Wing Bowl 24 Smothered in Wrasslin’

Philadelphia’s most gluttonous tradition carried on this year, but with an overwhelming resemblance to a pro wrestling show.

An estimated 20,000 drunken, screaming fans packed the Wells Fargo Center at 6 a.m. last Friday for Wing Bowl 24 – the raucous, raunchy, star-studded, chicken wing eating competition despised by many but fascinating to all.

The elaborate entrances of the eaters, who are decked out in costumes and accompanied by entourages, echo the pageantry of WrestleMania. The “Can Cam” and “Kiss Cam”, which encourage breast-flashing and Hot Lesbian Action, harken back to the Attitude Era and closer to home, ECW.

And of course, Angelo Cataldi hosts the spectacle with the cadence of a modern-day Capt. Lou Albano.

Although last year’s event featured Mick Foley as a celebrity competitor, it seemed like this year was sprinkled with wrasslin’ references to the point that you wondered if Shane Douglas invested in yet another Philly venture.

Surrounded by the TWO, one of the eaters, Termite, dressed as “Hollywood” Hogan, complete with scantily-clad Wingettes and a championship belt.

94WIP favorite Susie Celek, locked in a cage octagon, engaged in a pillow fight before delivering a kick, WHAM, stunner to WIP host Paul Jolovitz.

Dennis Rodman, Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling winner who competed at Bash at the Beach 97 and 98, was also in attendance. Well, sort of.

“I don’t know if he knew where he was,” WIP host and Wing Bowl conceiver Al Morganti laughed. “But whatever, if he had a good time, good on him.”

After 90 minutes of hype, the five-time NBA champion walked out to the stage, mentioned how early it was, expressed disappointment at half of the crowd’s jeers, and walked backstage. He later joined Cataldi for a few seconds on the air, but didn’t strum up the controversy that had been anticipated.

CZW/WSU wrestler Penelope Ford won Wingette of the Year after dazzling the crowd with her beauty and a split.

“You’ve got to grab the crowd’s attention,” said Penelope, who will be appearing at the CZW/WSU anniversary double-header at Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, New Jersey on Saturday, Feb. 13.

In the main event of the morning, Molly Schuyler took home the crown, eating 429 wings over the two 12-minute rounds and two-minute final sprint to the finish. She had finished in second place last year with 440 wings and won in 2014 by eating 363 wings.

In his fifth year participating, Skin and Bones made it to the final round. He’s expecting his first child in three months so this was his last hurrah before transitioning into parenthood.

“You almost owe it to Philly if you’re capable of doing certain things,” he said. “It brings people together. Everyone gets a kick out of it, even my boss comes.”

It was also Philly native Tom Wilson’s fifth year at Wing Bowl, but he prefers to watch the gorgefest from the stands.

“It’s a Philadelphia tradition, and I refuse to give it up,” Wilson said.

Wrestledelphia reader and Philly native Nick Pascali took off from work for the event.

“I’m here for the three Bs: boys, beers, and boobs,” Pascali said.