Review: Ty Alexander vs. Jordi Gabana (BGEast - Wrestling with Pride)

For some reason, the Pet Shop Boys' Shameless got stuck in my head after watching this particular BGEast battle of the butts. The 1993 song was ahead of its time as it's perfect for the reality show/YouTube/Instagram era. And it's perfect for a match featuring these two aspiring superstars as they strut, flaunt and go for broke to impress each other, the fans and ultimately, us at home.

These two could be in a left vs. right Twix ad.

Ty Alexander vs. Jordi Gabana was the main event match for Wrestling with Pride, featuring two indie pro wrestlers with a ton of pride, as well as a ton of attitude, style and fire. Ty Alexander made the move to the pros back in April, but it's great to see home-grown BGEast talent and two LGBTQ wrestlers in the main event. Lane Hartley vs. Brute Baynard was great last year, but I think this is a better fit, especially given the event and timing.

Butt-tastic pinning predicament.

Perfect counter to a body slam.

The ref is too busy checking out Ty's
butt to start a five-count!

This is not a battle of contrasts. These two are twinsies, right down to their matching 'ruby red kiss' tattoos on their butt cheeks. They're both image-obsessed, gear-obsessed and arrogant. This is definitely heel vs. heel as these two are shameless - see, just like the song - and will do anything for success. The gear goes down to thongs (a stipulation before you can go for the win) and the guys actually wrestle to a clean finish. That's probably the most shocking thing in this match!

Action-wise, Ty has come a long way and I think this just cements what we've been watching for years. He's very comfortable in the ring and as the dominant hunk. Things move really smoothly, back-and-forth. Since all these matches are live, they need to be seamless. no stopping of the video here. The crowd is into it and both guys play well to them. I am enjoying the whole audience dynamic.

The BGEast star is sitting pretty.

The bronco-buster ... butt-tacular!

Nice pump-handle slam.

As usual, don't use my selection of images to judge things too much. I show a lot of fun, butt-focused moments, but there's more here than that. It's just what I like to GIF. The mood is light and playful, but the match isn't jokey. In fact, ignoring the playing to the crowd antics, the wrestling is really quite traditional and well-executed. Now, the guys do use their butts a lot. And their hands. And their lips. But classic moves are featured heavily with collar-and-elbow lockups, takedowns (including a snap mare!), pec chops, hip tosses, headlocks, an ab stretch, etc. This is another match with good stuff on the cutting room floor.

With no hero, the announce team has a tougher job (as compared to openly cheering for brave young Ash DeLeon), but they still do a good job. I enjoy the extra element of having their commentary.

I'm surprised Ty hasn't developed calluses
given how often he gets spanked.

I love the extra little shimmy at the end.

Ouch, nice move, Jordi.

In the end, this is a great way to end Wrestling with Pride 2019. I'm looking forward to watching the rest of it, but so far, it's been even better than last year.

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

Alex