Benito “Benny” Cuntapay, better known in the professional wrestling world as B-Boy, has carved a lasting legacy for himself in the independent wrestling circuit. From his beginnings on the West Coast to international acclaim, B-Boy has become synonymous with high-octane matches, strong style, and the gritty, no-nonsense attitude of the independent scene. He is especially known for his work in promotions like Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), and Jersey All Pro Wrestling (JAPW), where he earned championships, recognition, and a dedicated fanbase. As a wrestler who thrived in the brutal and competitive environment of independent promotions, B-Boy’s journey is a testament to perseverance and the unwavering spirit of the independent wrestling scene.
Early Life and Wrestling Journey
Born on December 29, 1978, Benito “Benny” Cuntapay was raised in Southern California. However, his rise to the wrestling ring took him across the United States and beyond. Trained by numerous seasoned professionals, including Christopher Daniels, B-Boy’s entrance into the wrestling world was marked by his early passion for the craft and his decision to pursue a career in professional wrestling. His initial training provided him with a foundation in the art of wrestling, but his later experiences and personal dedication shaped him into the distinct performer he became.
B-Boy’s early career started under the ring name “Benny Chong,” and he formed a tag team with “Funky” Billy Kim. Known as “The Manila Thrillaz,” the team would see success on the independent circuit. They were known for their exciting in-ring style and their ability to entertain crowds across Southern California. While working in promotions like Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW), B-Boy quickly earned recognition as a talented and agile wrestler, gaining the respect of both his peers and the fans.
Independent Circuit Breakthrough
By 2003, B-Boy had established himself as a prominent figure in the Southern California wrestling scene. He began working with major independent promotions such as Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), and Jersey All Pro Wrestling (JAPW). His diverse skillset, including technical prowess and an understanding of the high-flying style, made him a fan favorite.
In 2003, B-Boy participated in CZW’s prestigious “Best of the Best” tournament, a tournament designed to highlight the best talent on the independent circuit. The tournament featured a variety of top-tier competitors, but B-Boy came out victorious by defeating a strong field that included the likes of Deranged, Lil’ Cholo, and Sonjay Dutt. This victory marked a major milestone in his career, allowing him to showcase his abilities in front of a national audience.
B-Boy’s time in CZW would mark a significant chapter in his career. His aggressive style and high-impact moves earned him a place in the company’s history. He would go on to win the CZW Iron Man Championship, which solidified his standing as one of the top wrestlers in the promotion. However, his tenure in CZW was not without its setbacks. B-Boy faced numerous challenges, including a loss to the infamous Frankie The Mobster, which brought an end to his reign as CZW Iron Man Champion.
PWG and The Rise to Prominence
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) would also become a key part of B-Boy’s journey as a wrestler. PWG, known for its combination of fast-paced wrestling and hardcore elements, was a natural fit for B-Boy’s hard-hitting style. His PWG career took off after a series of impactful performances and memorable matches against some of the best talent on the independent scene.
In 2005, B-Boy teamed up with Super Dragon as part of the team “Team PWG.” Their partnership proved to be successful, as they began challenging for the PWG World Tag Team Championship. B-Boy and Super Dragon earned a chance to compete for the coveted tag team title, and they won the championship after defeating Scott Lost and Chris Bosh. This victory solidified B-Boy’s place as one of the most skilled and versatile wrestlers in PWG.
Although the duo’s reign was short-lived, they played a major role in establishing PWG as a prime destination for the most exciting and innovative wrestling. The tag team championship win was only one part of B-Boy’s continued success in PWG. His singles career also saw him challenging for the PWG World Championship and participating in numerous matches that were considered instant classics by the promotion’s loyal fanbase.
CZW and Championship Glory
Throughout his career, B-Boy remained closely tied to Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW). While B-Boy’s time in CZW featured both triumphs and defeats, it was the place where his talents were most heavily tested, and where he truly cemented his status as a hardcore wrestling legend. His tenure in the promotion saw him capture the CZW World Heavyweight Championship in 2010 after defeating Drake Younger, a major achievement that showcased his endurance and perseverance in the ring.
B-Boy’s time as CZW World Heavyweight Champion, though brief, was significant. His victory helped to establish his position as one of the promotion’s leading figures and was a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. Despite losing the title to Jon Moxley just two weeks later, B-Boy’s championship run in CZW added another major accolade to his already impressive list of achievements.
CZW was not the only place B-Boy thrived during this period. He continued to perform regularly in various independent promotions, building a reputation as a reliable and hard-hitting wrestler. His matches were known for their intensity and his willingness to put his body on the line for the sake of the audience. B-Boy’s unmatched work ethic made him a valuable asset to any promotion that booked him.
The Strong Style Thugs: B-Boy and Homicide
In addition to his individual accomplishments, B-Boy’s tag team partnership with fellow wrestler Homicide formed one of the most dangerous and exciting duos in independent wrestling. Known as “The Strong Style Thugs,” the team was recognized for their aggressive and no-nonsense approach to tag team wrestling. Together, they captured the JAPW Tag Team Championship, defeating The Christopher Street Connection in January 2005. The pair’s strong style, combining both hard-hitting brawling and technical wrestling, made them one of the most popular teams in the promotion.
Their partnership continued to thrive as they went on to defeat multiple teams and defend their championships against the top tag teams in independent wrestling. Their combination of street-fight brawling and strong style made them an intimidating team, capable of competing against anyone in the ring. Although their reign as champions was short-lived, the influence of “The Strong Style Thugs” lasted for years, and the duo’s chemistry in the ring became the stuff of legend.
Lucha Underground and the Bael Persona
B-Boy’s career saw him evolve not just as a wrestler but as a character. His appearance in Lucha Underground marked a shift in his career, as he was given the name “Bael” and introduced into the mystical and unique universe of the show. Lucha Underground, known for its cinematic and action-packed storytelling, provided a platform for B-Boy to display his versatility as a performer.
During his time in Lucha Underground, B-Boy’s character, Bael, became embroiled in a major storyline involving Matanza, the monstrous champion of the promotion. The feud culminated in Bael’s on-screen death at the hands of Matanza, marking a dramatic and intense end to his storyline. Although B-Boy’s time in Lucha Underground was brief, it demonstrated his ability to adapt to different styles of wrestling and storytelling, cementing his status as a versatile and innovative performer.
Legacy and Influence on Independent Wrestling
B-Boy’s legacy in the independent wrestling scene cannot be overstated. He was a key figure in shaping the culture of hardcore wrestling and played a pivotal role in the rise of strong-style wrestling in America. His work in CZW, PWG, JAPW, and other major independent promotions helped to elevate the status of the American indie wrestling scene, providing a blueprint for future generations of wrestlers.
B-Boy’s willingness to push the boundaries of wrestling, both in terms of the physicality of his matches and the storytelling elements, inspired many young wrestlers to follow in his footsteps. His brutal and exciting matches, along with his partnership with Homicide and his run in Lucha Underground, showcased his versatility and helped him leave an indelible mark on professional wrestling.
Conclusion
B-Boy’s journey from the West Coast indie scene to major promotions like CZW, PWG, and Lucha Underground reflects his tenacity, passion, and love for the business of professional wrestling. Through his hard-hitting matches, championship victories, and innovative storylines, he has become one of the most respected and influential figures in independent wrestling history. While his career has seen its share of triumphs and setbacks, B-Boy’s legacy as a hardcore icon and a versatile performer continues to inspire both fans and wrestlers alike.