THERE WILL BE SPOILERS FOR MOVIES IN THIS POST. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED~!
When it comes to horror movies, 9 times out of 10 the villain will be a man. That's not to say that there's no female villains, far from it. But the most memorable villains are guys. Take a minute, tick off 5 names that come to mind. I'd be willing to bet that the following names are who you thought:
-Freddy Krueger
-Jason Voorhees
-Michael Myers
-Chucky
-Pinhead
Although one of the last two could've been swapped out with Leatherface. Around this time last year I wanted to do a blog about the top 10, or even top 5, female villains. There was just one problem.
I couldn't think of 10. Or five. I could only think of two. Two that had a suitably high body count and showed no remorse about their actions. One was pure evil, the other had a reason for her madness. So I googled female horror villainesses and looked at some of the names that came up. One was Angela from Sleepaway Camp. However, two things disqualified her in my mind. One, she was a victim of bullying so I see her actions as justified. Two...she's technically not a girl. In the sequel she is, but not the first. So I place her as "provoked victim" not a cold blooded villain.
Another name was Asami from the film "Audition." Granted, this woman seemed to fit the bill, except she had no massive body count. It appears she actually only kills one person and tortures the others. Although the torture scene towards the end is very impressive - it actually turned my stomach.
Sadako from The Ringu was a third name. However, she falls into the "provoked victim" as well. Carrie's mother, although narrow minded and ultimately insane enough to try to murder her daughter, isn't really up there. Nor is Annie Wilkes from "Misery."
There were a few others, but I cannot really judge if they'd make my list because I haven't seen the movies. Like any list, this can always be revised. But for now, there's only two that are top female horror movie villainesses.
1 - Pamela Voorhees, "Friday the 13th." How could I not put her? Granted, she could fall into the "provoked victim" category, but there's a major difference.
In 1958, the first two camp counselors were murdered. The camp shut down until "present day" in the film (which, going by the year the movie was made, would have put "present day" as 1980). As the new group of counselors start to overhaul the camp to make it ready to open, they are murdered one by one. At the end, Pamela explains that her son drowned because of the negligence of the counselors.
Now, lets assume that in 1958 when the first two counselors were murdered was the same year that Jason drowned. That would mean that Pamela waited twenty two years until the camp's re-opening to restart the murders. Twenty two years. You would think that over the years her desire to revenge would die down, but nope. This also rules out Pamela suffering from insanity - had she been insane, once the camp shut down, she would either have stalked the counselors directly responsible for her son's death or transferred her murderous rage to others.
But no, she waited. In the words of Mr. Smith from "The Matrix" she waited deliberately, purposefully. When the camp re-opened, she started again. That's not the action of an insane person. Far from it. She let her desire to vengeance go beyond simply killing the counselors who were responsible for Jason's death. She allowed it to explode into killing anyone who had any involvement with the camp when it was re-opened.
Pamela Voorhees was a pioneer for female villainesses. She was the first in the "slasher" genre. Before her, there had been your sophisticated evil villainesses like Asa Vadja (played by the talented Barbara Steele) in "Black Sunday" or your cunning, cold villainesses like Cleopatra in Tod Browning's "Freaks" but there had never been a woman who had taken killing to the extreme like Pamela Voorhees did. The fact that the actress, Betsy Palmer, was such a sweet, lovely woman made the contrast between them that much more startling. Betsy was superb in the role. You really felt the rage that consumed her.
Without Pamela, we might not have gotten other female villainesses who bypassed having men do their dirty work for them and instead went straight for the butcher knife. Women such as Mrs. Loomis in "Scream 2," Baby Firefly from "House of a 1000 Corpses" and "Devil's Rejects," Marie from "High Tension," or Brenda Bates from "Urban Legend" can be seen as descendants of Pamela's. Without her, we might not have gotten the second female on my list...
2 - Julia Cotton, "Hellraiser" & "Hellbound: Hellraiser 2"
This is probably an unexpected choice. However, let me explain and perhaps you'll find yourself agreeing with my reasoning.
When we first meet Julia in "Hellraiser" she is the wife of Larry Cotton and step-mother to Kirsty Cotton. She comes across as a chilly, if not downright cold woman and we soon learn that she slept with her husband's brother, Frank, prior to their wedding. When Julia realises that Frank can be restored through the sacrifice of victims, she lures men to their home and kills them. Granted, she almost didn't kill the first victim, being very hesitant but her lust for Frank eventually overcame any reservations she had. After that, she shows no mercy and even offers up her own husband in the end so Frank can take his skin. She also has no objections to Frank attempting to murder her step-child.
This is pretty heinous behaviour for a woman, despite the fact that she had a motive (love, or lust, or obsession whichever it was) but even still if she was that head over heels for Frank, she could've called off the marriage all together (although Frank, you quickly find out, isn't the type to settle down - his restlessness and desire for new experiences is what brought him to the Cenobites in the first place). But you get the feeling that, although Larry was a nice guy, he never excited the pure, primal lust that Frank excited in Julia. Frank, himself, was a primal force of nature - through glimpses of flashbacks and items that Julia finds, we see that Frank searched the globe and engaged in every sort of carnal experience the world had to offer. There was nothing he refrained from, but it all eventually bored him. This continuing search finally led to the puzzle box known as the Lament Configuration. In a way, Frank and Larry are the personifications of the struggle women find themselves caught in - the "bad boy" or the "nice guy." Like Julia, we must choose between them.
