Saturday, May 17, 2025

Therapy Sessions and Baby Steps

The story unfolds in Ridgefield Park, a town humorously dubbed the "mecca of New Jersey" by the wrestlers themselves. It's here that Tarzan Duran is running a show that is drawing a crowd of over 300 fans eager for high-octane action and outrageous entertainment. For many of the wrestlers, this is more than just another booking, it's a chance to connect with fans, settle scores, and chase glory in the ring.
At the center of the action are Grim and Emily Saxton, two wrestlers with a playful, competitive dynamic. he is set to defend his legendary YouTube title while Emily who is relatively new to the indie scene is hungry for her first big win. Their banter is laced with inside jokes, mock insults and a shared love for the absurdity of wrestling. But they're not alone. The GTS roster is a colorful ensemble, including the brash LJ Wash, the enigmatic Sunny Kiss (formerly of AEW), and a host of other characters who bring their own flavor to the proceedings.


From the outset the wrestlers gleefully break "kayfabe"  the traditional code of maintaining the illusion that wrestling storylines are real. They joke about their roles "You're the good guy, I'm the bad guy. I turned heel." They discuss match outcomes and riff on the tropes of wrestling storytelling. This self-awareness adds a layer of meta-humor, inviting the audience to be in on the joke while still delivering the drama fans crave.

Titles, Loser Belts, and Legendary Status
The night's main event is a clash for the legendary YouTube title with the added twist that the loser will be saddled with the ignominious "loser belt." For Emily, it's a shot at redemption but a chance to shed her loser label and claim championship gold. For Grim, it's about maintaining his status as the "head of the buffet table" and the self-proclaimed tribal chef of GTS. Their pre-match banter sets the stage she vows to fight with heart and determination, while he promises to bury her shovel style and mocks her as a "human hot dog" and "anti-grim grimace." The insults are over-the-top, the stakes are tongue-in-cheek, but the passion is real.

The Heel Promo Master
No wrestling show is complete without a villain and LJ Wash steps up with a scathing promo that skewers both the fans and his fellow wrestlers. Declaring himself a Hollywood talent and a superstar, he rants about not feeling appreciated, mocks the intelligence of the audience and threatens to keep his "food in the fridge" briefcase hostage. His tirade is a masterclass in heel work his provocative, arrogant, and designed to draw boos from the crowd. He boasts about his success outside wrestling and claims all the women want him, and dismisses the fans as "idiot pieces of [ __ ]." It's classic wrestling bravado, delivered with a wink and a sneer.




Pre-Match Antics and Backstage Banter
Backstage the wrestlers engage in mock therapy sessions who are led by the ever-patient Dr. Shelby. Amidst the chaos, they practice "baby steps" and deep breathing, poking fun at the idea of wrestlers needing emotional support before a big match. The humor is irreverent, but it highlights the camaraderie and self-awareness that define the indie scene. The absurdity continues as Grim jokes about Emily's outfit, likening her to Grimace from McDonald's and warning her not to enter 7-Eleven in costume. 

Emily, ever the good sport and takes a pratfall down the stairs "practicing face bumps" for the match, she quips. The banter is relentless and blending slapstick with sharp wit. Grim who is seeking respite from the chaos and takes a rainy walk to 7-Eleven, only to return to the arena and praise his friend Sunny Kiss, a standout performer and a testament to the diversity and talent found on the indie circuit.

The Entrances: Hype, Humor, and Heat
As the show kicks off, the energy in Ridgefield Park is electric. Grim, the reigning GTS YouTube champion makes his entrance to a chorus of cheers and jeers and tried hyping up the crowd with boasts about his past victories and his status as the "tribal chef."  He taunts Emily, promising to "bury her shovel style" and daring the fans to root for the "human Easter egg." 

Emily, introduced as the "coolest and greatest" and the reigning loser champion, fires back with her own promo. She thanks the crowd and acknowledges her underdog status and vows to take the YouTube title home while leaving him with the loser belt. The crowd is firmly behind her, eager to see an upset.

