DAM Promotions staged their third show at the Holt Community Centre this past Saturday, 24th May, mixing names normally associated with the World Association of Wrestling with the likes of MTX, Flatliner and the Coalminers.
"FLYING" PHIL POWERS v THE ZEBRA KID v JIMMY JOE MASON v THE KRAFT
An interesting way to begin the show, with a four-way elimination match pitting some of the best talent in the country today.
The bout began with Powers and The Kraft starting things. The Essex rookie proved too powerful for the Flying One early on, back dropping and clothes lining him before Powers sought refuge outside. Mason soon tagged in, and after applying a sleeper hold for a few moments, began to work on Kraft's leg. Kraft fought back with an arm wringer before tagging in the Zebra Kid.
Zebra Kid's heel tactics soon earned the ire of the referee, and a public warning. Zebra went on to dominate Mason, catching him with a drop kick before slamming him to the mat. With Mason on the mat. Zebra connected with a flying splash, but only got a two count.
Mason fought back after Zebra lifted him onto the top rope, coming back with a hip toss and a drop kick on Zebra as he patrolled the ringside area. Zebra then took Mason's legs out from under him, and spread-eagled him on the corner post. The following large crash could be heard throughout the arena as Zebra smashed a chair into Mason's legs.
Powers then tagged in, and continued Zebra's work, but it didn't last for long, as a Mason sunset flip earned him a two count.
Mason tagged Kraft, and Powers offered him the hand of friendship, which Kraft refused. Powers kicked Kraft, snapmaring him to the mat and following this up with another kick. It was then that the Zebra Kid came in illegally, and helped Powers double-team the larger Kraft.
As Mason tagged back into the match, he came flying off the top rope with a clubbing blow on the Kraft. He then began to work on Kraft's arm before taking him down with a powerful clothesline. Kraft soon fought back, taking him down with a clothesline of his own, following this attack with a body slam and a leg drop to Mason's groin. He only got a two count from the ensuing cover though.
After the pin attempt, Powers began to taunt the Kraft from the outside. This gave Mason the opportunity he needed, as a roll-up from behind earned Mason a two count. Mason then tagged the Zebra Kid, who posted Kraft and then connected with a clothesline as a follow-up move. With Kraft slumped in the corner, Zebra drop-kicked Kraft below the belt. Powers then tagged him and the two tried to double-up on Kraft, only for them to miss a clothesline as Powers came back with a clothesline of his, sending both men flying.
Kraft quickly tagged in Mason, who got a two count on Powers following a fisherman's suplex. Powers fought back with a kick and an arm wringer before tagging in the Zebra Kid, who connected with a super kick on Mason. A suplex was followed by a body slam, before Zebra climbed to the second rope and coming down on Mason with a leg drop. This wasn't enough to put Mason away as he kicked out on two.
Powers tagged in and missed a leg drop. Mason fought back briefly but Powers was soon back into it with a neck breaker. Powers then tagged in the Kraft, who suplexed Mason for just a two count. The youngster then began to work on Mason's arm, applying an armbar. Then, for some strange reason, as Mason looked like he was about to submit, Zebra came in and broke up the attack, strange considering it would have taken one of his opponents out of the game.
Zebra then came into the match and once again attacked Kraft below the belt. He then continued his attack with a body slam followed by a missile drop kick off the ropes. This wasn't enough to eliminate Kraft as he only got a two count.
Powers then came back into the match and began to slap Kraft around a little, before connecting with a drop kick of his own. Mason was next in as the attack on the Kraft, but it didn't last long as Kraft monkey flipped him out of the corner.
After Powers came back into the match, he pulled Zebra back into the ring as they whipped both Mason and Kraft into the ropes, hoping to connect with drop kicks. However, this attack failed. Zebra was the first to recover from this setback, as both he and Kraft applied submissions holds to Powers and Mason respectively. Seconds later both men were tapping. It was now down to the Kraft and the Zebra Kid.
However, Powers was still annoyed at the way he had been eliminated, attacking the Kraft as he left the arena. As he distracted the referee, Zebra continued the chair attack, before choking the Kraft with his boot.
Zebra attempted a whip into the corner, but Kraft reversed it, fighting back with a sit down slam. Although he only got a two count, Kraft was not put out as he continued his attack - a hip toss and two clotheslines. Zebra tried to fight back by reversing a whip into the corner, but Kraft somersaulted over the top rope, landing on the ring apron before quickly climbing to the top rope and coming off with a powerful flying clothesline.
Once again Zebra's underhanded tactics got the upper hand as he kicked Kraft below the belt again. The Kraft was fading fast as Zebra lifted him onto the top rope before coming off with a superplex. Zebra Kid then climbed to the top rope and came down with a vicious flying elbow. Three seconds later and the Zebra Kid was declared the winner.
