The Wing Bowl XXV, As Told Through Mesmerizing Photos

Philadelphia’s annual display of gluttony, near-nudity — actually, in some cases nudity — and early morning inebriation celebrated its silver anniversary on Friday morning as Sports Radio WIP hosted its 25th Annual Wing Bowl at the Wells Fargo Center.

A very packed Wells Fargo Center. At 6 am. With booze officially flowing like an unruly river at 7 am.

Why? Because Philly was made for this kinda shit. And god bless everyone who walked through that door like they had mistaken “Wing Bowl” for “Super Bowl.”

It certainly didn’t hurt that Ric Flair would be making an appearance, but I have full confidence the arena would’ve been filled to the gills had Snuffaluffagus been the featured celebrity guest.

No, not this Ric Flair:

Although major bonus points are in order for having a member of the original nWo, a fake Sting, and a member of the long defunct nWo Wolfpack in tow just in case things got dicey for Mini Nature Boy.

And no, not this Ric Flair either:

And definitely not this Jon Lovitz version of Ric Flair:

Amazing. Never, ever change, Fake Ric Flair:

At long last, THIS RIC FLAIR!

The stylin’ and profilin’, limousine ridin’, jet plane flyin’, kiss-stealin’, wheelin’ n’ dealin’ son of a gun was in great spirits for the chicken wing contest, which should come as no surprise as it’s basically an eating competition disguised as a South Philly Mardi Gras.

The celebration of devouring wings saw local eater Notorious B.O.B. triumphantly take home the crown in the form of $10,000 and a 2017 Hyundai Sante Fe after downing 409 god damn buffalo wings.

Not too shabby, to be honest.

Five-time Wing Bowl winner El Wingador — who’s now free from incarceration — made his return to the contest, losing in an exhibition against WB24 champ Molly Schuler.

Experiencing this event from the floor as the entrants made their way around “the rink” made it extra special, as it had a sprinkle of just about everything, including a bold Penguins fan generating some serious heat from the crowd.

As you can see from the older fella behind the glass and a few other ride or die Flyers fans, several emphatic middle fingers were delivered with great vigor.

God bless you, Philly.

Throughout the lively morning, the presence of wrestling icon Ric Flair continually fired up an already lit audience while rapper Coolio belted out a few hits in a Ben Simmons jersey and promoted a post-event “Legs and Eggs” breakfast at a local strip joint.

Of course he did.

While feminists and animal rights groups alike protest this spectacle each year, it simply needs to be experienced… in part because some “fans” forget to eat breakfast.

And some “professional eaters” forget to wear shoes, but make up for it with gorgeous body art.

After some back and forth with this presentable beast it was confirmed — allegedly — that he is in fact an estranged member of the Wyatt Family and also happens to be Big John Studd’s favorite nephew.

With such an unhinged crowd boozing at such an early hour, boobs inevitably made their way onto the Jumbotron, much to the delight of 20,000 roaring fans.

Of all the things witnessed, the presence of the Horse Head Gang might have very well been my favorite moment.

Just look at these guys.

via CSN Philly

As everyone knows, not all heroes wear capes. They wear horse heads and tank tops and they arrive in brooding packs like the boys from Sons of Anarchy.

Just beautiful stuff.

Guy in a Donald Trump mask with a microphone and choice seats? Yup. Some things never change, not even at the reality altering Wing Bowl.

So was there a sad clown and his beloved toilet being pulled around the perimeter of the rink, you ask?

You bet your sweet ass there was.

New hair trends were also started, as Philly is usually the go-to place where edgy, fashion-forward ideas are birthed.

Speaking of fashion trends, uh, yeah…

And finally, before we get to the photo gallery, it’s worth noting that the winner was showered with confetti just they like they do at the Super Bowl.

At bottom right is most certainly not the winner, as this PROFESSIONAL EATER was in the midst of debating whether or not it was a good idea to barf up 14 pounds of buffalo wings.

His orange thumb sums things up quite nicely.

All in all, Wing Bowl XXV was truly the day for unique “artists” and early-rising booze hounds to shine like a blistering sun.

Though sadly, some attendees were “slightly” displeased with the choice for Wingette Of The Year:

Next year, Roman. There’s always next year.

Aug 2, 2013; Akron, OH, USA; Tiger Woods speaks to reporters after tying the course record with a score of 61 after the second round of the World Golf Championships – Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Jul 21, 2013; Toledo, OH, USA; Paula Creamer walks to the 8th green during the final round of the Marathon Classic at Highland Meadows Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 3, 2013; Akron, OH, USA; Tiger Woods speaks to reporters after the third round of the World Golf Championships – Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Jun 9, 2013; Pittsford, NY, USA; Morgan Pressel reacts after missing a putt on the 14th hole during the final round of the Wegmans LPGA Championship at Locust Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Jul 20, 2013; Toledo, OH, USA; Stacy Lewis during the third round of the Marathon Classic at Highland Meadows Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 4, 2013; Akron, OH, USA; Tiger Woods (left) shakes hands with Henrik Stenson after winning the final round of the World Golf Championships – Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

July 18, 2013; Gullane, United Kingdom; Louis Oosthuizen hits his tee shot at the 6th hole during the first round of the 2013 The Open Championship at Muirfield Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Paul Cunningham-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 6, 2013; Rochester, NY, USA; Adam Scott speaks to the media at a press conference during the practice round of the 95th PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 6, 2013; Rochester, NY, USA; Tiger Woods plays a tee shot during the practice round of the 95th PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 6, 2013; Rochester, NY, USA; Hunter Mahan speaks to the media at a press conference during the practice round of the 95th PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 6, 2013; Rochester, NY, USA; Tom Watson tees off on the 10th hole during the practice round of the 95th PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 7, 2013; Rochester, NY, USA; Rory McIlroy walks into the 18th green during the practice round of the 95th PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 4, 2013; Akron, OH, USA; Charlie Woods (top right) smiles as his father Tiger Woods is about to putt the 18th green during the final round of the World Golf Championships – Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 4, 2013; Akron, OH, USA; Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the 17th hole during the World Golf Championships – Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club.. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 7, 2013; Rochester, NY, USA; Rory McIlroy speaks during a press conference during the practice round of the 95th PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

Jun 9, 2013; Pittsford, NY, USA; A bagpipe band marches up the 18th fairway to celebrate Inbee Park winning the Wegmans LPGA Championship at Locust Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Jun 9, 2013; Pittsford, NY, USA; A bagpipe band marches up the 18th fairway to celebrate Inbee Park winning the Wegmans LPGA Championship at Locust Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Jun. 7, 2012; Pittsford, NY, USA; Stacy Lewis hits from the tee during the first round of the Wegmans LPGA championship at the Locust Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 8, 2013; Rochester, NY, USA; Tiger Woods plays a shot on the 17th hole during the first round of the 95th PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 8, 2013; Rochester, NY, USA; Tiger Woods warms up on the practice range before the first round of the 95th PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

*****

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