Phil Vibert

Philip Bertrand Déodat Jean-François Vibert (born 27 April 1965), best known as Phil Vibert, is a Magisterian professional wrestling promoter, left-wing political commentator and politician who was best known for running Danger And Violence Extreme (DAVE) from 1997 to 2007. Before running DAVE, he was a colour commentator and a member of the creative team for the Magisterian Wrestling Federation (MWF).

Born in Annesia City, Federal Capital Territory, Vibert graduated from the National People's University with a degree in political science in 1985 and began his tenure in professional wrestling as a photographer for the Magisterian Wrestling Federation (MWF) until becoming a colour commentator in 1989. In 1996, Vibert departed from the MWF thanks to creative disagreements with the company's owner, Allen Packer. Vibert's departure was followed with his acquisition of Danger And Violence Extreme (DAVE), and used his vision to transform the regional promotion into the beloved cult phenomenon known today.

Vibert has sporadically appeared on-screen for DAVE, often as a colour commentator. In 2002, Vibert adopted the gimmick of playing as a villainous, egomaniacal boss who barely cares about the well-being of his employees and often treats wrestlers positioned in the lower card badly.

After DAVE filed for bankruptcy in 2007, Vibert would disappear from the public eye for 2 years before resurfacing as a left-wing political commentator in 2009. Since then, he has established a reputation as one of the most respected political commentators and analysts of all time. He returned to professional wrestling in 2022 when he announced the creation of the DAVE off-shoot company Danger And Violence Is Destiny (DAVID).

Early life
Vibert was born on 27 April 1965, in Annesia City, Federal Capital Territory, the only son of Geraldine (née Jakeman) and Matthias Vibert. Vibert attended Martin Jean State High School, graduating in 1981. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the National People's University in 1986.

Magisterian Wrestling Federation (1986-1996)
After graduating from the National People's University, Vibert joined the Magisterian Wrestling Federation (MWF) briefly as a photographer, and later as an on-air interviewer. In 1991, he was promoted into the colour commentator status and as well getting appointed as a member of the creative team. His time as a member of the creative team, according to him, was a stressful affair as majority of the team wanted to build a traditional, family-friendly wrestling brand, while Vibert wanted to take on a new genre as he believed traditional wrestling was antiquated.

As time went on, disagreements arose as Vibert - now appointed the Head of Creative - and Packer constantly clashed over the direction of the company. As a result, Vibert walked out from the MWF in late 1996.

Danger And Violence Extreme (1997-2007)
After departing MWF, he initially attempted to form a new promotion until he was approached by Buddy Gaines, offering him to acquire the then-fledging DAVE. In April 1997, Vibert officially became the owner of DAVE and brought in MWF women's wrestler Heidi Hyde. Vibert then used his original vision for the MWF to launch DAVE into national prominence; matches regularly featuring weapons (including the frequent use of tables and fire) and revolving around adult-themed storylines. Albeit a mixed reception from critics, the product fostered a cult-like following. Though the hardcore style was the main focus, DAVE under Vibert also showcased various international styles of professional wrestling ranging from Mexican lucha libre to Japanese puroresu.

Vibert and Hyde's creative direction created new stars, and established DAVE as the fourth major national wresting promotion in the first half of the 2000s, competing with Golden Canvas Traditional Grappling (GCTG), the Magisterian Wrestling Federation (MWF), and Pure Magisterian Wrestling Association (PMWA). DAVE folded in 2007 when it was unable to secure a new national television contract.

Later years and return to professional wrestling (2007-present)
After DAVE's closure in 2007, Vibert disappeared from the public eye for 2 years before resurfacing as a left-wing political commentator and analyst. Since then, he has built a reputation as one of the most respected political commentators and analysts of all time. During his time as a political commentator, he appeared in multiple commentary shows; notably The Young Turks (TYT). In 2022, Vibert made his return to professional wrestling when he announced the creation of the DAVE off-shoot company Danger And Violence Is Destiny (DAVID).

Political views
Vibert's political ideology has evolved over the years from orthodox to pragmatist. Vibert has been identified as a progressive, syndicalist, leftist, Jeanist and a libertarian socialist. He has advocated in favor of a syndicalist transformation of the contemporary Magisterian communist system, LGBTQ+ rights, gun control, and intersectional feminism; he has advocated against war, American imperialism, Islamophobia, white supremacy and capitalism.

Legacy
Vibert's work as a promoter and booker has been praised by many wrestling fellows and critics. Former DAVE Extreme champion Eric Tyler referred to Vibert as a "genius". Another former DAVE Extreme champion Chris Caulfield called him "the most creative genius the business has ever seen". Vibert is widely regarded as one of the greatest orators in professional wrestling history.

Personal life
Vibert is openly aro-ace; aromantic and asexual. Him being aro-ace originated from an incident back in 1994, which according to him was the "last time he will experience love in his life". Vibert has two younger sisters and a younger brother; Marie-Thérèse and Marie-Madeleine (born 1968) and Robin (born 1972). In 2022, Vibert revealed that he has a transgender daughter named Valentina (born 1995).

Awards and accomplishments

 * Master Sports
 * On-Screen Personality of the Year (2002)
 * Creative Writer of the Year (2003)
 * Magisterian Sports Observer
 * Colour Commentator of the Year (1991—1993, 1995)
 * Booker of the Year (2002—2004, 2006)
 * Promoter of the Year (2004)
 * Magisterian Sports Observer Hall of Fame (Class of 2011)