Mat War Pro Wrestling - Hotter than Hell Down on the Trinity – Trouble on the Trinity Forever – Hell’s ½ Acre Tournament 2 Review *Spoiler Free*

It’s always burning hot down in Fort Worth, Texas (Photo courtesy of the Mat War Pro website.)

On Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, Mat War Pro returned to the place where it all began. From the view at the Martin House Brewery the Fort Worth skyline illuminated the night sky, a beacon of light and a beautiful backdrop to the ring: the city is just another character in tonight’s show. The ring, the stage where the drama will unfold is silhouetted against the living lights of Fort Worth’s skyscrapers. What felt like hundreds of people sat outside in the spring evening air, where we all waited eagerly for the show to begin.

On that night, one wrestler would fight through a series of gauntlets to be the last one standing, to be the one who will earn their chance for a match against Mat War Pro’s Trinity River Heritage Champion, Dante Leon.

The view from the parking lot of Martin House Brewery on March 23rd 2024.

Hundreds amassed together to witness an incredibly talented roster of wrestlers fill the ring with blood, sweat, and drama. I can think of no better place to spend my Saturday night than down by the Trinity.

And what were these long-time fans, and new faces in for?

Let me tell you. It was a phenomenal show to say the least!

Demo Diamond. Entrant #1 of 11 contenders. (Photo is courtesy of the Mat War Pro Facebook page.)

The show started with an amazing 11 man match up of Mat War Pro’s main roster, returning faces, and even some first-time debuts. The list of participants is as follow:

Angel Camacho

Dragon Astral

Dontae Smiley

Chris Lyons

Damo McCullough

Izzy James – The Mystery entrant.

Demo Diamond

Anthony Andrews – Mat War Pro debut.

Brick Savage – Accompanied by Hilda la Muneca

Prince Alexander

Remedy Harris – Accompanied by manager Tiger Bruno, this was also Remedy’s debut.

Dontae Smiley flies high to deliver a drop kick to Damo McCullough. (Photo Courtesy of Mat War Pro Facebook page.)

This 11-man, last man standing match was insane! It consisted of high-flying kicks, intense one on one brawls, brutal gang beatdowns, and powerful full body throws out of the ring. The aura of intensity was there from the moment it started. Each wrestler made masterful use of their move sets, the space they had, and the energy of their fellow wrestlers and the crowd. Everyone was roaring with delight at this opening match, it was by far one of the most fun matches to witness at any Mat War Pro show ever!

When the match was over, Brick Savage had some choice words to offer Damo McCullough, whom he has been in a deeply embittered feud with. Savage reminded McCullough that he was made by Brick, and he would not be in the place of fame and popularity he is currently in without Brick’s help. Damo, a fan favorite of the Mat War Pro crowd, was met with nothing less than overwhelming support and love from the crowd.

Entrant in the Hell's Half Acre Tournament 2 and Mat War Pro wrestling debut, Anthony Andrews debuts and comes all the way from Georgia to give us a show! (Photo courtesy of the Mat War Pro Facebook page.)

Following the bombastic opening and intriguing words of Brick, we moved on to the1st of the 2, four-man Texas Tornado match ups. The 1st round was between the following wrestlers:

Dontae Smiley vs. Demo Diamond vs. Dragon Astral vs. Anthony Andrews

I was particularly impressed by Dragon Astral’s flying drop kicks and high-flying leaps from the corners of the ring. He showcased the energetic and beautiful art of the luchador style of wrestling. Anthony Andrews gained the love of the crowd by being the “Thoroughbred” cowboy in the ring. (What can we say, this is Texas!) Demo Diamond gave his all and went flying into the match with all he had, as his energy and zealousness overtook him. Dontae took quite the beating, but he fought through without ever losing an ounce of that stamina that allows his chiseled physique to handle any punishment.

Izzy James makes a surprise return to Mat War Pro, and he couldn’t look more at home than when he’s in the ring waiting for his moment to strike. I guess that’s why they call him the Guttersnake!

The 2nd of the 2 Texas Tornado Match Ups had some of the best high-flying moments. The contestants were:

Izzy James vs. Prince Alexander vs. Chris Lyons vs. Angel Camacho

What can I say? I am an unapologetic Izzy James fan, but I also love to watch Angel Camacho dominate the ring. And NOBODY has charisma like Chris Lyons does, but then there was Prince Alexander who absolutely awed the crowd with his agility and energy. This was an incredibly match. The ending had me gasping for breath, on the edge of my seat, clenching my fists as the final 2 were neck in neck in their match to dominate all other competition.

In 1 of the only 2 singles matches of the night, we saw the debut of 2 new wrestlers in the Mat War Pro universe.

Alejandra Quintanilla vs. Erica Torres in a 15-minute match of pure war and attrition.

Alejandra Quintanilla is pictured on the left and Erica Torres is pictured on the right. (Photo courtesy of Mat War Pro Facebook.)

Alejandra Quintanilla and Erica Torres had such ferocious personalities, it made for an amazing battle between them. They started off with fearsome grappling that spilled out into the crowd, even resulting in some broken glass. Thankfully no blood was drawn, and everyone was okay. Alejandra and Erica gave their absolute all in this match, and I was deeply moved by the determination and effort both wrestlers showcased in their time together. I can not wait to see more of both athletes in the future. Hopefully… back in Mat War Pro shows.

Before our main event, we had the 2nd of 2 singles matches. In an innovative type of clash between Remedy Harris, and Damo McCullough in the Last Chance Blindfold Match.

Remedy Harris debuts with the most diabolical of managers, Tiger Bruno. (Photo courtesy of Mat War Pro Facebook.)

I would not have liked to have been the referee in the ring during this match. As both men, giants who towered over the venue, hunted, and sought for their equally blinded prey. Arms reaching out curiously, waiting to turn at a moment’s notice to brutally swinging fists of rage. Things turned bloody when Tiger Bruno and Remedy Harris went to work on carving up Damo’s face, making it an unfair mess. Poor Damo left a match once again, needing an eyepatch to cover his wounds.

The main event was the culmination of the night’s winners in a determined battle of wills. Fists taped and injuries now apparent, as each contestant was holding themself together after fighting their way through this tournament of hell. The pain, the exhaustion, it would all be worth it if they could just gain their shot for a chance to win the Trinity River Heritage Championship Belt.

In the end, only one of the 11 men stood through this crucible of might. And it’s undoubtedly going to be an amazing match up between the winner from Hell’s ½ Acre 2 show, and Dante Leon.

If you are interested to see how this will go down, then mark it on your calendar for Friday May 24th at the Southside Preservation Hall – Slam and Destroy II where a new war begins. Be there. Or forever be haunted by the FOMO of not witnessing raw talent duking it out in the sport that we all absolutely adore here.

In my opinion, this was Mat War Pro’s best show yet. As a fan of so many of these talented athletes, and of the ongoing storylines Mat War Pro is weaving within its roster, I cannot miss any of the future shows.

So, come on and join us! I promise you won’t regret it.

Bonus Piece

Anyone want a sneak peek for my next blog post? And an adorable picture of Alejandra Quintanilla and Dragon Astral?

Alejandra Quintanilla and Dragon Astral sticking around after the show ended to talk to fans.

Stay tuned for my next blog post about wrestlers and the merchandise that they create, sell, and share with the fans.

Until then, goodbye, and goodnight, and remember to support your local wrestlers and wrestling promotions!