8Bit/Digi

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, a long-time staple of the Bay Area anime convention scene was back. The Cosplay Wrestling Federation was at FanimeCon 2022 with their presentation of Fanimania VII. This has been one of the most popular events during the FanimeCon weekend and 2022 was no exception.

This year; Skeletor’s title was on the line as he goes up against a roster of both new and classical challengers. Mr. Dangerous was this years host while while CWF Founder Lashayda DuCree along with everyone’s favorite punching bag, Hiki. As with other major shows and events during that weekend, it was an emotionally strong one due to the long absence brought on by the pandemic.

The Prep Work

Previous Fanimania’s were hosted in the ballrooms of the Signia by Hilton (formally known as the Fairmount Hotel). This year, the event was hosted at the San Jose Convention Center. This presented a series of new challenges for the CWF staff due to the different layout of the room. Thus, extra time had to be put into settings everything. This includes planning where the stars would enter or exit the stage and where the cameras will be positioned.

Once everything was properly set up, the audience was allowed to be seated. As with previous shows, it was a packed room and there were no empty seats available.

The Challengers

A good number of characters took the stage to present their case. From new characters to classic ones, they all had the goal of usurping Skeletor. With so many competing for the championship, here are some of the most notable moments from Fanimania VII:

The first to take the stage was Doctor Doom (accompanied by Loki). His case was more about how Doctor Doom gets what he wants no matter what and how everyone in the audience is now a subject of Latveria. To no surprise, he was booed off the stage by the audience. 

Next to take the stage was Mumin Rider, returning once again to take the championship. Hailed by the audience as “The Peoples Champion”, he once again pledged to work hard to claim the championship not for himself but for everyone who has tried to take a stance for justice. 

Everyone’s favorite otaku, Travis Touchdown took to the stage to make his case and to make a few jabs at Skelator (referring to him as “Boner”). He reminded everyone he is an otaku and encouraged everyone to wip out and charge their Wii remotes. The audience had to be reminded that this is a +16 event and to actually not wip out their “Wii remote”. 

Accompanied with Lucifer by his side and with a plate of pancakes, it was The Helltaker turn on stage. Greeted with a chant of “Hell Yeah”. His case was more about how awesome he is and how he will host the biggest party imaginable if he wins. 

Greeted by a chant of “step on me”, Bayonetta took to the stage. Apologizing for being late, she promised to give the audience a good time. Despite the audience’s demand, requests to be stepped on are reserved for supporters on OnlyFans. She then preset her case while mocking the efforts of the other challengers. 

Tommy Wiseau vs. Sailor Moon

Tommy Wiseau took to the stage with his championship belt from Blackout: Krackdown. While greeted as a hero by the audience, everything changed the moment he presented his case. Once a champion of the people, he has now become a heartless villain that looked down on his fans. 

Wiseau then proceeded to mock Sailor Moon (who was working the gift shop in the back). After a few exchanges of words, Sailor Moon took to the stage with a bat and a desire for either justice or retribution. After a few more jabs at each other, Sailor Moon beat the living daylights out of her opponent. Humiliated in front of a massive crowd, Tommy ran off the stage while abandoning his Blackout championship belt.

Skelegod Takes the Stage

No longer Skeletor, the champion has transformed into Skelegod after defeating He-Man. During this moment, he ripped apart all the other challengers and their attempts to take the belt. At the same time, he presented his case for why he should hold the championship title. 

The Champion

Each challenger presented a case for why they were worthy of the championship while ripping into Skelegod. It was a tough competition and many great characters were successful in pledging their case but there could only be one champion. In the end, it was Bayonetta who walked away with the championship belt. The next Cosplay Wrestling Federation show will be at Anime Expo 2022 in Los Angeles.

Hiki’s Welcome Back Speech

Fanimania VII closed with a passionate speech by Hiki who welcomed everyone back after a long two years. The audience is reminded of the struggle they all had to endure and the challenges they had to overcome during the pandemic. He thanked everyone for being a loyal supporters and doing their part by attending or getting the word out. Hiki also reminded everyone how much this community means to the stars and to never forget this moment.

Thus bringing an end to Fanimania VII during the Fanimecon 2022 weekend.

Did you get a chance to check out Fanimania VII or other events at FanimeCon 2022? If so then share your story in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: FanimeCon provided me with a pass for the weekend.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.