By The Masked Embroiderer

5 pieces of wrestling art chosen by a member of our Scottish Wrestling community. 

This time with…

Duke Cannon
Photo credit Neil Malone
The Butcher’s career

One of my favourite bands in the world is Every Time I Die. It’s the band I’ve seen the most, I have all their albums and even a tattoo of their logo. For those who don’t know, The Butcher (aka Andy Williams) was their guitar player for 20 year until one day, at 40 years old, he decided to become a wrestler on the indies alongside Braxton Sutter. He is now signed to All Elite Wrestling.

I’ve met Andy several times and as well as being a really nice dude, he was also an inspiration for my own wrestling journey. All the ETID fans watched as he got in shape, starting off in wrestling in community halls, going from strength to strength, all the way up to his debut at AEW. We were with him all the way. The Butcher is a clear example that it is never too late to make your dreams a reality.

Chris Brookes vs Potokan

Comedy wrestling can be very divisive in the wrestling industry. To me, it’s the thing that elevates wrestling from entertainment to art and this match is a perfect example as to why. In one corner you have Chris Brookes, a technical wizard with a mean streak and in the other you have Potokan, a seal mascot with a comically large head.

What makes this match so great is how straight the entire thing is played. There is no “nudge nudge, wink wink” to the audience, there’s just a salty English dude and the loveable sea mammal he wants dead. The match is a fantastic introduction to DDT for those who are uninitiated as well as a fun match to show anyone whether they are a wrestling fan or not.

Steve Austin’s entrance music

They say that it takes 7 seconds to make a first impression. If that’s the case, an entrance theme is instrumental in that first impression (pun semi intended). While there’s no shortage of incredible entrance themes in wrestling, I feel one stands head and shoulders above the others.

The genius of Jim Johnson’s masterpiece lies in its simplicity. Glass smash followed by the worlds easiest guitar riff and a bald man coming to kick your ass. Straight to the point, no messing about.

Just like Austin himself.

Shayna Baszler’s Warhammer wrestling gear

Anyone who knows me will tell you I will look for any opportunity to talk about Warhammer 40,000. While I will restrain myself from going on a lore dump, I would like to draw attention to another wrestler who literally wears her love of the grimdark future on her sleeve.

Shayna Baszler’s gear inspired by the various space marine chapters is an absolute serve. Personal favourites of mine have been the Night Lords and White Scars inspired gear. It isn’t just for aesthetic either. To the attentive fan, her betrayal of Ronda Rousey at Money In The Bank was announced as soon as she stepped out from behind the curtain in her Sons of Horus inspired gear.

For those who don’t understand that reference, I recommend you start by reading the Horus Heresy series. It’s only 62 books, you’ll do it in no time!

Def Jam Vendetta

Some things are indisputable facts. The sky is blue, grass is green and Aki made some of the best wrestling games ever. WCW/NWO: Revenge, Wrestlemania 2000 and No Mercy are still incredible games that rightfully deserve a place in the annals of wrestling game history. There is, however, another game they made that deserves just as much love. That game is Def Jam Vendetta.

For those who may not know, it was a wrestling game that starred the roster of Def Jam Records such as DMX and Ghostface Killah. While the crossover seemed perplexing, AKI made it work by producing one of the most fluid and well crafted wrestling games on PlayStation 2. It’s over the top and arcade like while also providing the robust grappling system AKI are known for. Combine that with a killer soundtrack from some of Def Jams finest and you’ve got one helluva game.

Plus, you can beat up Ludacris as three different members of the Wu Tang Clan, what’s not to love?

Bonus: Kayfabe

I’ve got to give credit to Ian Ambrose for introducing this movie to me. I can only describe it as This Is Spinal Tap of wrestling. What makes it stand out to me is how, despite the comedic element, how true to life a lot of it felt. Every character reminds me of someone I’ve met in a locker room, many of the dumb hijinks and problems are ones I’ve seen happen at shows.

It’s free on YouTube and the perfect way to fill in an evening.

An excellent mix. A ‘Stunning’ entrance, ‘attention grabbing’ ring gear,  an inspiring wrestling journey and plenty to keep us all entertained (many happy hours playing Def Jam. Those were the days) .

A Cannon of Top choices. Thank you Duke!

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