I get the feeling that, except for her affair with Frank, Julia led a pretty straight laced life. The good wife, maybe attempting to be a kind step-mother to Kirsty (although we see the relationship is pretty frosty), a receptive hostess - Julia is rather bland, to be honest. When Frank is re-introduced back into her life, the dissatisfaction she feels with her life as well as the obsession that has never left her completely, bursts from within. She is consumed by the fire of her passion, despite the evil that goes hand in hand with it.
In a way, I identify with Julia. Maybe that's why I like her so much. She shed her "good wife" skin to revel in the raw emotions that Frank brought out of her. She craved his touch, even after her encounter with him so long ago, and stopped at nothing once she realised she could have him again. Julia is very much a creature of her passion, her lust - put simply, her emotions. After restricting herself for years, she couldn't deny her feelings any longer. Frank brought that out of her.
For years, I, too, have restrained myself and denied parts of myself that I thought were wrong or sinful. It took the right person to bring the sexual part of my personality out and into bloom. Now I embrace those parts of myself. ...Except I'm not murdering anybody! I have digressed...
Getting back to the focus of this blog though, Julia chooses Frank in the end, and winds up killed. So, although responsible for the deaths of an unknown number of strangers and her own husband, plus the attempted murder of her step-daughter, Julia doesn't seem to have the body count of Pamela Voorhees.
Enter "Hellbound: Hellraiser Two." This film made Julia the central villainess to go alongside the doctor that brought her back. We're not quite certain if Dr. Phillip Channard realises he's going to resurrect Julia when he brings one of his mental patients into contact with the mattress Julia was seen lying upon in the first film, but that's what happens. From here, Dr. Channard brings living victims from his mental hospital to Julia so she can take their flesh and blood to complete her regeneration.
This is where the body count kicks in. In the scene where Kyle enters a room in Dr. Channard's house, he sees the rotting bodies of numerous mental patients that Julia has killed before becoming a victim himself. I wasn't able to count them all, but there were quite a few. A far cry from the unknown number of murders she committed in the first, certainly. When confronted by Kirsty, she slaps the girl so hard she knocks her out. This comes after one of the best lines I've ever heard from any movie genre.
"They didn't tell you, did they Kirsty? They changed the rules of the fairy tale. I'm no longer just the wicked step mother. Now I'm the evil queen. So come on! Take your best shot, Snow White!"
The way she says this, with such malice and hatred in her voice - it gives me chills every time I hear it. Julia is fully restored and at the peak of her power. From there she takes revenge on Frank, betrays Dr. Chennard (although considering his curiosity opened the box, it might not be perceived as betrayal so much as the fulfillment of his desire), and seeks to murder Kirsty and Tiffany. Julia has no redemptive motives in this movie, she is fully evil, seeking only to murder those who would prevent her from walking the earth once more.
In a way, because I identify so strongly with Julia, I prefer her over Pamela. Then again, I'm not a mom so I can't identify with Pamela about losing a child. But I can identify with Julia's desire to break free of the monotony of her life, the desire and lust she felt for Frank suppressed for so long until it broke free.
These two comprise my list of ultimate female villainesses. If you feel there's someone that I haven't mentioned that should be on here, feel free to leave me a comment. If there's a horror movie featuring a villainess, let me know - I'm always wanting more horror movies to watch!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
I have been back from Berwyn since last Tuesday night. Still pretty much blown away by what I saw this past weekend. I want to write though, so this is going to be pretty much off the cuff, emotional thoughts with no real 'structure' so to speak. (I also added a note at the bottom after originally posting, then deleting, then re-posting this.)
Kalamity is amazing. This is just plain fact. I saw her for the first time in action in the bonus match on SHIMMER Volume 36 (which I actually just finished the week before the past SHIMMER show), and I was immediately taken. Even more so when I saw her in person. Her music, her look, her wrestling skill, her character...she absolutely enthralled me. Sexy, gothic, dangerous - only one person has ever had that kind of sudden impact on me before. Twelve years ago, April 1999 when I first got into wrestling. This person hooked me and got me to keep watching. He had the same impact back then that Kalamity had now.
The Undertaker. He was one of two wrestling crushes I had up through the years until this year. When I found out UT had shaved all his hair off, the crush died a hard death, leaving a UT sized hole in my heart. A hole that I believe Kalamity will fill very nicely. This lady is so completely her character that when we met up with Stephane, Lufisto and her outside Michael Anthony's, I had to ask Lee, "Is that Kalamity?" just to make sure. She was so shy and nice - the exact reverse of her character. Which is usually what happens in wrestling (either they play a character the polar opposite of themselves or they turn their personality up to 100). I was absolutely charmed by her, even though we didn't speak.
More like hopelessly infatuated, but also charmed. I sincerely hope that she becomes a SHIMMER regular, but I'm also determined to make it up to Montreal for a Femme Fatales show next year. Mostly because of her, but also because there's a lot of tremendous talent up there. Until then, I'll have to be satisfied with watching all six of the previous FF DVDs I bought! Woo hoo!
Hailey Hatred was an honour to watch in person. I wish she had been there both days, but she had a show she was contracted to wrestle on for Sunday, so I admire her willingness to travel and determination to make both shows. From the taste of her I got on Saturday (minds out of the gutters, pervs!), I believe she deserves all the credit in the world and deserves all the championships she holds in Japan. She has broken new ground for gaijin in Japan. Yet through it all, she has remained humble and so sweet, so approachable! I had the great fortune to chat with her during the intermission on Saturday, and once I told her my twitter handle she knew who I was! (Which surprised me, but it always takes me aback when folks recognise me from twitter hah.)