THE FLATLINER v ASHE
My first chance to see this man mountain of a monster, as in his first Norfolk appearance, he endeared himself to the locals by calling them inbred.
The fans were firmly behind Ashe, still without his tag-team partner Draven, as the youngster won a cheering contest. This did not sit well with the Flatliner as he simply overpowered Ashe after two lockups, following this up an impressive press slam. Flatliner's power-based game worked well until he went for a power-bomb. Ashe flipped out of the attempt, and came off the ropes, diving over Flatliner and going for a sunset flip. Flatliner simply powered out of this attempt by sitting down on Ashe's sternum. Ashe was soon back on the attack with a stiff kick to Flatliner's head. As he dived out of the ring to get regain his senses, Flatliner now knew he had to take his opponent more seriously.
Back in the ring Flatliner offered his had as a token of sportsmanship. Ashe accepted this gesture, but quickly found himself on the receiving end of a powerful clothesline. Flatliner quickly went for a cover, but pulled Ashe up after the two count. Flatliner continued with the attack with a powerful body slam, and went for another cover. But once again, when it looked like he had Ashe beaten, he pulled Ashe up as the referee counted two.
Flatliner's attack was relentless as he delivered several forearm smashes to Ashe, before raking his back. A whip into the corner was followed up by a powerful clothesline as Ashe slumped in the corner. As Flatliner went for a body slam, Ashe scurried out and connected with a drop kick to Flatliner's back. As the Flatliner was draped over the middle rope, Ashe took to the air, flying over the top rope and onto Flatliner's neck with a leg drop, landing on the hard floor outside the ring. Ashe was quickly back to his feet though as he ran up to the top rope. As the groggy Flatliner got to his feet, Ashe connected with a whisper in the wind. Ashe went for the cover, then played mind games with his opponent, pulling Flatliner up as the referee counted two. This proved to be a costly mistake for the youngster.
As Ashe once again went to the top rope, he missed the big splash as Flatliner rolled out of the way. After a couple of chops in the corner, Flatliner lifted Ashe onto his shoulders and connected with a roll-over slam. Placing just one finger on Ashe's chest, this was enough to get the pin.
However, it wasn't enough to get the victory. As the monster attacked Ashe after the bell, the referee reversed his decision and awarded the match to Ashe via disqualification. This only incensed Flatliner even more, as he grabbed the microphone, and called out his long-time nemesis the Bulk. The big man was having none of it though.
SWEET SARAYA v KHARISMA
A scientific match-up here as both women put on a display of top-notch wrestling.
The match began with a lockup as Saraya backed Kharisma into a corner. A second lockup saw both wrestlers go onto the ropes. After this, Saraya worked on Kharisma's arm for a few moments, before changing her attack into a sleeper hold. Kharisma managed to get out of this old with an armbar of her own, but it wasn't long before Saraya fought back with an arm attack of her own.
There then followed a quick exchange of wrestling moves and holds as neither woman could gain an advantage. Eventually Saraya locked in a Walls of Jericho-like move, before moving onto a leg lock and eventually an STF. Kharisma looked like she was about to fade when Saraya released the hold, before going back to work on her opponent's lower limbs.
Saraya then stepped up her attack with a suplex, followed by a whip into one of the corners, a clothesline, and a big splash. Despite all of this offence she only got a two count from the following cover. A show of sportsmanship followed as both wrestlers shook hands.
Saraya kept up the attack with a quick full nelson, followed by an armbar which Kharisma soon countered. Kharisma's offence didn't last long as Saraya slammed her down to the mat twice. This still wasn't enough to put Kharisma away. The cover only got a two count.
Relentless, Saraya kept on the attack with a powerful clothesline off the ropes. Saraya then tried for a hurricanrana, but Kharisma countered with a side slam, sending Saraya crashing down to the mat. The move wasn't enough to put the veteran away.
Showing great powers of recovery, Saraya was soon back on the offensive with a sleeper, followed by a devastating TKO which only got a two count. Then, having been whipped into the corner, Kharisma tried to counter Saraya's follow-up attack with a stiff kick, but Saraya was wise to the move, countering with a leg drag out of the corner. The Women's champion continued the attack with a full nelson/leglock combo I couldn't begin to describe, before working on her opponent's arm a little. The roll-up cover was only broken because Kharisma was in the ropes. Another show of sportsmanship in the form of a handshake followed. This was a good sporting contest between the two, and the respect they had for each other was apparent for all to see.
The warriors then began to run the ropes, each of them missing clothesline and back elbow attempts before Kharisma eventually hoisted Saraya onto her shoulders and catching her with a good Samoan drop. Having only scored a two count with the cover, Kharisma tried for a sleeper, before Saraya countered with a snapmare. Saraya then applied another hold that was hard to describe as she worked over Kharisma's legs and arms at the same time. This attack didn't last long as Kharisma countered with a roll-up, which only got a two count. The third sporting gesture of the contest followed.