The Match: Comedy, Drama, and Near Falls
The match itself is a whirlwind of action, comedy, and classic wrestling tropes. Grim and Emily trade insults and moves with Grim playing the arrogant heel and Emily the plucky underdog. The commentary is laced with jokes and references to hot dogs, bowling balls, and even fart sounds. The action spills into the corners with near falls and dramatic kick-outs at "2.999," keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. 

Grim mocks his own inability to perform high-flying moves "I'm too fat to do that myself", while Emily rallies the fans to her side. The finish is a flurry of chaos, with him ultimately retaining his title but not without controversy and plenty of laughs along the way.

Rivalries, Reflections, and Real Life
No sooner has the dust settled than new challengers step up. Adam Bizarre the United States Champion and boasting an undefeated streak and calls out Grim for a shot at the title. The trash talk is fierce with threats of being "buried shovel style" and promises of revenge. The seeds are sown for future battles, ensuring the drama never ends. Backstage, the banter continues. Emily tries to crash at Grim's house, leading to more jokes about shipping, stinky couches, and the hazards of post-match hygiene. 

The conversation is a mix of in-character ribbing and genuine friendship, showcasing the unique bond that forms among wrestlers who share the grind of the indie circuit. Grim reflects on the match, praising Emily for "selling the grim job" a move that most opponents avoid. The mutual respect is clear, even as the insults fly.

The Art of Blurring Reality
One of the most fascinating aspects of indie wrestling is the way it blurs the line between reality and performance. Wrestlers openly discuss match outcomes and break character for laughs, invite the audience to be part of the spectacle. This transparency doesn't diminish the drama and enhances it, creating a sense of community and shared experience. Comedy is a cornerstone of the indie scene. From over-the-top promos to slapstick pratfalls, the humor is both self-deprecating and inclusive. 

Wrestlers aren't afraid to look silly, to poke fun at themselves or to let the audience in on the joke. This approach ability endears them to fans and fosters a sense of belonging. Behind the scenes, the camaraderie is palpable. Wrestlers support each other and share advice, bond over the shared challenges of life on the road. The mock therapy sessions and playful insults are a testament to the trust and friendship that underpin the chaos.

The Passion That Drives It All
At its core indie wrestling is fueled by passion. The performers pour their hearts into every match and is driven not by fame or fortune, but for the love for the craft and a desire to entertain. Whether they're playing the hero, the villain, or something in between, they give everything they have to create moments that fans will remember. Indie wrestling teaches us to embrace the absurdity of life. Whether you're falling down the stairs, cutting a promo about food in the fridge, or defending a "loser belt," there's joy to be found in not taking yourself too seriously.  The sense of community in indie wrestling is unmatched. Performers and fans alike come together to celebrate creativity, athleticism, and the thrill of live performance. It's a reminder that, no matter how unconventional your passion, there's a place for you.

Keep the Drama in the Ring
While the rivalries and trash talk are fierce they're ultimately part of the show. Behind the scenes, respect and friendship prevail. It's a lesson in separating work from real life, and in finding joy in both. As the night winds down and the wrestlers head home some to well-earned rest, others to more banter and late-night shenanigans one thing is clear: indie wrestling is a world unto itself. It's raw, unpredictable, and endlessly entertaining. It's a place where anyone can be a hero or a villain, where every match is a new story, and where the only limit is your imagination. 

For the fans in Ridgefield Park, for the wrestlers chasing their dreams, and for anyone who's ever felt like an underdog, indie wrestling is proof that you don't need a big stage to make a big impact. All you need is heart, humor, and the courage to step into the ring—no matter how many times you fall down the stairs. So next time you hear about a local wrestling show, grab a ticket, bring your sense of humor, and get ready to cheer, boo, and laugh along with the wildest show in town. And remember: in the world of indie wrestling, everyone's a winner even the loser belt champion.

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