Wrestlicious TakeDown

Wrestlicious TakeDown was a professional wrestling television show that premiered on MavTV in 2010. A boundary-pushing show that combined elements of traditional pro-wrestling, sketch comedy, and a nod to the outrageous world of 80's and 90's wrestling, Wrestlicious TakeDown featured an all-female cast of in-ring performers.

The unique concept was created by Jonathan Vargas, a young lottery winner and wrestling enthusiast, together with Jimmy Hart, a wrestling legend known as 'The Mouth of the South.' Vargas's passion for wrestling was brought to life through this dynamic and visually intriguing show, coupled with Hart's invaluable insights into the wrestling world adding a level of credibility and authenticity.

Wrestlicious TakeDown featured a diverse array of characters, from cowgirls and cheerleaders to schoolgirl sweethearts and hardened criminals, lending it a vibrant, colorful, and often outrageously humorous tone. Each character had a unique persona, complete with a compelling backstory that helped the viewer establish a connection with them. These characters didn't just provide comic relief; they were talented wrestlers in their own right, offering exciting, credible, and intense wrestling action.

Moreover, Wrestlicious TakeDown balanced its prominent comedy angle with well-choreographed wrestling bouts among its diverse women fighters. Showcasing a range of wrestling styles from technical to brawling, high-flying to power wrestling, this show pulled no punches when it came to delivering all-out action. The show also treaded into the terrain of parodic humor - a wave of comedy that walks a fine line between spoof and tribute - expertly mining the absurd elements of wrestling lore and culture while still showcasing its genuine thrill and athleticism.

The weekly, 30-minute episodes offered an interesting blend of in-ring matches, entertaining vignettes, and hilarious sketches, ensuring that the viewers stayed hooked to the end. The wrestlicious rap, acted as the theme song and set the energy levels up for the entire show.

Character development was always a critical aspect of the show, with compelling plotlines driving tension and excitement between characters, leading to explosive showdowns in the ring. Wrestlicious TakeDown cleverly utilized this story-driven element of pro-wrestling, integrating it into the overall campy and comic tone of the show.

The production quality played a crucial part in the success of the show. From elaborate sets that captured the mood of wrestliciousness, to the quality of the costumes that were always in line with the characters' personas, the attention to detail spoke volumes about the level of thought put into the show's aesthetics. Not forgetting the announcers and commentators who contributed heavily towards the feel of the show. Their banter added another layer of comedy, and their play-by-play commentary did justice to the intense matches.

On the diversity side of things, Wrestlicious TakeDown was prominent in showcasing talent from various ethnic backgrounds and personalities, bringing to the ring a myriad of wrestling styles and techniques. This resulted in historical and cultural representations being the highlight of many characters and storylines, bringing a new dimension of richness to the show.

Through humor, high-octane choreographed wrestling, and creative storytelling, Wrestlicious TakeDown became more than just a series about girls wrestling. It was a celebration of the quirky, the eccentric, and the absurd that dwells in the heart of professional wrestling, all while having a self-aware, tongue-in-cheek attitude. It brought together all the staple elements of pro wrestling and then turned them upside down, resulting in a show strongly etched in the viewers' memory for its unconventional approach and treatment of the genre.

In its short run, Wrestlicious TakeDown bravely dared to be different and was a testament to the growing acknowledgment of women's wrestling. By combining elements not often seen together, it carved a niche for itself, gaining a cult following, making each episode an experience like no other.