Can you smell what the BCW is cooking?
Can you smell what BCW is cooking?
Probably not yet - they've been quiet about their organisation as they work on perfecting moves and completing construction of an almost-official sized ring.
But now Bermuda Championship Wrestling wants Bermuda know their role as the most electrifying organisation in Bermudian sports entertainment.
Based on the ideas of the World Wresting Federation and the Alliance of WCW and ECW, though definitely not an imitation, the BCW aims to dazzle onlookers and put on shows for charities or private events.
"We want to do something new," claimed Nathan Moore, one of the four heads of the organisation."This (BCW) might be a place to go to on a Friday or a Thursday night."
The four, Nathan Moore, James Cooke, Stu Cooke, and Owain Barnes, all have 'fond' memories of the days before they turned 18 when they suffered under the limited entertainment available to them in Bermuda. BCW might be an alternative, they claim.
They are also targeting the over 18 age group, however.
"Robin Hood Wednesday, BCW Thursday," decided Nathan.
"We feel the fan base is there," added Owain Barnes.
Credit for the organisation unanimously went to Jeremy Drover, a close friend of the wrestlers.
Two years ago, they explained, Jeremy helped arrange a fundraiser in the Saltus gymnasium called the "Brawl in the Hall".
The fundraiser, featuring the wrestling prowess of current BCW heads Nathan Moore and Stu Cooke, took place in a packed gym, and became the "brainchild" of BCW as it is today.
"He (Jeremy) has been the motivator behind this," commented Nathan.
Like the WWF, the BCW organisers are firm that their show is just that: A show.
"We're not trying to say it's real," Nathan explained. "In the States right now there is a trend for 'backyard wrestling' - that focuses on more dangerous things. That is definitely not what we're going for."
"We have a lot of respect and trust with each other," James added. "Accidents will happen, but the trust is immense.
"The environment is definitely a positive one - we want everybody (who joins BCW) to be good, because we're trusting them."
The four claim that in the ring they are pretty much injury free, thanks to tactics such as visualisation and fear, which makes them cautious.
"And we have the dummy to practice on," Nathan laughed. "He's the heart and soul of BCW - ask him about his injuries!"
It's extremely hard work, they admit, both physically and mentally. And, unlike a play performed on a stage, their show can be viewed by the audience from all four sides. "We've got to be perfect from just about every single angle," said James.
It seems to be worth it, however.
"It's what we love," said Nathan. "It's not like now I'll quit college and tell my parents I want to be a wrestler.
"But we have so much fun doing it in my backyard with my cat watching that to do it with 250 people watching."
"The rush when you step through those doors and hear your music and the lights - there! That's the dream right there," added Stu Cooke.
The four do everything themselves right now: lighting and sound as well as performing. For BCW to grow, however, specialised talents are needed.
"We want to get more people involved, especially wrestlers," said Nathan. The four are also looking for people interested in working on scripts and storylines as well as the technical aspects of the BCW show.
"If you think maybe you would like this enough then definitely come out - don't be shy."
Especially now that construction on the ring is finished. The BCW ring measures 16 foot by 16 on the exterior, and on the interior has a 14 by 14 works base - just two feet smaller than an official ring.
"Due to the difficulty in getting material, we had to settle (for a smaller ring)," explained James Cooke. Sturdy and powerful as it is, however, they admit that they "want to get a pro ring so we can take it places".
Also so that they can take their show to the next level. As they were only able to procure wooden posts, not metal, some of the more dramatic moves they wish to attempt are not at present possible. "We're hesitant to break it (the ring)," James elaborated dryly.
A location in a warehouse with about 20 other wrestlers, sponsors and a metal ring is the dream for now.
"At the end of the day it's not just wrestling, it's entertainment," said Stu.
"We're not crazy, we're not just doing this recklessly," added Nathan. "We'd love to see people come out and see BCW grow."
Those interested can email the organisation at bcwibl.bm, and all are urged to check out the BCW website at www.geocities.com/bermudachampionshipwrestling.