I bought two DVDs that she recommended, which she graciously autographed for me. They're all in Japanese (of course) but great wrestling transcends language (as I've found out from watching joshi on YouTube and Ice Ribbon). I wanted to get a picture with her, but it was way too crowded at intermission - but she sent me a tweet saying it was nice to have met me, which was really awesome of her. I very much hope she comes back to do a full weekend at SHIMMER since I doubt I'll be getting to Japan any time soon!
Yumi Ohka was a name that, when announced, was a bit confusing to me. Kinda appeared out of thin air (although I know DP doesn't just pull names out of a hat), but after YTing some of her matches I was eager to see what she could bring to the table. This lady is grace personified. She has a doll-like beauty and grace exudes from every movement she makes. Tall, skillful yet powerful as her boot to the face showed, I was extremely impressed. Her inclusion made the absence of Misaki Ohata easier to overlook (although without her 3S partner, Hiroyo Matsumoto stood out as a top card draw and had some outstanding matches). I was sold on her after her first match.
A woman who'd been hyped to the max also made her debut - Kana. After seeing her progression from a CD of her early work I'd been given to her most recent matches against Serena Deeb, I saw how far she had come. The hype was justified, her matches were excellent, although I disliked how stiff she appeared to be in her last match with Lufisto but that's more out of concern for Lufisto's health (there were a couple of kicks to Lufi's head that made me cringe!) than any dislike towards Kana. I also didn't like how she held herself higher than the other roster and after her match with Lufi I finally stood and applauded after she shook Lufisto's hand.
It was pointed out to me a day later that my reaction was how a "mark" would react. Which is true (although I don't like the word "mark"). I like the fact that I can still be pulled in by a wrestler's character, which Kana pulled off to a T. I heard afterwards at the after party that she went around to several tables, asking people what they thought of her matches. "She was ridiculously humble," a friend remarked. I agree. Another total 180 from character to actual person. A very gracious, talented lady who still has a lot more to give to wrestling.
Dave gave us a few surprises on SPARKLE: Mia Svensson, whom I've grown close to over the past year, showed up in first a tag match, then got onto the main show to face off against Lufisto! I was, and am, so proud of her. She did very well in both matches, and I daresay wrestling Lufisto on your first SHIMMER volume had to be an amazing experience for her. I have to admit, I popped when, on her SPARKLE match, I saw she was wearing the Thor's hammer necklace I'd bought her. I knew it would suit her character tremendously.
I cannot put into words how much it meant to finally meet her in person and give her a hug. She has helped me so incredibly much over the past year, I've trusted her with some very private things about myself, and she's trusted me in return. I'm so glad that we got the chance to talk and just hang out and have fun at the after parties. (And I know she's a heel but I couldn't help but clap for her!) Mia, thank you so much for everything. It was fantastic to see you wrestle in person and a pleasure to hang out with you. ^.^
Another SPARKLE surprise was one third of the Midwest Militia - Allysin Kay. Knowing that Sassy Stephie was already booked, seeing Allysin show up made me hope that the other MWM woman, Jessicka Havok, would appear as well. No dice this time, but given the size of the roster for these past shows it's completely understandable. Allysin was great to watch in person. I'd been impressed with her talent and intensity in WSU, and I think she'll only continue to get better. Her and Mia teamed up on SPARKLE to face a returning Cherry Bomb and a debuting KC Spinelli. All four were impressive. Cherry had been at a previous SPARKLE show, but KC was debuting for the first time for SPARKLE. Very talented, all four were fun to watch.
Another SPARKLE match that held a surprise was the team of She Nay Nay (a nCw FF competitor that had been at SPARKLE before), Jessie "Bonesaw" Brooks, and the debuting Buggy Nova (a West Coast wrestler who's had a lot of buzz about her) aka BoNayNayBugs taking on Kimberly Maddox (hadn't heard of her before, but I think someone said she works out of Florida), Veda Scott (a graduate of the SHIMMER academy) and a lady who'd recently been released from her WWE developmental deal Su Yung.
Su was the surprise, completely unexpected and after seeing her work, it's a damn shame that WWE released her. She's pretty and talented, yet still learning. After seeing Buggy in action, I can understand the buzz about her. Her look is different, she has charisma and she can work. She was amazingly over with the crowd and deservedly so. Definitely one to watch.
I confess though, I was most excited to see Veda Scott. We had become friendly via twitter (and I have a weakness for red heads), and I was looking forward to not only meeting her but also seeing her wrestle. The SHIMMER academy has produced some great students so far, Veda being in that category. Although she's still learning and (I think) SHIMMER was her first big show, her tag and singles matches were great. She has all the elements needed to make a top level wrestler, all she needs is time and experience now.
Not to mention she's smart. She's going to school to be a lawyer, which means she'll have a steady career in addition to wrestling, like MsChif. That's the best thing you can do, because no matter how much you love wrestling, eventually you have to quit before your body quits for you. (Unless you're Ric Flair and have massive debts to pay.) Plus she's funny and a cat lover, both bonus points. So I was really excited to meet her! But she made my day on Sunday when, coming out for her singles match, she was slapping hands and when Veda saw me, she hugged me! Totally unexpected that made me beam with happiness.
