Review: Jersey vs. Viggo (Thunder’s Arena)

Jersey vs. Viggo is the seventh Jersey match I’ve reviewed. There are only eight available on Thunder's Arena, but I haven't bought or watched Jersey vs. Frey 2 (in the pool). Maybe the completionist in me will kick in one day, but until it does, this is likely my last go-around for Jersey content.

Jersey: "It's all about the cannons"

I obviously like this guy, but so do many of you. My reviews of his matches have earned a lot of views and comments even without any link or support from another site. Not only did he win my 2015 Cavey Award for Favorite New Wrestler, but fellow blogger Bodyslammer just awarded him Newcomer of the Year. As well, his videos are big sellers based on the Thunder's Arena monthly rankings they were doing. So Jersey has definitely caught our collective attentions.

Now, that's all nice, but the question is, what did I think of THIS match?

Review: Jersey vs. Tak (Thunder's Arena)

If the blog feels a little heavy on Thunder's Arena content, all I can say is that it could be worse. I'm actually still making my way through my summer purchases from Thunder's Arena. They definitely have earned the lion's share of my dollars in 2015. Take note competitors ... they did it with a great roster of studs, volume of releases, frequent discounts and easy downloads.

As for this match, Jersey vs. Tak was definitely a purchase driven by the studs more than anything else. Jersey and Tak are personal favorites of mine, both ranking high in my top five most enjoyable Thunder's Arena wrestlers of all-time.

Tak: "Round two only advised for non-pussies."
Jersey: "What? Where does it say that?"

The 2015 Caveys: Wrestlers

Welcome to day two of The Caveys!

Yesterday, I awarded the action. Today I award the studs who make the action so awesome. For complete rules and details, see yesterday's post.

And the Cavey goes to ...

Here's Jeff to present the wrestler awards ...

Review: Jersey vs. Luke (Thunder's Arena)

It's Jersey vs. Luke

I haven't watched a Thunder's Arena ring match,  yet. I have bought three Dirty Daddy ring matches (vs. Tak, Brian Cage and Marco), but I just haven't gotten around to watching them. I feel like I should be excited to see them, but I kind of not. I'm sure they're mostly good, but they don't feel special at all.

I get the feeling that Thunder's Arena aspires to be the new king of gay-oriented wrestling video companies (whether they want to call themselves that or not), what with the move into ring matches, the ambitious release schedule and the aggressive aquiring of talent. And of course, there's nothing wrong with it.

It's just that lots of people have ring matches. Part of Thunder's unique offering is the house atmosphere. They are the only company that has this buddies-hanging-out-and-roughhousing thing. It's tough to pull off, but it creates a special feeling of camaraderie between the guys when the chemistry is right.

Why am I bringing ring matches up when I'm supposed to be reviewing Jersey vs. Luke?

Review: Jersey vs. Talon (Thunder’s Arena)

I’ve already teased my opinion of this match in my review of UCW's Max Ryder vs. Tyson Hammer, but I did want to do a full review. I prefer doing positive reviews and Jersey vs. Talon from Thunder's Arena definitely qualifies.

I liked this match quite a bit for a few reasons - the talent, the action (albeit limited) and the storyline are all on point.

The studs make this match. Jersey remains a go-to stud for me. His adorkable looks, body and personality return, wrapped up in his second best gear (red speedo). He also gets to show off some awesome power, with two long-held bearhugs and a nice full nelson. Jersey is having fun and I'm right there with him.

Jersey is still so hot

Review: Jersey vs. Kai (Thunder's Arena)

Brother vs. brother is a pro wrestling staple. Whether it's real brothers or fake brothers, there is a long history of tag teams, factions and feuds all based on the familial connection between male siblings.

Tag teams trade off the natural connection brothers have. If you can't rely on your brother, who can you rely on? But guys getting along is boring. There's no tension. So, we crave rivalry. Competition. And a little deep-seeded resentment doesn't hurt the storyline, either.

Review: Jersey vs. Dozer (Thunder's Arena)

Let me state clearly and unequivocally: I still like Jersey. I liked him in this match. I like his body and look. I like his personality. And I like how he turns red whenever he exerts himself. Thunder's Arena is teasing a match versus Tak, which I am very likely to buy.

Why am I stating this at the start?

Well, because when I bought Jersey vs. Dozer, I expected to write all about Jersey. Thing is, now I'm all about Dozer.

Pre-sweat

Post-sweat

Review: Jersey vs. Frey (Thunder's Arena)

There's something fun about seeing a new wrestler, a rookie, in action, because you don't really know what to expect. It's a bit of a thrill to be surprised. Of course, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.

I've learned the hard way about buying based on pictures, but I did it anyway. I bet $32 on the latest stud from Thunder's Arena, Jersey. It's a hefty investment on an unknown quantity. One I've refused to make on "sure-thing" Dirty Daddy from the same company. All based on the hope that Jersey would live up to the promise of a few pics on their Tumblr.

Source: Thunder's Arena Tumblr

Source: Thunder's Arena Tumblr

I'll spare you the suspense. He does. It turns out that Jersey is a hot, charming stud who knows how to wrestle. Jersey vs. Frey is a winner. It's a back-and-forth match that sold me hard on the rookie and made me hungry for more.