2017 Year in Review + 2018 Preview

Well, 2017 is pretty much done. It's year-end retrospective time at The Cave. Obviously, there's a ton of craziness in the world, especially for those of us living in the US, but my Canadian passport and proximity to the border gives me some level of comfort. And it's even resulted in a few marriage proposals (at least until the guys find out I'm staying put). Yes, Canada is cool these days.

Being Canadian became
cool(er) this year.

Anyway, this post is about the blog and there's only room for happy stuff in a year-end post. Accomplishments? Things I'll remember about this year? Here's a few ...

The Cast: Who's Who (December 2017)

Guys,

Last casting post of the year! So many guys this year, but as the cast develops, there are more and more repeats that I have to use. Still, I did get in a few new guys, like this month's Porter and Travis. And I love Koke, so I'm glad to have gotten him in action again.

Encounters: Model Roommates

Porter = Pietro Boselli (Model)

Review: Taylor Reign vs. Travis Bennett (Muscleboy Wrestling)

Of course I like it when producers come out with a ton of videos, but with so many options, it's easy to miss things. I haven't even really looked at Muscleboy Wrestling's fifth catalogue, still mired in the earlier rounds. During their last sale, I went exploring and like Christopher Columbus, I discovered something a ton of people knew about before me.

In this case, what I discovered was Taylor Reign vs. Travis Bennett. It's quite different than my previous MBW videos, but it's also really good.

Young bucks make like bulls to start this gem.

The Bat + SuperStar in "Toying with Trouble"

Outside Toyboy's Lair

“Ready?”

“Ready.”

“Let's go.”

I take a step forward, but SuperStar grabs me by the bicep. I can't move against his yellow sun-enhanced alien strength. I scowl as he asks, “Don't you think I should go first?”

My eyebrow raises under my cowl. I simply reply, “No.”

Review: Brute vs. Viking (Thunders Arena)

Viking vs. Brute is the second Thunders Arena match I recently purchased with the gorgeous 6'6" Viking against another big man. I've already reviewed Viking vs. Mack (review here), but this one was worthy of its own post. I fell in love with Viking from the first match I watched with him and that continues to know. Does this break his winning streak? Nope. It's a winner, too.

Thunders brings more big boys to the ring.

Review: Kid Karisma vs. Jobe Zander (BGEast)

A few days ago, Kid Karisma won my Favorite Heel at the Caveys for the second year in a row. Now the BGEast superstar is already out with another winning performance, angling for Favorite Wrestler, perhaps. He's pretty much a must-buy at this point, so Kid Karisma vs. Jobe Zander is one of the matches I've been waiting to make it onto VOD.

It's a bad boy bulge battle from BGEast.

2017 Cavey Awards: Promotions

Welcome to the third and final day of the 2017 Cavey Awards.

I've given awards to my favorite wrestlers and matches. Now, I recognize my favorite producers. This year, I'm singling out three promotions with gold, silver and bronze awards. I judge this based on my overall experience, including quality of wrestling action and video, appeal of their talent, as well as customer experience, including value (what I get for what I pay) and ease of doing business with them (e.g., distribution model).