Saraya then centred her attack on Kharisma's legs, weakening them enough so she could scoop her opponent up into a body slam. Climbing to the top rope, Saraya walked the top strand for a few inches before coming crashing down onto Kharisma with a big splash. This still wasn't enough to put Kharisma away.
Saraya stayed on the attack. A powerful looking Tombstone pile driver still wasn't enough to end the match. It looked like Saraya was becoming frustrated as she again began to attack Kharisma's legs, locking in a half-Boston Crab in the hope that her opponent might finally submit. Kharisma was having none of it though, as she managed to scramble her way to the ropes.
Kharisma was fading fast though, and it was obvious that Saraya's constant attacks were becoming too much for her. It wasn't long before Saraya lifted her onto the top rope before bringing her crashing down to the mat with her sit-down power bomb. A three count later and the Women's Champion had the win, and at the end of the contest, both wrestlers showed their respect for each other by once again shaking hands.
"ROWDY" RICKY KNIGHT v MTX
This was probably the match I was looking forward to the most.
Knight began the match in typical Rowdy Man fashion, by insulting the locals, calling them "country bumpkins". After MTX came to the ring Knight showed a rare case of sportsmanship as he shook MTX's hand. It didn't last long as he demanded total silence before he wrestled.
From the initial lockup, Knight backed MTX into the corner, and proceeded to pull his opponent's hair, although when asked by the referee Charlie Frary Knight claimed innocence. A second lockup got the same result, before Knight began to work on MTX's arm, even biting his fingers at one point when the referee was out of position. MTX soon reversed the hold. Seconds later Knight moved into the ropes so MTX had no choice but to break the hold.
There then followed a test of strength, which Knight won, before turning the hold into another arm wringer. MTX soon countered the hold again, which Knight again countered by going into the ropes. The Rowdy Man then decided to get his bearings on the outside of the ring.
Back in the ring Knight applied a full nelson before turning it into a snapmare, followed by a sleeper hold. MTX countered with an armbar, and once again Knight escaped the hold by going into the ropes.
MTX turned it up a notch by sending Knight crashing into the corner post, then following up the attack with a powerful body slam, and two clotheslines. Knight again broke MTX's concentration by taking a walk outside. However, it was obvious that this was a part of Knight's plan all along as he grabbed a discard metal soft drinks can.
Once he returned to the ring, Knight made sure the referee was blind to his actions as he raked the can across MTX's forehead. He followed up this attack by slamming MTX's skull into the ring post, before tossing his opponent outside. Following him out, Knight showed why he is the British Hard-core Champion by slamming MTX's head into the ring apron twice and then slamming him onto the hard arena floor. Knight then grabbed a chair and brought it crashing down onto his opponent.
When the action returned to the ring Knight slammed MTX's head onto the top pad, before bringing him back into the ring. Knight went for the cover, but it was too close to the ropes. Annoyed, Knight took out his frustrations on the ref, verbally lashing Charlie Frary.
Knight continued his relentless attack, working over MTX's arm before raking his back. Then, with MTX draped over the middle rope, Knight came crashing down onto his back. However, Knight went to the well once too often as he missed the second attempt. Recovering quickly, MTX grabbed Knight's legs as he lay on the mat, and wanted to attack Knight below the belt. However, the referee stopped him.
With both men now on their feet, Knight applied a headlock, which MTX countered with a whip into the ropes. However, it was a case of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object as both men crashed into each other. Knight was the first man to get to his feet as he quickly barged MTX down, following this up with a DDT. The ensuing cover, much to Knight's annoyance, only got a two count. Another quick cover again only got a two count.
Knight kept up the attack with an Irish whip, which MTX countered with a sunset flip. This wasn't enough to put his opponent away as he only got a two count. Knight had had enough as once again he sought solitude outside the ring. Then, with the referee blind to his actions, Knight grabbed another illegal object and clobbered MTX with it. Back in the ring Knight slammed MTX to the mat, following this up with a leg drop. This still wasn't enough to put him away though. A head butt following another pin attempt still wasn't enough.
Knight's attack on MTX showed no signs of easing up as a powerful head butt felled MTX like a tree. MTX was still fighting back as he refused to be pinned. MTX fought back for a few moments but Knight was soon back on the attack, kicking him in the stomach and slapping him around a little.
Knight then whipped MTX into the corner, following up with a shoulder barge. Bringing him out of the corner with a snapmare, Knight came crashing down on MTX with a big splash. The frustration began to show as once again MTX kicked out on two.
