Review: Ash DeLeon vs. Dimitri (BGEast - Wrestling with Pride)

It's Pride Month. Yay! I hope most of us are proud all year long. It's mostly a time for parades, parties, and companies and politicians to fall all over themselves to fly the rainbow and tell us how much they love our money and votes us. On the genuine side of the month, we have BGEast with a perfectly timed release of this year's Wrestling with Pride event. It's a perfect first topic for June.

I've OTA'ed this year's event, same as I did last year. There are six matches. I was originally going to cover all of them in one post, but the first two matches I've viewed are worthy of their own posts. I haven't seen the rest, yet.

It's a ten-year pro vs. a BGE trainee.

First up (as a post, it's the fourth match on the compilation) is Ash DeLeon vs. Dimitri. Catalogue 136 is good for Ash DeLeon. He's also in the only non-WWP match I'm interested in (vs. the uber-sexy Grant Connors). This was filmed in May, so we can appreciate how the adorable young man is really manning up. He's looking hotter than ever with his thick black mop of hair and more chiseled body. In his red shiny trunks, he's just a rock star.

I just 'discovered' Dimitri recently (Krush vs. Dimitri review), but I'm definitely a fan so far. Even more so now. He's even hotter as a pro wrestler in a ring than he was on the mats. He's arrogant, French, and has a great wrestler's body. It's beefy, strong and solid with great pecs, arms and legs. He also knows how to dish out the insults and the punishment.

Now that's a pro wrestler. Woof.

It hardly seems fair.

What Ash lacks in experience, he makes up with heart.

So far, it looks like all the WWP matches are pro length, rather than underground length. The videos are around 20 minutes, but there's set up. In this case, the first five minutes feature French pro wrestler Dimitri's entrance and the realization that his opponent is a no-show. Dimitri immediately generates heat by insulting Americans and he challenges anyone in the crowd to face him.

Ash is the brave soul who gets chosen and he's more than willing to accept the challenge, even though he's just a BGEast trainee. The young buck strips down, insults Dimitri and the match is on. It's a one-sided affair as the ten-year pro manhandles the less experienced rookie, but Ash does get a couple of moments of control. Dimitri continues to work the crowd, getting them involved (verbally).

Dimitri shows everyone who's the boss.

Experience matters.

Dimitri delights in wrecking his
hand-picked young American opponent.

Action-wise, it's fast-paced and rough. Dimitri uses big power moves and hot submission holds. I had more than enough material for a full post, which is why making this 1/6 or 1/2 of a post seemed unfair to it. He's ruthless in his attempt to destroy the new all-American hero. Ash sells everything well and keeps struggling and fighting. He earns the respect and support of the crowd, as well as Kid Leopard who personally congratulates his bravery and determination.

One other thing I will mention is that the announce team is also really good. It feels like real wrestling commentary and added a lot. Especially at the end of the match, the guys could be from any 80's or early 90's broadcast (before the WWE gave up the fight and admitted everything is staged). Really, really good as they describe Ash's future and how we'll be seeing a lot from him.

Ash gets a painful lesson that I'm sure he'll remember.

Both guys do look great.

Even Kid Leopard is impressed,
so great job, Ash!

In the end, this was a winner all on its own. The arrogant French heel laying a beatdown the good-looking young American has so many hot angles. I enjoyed it a lot and like both wrestlers even more after seeing them in action live, with an audience and with no production stops or interference. Dimitri's arrogant swagger and contempt for everyone is pitch perfect for a heel and Ash makes the perfect babyface good guy.

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

Alex