Review: Brute Baynard vs. Zip Zarella (BGEast)

I'll be honest. I really don't get real masochism. However, seeing Zip Zarella play a cocky jobber boy with obvious masochistic tendencies in this video is fun. It's fun because I totally get the idea of wanting to make any match with Brute Baynard last as long as possible. Even if that means being ruthlessly manhandled over and over again. Or maybe, especially if it means that.

Zip's just begging for more punishment.

Brute Baynard is one of my perfect men. He's big and thick. He's strong as an ox. He's a really good wrestler. He's a scary guy, but he's adorable, too. I think Brute's a cute dude. He's got a really expressive face that can go from fearsome scowl to sweet puppy dog with an arch of his eyebrows. So while he's built like a beast, Brute comes across as a gentle giant that's a cool guy outside the ring.

Opposite him, Zip Zarella is neither scary (in this video, at least) nor a cool guy (again, in this video). He's playing a cocky little bitch who gets a vicious beatdown and definitely deserves it. While he's completely helpless, Zip keeps his attitude close to the surface, bringing it out whenever he wants Brute to beat the crap out of him some more. Thus, the masochism I referenced in the opener.

So perfect.

Zip suffers like a stud in a long claw

With authority! Brute unleashes his power.

BGEast has labeled this a Demolition video and that's 100% truth in advertising. It is pure demolition from start to finish. There's no preamble. Whatever caused the fight happens in the locker room, because it begins with an angry Brute dragging Zip to the ring by this thick long hair. The cocky young punk is begging Brute to stop (but I'm pretty sure he doesn't mean it).

One thing I really like about Brute Baynard vs. Zip Zarella is that it features two guys who often play alpha male heels. Yes, Zip can be an alpha heel ... up to a point. He can dominate Ty or Tiko or Z-Man, but whenever he runs into a real powerhouse, he folds. And against a monster like Brute, he's no tougher than any of the weakest jobber boys out there. Zip starts the video begging for mercy and ends it under Brute's boot getting flexed on for the umpteenth time. Hot.

I don't know what Zip said or did,
but he obviously deserves this.

Does Zip really want Brute to stop?

The beast isn't gonna stop.

Action-wise, this has a very classic-match feel, like before wrestling became a series of random gymnastic moves that ultimately mean nothing. Brute focuses on Zip's arm for most of the match, using a series of holds and moves designed to tear the kid apart. It's a methodical and strategic style that maximizes the moments of domination and suffering.

As things progress, the power moves and other submission holds come out, of course. Brute really keeps things moving. Zip's a great victim, but if I have one complaint, it's when young wrestlers feel the need to narrate. I know he'll break your arm. I know he's hurting you. As Brute even says, that's the point. I get that without a crowd, it probably feels too quiet but jobbers can just moan. It's okay.

Zip'll be jerking off with his right hand from now on.

Relentless and focused ... smart strategy from the beast.

Brute makes Zip's day (and mine) with this false pin.

In the end, this is a solid Demolition match with a strong classic squash element. The contrast between the wrestlers is clear and makes this more interesting. The incredibly amazing Brute Baynard looks both cute and scary as he tears down the wannabe bad boy with ease. I like the focused attention as it takes me back to old school strategy we'd see on Saturday morning.

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

Alex