Review: Bolt + Scrappy + Eagle/Steel/Viking

While in Vegas, someone at Thunders Arena clearly thought it'd be a great idea to have one big hunk dominate two smaller studs. Whether this was a fan, the wrestlers or the production crew, we'll likely never know, but we certainly see the result. As the only “small” guys on the Vegas trip, Bolt and Scrappy ended up as the sacrificial lambs not once, not twice, but three times.

I ended up buying all three for some strange reason. Must have been the way the promotions worked out that I just added one in each time I made a buy. Luckily, they were all quite different. And so, let’s see how they went.

Bolt vs. Scrappy vs. Eagle

Eagle's ready for Bolt and Scrappy.

This video opens up with Scrappy looking for Bolt. The Southern stud claims to have been in the shower, but he's bone dry and wearing trunks under his towel. However, that's not really the point. The guys fight and things are great. It quickly becomes a test to Scrappy’s strength against Bolt’s skill. I enjoyed this part a ton.

Bolt and Scrappy get it on.

It's wrestler vs. bodybuilder.

Once Eagle enters the scene, things get a little strange. Yes, the guys object to being interrupted and a fight ensues. Yes, you do see him work over both guys thoroughly. However, it's not a one-on-two scenario, except in Bolt’s mind. That's why I say it's strange because I felt it's like all three guys act like they're in different videos.

Bolt is in a Scrappy-Bolt buddy team-up against the bigger guy, like the match versus Viking. Despite the fact that they were just in a grudge match, he's looking to work with Scrappy against a common foe. Bolt’s overacting is quite high here, although not at its highest point.

Eagle is in an old school Thunders one-on-one beat-and-flex video. He mostly focuses on one guy at a time, with only a couple of dual bearhugs near the end. So for Eagle’s part, he executes a hold then flexes. He even shoves Scrappy in the closet to abuse Bolt in peace.

And Scrappy is playing a flirty, muscle-obsessed sycophant in a body worship video. He's more on team Eagle as he feels Eagle’s powerful arms, massages his broad shoulders and lovingly caresses the thick torso. It's certainly understandable, given Eagle’s proportions. And the big man shifts from confused to willing, so he doesn't seem to mind. However, this Scrappy feels like he comes out of nowhere.

Scrappy's more interested in feeling
up Eagle than wrestling him.

In the end, this was actually my favorite one. Not because of the big man beating two smaller guys, but because of the first 12 minutes with the two smaller guys. I really like the way it was playing out with the contrast between Bolt as the wrestler and Scrappy as the bodybuilder. Once Eagle comes in, things slow down and it becomes a little less interesting for me.

Bolt + Scrappy vs. Steel

Things are a little more evenly matched in this one.

Next up, we find Bolt and Scrappy arguing over who has the best body. I like Bolt, but come on. Not sure how there's a debate, but it's the story. They go to Steel to be the judge. Of course he thinks they're both nuts, because neither of them are anything compared to him. It's a simple premise, but it takes too long before there's any action (unless you consider a flex-off as action).

Steel overpowers the boys.

The big thing I notice here is how short Steel is. It's weird, because he's an undeniable mountain of incredible muscle. He's a powerhouse. However, I don't necessarily get him as a muscle monster that can take both these guys at once. Maybe it's just me. Anyway, not really the point, it's just something that stood out to me watching it.

Action-wise, this feels lighter than the other two. The headlocks are beautiful. You can just imagine being squeezed against Steel’s body by those massive arms. And there are little executional misses. For example, the double test of strength starts with Bolt and Scrappy on their knees. It's not a height issue. Blayne forced Frey and Viking down and it was great.

Would it really be that bad to be held
against Steel's rock-hard muscles?

Steel stands tall (metaphorically).

In the end, this was the most fun one. The guys are friendly, casual and the tension is the lightest. It was also my least favorite. Maybe because it was the third one I watched and this is so similar. Or maybe I because there's way too much setup and the action is just okay. The guys make it watchable, but there are better Vegas videos for all three.

Bolt + Scrappy vs. Viking

The giant manhandles the buddies.

Last up, we have Bolt and Scrappy teaming up against the 6’6”/260-lbs Viking. I've saved the biggest for last, because I think this is probably the one that works like you'd expect. From the start, Viking is the antagonist, while Bolt and Scrappy are a team. There's a lot of … not double-teaming, because that suggests two-on-one. There's a lot of one-on-two.

At the start, Bolt saves a tanning Scrappy from certain humiliation as Viking has used sunscreen to write DICK on the fireplug’s chest. An old-school prank, but Bolt doesn't think it's funny. The two smaller studs team-up, but Viking is way too much man for them. And so, he crushes them consistently and thoroughly. Bolt is a little corny, but it's highly watchable.

Action-wise, you get a lot of convincing one-on-two. Viking's height advantage enables him to really manhandle the smaller studs. The test of strength, crabs and pool play is all well done. The chokelifts use smart camerawork to look their best.

Bolt and Scrappy go down again.

Creativity helps amplify the power advantage.

Aw, poor little musclemen!

In the end, I liked this one. It was definitely the best at delivering on the premise of one big vs. two small. Viking is big enough to dominate both guys at once in a convincing fashion. The holds are hot and the guys are all into it. Bolt’s overacting and narrating is a little much at times, but I got over it.

So that's my take. What's yours?

Alex