Like Mia, it was wonderful to meet Veda in person. Hopefully we can get to know each other better over the coming year. Veda, you are a lovely, hilarious, talented woman and I'm glad that I get to watch your wrestling career grow. I know you can go as far as you want to. You have all the skills necessary, all that's lacking is experience which will come in time. Congratulations on a great SHIMMER weekend!
It has been a year since Mia Yim debuted on SPARKLE, then SHIMMER. In that year, she has grown by leaps and bounds. Her matches over the past weekend were tremendous. I especially liked the three way between her, Athena and Jessie McKay; and her versus Yumi Ohka. I am so proud of her, she hasn't rested but instead took the opportunities she was given and ran with them. Especially going over to Japan and getting the opportunity to train over there, it's amazing. Her progression and what she learned from over there shone over the weekend. I'm so happy I've gotten to see her grow and can continue to watch her evolution. I'm so proud of you girl! :D
Amber Gertner continues to be a lovely, classy woman. I'm really really happy we got the chance to just sit back and talk for a bit at the after party. She is one of the sweetest women I know and I'm truly grateful to have her as a friend. Love you Miss G!
Lufisto continues to inspire and amaze me. Athena continues to impress the heck outta me, as does Nicole Matthews. Shoot, if I go down this road I'll have to list every woman, because all of them (barring two) continually amaze me. And this blog is going to be long enough as it is!
The match quality, from SPARKLE to SHIMMER itself continues to astound me. Out of 16+ hours, I can think of one, possibly two matches that I didn't care for. That's it. And even in the matches I didn't care for, the women still brought their A-game. Everyone gave their all. Because they wanted to be there. SHIMMER isn't a case where just because you're local or because you know someone, you get booked. No way. You send in tapes, you get your name out there and you earn a spot. That's one of the reasons it's so appealing, everyone is there because they want to be.
The after party, despite having to be moved to Michael Anthony's, was great on both nights. I actually preferred MA's due to it having more rooms to circulate, sit down and talk in. You didn't have to stay up near the bar where the music was blaring which was quite nice. I got to chat with Nicole Matthews, Stephie, Veda, Mia Svensson, Amber Gertner and various others. It felt like a family (which I wrote about in my latest Ringbelles article), everyone was relaxed and easy to talk to or have a drink with. Of course, for those of us with a taste of karaoke, we left and made our way to a bar where a SHIMKaraoke Champion was crowned - BONESAW~! (Then she rudely had her belt taken away and given to a guy named Bruce. BOOO! Rematch, rematch!)
The last song played that everyone danced and sang to was the Backstreet Boys "Everybody." It was hilarious and awesome all at once. A superb way to end the weekend.
One of the highlights also happened after the karaoke was done. After over a year of wanting it I FINALLY FINALLY got my knife-edge chop!! WOOO! I can't say who gave it to me out of respect for her, but I do have photographic evidence of the imprint she left. And as soon as I can get the pictures uploaded I will be sharing! I begged the lady in question, and I think what got her to agree was the fact that I told her it was on my bucket list. Which it is. I got Lee to be my witness, and let me tell you....it's like a thousand knives piercing your chest. I'm guessing that's how it got to be called the 'knife edge chop.' It was one of the most intense things I've ever felt in my life. Utterly exhilarating! Before she left, she made sure I was okay, that my heart didn't explode or there were any after effects. And yes, I pulled the collar of my shirt down so the impact was directly on my chest, no cloth between. Skin to skin contact.
Oh yes, I wanted this done with all the stops pulled out. And I got it! I was buzzing, from that and also from the fact I got pictures with both Britani & Saraya Knight, plus Jessie McKay when she jumped in the first one. These pictures are AWESOME. I told Saraya, "You are the first person in wrestling to legit scare the crap out of me." She laughed and said, "I'm glad you enjoy the character." A gracious lady if there ever was one. Britani is wonderfully nice with a bit of craziness mixed in. It was an honour to meet them both and have a few words with Saraya. I came out of Michael Anthony's buzzing, a feeling that lasted the rest of the night.
Oh and Mena Libra's theme music makes a great alarm clock. Just saying.
This weekend was utterly amazing. The only thing I didn't like was Cheerleader Melissa winning the title. It was too obvious. You could see it coming from a mile away. When MsChif won the title, it was a shock. When Madison won the title, it was a shock. But Melissa...when she won it, it was anti-climactic. I knew she would win, as most other folks did I expect. The match was spectacular, the women brawled all the way around the Eagles Club (and at one point, Madison was thrown down the stairs at the front of the Club!), and it took a ton to put Madison down for three. But the fact that you could see it coming irked me.
Plus, purely in my opinion mind you, although Cheerleader Melissa is superb in the ring I think the title should've gone to another up and coming talent, not one that doesn't really need the belt. The SHIMMER Championship took Madison Eagles to a whole new level. I felt there was a lot more we could have seen with her descent into obsession over keeping the title. However, with the knowledge of her physical status now, it's understandable that she lost it. It might've been the original plan all along to have her lose, but knowing how hurt she is, taking the belt off of her will ease some of the pressure. Hopefully now she can have a good, long rest and heal up.
I wish her the best and hope she heals fully. Watching her wrestle is a treat, she really is one of the best in the world.
I think I've gushed enough, but truly these tapings were tremendous milestones for SHIMMER. An awesome collection of talent from all over the world and in the continent. Great story lines, fantastic matches, pure emotion and topping it all off with two great after parties.
