Midget wrestling in Denver

But as the lights dim, revelers at Denver’s Oriental Theatre know this event is going to be special, for one reason: Midgetpalooza.

The Micro Wrestling Federation, the organization responsible for the moniker, boasts “mini athletes” who take their stint on the road, filling up audiences who come to see people 4’10” and under pummel each other with fists, various props, and Spandex. The entire event involves three one-on-one matches, a steel cage match involving several of the wrestlers, and then a surprise bonus at the end, which is promised to be “unlike anything you’ve seen before.”

This ends up being stripping midgets.

With a ring that’s 12 feet by 12 feet, less than a standard size of five yards as regulated by other professional wrestling groups, the entertainers suit up for the show in the early evening while tour manager Reggie tests out the PA system in the venue. Doubling as the event’s commentator and outfitted in a sleek suit with matching fedora, he slickly runs through a couple lines before rallying up the wrestlers in the back for a pep talk.

Reggie first organized tours for strip show revues akin to Chippendale’s performances, before being approached by a business acquaintance about a new “venture” – the midgets. He initially passed. “I had no idea what it even meant for midgets to be wrestling,” he said. But two years later, he hit the road with the whole production. (The word “midget” is one MWF approves of, and is what the wrestlers also call each other in relation to their jobs.)

And touring they do. The cast--which includes six wrestlers, one referee, and a handful of production assistants who coordinate everything from building the ring and aligning the proper music to managing segments of the live show--travels through much of the continental U.S. during the year. Most holidays are reserved for going back home, though it’s back on the road again once gigs begin filling up months that take them through mountains, deserts, the ‘burbs and cities.

MWF has also picked up momentum on behalf of the entertainers. They recently appeared on NBC sitcom Bones playing themselves, and according to Reggie, they're in talks to be the subject of a reality show.

Just as the entertainers have a story plot that plays out for the audience, they each also have a personal history of their own. Pixie, the event’s ref, made a living stripping in Arkansas prior to landing her gig calling the shot of the matches. Nasty has a house in Portland that he shares with his girlfriend of two and a half years, and of which much of his paycheck through MWF goes to. The entertainers are considered independent contractors and get paid, usually in cash, after each show.

Once the show starts, all seven midgets get in the groove. They pump themselves up with chants and dances before appearing on stage in front of adoring fans, who hawk beers in one hand and homemade signs in the other. Costumes are either tailor-made – as usually is the case with pants – or from shopping in the children’s section of department stores. Entertainers near the high end of the midget height spectrum fit into standardized adult tops.

After the matches, the stripping begins. Curious customers with dollar bills ready line the perimeter of the ring and wait for their lap dance. Jmazing and Pixie each grind their way for cash until finally the entire group come out to take pictures with fans and to sell shirts. The next city awaits them after the sweat settles in.

“I’ve been in this business 26 years, and loved every part of it,” said Nasty. “It’s what I do, and I do it well.”

Writer’s note: a heartfelt thanks to Morgan Hopper for use of his camera, and to my Auntie Mela and Uncle Robert Aquino, for without your generosity in driving me around Colorado and letting me crash with you, this picture editorial of midgets beating the shit out of each other would not have been possible. I love you guys.