Again whipping MTX into the corner, Knight was surprised when MTX countered with a sunset flip. The surprise wasn't enough to put MTX away as Knight kicked out on two. Knight then drop kicked MTX's knee and began working over it with a half Boston Crab, using the ropes whenever the referee wasn't looking.
After applying the hold for a number of minutes, Knight connected with a powerful side-slam. Knight began to get even more frustrated as once again he only got a two count. Knight was annoyed, so annoyed that he began to argue with referee Charlie Frary more and more.
Knight kept up his attack. A punch, a powerful clothesline, and still, only a two count. A power slam from Knight again only brought a two count. Another quick cover, and still, only a two count. Knight's anger was boiling over as the arguments with the referee continued.
This was all MTX needed. Despite having the proverbial kitchen sink thrown at him, he came back strongly. A drop kick followed by a suplex surprised the veteran. A three count later and MTX was declared the winner.
Knight was angry and upset. Grabbing the microphone, he argued with Charlie about the count, insisting it was only a two count. Knight began to push Charlie around, only for Charlie to fight back with a shove of his own. As MTX watched this, he seized his opportunity and rolled Knight up. The ref counted Knight's shoulders to the mat, and, just to prove his point, MTX had beaten the Rowdy Man twice in one night. Knight left the ring an unhappy man.
AIWF World Hard-core Tag-Team Championship
THE COALMINERS (c) V THE U.K. PITBULLS v "THE SEXY MONKEY" ROBIN KNIGHTWING and HOT STUFF
Having been at each other's throats since February, it was obvious to long-term observers that this would be a difficult match for Robin Knightwing and Hot Stuff. However, the enemies agreed to put their differences aside in an attempt to win tag-team gold.
The match started off with Bulk going up against Knightwing. The Canadian looked like a midget compared to the man mountain Bulk, and it was obvious that Knightwing would have trouble as the Bulk simply overpowered him each time he tried an offensive move.
Having had no luck in the ring, Knightwing quickly tagged in Hot Stuff, who had the same amount of luck as his partner. At first Stuff used his speed to evade the larger man, but it wasn't long before Bulk caught him and slammed him down to the mat. Bulk then used his massive girth to stand right on top of Hot Stuff.
Big Dave then tagged him, and after a quick double-team move, used a surfboard submission move on Stuff, applying the hold for a few moments before dropping him face first to the mat. Hot Stuff fought back for a few seconds, but a head butt proved to be his undoing. When Stuff tried the move, it affected him more than it did Big D.
Hot Stuff quickly tagged in his partner, and Knightwing challenged Big Dave to a test of strength, which the Sheringham strongman won quite easily. Having failed this test, Knightwing wanted out of the match, but no one was willing to take his place in the match. Distracted by this, Knightwing was easy prey as Dave slammed him to the mat with a baldo bomb, before applying a Boston Crab.
After Big Dave tagged in his partner, Bulk took Knightwing down with a choke slam before winding him with his patented rollover. But this wasn't enough for the Bulk. Bringing Miner P into the ring, he slammed his opponents heads together. Miner D then came into the ring, only to be taken down by another Bulk choke slam.
After this melee, it was left down to Miner P and Big Dave. The Coalminer attacked Dave from behind, but the big man fought back, lifting him by his overall straps into a slam. Moments later P was on his back again, having been taken down with a full nelson slam.
As Hot Stuff tagged in, he began to attack P's legs, but this attack didn't last long as P tagged in his tag-team partner. Miner D attacked from behind, and applied a camel clutch-like hold before Hot Stuff fought back with an x-factor to take his opponent down, only for his opponent's partner to break up the count.
Big Dave then tagged back into the match with a cradle slam on Miner D. Once again the cover was broken. Big D then began to work on Miner D's back, coming down with a big splash on his back before applying a camel clutch of his own. That surely would have been it for the Coalminers had Miner P not broken the hold.
Miner D tried to fight back with a front face lock on Big Dave, but the strongman simply powered out of the hold. Dave soon tagged in his partner, and the Pitbulls began to double-up on the Coalminer, as Dave listed D into a press slam onto Bulk's leg. It wasn't long before Miner P tagged back in, and took the big man down with an hurricanrana. The following cover only got a two count.
The Sexy Monkey then came in, and unloaded with several punches on the Bulk before attacking below the belt. The big man soon fought back and took Knightwing down with his patented Bulkishi Driver. After Big Dave tagged back in, Knightwing connected with another low blow before tagging in his partner Hot Stuff. The mongrel team double-teamed the big man, before Hot Stuff was barged down to the mat following a missed Hot Stuff clothesline.
With Bulk having tagged back in, the Pitbulls began to double-team the Canadian to such an extent that it wasn't long before Knightwing was taken out with a Pitbulls power bomb. The match was now down to the Pitbulls and the Coalminers.
