The Conquest of Downtown Troy (wrestling at the Boys & Girls Club)

If you're a wrestling fan, what would you prefer?

A packed, big box arena for a television show that would be lucky to cram 5-7 matches over 2 hours, or a small, intimate setting where fledgling performers are honing their craft before small, appreciative crowds, with more action and little talk?

A case for the latter would be made with the Troy debut of Conquest Pro Wrestling, presented under the auspices of Skull Wrestling Federation, at the Troy Boys & Girls Club on Saturday night. Approximately 100-115 fans attended the show, which kicked off promptly at 7 and ended just before 9:30, or, roughly, about the same length as the Tri City Valleycats game at Bruno Stadium.

A battle royale was hyped at the start of the evening, but cancelled at the last possible moment when the doctor appointed by the NYS Athletic Commission left the building early. Hey, nobody's perfect.

Here's the quick results of the show:

1. Viper, the American Ninja def. "Redneck" Randy Walker.
2. Grassroots champ "Bombshell" Bert Williams def. Sgt. Fury.
3. Kyller Jones def. Ash Vaingard. Bear with me on the latter name, as the crowd noise almost drowned it out completely.

4. NWA Capital women's title: "Sweetest Sin" Jenna Mya def. Dee Licious.
5. #1 contender's match for the NWA Capital tag titles: The Redneck Express def. the Easy Riders.
6. Timmy Aiight def. Schoolboy C. Schuyler.
7. Sidusky def. "Retro" Reed James due to interference from Shane Arlen and a distraction from manager Mister Mann.

8. #1 contender's match for the NWA Capital title: Ron Falco def. "Every Woman's Dream" Mark Krieger.
9. Capital Punishment def. the Savage Wolves.
10. J. P. Black def. Shane Arlen. Sidusky tried to interfere, but James came back for a receipt.

During a 15 minute intermission, the wrestlers mingled with the fans, most of whom were family and friends, as a large chunk of the talent are based here in upstate NY, some of whom normally work for In Your Face Wrestling out of Ballston Spa.

Clearly, the stage is set for a return visit, hopefully later this year, but as someone told me earlier tonight, the folks at IYF are not happy about a potential rival entering what they feel is their domain. Well, I'd agree except for one thing. IYF only runs in its hometown of Ballston Spa, and to my knowledge has not yet expanded outside those borders. Competition is good for business, unless your name is Vince McMahon, and you've forgotten what it's like to have someone competing with you for the fan dollar.

From a fan perspective, Elton John was right. "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting".