Now…
I know due to my youthful good looks you'll find this hard to believe…
But I vaguely remember the days of Wrestling been on prime time Saturday night T.V.
Nowadays it has been replaced by the likes of "strictly come x factor on ice" and there is often much debate as to whether this change in our T.V. has been good or bad.
Well…
This Saturday just gone I had the chance to go back to the days of wrestling on a Saturday night thanks to the wonderful people at E.W.A. Wrestling.
They where putting on a show at the Arts4Every1 centre in High Wycombe, and after a few happen stances, I found myself signing up to be in the midst of the melee… Fortunately just taking pictures!
As regular readers of our blog will know, I'm always looking into new ideas, be it technologies, equipment or subjects…
And I thought to myself, why not give it a go!
So I arrived at the venue and had a chat with Carl and some other guys promoting the event (sorry guys, I did say I'm awful at remembering names) and was soon advised on the set up, where I could go, and what was likely to be heading my way during the evening, this included a warning about low flying wrestlers!
So I had a quick nibble to eat before starting, scoped out the area and waited for showtime…
The venue filled quickly and it was lovely to see such a mix of young and old, men and women all gathering to watch the spectacle. In fact, what really struck me was how much of a family friendly event this was, indeed a great night out for all.
So the matches came and went, and as I got my eye in I progressed nearer and nearer to the ring before finishing most of my night ringside.
The spectacle was awesome, I would be lying if I tried to comment on it to deeply as I still have no idea what half the moves are called, or indeed what half the wrestlers where called… But despite this I really got into it.
From the point of view of a photographer there was plenty of things going on, some great action shots to be had, and some fun (very low) lighting to work with.
The wrestling was great and I found my self quickly absorbed into both the rounds themselves and the theatrics of the whole thing. Without knowing who was who, I found myself been swept along with the crowd, cheering for good guys, booing the bad guys and generally grinning like a Cheshire cat for the vast majority of the evening.
As the night passed the crowd got more and more excited and by the end of the final match the spirits where high and the whole arena was alive with atmosphere, the wrestlers took time to meet and great people, especially the children, and everyone was just genuinely lovely.
We have come away with an appreciation of a new sport, some nice photo's, and a deep desire to be back there in January doing more with all the lovely people at E.W.A.
If you find yourself wanting to take part in the experience, it was getting pretty busy, but I know if you use the links, and keep an eye out on the E.W.A. page, there will be details of upcoming matches as well as how to get your tickets to ensure your involved…
What I would say is if its a night out just for you, a bit of a party night for you and your friends, or something a bit different as a night out for the whole family…
Get down there…
Everyone will make you feel welcome, there are loads of friendly people who will keep you in the loop with who's who, and whats going on…
And above all else, its an experience.
And as ever, if you see us… Say hi!
Matt