Since the demise of XPW, Southern California wrestling fans have been starving for a truly dominate hardcore independent promotion. On Saturday, May 24, 2008, XPW reappeared for what was billed as “Cold Day in Hell.” Wrestlers booked to appear included Terry Funk, Sabu, Raven, Sandman, Vampiro, The Gangstas (New Jack & Mustafa), and several other XPW alumni such as Supreme, Johnny Webb, Kaos, & Homeless Jimmy.
The night included a two hour fan fest, Q&A, Miss Extreme contest, as well as a wrestling event being taped for PPV. The fan fest was nice from the stand point of getting to meet several wrestlers I had not met before. Unfortunately, the lines were poorly run as there were no lines, which aloud people to cut and as a result lines were slow moving.
Another issue associated with the fan fest was the fact that we fans had to pay $20.00 for the meet and greet and then had to pay some of the wrestlers for an autograph. I have a real issue with this. If we are being charged for the fan fest and then have to pay the wrestlers, I believe the promoters should lower the price of the fan fest or not charge at all. Come on guys, it is not fair to have it both ways.
The wrestlers themselves were all very nice and more than willing to pose for photos and sign autographs. I have to give props to guys like Kaos and Supreme who made us feel as if we were the stars. Thanks guys!
The show itself was poorly run as it started nearly 30 minutes late and lasted for nearly 4 hours. There seemed to be a lot of confusion on who was wrestling who and how matches were suppose to end. There were numerous miscues by the production team as music was played and smoke machines produced smoke, but no wrestler came to the ring.
The best matches of the evening included Kaos vs Vampiro, Luke Hawk vs Scorpio Sky vs Jack Evans, and Supreme vs Necro Butcher in a Dream Death Match – No Rope, Barred Wire, Bed of Everything. It is my opinion that the Supreme vs Necro Butcher Death Match captured the true essence that was XPW. The match itself was filled with brutality as only XPW can provide.
After experiencing XPW’s “Cold Night in Hell” I believe we have not seen the last of this company. Will it be back as a full fledged wrestling promotion? Probably not, but the fans were into the show enough and the venue was nearly sold out, so I believe this show may be an annual event due to the demand for nostalgia shows like this.
David E. Porto
TheWrestlingFanatic.com
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