Two weeks ago Demand Lucha! presented LuchaPalooza at Toronto’s Lee’s Palace, and it was everything one could expect and more… In fact, you could say the event went very Well Well Well.
One the highlights of the night was the debut of the brand new Director of Demand and ECW Alumni, The Quintessential Studmuffin, Mr.Joel Gertner. After two incredible hype-up show matches, Gertner came out to begin the show; greeted the fans and let them know it was his first time performing in Ontario for over 18 years, eliciting an ECW chant from the crowd.
Gertner went on to say that he believed he’d been stooged out by somebody, alluding to Hutch Henries (who was also in the ring) as the culprit and that he was told not to engage in his usual innuendo-laden monologue. He was given verbiage from the company (once again alluding to Henries) and proceeded to begin the speech. Although it became evident very quickly that these words were not the ones given to him. Check the video below for the full debut of Joel Gertner.
Before allowing Hutch Henries to react in full, though, Gertner announced the first ever Lucha Chaos Scramble, (which Henries has dubbed the Studmuffin Scramble backstage) a match that is supposedly going to be happening at most Demand Lucha! shows moving forward.
By shows end, it was easy to see Gertner’s immediate influence on the product. The Hype Up party featured an intergender hardcore match, the chaos scramble saw a man grab a woman wrestler and kiss her and the Frat, of all people. were given their own segment which ended up featuring a pot-smoking hippie wrestling a bout. Oh.. and did we mention that the hypersexual and overly disgusting SEXXY EDDY was brought in, given a title shot and was provided ample time pre-match to revolt the crowd with his womanizing ways. yup… seems like business as usual for the Studmuffin.
The truth is, Eddy is a deserving contender and a Canadian legend, influencing not only the early years of his opponent Ophidian (mentioned on his Bump & Grind Podcast) but originating the “Joey Ryan” dick spot and blessing its use by the indie sensation. Gertner also came out in said Main Event and made a big-time call, showing his dedication to the job and his impartiality.
Gertner also didn’t waste any time addressing the Buck Gunderson situation. Many people know that Gunderson has refused to defend the Openweight championship after feeling he was being treated as a second-class citizen; forced to engage in what he says are “ridiculous multi-man matches”, claiming that the Openweight title is a catch as catch can, traditional wrestling title. Gunderson has demanded strict North American match rules moving forward along with a list of criteria, in order to defend the title. In the video below, Gertner informs Gunderson that he’s going to get just that.
Word behind the scenes is that the Amazing Rory Gulak, brother of Drew Gulak from WWE’s 205 live, who is booked at the next show, would be facing Gundersen for the title. I’m sure that would please many traditionalists and be a great contest, but in a surprise move, Gertner booked the Demand Lucha regular Chip Punk in the match. Punk is ecstatic to be getting an open weight title shot but Gunderson has voiced his displeasure and says his lawyers and himself will be paying close attention to the contract and that Chip Punk will not be allowed to fly off the top rope, springboard or dive to the outside the of the ring in any fashion.
Gertner will also have to follow some strict rules as the fluently Spanish speaking Director will be hosting the next event himself, an All-Ages Affair with many kids and parents in attendance, and who knows what his behaviour will be like. One thing’s for sure, April 21st is right around the corner and it’s looking more interesting by the day.
