LadySports ::: SASSY'S SHIMMER SCENE

Photos by Wrestlin' Wally

Recently, the SHIMMER promotion held another of its all-female wrestling cards. Longtime LadySports fans know how supportive we've been of SHIMMER from the start, and we're happy to continue that support with this latest special report. And what makes this story so special is that our reporter is none other than Sassy Stephie, who attended the card not as a worker, but as a fan. Add to that the fact that we've got some fantastic photographs from Wrestlin' Wally to accompany it, and we think you'll agree this makes for a very interesting story!

Daredevils, competitive larger-than-life personas, high flyers, risk takers, athletic women . That describes the women from around the world who come to compete and display their talents at the Berwyn Eagles Club in Berwyn, Illinois. These are the women of SHIMMER Women's Athletics.

SHIMMER is an all-women's wrestling promotion based out of Chicago. It was founded by Dave Prazak and Allison Danger in 2005. SHIMMER has brought in some of the best talent from around the world to compete in their ring. SHIMMER does not tour at the moment, but Ring Of Honor...another prestigious wrestling promotion...does recognize the talent the women of SHIMMER possess, and have been known to showcase SHIMMER matches at any given event. SHIMMER's events are recorded and released on DVD, a clever way to circumvent the lack of a weekly television series.

Nearly two years after being founded, tonight October 13, 2007, live DVD tapings will be made for the 15th and 16th DVDs. Advertised were over a dozen matches on the card. The only actual match announced in advance was Amazing Kong versus the current SHIMMER Champion, Sara Del Rey. Keeping the rest of the card a mystery ratcheted up the anticipation factor among the SRO crowd, and kept the surprises coming all show long.

It was a chilly autumn afternoon outside the Eagle's Club, but the weather did not seem to bother the crowd of people as they stood outside, excited about the event. The people standing in line had questions and stories about all their favorite wrestlers, including the women of SHIMMER. Some were concerned whether some of the ladies would be wrestling after tonight.

Inside, the bell rang and the pre-show "dark matches" consisted of 9 men, a SHIMMER tradition...and a nice tweak of the all-too-common practice of women's matches being on the bottom of many wrestling cards. First on the card was a triple threat match. Next was a six-man tag match. The crowd was into everything the men were giving in the ring. After a video montage was over, the fans roared for main show to begin.

The matches were very consistent. Each match had a story to tell and the wrestlers were bringing those stories to the crowd with fierce moves and attitude.

Some fans didn't like how some matches ended; others disagreed. Most of the time promoters want both competitors to be strong through out the whole match. Especially in a high stakes match such as one in particular.

The match in question was Amazing Kong versus Sara del Rey for the SHIMMER belt. Del Rey is a highly accomplished grappler who is more than a match for most opponents. But in Kong, she met a woman who has proven to be nearly unbeatable both here and in Japan, where she is a major star. It would not be an easy match for either of them, and they both took each other to the wall as they battled for the belt. After impressive offense by both ladies, Amazing Kong was unable to reach her feet by the 10-count. Whereas Sara Del Rey reached her feet by the count, but barely. Therefore the title stayed around Sara's waist, even though there was not a pinfall or submission. This not only sets up a rematch, but it allows both women to showcase their talent and leave the crowd wanting more.

From top to bottom, all involved helped make SHIMMER a great event -- not a show; an event . An event that should be praised and looked upon as the best women in professional wrestling providing the crowd and viewers with the best quality talent without sacrificing entertainment.