At first the Coalminers didn't want anything to do with the Pitbulls, deciding that they wanted to go walkabout, and at one time headed back to the changing room. Eventually they returned to the ring, but their attacks proved futile. Both Coalminers tried for body blocks, but the Pitbulls simply slammed them together.
The match didn't last much longer. As Big Dave applied a sleeper hold on Miner D, the Flatliner returned to the ring, chair in hand, and first levelled the Bulk, who had been fighting with Miner P outside the ring, before jumping the ring and levelling Big Dave. Then, to the confusion of the fans, the referee disqualified the Coalminers because of outside interference. The fans were confused because this was a match for the World Hard-core Tag-Team Championship.
After the match the Coalminers began to double-team Big Dave, which eventually led to Miner P coming off the top rope with a big splash.
After the action subsided, the Pitbulls themselves were confused. They thought they were champions, but were obviously not because of the fact that the referee had disqualified the Coalminers. Realising what had happened, Bulk called out the Flatliner. The man mountain was not forthcoming with the Bulk's request. Afterwards the Bulk made a challenge for the next DAM Promotions show, a six man tag pitting the Coalminers and the Flatliner against the Pitbulls and a partner of their choosing.
BATTLE ROYAL
I hate battle royals. I've said this before, and I'll say it again. These things are the bane of this reporter's existence, they are that difficult to report. So as 15 BRAWL and WAW stars, including Sam Slam, MTX, Major Destruction, Zak Zodiac and Caffeine Boy went at it, I put my pen down and decided to wait until the last four were in the ring.
The last four in question were Robin Knightwing, Jack "The Tank" Russell, Rock Weiler, and The Kraft. After Kraft took out Weiler, Knightwing eliminated the Kraft, leaving the Canadian in the ring with Tank. It wasn't long before the man mountain eliminated the Monkey to claim the victory.
In conclusion - not a bad show, let down in certain areas but made up for in others. Match of the night went to the Sweet Saraya v Kharisma match. A perfect display of technical wrestling the likes of which we very rarely see in a wrestling ring today.
"FLYING" PHIL POWERS v THE ZEBRA KID v JIMMY JOE MASON v THE KRAFT
An interesting way to begin the show, with a four-way elimination match pitting some of the best talent in the country today.
The bout began with Powers and The Kraft starting things. The Essex rookie proved too powerful for the Flying One early on, back dropping and clothes lining him before Powers sought refuge outside. Mason soon tagged in, and after applying a sleeper hold for a few moments, began to work on Kraft's leg. Kraft fought back with an arm wringer before tagging in the Zebra Kid.
Zebra Kid's heel tactics soon earned the ire of the referee, and a public warning. Zebra went on to dominate Mason, catching him with a drop kick before slamming him to the mat. With Mason on the mat. Zebra connected with a flying splash, but only got a two count.
Mason fought back after Zebra lifted him onto the top rope, coming back with a hip toss and a drop kick on Zebra as he patrolled the ringside area. Zebra then took Mason's legs out from under him, and spread-eagled him on the corner post. The following large crash could be heard throughout the arena as Zebra smashed a chair into Mason's legs.
Powers then tagged in, and continued Zebra's work, but it didn't last for long, as a Mason sunset flip earned him a two count.
Mason tagged Kraft, and Powers offered him the hand of friendship, which Kraft refused. Powers kicked Kraft, snapmaring him to the mat and following this up with another kick. It was then that the Zebra Kid came in illegally, and helped Powers double-team the larger Kraft.
As Mason tagged back into the match, he came flying off the top rope with a clubbing blow on the Kraft. He then began to work on Kraft's arm before taking him down with a powerful clothesline. Kraft soon fought back, taking him down with a clothesline of his own, following this attack with a body slam and a leg drop to Mason's groin. He only got a two count from the ensuing cover though.
After the pin attempt, Powers began to taunt the Kraft from the outside. This gave Mason the opportunity he needed, as a roll-up from behind earned Mason a two count. Mason then tagged the Zebra Kid, who posted Kraft and then connected with a clothesline as a follow-up move. With Kraft slumped in the corner, Zebra drop-kicked Kraft below the belt. Powers then tagged him and the two tried to double-up on Kraft, only for them to miss a clothesline as Powers came back with a clothesline of his, sending both men flying.
Kraft quickly tagged in Mason, who got a two count on Powers following a fisherman's suplex. Powers fought back with a kick and an arm wringer before tagging in the Zebra Kid, who connected with a super kick on Mason. A suplex was followed by a body slam, before Zebra climbed to the second rope and coming down on Mason with a leg drop. This wasn't enough to put Mason away as he kicked out on two.
