deaf Touch defeated Mexico's Finest --- E

Deaf Touch taunts Villano --- E+

Mexican Hardcore Killers defeated Long Beach Crew --- E

Mexican Hardcore Killers are attacked post-match, 3-on-2 --- F+

 

Show Rating: E