Oakland’s Hoodslam is one of the most entertaining and outrageous underground wrestling events on the West Coast. They host weekly events around the Bay Area with an upcoming show “F**k the Fans 2022” in Old Oakland on October 7th. It’s vulgar, nerdy, wildly entertaining, and definitely not for kids.
Hoodslam was started in 2010 by Sam Khandaghabadi, who goes by the wrestling name Dark Sheik. The first Hoodslam was held at a warehouse famous for hosting underground metal shows and quickly grew to a bi-monthly event. After complaints from the warehouse owner about after-parties attracting too much police attention Hoodslam moved on to the Oakland Metro Opera House, where they sold out the 1,000-person venue for the first time in 2014, according to Vice. Currently the show moves between venues in SF, Oakland, and as far as Lake Tahoe.
A night at Hoodslam is often full of drunken revelry, over-the-top performances, and impressive feats of athleticism. Broseph Joe Brody, Hoodslams’s host, frequently greets guests with “fuck you, bro” before offering them a drink from his large bottle of Jack Daniels. It’s all part of the experience but you can probably see why it’s strictly a 21-and-over event. Other Hoodslam wrestlers include Drugz Bunny, Shakira Spears, Hip Hop Harry, and DARK Sheik, Hoodslam’s founder. They each have trademark moves, complex backstories, and fantastic costumes. Hoodslam deserves a spot on your Bay Area bucket list.
The next Hoodslam event will be held on October 7th from 7pm-10pm at the corner of 10th and Broadway St in Oakland. Hoodslam is strictly 21+ so please leave the kids at home.
Featured image: @luchatographer via Instagram