Powers tagged in and missed a leg drop. Mason fought back briefly but Powers was soon back into it with a neck breaker. Powers then tagged in the Kraft, who suplexed Mason for just a two count. The youngster then began to work on Mason's arm, applying an armbar. Then, for some strange reason, as Mason looked like he was about to submit, Zebra came in and broke up the attack, strange considering it would have taken one of his opponents out of the game.
Zebra then came into the match and once again attacked Kraft below the belt. He then continued his attack with a body slam followed by a missile drop kick off the ropes. This wasn't enough to eliminate Kraft as he only got a two count.
Powers then came back into the match and began to slap Kraft around a little, before connecting with a drop kick of his own. Mason was next in as the attack on the Kraft, but it didn't last long as Kraft monkey flipped him out of the corner.
After Powers came back into the match, he pulled Zebra back into the ring as they whipped both Mason and Kraft into the ropes, hoping to connect with drop kicks. However, this attack failed. Zebra was the first to recover from this setback, as both he and Kraft applied submissions holds to Powers and Mason respectively. Seconds later both men were tapping. It was now down to the Kraft and the Zebra Kid.
However, Powers was still annoyed at the way he had been eliminated, attacking the Kraft as he left the arena. As he distracted the referee, Zebra continued the chair attack, before choking the Kraft with his boot.
Zebra attempted a whip into the corner, but Kraft reversed it, fighting back with a sit down slam. Although he only got a two count, Kraft was not put out as he continued his attack - a hip toss and two clotheslines. Zebra tried to fight back by reversing a whip into the corner, but Kraft somersaulted over the top rope, landing on the ring apron before quickly climbing to the top rope and coming off with a powerful flying clothesline.
Once again Zebra's underhanded tactics got the upper hand as he kicked Kraft below the belt again. The Kraft was fading fast as Zebra lifted him onto the top rope before coming off with a superplex. Zebra Kid then climbed to the top rope and came down with a vicious flying elbow. Three seconds later and the Zebra Kid was declared the winner.
THE FLATLINER v ASHE
My first chance to see this man mountain of a monster, as in his first Norfolk appearance, he endeared himself to the locals by calling them inbred.
The fans were firmly behind Ashe, still without his tag-team partner Draven, as the youngster won a cheering contest. This did not sit well with the Flatliner as he simply overpowered Ashe after two lockups, following this up an impressive press slam. Flatliner's power-based game worked well until he went for a power-bomb. Ashe flipped out of the attempt, and came off the ropes, diving over Flatliner and going for a sunset flip. Flatliner simply powered out of this attempt by sitting down on Ashe's sternum. Ashe was soon back on the attack with a stiff kick to Flatliner's head. As he dived out of the ring to get regain his senses, Flatliner now knew he had to take his opponent more seriously.
Back in the ring Flatliner offered his had as a token of sportsmanship. Ashe accepted this gesture, but quickly found himself on the receiving end of a powerful clothesline. Flatliner quickly went for a cover, but pulled Ashe up after the two count. Flatliner continued with the attack with a powerful body slam, and went for another cover. But once again, when it looked like he had Ashe beaten, he pulled Ashe up as the referee counted two.
Flatliner's attack was relentless as he delivered several forearm smashes to Ashe, before raking his back. A whip into the corner was followed up by a powerful clothesline as Ashe slumped in the corner. As Flatliner went for a body slam, Ashe scurried out and connected with a drop kick to Flatliner's back. As the Flatliner was draped over the middle rope, Ashe took to the air, flying over the top rope and onto Flatliner's neck with a leg drop, landing on the hard floor outside the ring. Ashe was quickly back to his feet though as he ran up to the top rope. As the groggy Flatliner got to his feet, Ashe connected with a whisper in the wind. Ashe went for the cover, then played mind games with his opponent, pulling Flatliner up as the referee counted two. This proved to be a costly mistake for the youngster.
As Ashe once again went to the top rope, he missed the big splash as Flatliner rolled out of the way. After a couple of chops in the corner, Flatliner lifted Ashe onto his shoulders and connected with a roll-over slam. Placing just one finger on Ashe's chest, this was enough to get the pin.
However, it wasn't enough to get the victory. As the monster attacked Ashe after the bell, the referee reversed his decision and awarded the match to Ashe via disqualification. This only incensed Flatliner even more, as he grabbed the microphone, and called out his long-time nemesis the Bulk. The big man was having none of it though.
SWEET SARAYA v KHARISMA
A scientific match-up here as both women put on a display of top-notch wrestling.
The match began with a lockup as Saraya backed Kharisma into a corner. A second lockup saw both wrestlers go onto the ropes. After this, Saraya worked on Kharisma's arm for a few moments, before changing her attack into a sleeper hold. Kharisma managed to get out of this old with an armbar of her own, but it wasn't long before Saraya fought back with an arm attack of her own.
