[7.0] "Good way to get a promotion started. Every match feels unique, everyone establishes their character, just good fun! My only real criticism would be that there are at least 3 matches where the heel works over the back, and one is the main event. There was also a camel clutch in every single match, but I kind of loved that - it felt like a rib. Also this show had 6 referees which is absolutely bananas"

[6.0] "Shimmer's debut show was good for a startup company. Cheerleader Melissa and MsChif were the standouts to me, as were Mercedes Martinez, Beth Phoenix, and Sara Del Rey. I will continue to work my way through the company's history as time allows. But the first show was pretty good."

[8.0] "SHIMMER's debut show is a monumental turning point for the legitimization of women's wrestling in North America. There were a couple precursor all-women's shows in 2004 with ChickFight (as part of APW) and Volcano Girls (as part of IWA Mid South) that helped put SHIMMER into motion. It was through being marketed as 'ROH's sister promotion' and even getting spotlight matches on Ring of Honor shows in 2005 onward that helped SHIMMER gain traction that eluded previous all-women's indie wrestling. The roster was a little thin in the promotion's first set of tapings (Vol 1+2), and the brevity of these first Volumes (barely over 2 hours each) works to their advantage. Vol 1's first 4 matches are serviceable if largely unmemorable, but the promotion surpassed all expectations in 2005 of what an American women's wrestling show could be, in the second half. In an era of bra and panties contests in WWE, and not too far removed from NWA TNA actually opening their shows with dancing women in cages, a no-nonsense ROH'ified style of women's wrestling was not thought possible in the eyes of many. The main event tier of SHIMMER changed everything, even if it did take the mainstream many years to pay attention. Allison Danger/Beth Phoenix is the weakest of the final 4 matches, but is still a crowd pleaser with comical moments. Danger was a SHIMMER cornerstone for years who would rarely be involved in a given show's Match of the Night (just as well known for being the voice of SHIMMER' s early years alongside Prazak), but from Vol 1 onward she was a reliable performer, and would later use her clout to help elevate many future wrestling stars over the years. Daizee Haze/Lacey is a rocking 20+ main that is the continuation of a heated rivalry the two were having throughout the indies. Even more intense are Cheerleader Melissa/MsChif and Sara Del Rey/Mercedes Martinez, the two matches from Vol 1+2 that more than any others put SHIMMER on the map. These 4 women give the impression that they have already been at war for years when we catch up to them at Vol 1. Already vets in their field, they perform with so much confidence, character and craft. Highlights of the show include Melissa stretching MsChif's flexible body over the guardrail during a lengthy brawl outside the ring, and the back-and-forth American Dragonesque mat battle of Del Rey and Martinez. These two matches are on par with the better ROH matches from the same year."

[6.0] "From its very first taping, SHIMMER was all about giving serious female wrestlers an opportunity to show their skills in a promotion designed just for them, before a respectful and appreciative audience right here in North America. Volume 1 is remembered mainly for laying this foundation, but the wrestling itself also delivered. The undercard was a mixed bag, while the last four matches all ranged from good to great with Del Rey vs. Martinez stealing the show. It was a great event for its time, but as SHIMMER has continued to outdo itself over the years, it actually looks pretty average now. 6/10"