The Red and Black

Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: Variety

Media Credit: Courtesy Micro Wrestling Federation Midgets in the Micro Wresting Federation will have 150 to 180 shows this year. [Click to enlarge]

The largest competitor, Meatball, is 4-foot-6 and 275 pounds. The sport is Micro Wrestling.

"Anyone who comes out to see the Micro Wrestling Federation will see the most outrageous show touring the country," said Jack Darrell, owner of the Micro Wrestling Federation.

"We are like the WWE but half the size," Meatball said.

Based out of Nashville, Tenn., The Micro Wrestling Federation consists of 10 to 12 midgets, all shorter than five feet.

"Wrestlers pretty much have to have the midget look. They need to be small, have short arms and legs, but also be strong," Darrell said.

Trained by former wrestler Pat Tanaka, the wrestlers vary in weight and height, but all possess intense and surprising strength.

Most grew up in entertainment families, and have wrestled for eight to 10 years.

When not on the road, the wrestlers attend wrestling school twice a month and practice their moves in various gyms.

"The midgets practice their moves whenever they have a chance, but most of the time we are on the road. This year we will book 150 to 180 shows," Darrell said.

"The hardest part is the traveling and being on the road," Meatball said. "Some days we leave right after the show, shower and leave for a 16-hour drive."

In the past seven weeks the wrestlers have given 70 shows, stretching from California to Kentucky.

"With the long drives and all the time together, we are like brothers," Meatball said. "To me the MWF stands for 'Micro Wrestling Family.'"

The wrestlers are from all across America, including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois and Michigan.

"We most often perform for nightclubs, but we are also popular among motorcycle rallies and tattoo festivals. We do adult shows and a Three Stooges, all ages show," Darrell said.

Continued...

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