I adore SHIMMER, and the people that work behind the scenes and in the ring. It really has renewed my passion for professional wrestling. Great wrestling is just that - great wrestling. I feel privileged to get to see it in person twice a year. Not to mention spend time with a bunch of wonderful people.
Plus I wound up having a great talk with Steven and renewing our friendship. Cryssi and I also made peace and we're trying to get to know each other. Which I'm truly grateful for. I don't like fighting, contrary to what anyone thinks. So all in all, a great weekend.
(This ends the SHIMMER portion of my post. Below is what happened after Sunday, so if you don't want to read more personal stuff, stop here! ^.^)
Monday, Stew, Steve, Lee and I went to the Sears Tower. They'd been before but I hadn't. Amazing, to be in a building that's above the clouds! The sky box was terrifying but there's a photo of Lee and I that made the terror worth it. <3 We had dinner at Twin Anchors (a place Frank Sinatra loved so much that he would had their ribs flown to wherever he had a show) which was delicious. Watched Raw, which is a lot more enjoyable when you have people to run commentary on it with.
Tuesday, our flights didn't leave 'til that evening so after we checked out of the Rodeway we went to a mall that was near Chicago and did some shopping. We also had Red Robin which was delicious. After that, we reluctantly made our way to the airport. I had to say goodbye to Stew and Steve since our flights were in two different terminals. Lee accompanied me into terminal one and stayed with me until I absolutely had to go through the gate. That night was miserable but the days after weren't as bad as one would think. Each day I was determined to be positive and grateful for the weekend, and for getting to spend time with Lee.
It also struck me that, after spending so much time with the three of them, I wasn't the "resident girlfriend" that usually has to be tolerated when one person in a group of friends gets a partner. I was actually part of the group. I felt like, even if I wasn't Lee's girlfriend, I would still be included with them because of the friendships we've formed.
I've become very close with Steve and to me, he's like the big brother I never had. (I have an awesome older sister though!) I trust him completely and he's proven to be worthy of that trust (and I think I've proven to be worthy of his trust in return). He's a big ol' teddy bear! He has a good heart, a generous nature and a gentle soul. He's not the type to let a lot of folks in to get to know him, which makes me all the more grateful I'm one of those select few. He's a good man and I love him to pieces. ^_^
Although I'm not quite as close to him as I am with Lee and Steve, I still consider Stew to be a good friend. He's hilarious, intelligent and very quick witted - which you need to be to hang with the others. A "gentle giant" as it were. He's a lot of fun to be around. Although you never quite know what's going to come out of his mouth! ;) (And he has a habit of doing that damn shocker thing in pictures..! *Shakes fist*)
We really missed Rob and Rhia on this trip but perhaps next year they'll rejoin us. But it was lovely to be a part of the group and not just a fourth wheel. I love that connection. However I can't deny, it was most wonderful to be with Lee once more. It's been a full year since we've been communicating, although we don't really have a set date that we can call an "anniversary" since we've been a couple. The past year has been utterly amazing and life changing. I've changed him and he's changed me, for the better. He's been the catalyst to help me discover parts of myself that I either didn't know existed or denied for years. For the first time, I feel like an actual woman that's blossoming in several different ways. Akin a flower that's starting to bud and then bloom under the sunlight.
When we're together, I feel a peace, a serenity that I rarely feel at any other time. Yet I also feel energized, renewed, like there's nothing we can't accomplish. Ready to take on the world as it were. There's a charge, an electricity between us that defies explanation.
I love this man so much. Everyday I count myself grateful that he's in my life and that I'm in his. Everyday.
All in all, a wonderful trip. I'm pretty sure that Christmas isn't the most wonderful time of the year. SHIMMER weekends are. My thanks to Dave Prazak, Allison Danger, the behind the scenes crew and of course the women themselves for another fantastic weekend!
...Now, when's the next one?!? :D
~
Note: I originally deleted this because I felt like it was too emotional, too mushy. But then I realised that's the way I am. I am an emotional, mushy, maybe a touch too sensitive, passionate person. I love my boyfriend, my friends and wrestling. I'm not ashamed to admit any of this. If any of what I've written comes off as creepy, it's not my intention. I respect the women I've written too much to cross the boundaries into inappropriate behaviour. But my writing comes out as over the top sometimes. Which is another reason why I took it down, I was afraid of how it would be perceived.
At the end of the day, I'm just a fan who's grateful for female wrestling that's worth supporting and the women therein who deserve appreciation and respect. I'm also a woman who counts her friends and boyfriend as real treasures, and I always want them to know that I love them very much. I'm a blessed person. May I never forget this.
Kalamity is amazing. This is just plain fact. I saw her for the first time in action in the bonus match on SHIMMER Volume 36 (which I actually just finished the week before the past SHIMMER show), and I was immediately taken. Even more so when I saw her in person. Her music, her look, her wrestling skill, her character...she absolutely enthralled me. Sexy, gothic, dangerous - only one person has ever had that kind of sudden impact on me before. Twelve years ago, April 1999 when I first got into wrestling. This person hooked me and got me to keep watching. He had the same impact back then that Kalamity had now.
The Undertaker. He was one of two wrestling crushes I had up through the years until this year. When I found out UT had shaved all his hair off, the crush died a hard death, leaving a UT sized hole in my heart. A hole that I believe Kalamity will fill very nicely. This lady is so completely her character that when we met up with Stephane, Lufisto and her outside Michael Anthony's, I had to ask Lee, "Is that Kalamity?" just to make sure. She was so shy and nice - the exact reverse of her character. Which is usually what happens in wrestling (either they play a character the polar opposite of themselves or they turn their personality up to 100). I was absolutely charmed by her, even though we didn't speak.