There then followed a quick exchange of wrestling moves and holds as neither woman could gain an advantage. Eventually Saraya locked in a Walls of Jericho-like move, before moving onto a leg lock and eventually an STF. Kharisma looked like she was about to fade when Saraya released the hold, before going back to work on her opponent's lower limbs.
Saraya then stepped up her attack with a suplex, followed by a whip into one of the corners, a clothesline, and a big splash. Despite all of this offence she only got a two count from the following cover. A show of sportsmanship followed as both wrestlers shook hands.
Saraya kept up the attack with a quick full nelson, followed by an armbar which Kharisma soon countered. Kharisma's offence didn't last long as Saraya slammed her down to the mat twice. This still wasn't enough to put Kharisma away. The cover only got a two count.
Relentless, Saraya kept on the attack with a powerful clothesline off the ropes. Saraya then tried for a hurricanrana, but Kharisma countered with a side slam, sending Saraya crashing down to the mat. The move wasn't enough to put the veteran away.
Showing great powers of recovery, Saraya was soon back on the offensive with a sleeper, followed by a devastating TKO which only got a two count. Then, having been whipped into the corner, Kharisma tried to counter Saraya's follow-up attack with a stiff kick, but Saraya was wise to the move, countering with a leg drag out of the corner. The Women's champion continued the attack with a full nelson/leglock combo I couldn't begin to describe, before working on her opponent's arm a little. The roll-up cover was only broken because Kharisma was in the ropes. Another show of sportsmanship in the form of a handshake followed. This was a good sporting contest between the two, and the respect they had for each other was apparent for all to see.
The warriors then began to run the ropes, each of them missing clothesline and back elbow attempts before Kharisma eventually hoisted Saraya onto her shoulders and catching her with a good Samoan drop. Having only scored a two count with the cover, Kharisma tried for a sleeper, before Saraya countered with a snapmare. Saraya then applied another hold that was hard to describe as she worked over Kharisma's legs and arms at the same time. This attack didn't last long as Kharisma countered with a roll-up, which only got a two count. The third sporting gesture of the contest followed.
Saraya then centred her attack on Kharisma's legs, weakening them enough so she could scoop her opponent up into a body slam. Climbing to the top rope, Saraya walked the top strand for a few inches before coming crashing down onto Kharisma with a big splash. This still wasn't enough to put Kharisma away.
Saraya stayed on the attack. A powerful looking Tombstone pile driver still wasn't enough to end the match. It looked like Saraya was becoming frustrated as she again began to attack Kharisma's legs, locking in a half-Boston Crab in the hope that her opponent might finally submit. Kharisma was having none of it though, as she managed to scramble her way to the ropes.
Kharisma was fading fast though, and it was obvious that Saraya's constant attacks were becoming too much for her. It wasn't long before Saraya lifted her onto the top rope before bringing her crashing down to the mat with her sit-down power bomb. A three count later and the Women's Champion had the win, and at the end of the contest, both wrestlers showed their respect for each other by once again shaking hands.
"ROWDY" RICKY KNIGHT v MTX
This was probably the match I was looking forward to the most.
Knight began the match in typical Rowdy Man fashion, by insulting the locals, calling them "country bumpkins". After MTX came to the ring Knight showed a rare case of sportsmanship as he shook MTX's hand. It didn't last long as he demanded total silence before he wrestled.
From the initial lockup, Knight backed MTX into the corner, and proceeded to pull his opponent's hair, although when asked by the referee Charlie Frary Knight claimed innocence. A second lockup got the same result, before Knight began to work on MTX's arm, even biting his fingers at one point when the referee was out of position. MTX soon reversed the hold. Seconds later Knight moved into the ropes so MTX had no choice but to break the hold.
There then followed a test of strength, which Knight won, before turning the hold into another arm wringer. MTX soon countered the hold again, which Knight again countered by going into the ropes. The Rowdy Man then decided to get his bearings on the outside of the ring.
Back in the ring Knight applied a full nelson before turning it into a snapmare, followed by a sleeper hold. MTX countered with an armbar, and once again Knight escaped the hold by going into the ropes.
MTX turned it up a notch by sending Knight crashing into the corner post, then following up the attack with a powerful body slam, and two clotheslines. Knight again broke MTX's concentration by taking a walk outside. However, it was obvious that this was a part of Knight's plan all along as he grabbed a discard metal soft drinks can.
Once he returned to the ring, Knight made sure the referee was blind to his actions as he raked the can across MTX's forehead. He followed up this attack by slamming MTX's skull into the ring post, before tossing his opponent outside. Following him out, Knight showed why he is the British Hard-core Champion by slamming MTX's head into the ring apron twice and then slamming him onto the hard arena floor. Knight then grabbed a chair and brought it crashing down onto his opponent.
