Chocolate City Championship holder Andino speaks with Fam on what he's trying to do with his Chocolate City Championship title reign, F1ght Club's April Reigns show on April 21, New York versus the DMV, cat ownership, some #WrestleManiaXL thoughts, and much more! 
Words: Mimi aka #TheWrestlingChic
As the frenzy of WrestleMania XL weekend gripped the City of Brotherly Love, NXT Stand & Deliver dropped the gauntlet at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday, April 6th, drawing over 16,000 screaming fans. The atmosphere was charged, and the WWE NXT stars were aligned in spirit, each looking to make their mark and win the hearts of pro wrestling fans and Philly faithful. The culmination of rivalries reached its peak as Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes squared off, headlining a card that was nothing short of monumental for NXT's legacy. NXT Stand & Deliver was poised not just to live up to its name, but to transcend, beckoning a new era for the legacy gold brand.
 The main event of NXT Stand & Deliver, featuring Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams, marked a significant milestone not only in the realm of professional wrestling, but also in the broader cultural landscape. As two Black men taking center stage in such a high-profile non-title main event during Wrestlemania XL, their match transcended the confines of sports entertainment, becoming a beacon of representation and progress. This historic main event exemplified the evolving inclusivity within professional wrestling, an industry that has over the years strived to diversify its portrayal of athletes and narratives. Hayes and Williams, through their exceptional talent and compelling storylines together and apart, shattered stereotypes and showcased the depth and diversity of Black characters in pro wrestling today.
The tale of Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes is one woven from the very fabric of NXT's vibrant tapestry—a narrative steeped in brotherhood turned rivalry, a testament to the fine line between alliance and enmity. As former brothers, their journey to this pivotal moment was marked by shared trials, triumphs, and an undeniable chemistry, forming a bond seemingly unbreakable. Yet, as is often the case in the crucible of NXT stories, ambition's siren song led them down a path of inevitable confrontation.
 Their match at NXT Stand & Deliver showcased the unorthodox approach of Trick and Melo's relentless bull played as the matador to one another's cunning character, each maneuver packing a punch and each counter proving their intimate knowledge of each other's weaknesses and abilities. A ballet of brutality and grace, the match showcased the technical skills and raw athleticism that define these two Black men at their finest. It served as an inspiration to aspiring Black wrestlers, illustrating that the industry's most significant stages are accessible, regardless of race or ethnicity. Talent rules.
The visibility and success of Hayes and Williams in such a prominent slot catalyzed conversations in pro wrestling, encouraging fans and industry insiders alike to advocate for more inclusive storytelling and character development. What these two men created will be looked back upon as an impactful moment in pro wrestling history, a turning point that further opens the doors for athletes of all backgrounds to shine in their craft. Their performance was a celebration of talent, resilience, and the essence of NXT—passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of greatness to become a WWE Superstar, the ever-evolving narrative of professional wrestling.
Be sure to check out BRP's content on our website and our Black Rasslin' Podcast Patreon for exclusive pro wrestling content. Mimi,
aka #TheWrestlingChic is a co-host of #TheBuckle aka #TurnbuckleTalk
every Tuesday at 6:35PM ET and every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on The Black Rasslin' Podcast.
Words: Mimi aka #TheWrestlingChic
We’re officially out of Wrestlemania season for 2023-24, and a new era has begun! The “Renaissance Era”. WrestleMania XL Weekend was not just an event but a pilgrimage for WWE enthusiasts to celebrate 40 years of history. WWE World at WrestleMania, the newest extravaganza of WrestleMania XL transcended the bounds of sports entertainment, offering an immersive fan experience that's as unforgettable as the main event itself. From superstar encounters and in-studio activations to elaborate recreations of previous pay-per-view sets and exclusive merchandise, the weekend was a testament to the enduring allure of WWE's grandest stage. The Superstar Experience: Up Close and Personal
The heart of the WrestleMania XL Weekend is undeniably the moments fans share with their family, friends, and beloved WWE heroes. Imagine the thrill of meeting icons like Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley, and Randy Orton in person, attending a live Masked Man Show recording featuring our very own Khal (proud of him!), getting autographs, and capturing selfies that will be the envy of your social circles. These encounters go beyond mere meet-and-greets; they're intimate moments where fans connect with the heroes and villains who've inspired and entertained them throughout their journey this season.