More like hopelessly infatuated, but also charmed. I sincerely hope that she becomes a SHIMMER regular, but I'm also determined to make it up to Montreal for a Femme Fatales show next year. Mostly because of her, but also because there's a lot of tremendous talent up there. Until then, I'll have to be satisfied with watching all six of the previous FF DVDs I bought! Woo hoo!
Hailey Hatred was an honour to watch in person. I wish she had been there both days, but she had a show she was contracted to wrestle on for Sunday, so I admire her willingness to travel and determination to make both shows. From the taste of her I got on Saturday (minds out of the gutters, pervs!), I believe she deserves all the credit in the world and deserves all the championships she holds in Japan. She has broken new ground for gaijin in Japan. Yet through it all, she has remained humble and so sweet, so approachable! I had the great fortune to chat with her during the intermission on Saturday, and once I told her my twitter handle she knew who I was! (Which surprised me, but it always takes me aback when folks recognise me from twitter hah.)
I bought two DVDs that she recommended, which she graciously autographed for me. They're all in Japanese (of course) but great wrestling transcends language (as I've found out from watching joshi on YouTube and Ice Ribbon). I wanted to get a picture with her, but it was way too crowded at intermission - but she sent me a tweet saying it was nice to have met me, which was really awesome of her. I very much hope she comes back to do a full weekend at SHIMMER since I doubt I'll be getting to Japan any time soon!
Yumi Ohka was a name that, when announced, was a bit confusing to me. Kinda appeared out of thin air (although I know DP doesn't just pull names out of a hat), but after YTing some of her matches I was eager to see what she could bring to the table. This lady is grace personified. She has a doll-like beauty and grace exudes from every movement she makes. Tall, skillful yet powerful as her boot to the face showed, I was extremely impressed. Her inclusion made the absence of Misaki Ohata easier to overlook (although without her 3S partner, Hiroyo Matsumoto stood out as a top card draw and had some outstanding matches). I was sold on her after her first match.
A woman who'd been hyped to the max also made her debut - Kana. After seeing her progression from a CD of her early work I'd been given to her most recent matches against Serena Deeb, I saw how far she had come. The hype was justified, her matches were excellent, although I disliked how stiff she appeared to be in her last match with Lufisto but that's more out of concern for Lufisto's health (there were a couple of kicks to Lufi's head that made me cringe!) than any dislike towards Kana. I also didn't like how she held herself higher than the other roster and after her match with Lufi I finally stood and applauded after she shook Lufisto's hand.
It was pointed out to me a day later that my reaction was how a "mark" would react. Which is true (although I don't like the word "mark"). I like the fact that I can still be pulled in by a wrestler's character, which Kana pulled off to a T. I heard afterwards at the after party that she went around to several tables, asking people what they thought of her matches. "She was ridiculously humble," a friend remarked. I agree. Another total 180 from character to actual person. A very gracious, talented lady who still has a lot more to give to wrestling.
Dave gave us a few surprises on SPARKLE: Mia Svensson, whom I've grown close to over the past year, showed up in first a tag match, then got onto the main show to face off against Lufisto! I was, and am, so proud of her. She did very well in both matches, and I daresay wrestling Lufisto on your first SHIMMER volume had to be an amazing experience for her. I have to admit, I popped when, on her SPARKLE match, I saw she was wearing the Thor's hammer necklace I'd bought her. I knew it would suit her character tremendously.
I cannot put into words how much it meant to finally meet her in person and give her a hug. She has helped me so incredibly much over the past year, I've trusted her with some very private things about myself, and she's trusted me in return. I'm so glad that we got the chance to talk and just hang out and have fun at the after parties. (And I know she's a heel but I couldn't help but clap for her!) Mia, thank you so much for everything. It was fantastic to see you wrestle in person and a pleasure to hang out with you. ^.^
Another SPARKLE surprise was one third of the Midwest Militia - Allysin Kay. Knowing that Sassy Stephie was already booked, seeing Allysin show up made me hope that the other MWM woman, Jessicka Havok, would appear as well. No dice this time, but given the size of the roster for these past shows it's completely understandable. Allysin was great to watch in person. I'd been impressed with her talent and intensity in WSU, and I think she'll only continue to get better. Her and Mia teamed up on SPARKLE to face a returning Cherry Bomb and a debuting KC Spinelli. All four were impressive. Cherry had been at a previous SPARKLE show, but KC was debuting for the first time for SPARKLE. Very talented, all four were fun to watch.
Another SPARKLE match that held a surprise was the team of She Nay Nay (a nCw FF competitor that had been at SPARKLE before), Jessie "Bonesaw" Brooks, and the debuting Buggy Nova (a West Coast wrestler who's had a lot of buzz about her) aka BoNayNayBugs taking on Kimberly Maddox (hadn't heard of her before, but I think someone said she works out of Florida), Veda Scott (a graduate of the SHIMMER academy) and a lady who'd recently been released from her WWE developmental deal Su Yung.
Su was the surprise, completely unexpected and after seeing her work, it's a damn shame that WWE released her. She's pretty and talented, yet still learning. After seeing Buggy in action, I can understand the buzz about her. Her look is different, she has charisma and she can work. She was amazingly over with the crowd and deservedly so. Definitely one to watch.
