Incredible8 - HCW News

International Recording Artists PEELANDER-Z Capture HCW Hardcore Championship

On Saturday, June 23, 2007, an incident occurred at The Florida Supercon – a major comic book, animation, TV, movie, anime, sci-fi and music convention taking place at the Marriott North Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 7-time HCW Hardcore Champion Nick Mayberry and manager Euphoria rushed the stage during a live concert performance by international recording artists, the Japanese action comic punk band, Peelander-Z.

Peelander Z, a group well-known for their on-stage antics & appearances on TV’s MXC: Most Extreme Challenge [SpikeTV], Best Week Ever [VH1], and Upright Citizens Brigade [Comedy Central], had infuriated Mayberry with their highly-publicized use of professional wrestling in their on-stage personas. They incorporate their love of pro-wrestling into their act via their use of pro-wrestling moves on stage and wearing wrestling-themed outfits and replica belts as costumes.

Nick Mayberry and Euphoria steal the microphone from Peelander Yellow.

Prior to the event, Mayberry made it clear to The Miami Herald [and several other outlets] that he had intended to disrupt Peelander Z’s performance at the FL Supercon, and in reality, that’s just what he did. Accompanied by his manager, Euphoria, Mayberry took the stage in the middle of Peelander’s concert. While all three members of the group [Peelander Yellow, Peelander Red and Peelander Blue] cowered in fear, Mayberry insulted them, their fans and the convention, before threatening to physically assault all of them.

Peelander Z celebrates their victory with their fans.

While Nick Mayberry singled out Peelander Yellow, Peelanders Red & Blue sprang into action and assaulted Euphoria. The duo hit him in the groin, took his Singapore cane from him, cracked him over the head and busted him open. As Mayberry tried to rescue Euphoria, Peelander Blue sprayed him in the eyes with Windex, and Peelander Red repeatedly beat Mayberry over the head with the cane - sending him to the floor. Peelanders Red & Blue simultaneously pinned Mayberry while Peelander Yellow and the crowd made the three count. Citing the HCW Hardcore Title's 24/7 Defense Rule - Peelanders Red & Blue became NEW HCW Hardcore Co-Champions.

Peelander Z poses with their HCW Hardcore Championship.

Fans of the group celebrated wildly, with cheers of approval filling the room. Dozens of camera phones, digital cameras and video cameras captured the event for future reviewing by fans of the band. The group then kicked Mayberry and a bloody Euphoria off the stage, and then continued their performance – with the HCW Hardcore Championship on the stage beside them.

Peelander Red celebrates his victory with Peelander Yellow at his side.

Word of the incident traveled far, as the next day fans flooded blogs, fan-sites and news-sites with stories about the activities at the concert. Mainstream wrestling sites and media outlets like The Miami Herald and The Phoenix New Times have covered the brawl in various articles. The group also mentioned the skirmish with Mayberry and Euphoria on their official blog.

NOTES:
*This marked Peelander Z’s FIRST EVER pro-wrestling title victory, and their involvement in an actual “bout” of sorts. The trio, formed in 1998, has taken their act literally all over the world – as part of countless tours and events, including stops at SXSW, Bonnaroo Music Festival, CMJ and others. They’ve also performed with pro-wrestling related Kaiju Big Battel in the past. For more on Peelander-Z, visit their website, www.Peelander-Z.com

*Mayberry has vowed revenge on Peelander-Z, citing that he wants his Championship back. He promises that he will avenge his loss against the group, but has made it unclear what his plan of revenge entails. Stay tuned to www.Incredible8.com for more on Nick Mayberry and Peelander-Z.