Once a regular feature on weekly professional wrestling television, midget wrestling eventually suffered the same fate as other previous staples of the sport such as “jobbers” (performers whose primary role was to lose their matches while enhancing their opponents’ abilities) and “managers” (supporting players who were tasked with strengthening their charges). That is, it virtually disappeared from the mainstream.
But thanks to promoter Jack Darrell, a new era of the once popular, but often criticized, attraction is steadily gaining momentum.
The Micro Wrestling Federation, a league comprised entirely of little people, has quickly become the premiere promotion for fans looking for a fun, yet respectable, alternative wrestling product to follow. Founded almost 20 years ago, the group is known for its stellar reputation, according to veteran Flyin’ Ryan. “The MWF, overall, is the best – talent wise, the way it’s run, and the shows are better than any other company,” Ryan told Royal Flush.
Boasting an eclectic cast of characters with names ranging from Heavy-Metal Mario (clad in full Super Mario gear) to Baby Jesus to Little Show, the Redneck Brawler, those seeking political correctness should probably look elsewhere. But once you get past the over-the-top monikers and the matter-of-fact use of objects like ladders, caution signs, and garbage cans, the pure athleticism of the miniature brawlers overshadows everything else.
Mulcahy’s Pub & Concert Hall, in Wantagh, NY, was the setting for the latest MWF event on November 2. Kicking off with Boston-bred Ryan taking on the impressively physically fit King, both competitors played their parts to perfection, as Ryan’s immediate trash-talking and bad-mouthing of New York was interrupted by the consummate “babyface,” or good guy, King. The action continued from there as the Redneck Brawler partnered with Big Daddy Bruiser as they battled Jesus and Mario in an explosive tag-team contest.
If that wasn’t enough, ex-WWE mini superstar Mascarita Dorada, formerly known as El Torito, was part of the festivities as well, as he squared off with fellow Mexican luchador Mini Durango, in a dazzling display of extreme acrobatics. Following a brief intermission, the evening’s final bout proved to be quite the main event as every member of the talented roster took part in an engrossing battle royal that succeeded in whipping the capacity crowd into a frenzy.
Although all the wrestlers on the card were male, perennial fan favorite BreAnnah “Little Miss” Belliveau handled referee duties with ease, effortlessly controlling her testosterone-fueled counterparts. Her infectious ring presence combined with her take-charge attitude was a real treat that complemented the night’s activities seamlessly.
While the archaic midget wrestling terminology is still used by some holdouts, Darrell’s micro wrestling handle is much more appropriate. Yet the opinions on the controversial phrasing are wide-ranging among the talent. Both Big Daddy Bruiser and Ryan feel the outdated reference is derogatory, but the Redneck Brawler, known as Jacob Brooks when he’s not delivering body slams in the ring, never had an issue with it. “It never bothered me,” Brooks stated. “I know who I am and if you mess with me, you’ll get your ass whooped,” he cautioned. Perhaps Belliveau, who moonlights as a volunteer firefighter and hopes to eventually become a forensic scientist, summed it up best. “As long as I’m working in this industry and making money off it, I’m fine with it,” she proclaimed.
At the show’s conclusion, as the hundreds of spent spectators filed out, one thing was certain. The MWF greatly exceeded their already paramount stature as the quintessential “little person” pro wrestling organization around today. “I really enjoy what I do,” Belliveau opined. “The adrenaline, the fans – the amazement on their faces after they see us perform.”
And with an ambitious, far-in-advance, July 19, 2019 return date scheduled at Mulcahy’s, the pint-sized action is here to stay.
Click here for upcoming Micro Wrestling Federation events.