I confess though, I was most excited to see Veda Scott. We had become friendly via twitter (and I have a weakness for red heads), and I was looking forward to not only meeting her but also seeing her wrestle. The SHIMMER academy has produced some great students so far, Veda being in that category. Although she's still learning and (I think) SHIMMER was her first big show, her tag and singles matches were great. She has all the elements needed to make a top level wrestler, all she needs is time and experience now.
Not to mention she's smart. She's going to school to be a lawyer, which means she'll have a steady career in addition to wrestling, like MsChif. That's the best thing you can do, because no matter how much you love wrestling, eventually you have to quit before your body quits for you. (Unless you're Ric Flair and have massive debts to pay.) Plus she's funny and a cat lover, both bonus points. So I was really excited to meet her! But she made my day on Sunday when, coming out for her singles match, she was slapping hands and when Veda saw me, she hugged me! Totally unexpected that made me beam with happiness.
Like Mia, it was wonderful to meet Veda in person. Hopefully we can get to know each other better over the coming year. Veda, you are a lovely, hilarious, talented woman and I'm glad that I get to watch your wrestling career grow. I know you can go as far as you want to. You have all the skills necessary, all that's lacking is experience which will come in time. Congratulations on a great SHIMMER weekend!
It has been a year since Mia Yim debuted on SPARKLE, then SHIMMER. In that year, she has grown by leaps and bounds. Her matches over the past weekend were tremendous. I especially liked the three way between her, Athena and Jessie McKay; and her versus Yumi Ohka. I am so proud of her, she hasn't rested but instead took the opportunities she was given and ran with them. Especially going over to Japan and getting the opportunity to train over there, it's amazing. Her progression and what she learned from over there shone over the weekend. I'm so happy I've gotten to see her grow and can continue to watch her evolution. I'm so proud of you girl! :D
Amber Gertner continues to be a lovely, classy woman. I'm really really happy we got the chance to just sit back and talk for a bit at the after party. She is one of the sweetest women I know and I'm truly grateful to have her as a friend. Love you Miss G!
Lufisto continues to inspire and amaze me. Athena continues to impress the heck outta me, as does Nicole Matthews. Shoot, if I go down this road I'll have to list every woman, because all of them (barring two) continually amaze me. And this blog is going to be long enough as it is!
The match quality, from SPARKLE to SHIMMER itself continues to astound me. Out of 16+ hours, I can think of one, possibly two matches that I didn't care for. That's it. And even in the matches I didn't care for, the women still brought their A-game. Everyone gave their all. Because they wanted to be there. SHIMMER isn't a case where just because you're local or because you know someone, you get booked. No way. You send in tapes, you get your name out there and you earn a spot. That's one of the reasons it's so appealing, everyone is there because they want to be.
The after party, despite having to be moved to Michael Anthony's, was great on both nights. I actually preferred MA's due to it having more rooms to circulate, sit down and talk in. You didn't have to stay up near the bar where the music was blaring which was quite nice. I got to chat with Nicole Matthews, Stephie, Veda, Mia Svensson, Amber Gertner and various others. It felt like a family (which I wrote about in my latest Ringbelles article), everyone was relaxed and easy to talk to or have a drink with. Of course, for those of us with a taste of karaoke, we left and made our way to a bar where a SHIMKaraoke Champion was crowned - BONESAW~! (Then she rudely had her belt taken away and given to a guy named Bruce. BOOO! Rematch, rematch!)
The last song played that everyone danced and sang to was the Backstreet Boys "Everybody." It was hilarious and awesome all at once. A superb way to end the weekend.
One of the highlights also happened after the karaoke was done. After over a year of wanting it I FINALLY FINALLY got my knife-edge chop!! WOOO! I can't say who gave it to me out of respect for her, but I do have photographic evidence of the imprint she left. And as soon as I can get the pictures uploaded I will be sharing! I begged the lady in question, and I think what got her to agree was the fact that I told her it was on my bucket list. Which it is. I got Lee to be my witness, and let me tell you....it's like a thousand knives piercing your chest. I'm guessing that's how it got to be called the 'knife edge chop.' It was one of the most intense things I've ever felt in my life. Utterly exhilarating! Before she left, she made sure I was okay, that my heart didn't explode or there were any after effects. And yes, I pulled the collar of my shirt down so the impact was directly on my chest, no cloth between. Skin to skin contact.
Oh yes, I wanted this done with all the stops pulled out. And I got it! I was buzzing, from that and also from the fact I got pictures with both Britani & Saraya Knight, plus Jessie McKay when she jumped in the first one. These pictures are AWESOME. I told Saraya, "You are the first person in wrestling to legit scare the crap out of me." She laughed and said, "I'm glad you enjoy the character." A gracious lady if there ever was one. Britani is wonderfully nice with a bit of craziness mixed in. It was an honour to meet them both and have a few words with Saraya. I came out of Michael Anthony's buzzing, a feeling that lasted the rest of the night.
Oh and Mena Libra's theme music makes a great alarm clock. Just saying.
This weekend was utterly amazing. The only thing I didn't like was Cheerleader Melissa winning the title. It was too obvious. You could see it coming from a mile away. When MsChif won the title, it was a shock. When Madison won the title, it was a shock. But Melissa...when she won it, it was anti-climactic. I knew she would win, as most other folks did I expect. The match was spectacular, the women brawled all the way around the Eagles Club (and at one point, Madison was thrown down the stairs at the front of the Club!), and it took a ton to put Madison down for three. But the fact that you could see it coming irked me.
