Best of the Best

The crowd gathered at the Bear Trap Cafe and Bar on July 24 was unusual, but not surprising given the event. Midget wrestling returned to Riverside for a Saturday night, giving the crowd a chance to see the wrestlers duke it out. The event was first introduced to Riverside in 2018, with MicroMania performing last year's show. This year's show by MicroMania proved to be popular, having sold over 100 tickets before the night even began.

Laughter roared as jokes and insults were thrown, a trademark of the event. Physical comedy was also featured heavily in the ring - even going outside it as wrestlers dragged each around the crowd.

The wrestlers of MicroMania were a surprising mix of new talent and old legends. While the siblings Dylan Michaels and Makayla Lynn have only been wrestling for a few months, Octagoncito and Tsuky have been wrestling for over 30 years. Although they were new to the scene, they weren't new to the history behind it due to being third generation wrestlers. Michaels and Lynn's grandfather was known as Lord Littlebrook and their father Beautiful Bobby, both notable figures in the midget wrestling scene.

The two luchadors also have their share of fame and accomplishments, having become widely known in lucha libre.

"They're a big deal," said Tiffany Payne, a member and co-organizer of MicroMania. "We've had people come up and ask us if that's the real Octagoncito".

Professional wrestling has a complex history, starting in the 1920s before gaining popularity in the 1950s through 1980s. The culture that developed as it was brought to television emphasized a theatrical style that continues today. Matches between wrestlers are highly choreographed, presenting the crowd with a hero and villain (known as a "face" and a "heel" respectively) to root for and cheer against. This doesn't make the fights fake however, instead showcasing the extreme skill and athletic ability that is required to put on a show while avoiding injuries.

The sport had a similar start in Mexico, but managed to reach far greater popularity. Known as lucha libre, professional wrestling in Mexico has become a cultural staple in many parts of the country. While lucha libre is similar to professional wrestling in the United States, there are some key differences. Lucha libre focuses on a style full of agile and aerial manevenures, rather than the more solid and powerful thrusts of its American counterpart. The event in Riverside seemed to focus on the American style, but wrestlers did "fly" throughout the night.

Luchadors are also known for their masks. Masks are tied to a wrestler's identity, as their private lives are kept secret from the public.

Midget wrestling is a branch of professional wrestling that features miniature stars. In lucha libre the wrestlers in this division are known as Mini-Estrellas.

The two MicroMania luchadors held quite a history in the scene, competing in it for several years. One of the most notable accomplishments was that of Octagoncito, who is a National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Midget Wrestling Champion.

While Riverside may not be home to a national championship, it certainly got to see a show from the best of the best.