The Resistance Family Anniversary Party

Last week I wrote about my anticipation of a great anniversary party hosted by Resistance Pro Wrestling.  This past Friday, I had a front row seat as R Pro put on their best show yet and celebrated one year of business with the fans.

The night started with my nephew Matt Parker and I being warmly greeted by Jacques Baron, one of the owners.  The scene was repeated moments later with Gabe Baron (another owner and brother of Jacques).  One by one, we connected with many of the R Pro wrestlers and staffers, who had become our friends over the last year.  This was a real family party.

Next we saw wrestling legend Jake “the Snake” Roberts.  Roberts has battled various demons over the years, but he was in great spirits and in the best shape in years.  The line quickly formed behind us to meet Roberts, as we moved on to mingling with more wrestlers and fans.

You can look elsewhere for a wrestling recap and all of the results, but I have to mention a few highlights.  R Pro champ “the Ego” Robert Anthony retained his title with a win over Lonesome Jay Bradley, an R Pro original, in a fantastic match.  These guys told a story in the ring and we were all glued to the action.

On the other end of that spectrum were Melanie Cruise and Nikki St. John battling for the Women’s title in an “I Quit” match.  The match spilled onto the floor, around the arena and even through a wall.  It was smash-mouth wrestling at its best, as Melanie regained the Women’s title.

Roberts was also involved in a great moment in the ring.  He started thanking the fans, but was interrupted by Raven.  The two were verbally sparring a bit, when Ashton Vuitton and Eric St. Vaughn interrupted them.  Roberts and Raven united and laid out the pair, before Jake draped a real snake over them.  The auditorium erupted!

Those three moments provide a snapshot of the typical R Pro show.  There is great scientific wrestling, some pure brawls and a few very special moments.

At intermission, we met Scott Beatty, another of my friends, who had brought several of his friends.  We both love the product and are eager to spread the news to our friends.  I also met a few wrestling fans who recognized me from other pieces I have written for the Patch.

As Anthony celebrated his win “in the house that Ego built,” I felt many emotions.  I was exhausted from an evening of jam-packed excitement.  I was happy for the Baron family and the wrestlers, who worked so hard to make this a success.  I was disappointed that the night was over.  I was eager for their next event (which they announced as “Stay Hungry” on January 13).  I was also very grateful for being a part of this magical experience and the wonderful Resistance family.