PRO WRESTLING MAGIC "COMING TO AMERICA" 1/18/25 REVIEW
Pro Wrestling Magic ran its first event of 2025 - COMING TO AMERICA - on January 19, 2025 at “the Mecca” in Ridgefield Park, NJ in front of a packed house.
Here are the results from the event:
Smash and Burn defeated the S.A.D. (accompanied by the Hunter) in a solid opening tag team encounter
Tiffani Avatar upended Journey Burke ESQ
Troy Locke defeated Vi Daniel to successfully defend the PWM World Junior Heavyweight Championship
In an outright brawl, Steve Pena successfully defended his Dark Arts Championship against “El Oso Bronco” Bruno due to a distraction from John Tella
The Rep defeated PWM Tag Team Champions Wrecking Ball Legursky and Kerr to win the titles
The returning Pro Wrestling Magic legend Ruthless Lala pinned Cosmic.
PWM World Heavyweight Champion “the Revolver” Alex Reiman successfully defended his title against WCW legend Crowbar. After the match, Azrieal gave Reiman a Demon Driver, and Crowbar made the save. Reiman then made the challenge to Azrieal for a championship match on February 15.
Smiley went from the #1 position to outlast 19 other competitors to win the CHAD ADAMS MEMORIAL RUMBLE, defeating Trey Felipe, Azrieal, Lugosi, PJ Savage, Donovan, John Tella, Steve Pena, Isisah Wolf, Vi Daniel, Troy Locke, Elijah Eden, Bruno, Brandon Downey, Steve Off, El Rotundo Geniouso, Ray Ray Marz, Dan Murdoch, Dark STG, and Mateo Marcelo. Smiley now will receive a guaranteed PWM World Heavyweight Title match on March 15.
As a first time visitor of “the Mecca”, as well as my first time going to a Pro Wrestling Magic event live, I have to admit that I was in awe of the venue. Not so much because of the building itself, but how deep it was. I was genuinely impressed with the size of the room.
Here are some notes I took while watching the event:
UNIQUE AESTHETIC: Pro Wrestling Magic is one of those rare independent promotions that has its own identity. I see it as a punk rock wrestling version of Disney. Also, the ramp from the entranceway to the ring is very reminiscent of 1990s WCW. Lastly, looking at the crowd, they were very passionate and loyal to their favorites. In the modern-day independent scene, you don’t really have that.
LOCKE VS DANIEL WAS $$$: Troy Locke has been a fighting World Junior Heavyweight Champion for Pro Wrestling Magic. He’s short, stocky, and a workhorse inside the ring. He might very well be this generation’s version of Taz with his style. Meanwhile, Vi Daniel, training partner and friend, is very reminiscent of a young Jimmy Jacobs with his ability to take a beating and keep getting back up. If anyone has IWTV, find this match and seek it out.
THE LAND OF MONSTERS: Magic is loaded with some heavy hitters. Men like The Rep, Steve Pena, Bruno, Wrecking Ball Legursky, my arch-nemesis Kerr, and Dark STG are a throwback. I know that a lot of modern fans chant “meat” at these hosses, but it’s definitely refreshing to see powerful brawlers making an impact.
REVOLVER IS NEXT LEVEL: Say what you will about “the Magic Kingdom Ripper”, but Alex Reiman is above and beyond “the guy” in Pro Wrestling Magic. His match with Crowbar was proof that Reiman can survive in any element. He can wrestle, he can brawl, the Pro Wrestling Magic World Heavyweight Champion can do it all.
MINI BWO REUNION: In the Chad Adams Memorial Rumble, there was a small moment where former members of the Bodyslam Wrestling Organization, the precursor to Magic, reunited in the ring at one time. Former BWO United States Champion Ray Ray Marz, former World Champion Dan Murdoch, the “Indestructible” Steve Off, and El Rotundo Geniouso met each other, showed respect, and proceeded to fight one another. Somewhere in the ether, Richie Rotten, Preacher, La Familgia, Chaos, and Tristen Law smiled.
RUTHLESS LALA OVATION OF THE NIGHT: Ruthless Lala, a beloved performer in Magic, made her return from injury last night and received a room shaking ovation. It was LOUD inside “the Mecca”. You could tell she was touched and used that fuel from the fans to defeat Cosmic, who was making her own debut last night. Let’s hope Lala continues on her road back towards the Women’s Championship.
Also, shoutout to “Magic” Mike Ferrara, indy superfan Robert Lotti, and Pete from Inside Heat. Great seeing you guys last night.
Overall, I absolutely enjoyed last night’s event. Pro Wrestling Magic has its own little niche, and I hope people continue checking out this promotion. Over a decade of hard work had led to its steady success. General Manager (and MC to the stars) Shane Fair and his team deserve all the respect in the world for their hard work.
Check out last night’s event on IWTV and their next show is February 15, 2025 at “the Mecca”. Tickets will be on sale shortly.
PS: Seeing El Rotundo in person might've been the greatest moment in the history of wrestling.
Bankie Bruce
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