Event review: TNT Extreme Wrestling presents Effy’s Big Gay Brunch in Liverpool

Here are our thoughts on Effy’s Big Gay Brunch (presented by TNT Extreme Wrestling) in Liverpool's Hangar 34.

Skiddle Staff

Date published: 16th May 2023

The nightlife in Liverpool has never been a stranger to flamboyance, hedonism and pageantry. It’s an incredible city even when at its lowest ebb, so this being Eurovision weekend, the sense of fun and mischief was palpable. Adding Effy’s Big Gay Brunch into the mix was the icing on a delicious, if slightly niche, cake.

Big Gay Brunch is the brainchild of American professional wrestler Effy, who has become a cult figure due a captivating focus on identity and outstanding wrestling ability. Having been raised in a traditionally religious household, his career as an openly gay wrestler has been an unorthodox one. The self-proclaimed “Weapon of Sass Destruction” rose up through the indie circuit, before going over Matt Cardona to win Game Changer Wrestling’s (GCW) Internet Championship in 2021. His association with GCW has paved the way for an event of his own, showcasing the best LGBTQ+ wrestlers on the planet. The shows are fantastic, and the most recent edition in Liverpool was the Big Gay Brunch at its fabulous best.

Across the world, professional wrestling is enjoying the sort of boom in popularity that hasn’t been seen since the turn of the millennium. Ticket sales are through the roof and with AEW’s All In coming to Wembley and WWE selling out London’s O2 Arena in seconds, it’s a good time to be a fan of this weird, wonderful sport.

This was in evidence at Liverpool’s Hangar 34, as a packed crowd were treated to an incredible display of physical theatre. A six man tag match took top billing, as Effy, Allie Katch and Session Moth Martina took on Alexxis Falcon, Che Monet and Charles Crowley. It was a match that leaned heavily into the spectacle of the Big Gay Brunch, just as the thrilling Rainbow Rumble had done earlier in the night. The imposing Parrow had entered themselves into the match, because who was going to dare stop them, before being eliminated by Harley Hudson for an enormous pop.

The in-ring action throughout the night, despite the somewhat carnival atmosphere, is all business. The spectacle eventually fades into the background as some of the country’s best independent wrestlers stick their working boots on. For those in the crowd that liked their wrestling to be as physical as possible, Parrow vs Big Damo scratched that particular itch in a fantastic match which included a brutal looking table spot. The unusual surroundings came into play too, with high-spots from the venue’s bar areas and various railings. It was an incredibly varied show, which has long been one of the highest compliments you can pay to a wrestling card, given the enormous range of styles that exist in the modern industry.

A word, too, for an incredibly boisterous crowd. You would expect nothing less given the eagerness of your typical British indie wrestling fan, but this was something else entirely. The difference between crowds on the UK circuit and those on the other side of the pond is an interesting cultural touchstone. Football culture has an awful lot to answer for given some of the negative effects on wider society in the UK, but the proliferation of songs and chants makes events like this really special. The noise was deafening at times, especially for those wrestlers from closer to home, such as the excellent Lana Austin.

As if this wasn’t enough, we were treated to a rare appearance by the ethereal, legendary Kendo Nagasaki, who appeared in-ring with his own, distinctive mask resplendent in the rainbow flag. The stalwart of the ITV World of Sport era of wrestling, and a gimmick that launched a thousand imitations, was also available for a meet & greet after the show which was a lovely touch from a promotion which celebrates the best of the industry’s rich history.

When a lot of the crowd were growing up, you’d have struggled to name an openly gay wrestler anywhere in the world. Now being in a position to see LGBTQ performers is utterly remarkable. Not that the Big Gay Brunch should be seen solely through that lens, as each of the performers on the card has carved out their own place within the thriving British or American indie circuit. They’ll be coming to a venue near you, minus some of the pomp & circumstance, and I cannot implore you enough to head down and enjoy the show.

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Jonathan Coll

Check out our What's On Guide to discover more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.