The live programming at WWE World—which included everything from The Pat McAfee Show and panel discussions with WWE superstars to a tattoo area—was equally riveting. WWE offered the WWE Universe insight into the lives and minds of WWE's finest. Hearing the Superstars share stories from behind the scenes, their WrestleMania experiences and future aspirations adds layers to the personas fans only see in the ring.
Activation Galore: Dive into the WWE Universe
WrestleMania XL Weekend transformed WWE World into an interactive playground. Imagine stepping into the Firefly Fun House in memory of Bray Wyatt or sitting at the Head of the Table of the Tribal Chief, or even creating your very own ring entrance. These activations are not just entertaining; they're a dream come true for most fans, offering a taste of the WWE Superstar lifestyle.
For those who love the history and legacy of WWE, the memorabilia exhibitions are a treasure trove. From iconic costume items from iconic performers to low riders of WWE Legends, these displays are a journey through time, celebrating the moments that have defined 40 years of WWE storylines. The WWE Superstore: A Merch Paradise
The WWE Superstore during WrestleMania XL Weekend was nothing short of an Aladdin's cave for merchandise collectors. Exclusive to the event, the store featured limited-edition WrestleMania XL gear, from commemorative t-shirts and caps to sought-after custom event title belts and action figures. The allure of event-specific merch unavailable elsewhere turned the Superstore into a bustling hub of shop-til-you-drop.
Beyond the exclusive items, the Wrestlemania Superstore reflects WWE's vast cultural impact, with merchandise spanning decades of wrestling history. Whether you're a new fan or a collector seeking rare finds, the variety is unparalleled, ensuring there's something for every taste and age.
The WrestleMania Spirit: Uniting Fans Worldwide
What truly sets WrestleMania XL Weekend apart is the camaraderie it fosters among fans. WWE World’s first iteration could become a melting pot of fan shoppers united by a shared passion for wrestling. The chants, cheers, and friendly debates over match outcomes highlight the inclusive community that WWE has cultivated over the years.
In essence, WrestleMania XL Weekend at WWE World was more than just an event; it was an interactive celebration of WWE's legacy and future. It's where fans not only witness the spectacle of WrestleMania, but get to liveit, creating memories for themselves that, much like the event itself, are larger than life.
Be sure to check out BRP's content on our website and our Black Rasslin' Podcast Patreon for exclusive pro wrestling content. Mimi,
aka #TheWrestlingChic is a co-host of #TheBuckle aka #TurnbuckleTalk
every Tuesday at 6:35PM ET and every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on The Black Rasslin' Podcast.
The Black Rasslin' Podcast returns for a healthy dose of rasslin'-flavored insight and entertainment! This week, Fam, Matth, Mimi, DDm and khal are joined by Mighty Vin this week to discuss Drake's beef with Kendrick Lamar (and Rick Ross), Trick Williams beating Carmelo Hayes in a cage match ahead of his NXT Championship match next week at Spring Breakin', Tama Tonga making his WWE debut (and the future of The Bloodline), AEW Dynasty, Rhea Ripley vacating the Women's World Championship, and much more!
You know the routine: you can stream and download this week's episode via SoundCloud, and subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify! We stream live every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on YouTube. We also encourage you to become a member of the BRPatreon,
where you can get even MORE exclusive content (and merch discounts)!
We'll catch you next week; tell a friend to tell their homies to LIKE,
rate, comment, subscribe, and
share!
The Black Rasslin' Podcast returns for a healthy dose of rasslin'-flavored insight and entertainment! This week, Fam, Matth, Mimi, DDm and khal are back from Philly and here to discuss everything that went down during WrestleMania XL Week, from WaleMania to GCW For the Culture to WrestleMania XL itself. Later, the squad will talk fallout from Mania on Raw and AEW dropping the footage of CM Punk and Jack Perry fighting backstage at AEW All In London.
You know the routine: you can stream and download this week's episode via SoundCloud, and subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify! We stream live every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on YouTube. We also encourage you to become a member of the BRPatreon,
where you can get even MORE exclusive content (and merch discounts)!
We'll catch you next week; tell a friend to tell their homies to LIKE,
rate, comment, subscribe, and
share!
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