To say Pokemon are hot right now would be an understatement of comical proportions.
When the mobile game Pokemon GO released in the United States on July 6 it became an instant sensation, and even though it hasn’t officially been released in Canada, it’s already twice as popular as the dating app Tinder in the country.
It was only a matter of time until the Pokemon references came flooding into the world of sports, and on Saturday Michael “Venom” Page decided to strike first. After channeling his inner Hitmonlee to knock out Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos with a flying knee, Page busted out an elaborate Pokemon-themed celebration.
The routine, while carefully choreographed, is not flawless. Page drops to his knee and rolls the Poke Ball at Santos rather than tossing it at him like a true Pokemon trainer would. However, he does capture the spirit of the game by trying to “capture” his opponent after weakening him, or in this case knocking him out.
What’s most important for the 29-year-old is that he’s the first athlete to get in on the action. In the year to come many athletes are likely to do their best Ash Ketchum impressions to celebrate touchdowns, goals or even home runs in response to the Pokemon GO craze. Page can sleep soundly knowing that he’s the original.
If he wanted to be the best like no one ever was, for one night he accomplished his goal.