Plus, purely in my opinion mind you, although Cheerleader Melissa is superb in the ring I think the title should've gone to another up and coming talent, not one that doesn't really need the belt. The SHIMMER Championship took Madison Eagles to a whole new level. I felt there was a lot more we could have seen with her descent into obsession over keeping the title. However, with the knowledge of her physical status now, it's understandable that she lost it. It might've been the original plan all along to have her lose, but knowing how hurt she is, taking the belt off of her will ease some of the pressure. Hopefully now she can have a good, long rest and heal up.
I wish her the best and hope she heals fully. Watching her wrestle is a treat, she really is one of the best in the world.
I think I've gushed enough, but truly these tapings were tremendous milestones for SHIMMER. An awesome collection of talent from all over the world and in the continent. Great story lines, fantastic matches, pure emotion and topping it all off with two great after parties.
I adore SHIMMER, and the people that work behind the scenes and in the ring. It really has renewed my passion for professional wrestling. Great wrestling is just that - great wrestling. I feel privileged to get to see it in person twice a year. Not to mention spend time with a bunch of wonderful people.
Plus I wound up having a great talk with Steven and renewing our friendship. Cryssi and I also made peace and we're trying to get to know each other. Which I'm truly grateful for. I don't like fighting, contrary to what anyone thinks. So all in all, a great weekend.
(This ends the SHIMMER portion of my post. Below is what happened after Sunday, so if you don't want to read more personal stuff, stop here! ^.^)
Monday, Stew, Steve, Lee and I went to the Sears Tower. They'd been before but I hadn't. Amazing, to be in a building that's above the clouds! The sky box was terrifying but there's a photo of Lee and I that made the terror worth it. <3 We had dinner at Twin Anchors (a place Frank Sinatra loved so much that he would had their ribs flown to wherever he had a show) which was delicious. Watched Raw, which is a lot more enjoyable when you have people to run commentary on it with.
Tuesday, our flights didn't leave 'til that evening so after we checked out of the Rodeway we went to a mall that was near Chicago and did some shopping. We also had Red Robin which was delicious. After that, we reluctantly made our way to the airport. I had to say goodbye to Stew and Steve since our flights were in two different terminals. Lee accompanied me into terminal one and stayed with me until I absolutely had to go through the gate. That night was miserable but the days after weren't as bad as one would think. Each day I was determined to be positive and grateful for the weekend, and for getting to spend time with Lee.
It also struck me that, after spending so much time with the three of them, I wasn't the "resident girlfriend" that usually has to be tolerated when one person in a group of friends gets a partner. I was actually part of the group. I felt like, even if I wasn't Lee's girlfriend, I would still be included with them because of the friendships we've formed.
I've become very close with Steve and to me, he's like the big brother I never had. (I have an awesome older sister though!) I trust him completely and he's proven to be worthy of that trust (and I think I've proven to be worthy of his trust in return). He's a big ol' teddy bear! He has a good heart, a generous nature and a gentle soul. He's not the type to let a lot of folks in to get to know him, which makes me all the more grateful I'm one of those select few. He's a good man and I love him to pieces. ^_^
Although I'm not quite as close to him as I am with Lee and Steve, I still consider Stew to be a good friend. He's hilarious, intelligent and very quick witted - which you need to be to hang with the others. A "gentle giant" as it were. He's a lot of fun to be around. Although you never quite know what's going to come out of his mouth! ;) (And he has a habit of doing that damn shocker thing in pictures..! *Shakes fist*)
We really missed Rob and Rhia on this trip but perhaps next year they'll rejoin us. But it was lovely to be a part of the group and not just a fourth wheel. I love that connection. However I can't deny, it was most wonderful to be with Lee once more. It's been a full year since we've been communicating, although we don't really have a set date that we can call an "anniversary" since we've been a couple. The past year has been utterly amazing and life changing. I've changed him and he's changed me, for the better. He's been the catalyst to help me discover parts of myself that I either didn't know existed or denied for years. For the first time, I feel like an actual woman that's blossoming in several different ways. Akin a flower that's starting to bud and then bloom under the sunlight.
When we're together, I feel a peace, a serenity that I rarely feel at any other time. Yet I also feel energized, renewed, like there's nothing we can't accomplish. Ready to take on the world as it were. There's a charge, an electricity between us that defies explanation.
I love this man so much. Everyday I count myself grateful that he's in my life and that I'm in his. Everyday.
All in all, a wonderful trip. I'm pretty sure that Christmas isn't the most wonderful time of the year. SHIMMER weekends are. My thanks to Dave Prazak, Allison Danger, the behind the scenes crew and of course the women themselves for another fantastic weekend!
...Now, when's the next one?!? :D
~
Note: I originally deleted this because I felt like it was too emotional, too mushy. But then I realised that's the way I am. I am an emotional, mushy, maybe a touch too sensitive, passionate person. I love my boyfriend, my friends and wrestling. I'm not ashamed to admit any of this. If any of what I've written comes off as creepy, it's not my intention. I respect the women I've written too much to cross the boundaries into inappropriate behaviour. But my writing comes out as over the top sometimes. Which is another reason why I took it down, I was afraid of how it would be perceived.
At the end of the day, I'm just a fan who's grateful for female wrestling that's worth supporting and the women therein who deserve appreciation and respect. I'm also a woman who counts her friends and boyfriend as real treasures, and I always want them to know that I love them very much. I'm a blessed person. May I never forget this.
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