It seems apropos that the respective worlds of roller derby and professional wrestling would cross paths in today’s landscape of sports promotion.
Historically fixtures in pop culture and the evolution of broadcast television, the two sports are often joined at the hip (or perhaps better described, a hip check and hip toss) for their own brand of mayhem that is enjoyed by multi-generational audiences.
St. Louis now sees those local entities join forces as the inaugural “JAMS & SLAMS” event takes place Saturday night at Midwest Sport Hockey at Queeny Park (570 Weidman Road, Ballwin, MO).
The co-promoted event from Arch Rival Roller Derby and Dynamo Pro Wrestling begins at 6:30 pm and marks the first-time that both sports are presented locally under the same roof.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
The evening begins with the continuation of ARCH’s local season as the League’s defending champions, the Smashinistas, face the Stunt Devils.
The Smashies (1-0) topped Rebel Skate Alliance, 204-169, at the season opener earlier this month to grab an early advantage in the ARCH standings.
“I was delighted with our team’s performance against RSA,” said Smashinisats co-captain Cloak N’ Drag-Her. “Both teams were missing key players, but everyone stepped up.”
Jammers Frowntown, Skeevie Nicks and Smash Money had solid rotations while blockers Drag-Her, Carbsmashian, Intensive Carrot, Urgent Carrot, Nigel Smashberry, WyldeSyde, Oliver Smash, Regrets, Shady Hawkins, Skulpix and T-Bex effectively laid down the foundation.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
Meanwhile, the Stunt Devils (0-1) faced huge obstacles in their 231-179 local opener setback to the M-80s. At the forefront, high-scoring jammer Scarrie Fisher suffered an injury in warm-ups that resulted in a perpetual star shuffle and a shift in personnel jam-by-jam.
Returning starters Force Choke and Slamgelina Jolie posted points while Thrasher supplemented. Blockers Sir Ian McKillin’, Rhonda Lousy, Black Dynasmite, Downtown Dallis, Rock Slobster, Shiv Tyler, Skaty Perry, Tina Faceplant and Bette Davis Thighz assisted in the process the high-point output achieved gives the five-time champs optimism heading into Saturday’s battle.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
“We’re super-excited and we know going up against the defending Champs is going to be tough but we’re looking forward to it,” said co-captain McKillin’. “We’ve already weathered some roster shake-ups before the first whistle, but our biggest asset is we trust each other and have FUN.”
Saturday’s end result will directly impact the ARCH standings, where the two top teams at the end of the regular season will compete in an April trophy finale.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
“As for those Devilish Stunts, we will not be bamboozled or baited by their tricks,” said the Smashies’ Drag-Her “One of their leaders, I think it was Black Dyna-somthin’, told me to stay home on Saturday! Nope. Not falling for it.”
“On and off the track, the Stunts are ready to party and get weird,” added McKillin’. “We’re hoping to use our mind melds to communicate, closing those gaps and knowing where those jammers are attacking. We’re ready to do some battle on the track against our foes in the green and gold, but then we’re ready to kick back and enjoy some wrestling with them after!”
This leads to the evening’s conversion to the squared circle action of Dynamo Pro Wrestling, who has entertained local audiences since 2008.
“We’re excited to be a part of this event,” said DPW owner Jim Yount. “Pro wrestling and roller derby is a great match together that will appeal to fans of both sports.”
The main event of the four match card features DPW Women’s Champion, the “Empress of Evil” Rahne Victoria, defending her title against “The Barbie Killer,” Hayley Shadows.
Both fought each other in a grueling match at St. Louis’ Concordia Turner’s Hall earlier this month where Victoria, who has held the title since it was first presented in August 2018, made the challenger tap-out after several near-falls.
“Hayley’s a very worthy opponent,” Victoria respectfully said of Saturday’s adversary. “However, I’m ready to show her and everyone why I am the DPW’s champion and why I will remain champion.”
In the sub-main, a “Bragging Rights” contest between a pair of title holders takes place as DPW Heavyweight Champion Adrian Surge meets DPW D1 Champion Camaro Jackson. Although neither title is on the line, both men have their pride and reputation at stake.
The pair faced each other last May as Camaro challenged Surge, who had won his championship the month prior, but was unsuccessful. As Surge continued his title reign, Jackson regrouped and captured the DPW D1 championship late last year.
If Camaro wins Saturday, it immediately jettisons his status as the number one contender to Surge’s title and a re-match will most certainly take place.
Other battles include the popular C.J. Shine meeting the diabolical Snitch and DPW veteran OutTKast squaring off against Jimmi LeFleur.
Tickets for the twin bill are $15 at the door while children 10 and under get in free. Save $3 on advance individual tickets and $6 on advance group tickets by visiting this link.
For more info on ARCH, visit their official website.
For more info on DPW, visit their official website.
Arch City Media will be in attendance Saturday and will have a full recap of “JAMS & SLAMS” on Sunday.
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Arch City Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews.
