DEFY: Streets of Rage Live from the Historic Washington Hall in Seattle, WA. April 13, 2025

Initial Thoughts: This was the first time I checked out Defy Wrestling. While I had heard of the promotion and some talent that started there, I never really sat down to watch their show. I had some time on Sunday night and thought, why not check it out…

Some suitable matches on this card got my attention to tune in in the first place. Anytime Zack Sabre Jr is wrestling, you can expect a technical masterpiece, and his match against Thatcher was just that. Gabe Kidd is what I would call an unpredictable force, meaning you have no idea what he will do or what will come out of his mouth. That is why Kidd is so special.

The show was not that long, a little over 2 hours, and most of the matches were good. The women’s match (I am not a fan of women’s wrestling) even held my attention very good. The one match that I was not impressed with was the Miles Deville and Randy Myers match. I thought it went on way too long and was more of a cartoonish gimmick match. However, the fans seemed to enjoy it, and that is good since they paid to be there. It was just not my cup of tea.

Zack Sabre Jr v. Timothy Thatcher

Have seen both of these wrestlers and think both are very good. ZSJ is a very technical wrestler. This is going to be a technical wrestling match, which is awesome. We don’t get to see technical wrestling much anymore. Sabre is going for the octopus, but Thatcher makes it to the ropes. Thatcher is working the arm of ZSJ, who makes it to the ropes to break the hold. This match, according to the commentary, is a violent game of Twister. I would have to agree. Sabre gets Thatcher to tap out.

Miles Deville v Randy Myers

Myers, the weirdo hero…great tag.. very entertaining and  interacts with the fans very interesting. Deville jumps Myers before he gets in the ring.  Myers is chopping Deville outside of the ring. Bell finally rings and the match is official. This match was very comedy heavy, which is not bad. Myers diving thru the ropes and sends Deville into the crowd. This match went way longer than it should have. Myers picks up the win.

Gabe Kidd v Calvin Tankman

Tankman has the strength, but Kidd has the quickness and is more of a dirty player, in my opinion. Nice lariat by Kidd, taking Tankman off his feet. Kidd with the chops and Tankman is like, is that all you got? Now Tankman with chops on Kidd, they sound painful. I am not sure if I want Gabe Kidd sitting on my lap; he might hurt me. Kidd with elbows to Tankman, Tankman reverses and tries to chop Kidd who was up against the ring post, Kidd moves and Tankman hits the ring post. Tankman slams Kidd’s back into the ring post; call the chiropractor in the morning. Tankman looks to be in full control of Kidd at the moment. Tankman, with a big pounce, sends Kidd into next week. Kidd gets the win after a pile driver.

ELP v Mance Warner

I am a fan of both, but I have seen more ELP matches than Mance Warner. ELP is ELP. They lock up. Warner with a nice right hand to ELP. ELP is showing off his acrobatics. Warner is making minced meat of ELP’s chest. This match is getting violent and has moved out into the stands. They are some sick fucks. We get a ref bump, and Warner does a low blow, then pulls out a wooden door. The crowd is either chanting door, or more…. Not sure which. ELP with a 2 count after slamming Warner through the door. Warner pulls out a screwdriver, the ref calls for the bell and gives a double DQ, but they are still fighting, and other refs come out to try and separate them. Crowd is not happy about the outcome as they chant bullshit. Next time these two meet, it needs to be no holds barred. Warner takes a screwdriver and hits a security guy, and then sends him through a door.

Sinner and Saint v KZY/Susumu Yokosuka

To be honest, I wasn’t paying that much attention to the start of this match. KZY came in, and I started paying attention. KZY is getting double-teamed. Now KZY and Susumu double teaming. Nice double underhook by KZY and Susumu. Rivers interjected himself to cause a distraction. I saw Sinner and Saint at Prestige Wrestling and liked what I saw in the ring. Nice flying uppercut by KZY. Susumu with some big lariats on the Sinner and Saint. KZY is taking a beating by the Sinner and Saint. KZY kicks out at 2. KZY, with reverse, only gets a 2 count. A little too much outsider interference for my taste. Sinner and Saint retain.

Amira v Vert Vixen v Nicole Matthews

Vert goes right after Matthews, and Amira comes in. Then Vert just pushes her out of the way. Can tell Amira is still green in the ring. There were some missed spots. Amira is trying to do the double cover. Vert with a nice sliding leg tackle. Vert and Mattews are fighting outside the ring, and Amira tries to sneak a cannonball off the apron but gets taken out. Amira puts Matthews in the ring and gets a 2 count as she lets Matthews and Vert fight it out.  Amira gets the win after hitting the world’s strongest slam and pinning Matthews. It was a decent women’s match, and it held my attention.

Ishin/Ho Ho Lun v C4  v Midnight Heat –

The match was good. I am impressed by all three tag teams, but I want to watch more of Ishin/Ho Ho Lun. It’s a flash pin for Lun/Ishin. I will be checking out DragonGate Japan Pro Wrestling. The Midnight Heat on the mic saying it was a crock of shit. Then they begin to bad mouth the legendary tag team, the Rock ‘n Roll Express.

Overall, Defy: Streets of Rage was a very good show. I got a look at people in the wrestling industry that I normally would not have heard of until they signed with a major wrestling promotion. It also makes me want to check out DragonGate and go find matches of wrestlers like Nicole Matthews, whom I never had seen until Sunday. Defy is a great indie promotion to check out if you want to watch up-and-coming wrestlers mix it up with some well-known wrestlers. I would give this show an 8 out of 10.