Murderbrawl XXXI’s main event of The Stillwater Butcher vs. Killbane has caught the eye of Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter, being awarded the illustrious 5-star rating which will cement the match as a modern classic.
“What an astounding feat in the world of professional wrestling. The return of Angel De LaMuerte was something that nobody had backstage knowledge about in 2011. Murderbrawl XXXI’s main event had it all. Blood, sweat, revenge, an unmasking, and egregious murders,” said Dave Meltzer. “In all my days, I have never seen a double turn happen quite like this. The Stillwater Butcher comes out the heel and with the help of LaMuerte, becomes and shames the face of the promotion after unmasking Killbane.”
Meltzer also addressed Killbane’s Luchadores and the moment of silence he had for them.
“Your boss is a psychopathic murderer in a criminal organization. His opponent is also a psychopathic murderer in a criminal organization, The Third Street Saints. No matter which way you look at it, you’re a jobber and you are not going to have a good time. Being a jobber is career suicide, but in Murderbrawl it will result in your death,” Meltzer further explains. “You come out to the ring wielding a urinal, a shark, a blow-up doll, anything, and your opponent gets a chainsaw from the crowd? This is a shoot pal, you’re dead. The sounds of Joe Esposito’s “You’re The Best” won’t drown out your screams.”
Bryan Alvarez took to X (formerly Twitter) to further elaborate on Meltzer’s review.
“I watched The Stillwater Butcher’s training tapes and they are the real deal. Flinging yourself into oncoming traffic, driving with a tiger in the passenger seat, and causing unparalleled property destruction are the hallmarks of a real workhorse. I’ve known Dave for a long time, and I can recognize when he sees something special.”
Meltzer further explains why despite his enthusiasm, it doesn’t exceed 5 stars.
“Let’s look at it this way, it’s on the same level but isn’t better than the Texas Deathmatch between Jon Moxley and Hangman Page. Nor is this Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega, or anything in the Tokyo Dome. This is the criminal underbelly of Steelport legitimately going for the kill. Don’t get me wrong, Angel De LaMuerte is Hall of Fame material, but he’s got a little too much “Angelmania, brother,” energy that a 450 Splash can’t fix. The Stillwater Butcher could’ve had a real damn good wrestling career but I hear nowadays they’re planning to run for president.”
As of writing, The Stillwater Butcher will be auctioning Killbane’s mask to raise campaign funds as a third-party candidate in the Saints Party.