When the action returned to the ring Knight slammed MTX's head onto the top pad, before bringing him back into the ring. Knight went for the cover, but it was too close to the ropes. Annoyed, Knight took out his frustrations on the ref, verbally lashing Charlie Frary.
Knight continued his relentless attack, working over MTX's arm before raking his back. Then, with MTX draped over the middle rope, Knight came crashing down onto his back. However, Knight went to the well once too often as he missed the second attempt. Recovering quickly, MTX grabbed Knight's legs as he lay on the mat, and wanted to attack Knight below the belt. However, the referee stopped him.
With both men now on their feet, Knight applied a headlock, which MTX countered with a whip into the ropes. However, it was a case of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object as both men crashed into each other. Knight was the first man to get to his feet as he quickly barged MTX down, following this up with a DDT. The ensuing cover, much to Knight's annoyance, only got a two count. Another quick cover again only got a two count.
Knight kept up the attack with an Irish whip, which MTX countered with a sunset flip. This wasn't enough to put his opponent away as he only got a two count. Knight had had enough as once again he sought solitude outside the ring. Then, with the referee blind to his actions, Knight grabbed another illegal object and clobbered MTX with it. Back in the ring Knight slammed MTX to the mat, following this up with a leg drop. This still wasn't enough to put him away though. A head butt following another pin attempt still wasn't enough.
Knight's attack on MTX showed no signs of easing up as a powerful head butt felled MTX like a tree. MTX was still fighting back as he refused to be pinned. MTX fought back for a few moments but Knight was soon back on the attack, kicking him in the stomach and slapping him around a little.
Knight then whipped MTX into the corner, following up with a shoulder barge. Bringing him out of the corner with a snapmare, Knight came crashing down on MTX with a big splash. The frustration began to show as once again MTX kicked out on two.
Again whipping MTX into the corner, Knight was surprised when MTX countered with a sunset flip. The surprise wasn't enough to put MTX away as Knight kicked out on two. Knight then drop kicked MTX's knee and began working over it with a half Boston Crab, using the ropes whenever the referee wasn't looking.
After applying the hold for a number of minutes, Knight connected with a powerful side-slam. Knight began to get even more frustrated as once again he only got a two count. Knight was annoyed, so annoyed that he began to argue with referee Charlie Frary more and more.
Knight kept up his attack. A punch, a powerful clothesline, and still, only a two count. A power slam from Knight again only brought a two count. Another quick cover, and still, only a two count. Knight's anger was boiling over as the arguments with the referee continued.
This was all MTX needed. Despite having the proverbial kitchen sink thrown at him, he came back strongly. A drop kick followed by a suplex surprised the veteran. A three count later and MTX was declared the winner.
Knight was angry and upset. Grabbing the microphone, he argued with Charlie about the count, insisting it was only a two count. Knight began to push Charlie around, only for Charlie to fight back with a shove of his own. As MTX watched this, he seized his opportunity and rolled Knight up. The ref counted Knight's shoulders to the mat, and, just to prove his point, MTX had beaten the Rowdy Man twice in one night. Knight left the ring an unhappy man.
AIWF World Hard-core Tag-Team Championship
THE COALMINERS (c) V THE U.K. PITBULLS v "THE SEXY MONKEY" ROBIN KNIGHTWING and HOT STUFF
Having been at each other's throats since February, it was obvious to long-term observers that this would be a difficult match for Robin Knightwing and Hot Stuff. However, the enemies agreed to put their differences aside in an attempt to win tag-team gold.
The match started off with Bulk going up against Knightwing. The Canadian looked like a midget compared to the man mountain Bulk, and it was obvious that Knightwing would have trouble as the Bulk simply overpowered him each time he tried an offensive move.
Having had no luck in the ring, Knightwing quickly tagged in Hot Stuff, who had the same amount of luck as his partner. At first Stuff used his speed to evade the larger man, but it wasn't long before Bulk caught him and slammed him down to the mat. Bulk then used his massive girth to stand right on top of Hot Stuff.
Big Dave then tagged him, and after a quick double-team move, used a surfboard submission move on Stuff, applying the hold for a few moments before dropping him face first to the mat. Hot Stuff fought back for a few seconds, but a head butt proved to be his undoing. When Stuff tried the move, it affected him more than it did Big D.
Hot Stuff quickly tagged in his partner, and Knightwing challenged Big Dave to a test of strength, which the Sheringham strongman won quite easily. Having failed this test, Knightwing wanted out of the match, but no one was willing to take his place in the match. Distracted by this, Knightwing was easy prey as Dave slammed him to the mat with a baldo bomb, before applying a Boston Crab.
After Big Dave tagged in his partner, Bulk took Knightwing down with a choke slam before winding him with his patented rollover. But this wasn't enough for the Bulk. Bringing Miner P into the ring, he slammed his opponents heads together. Miner D then came into the ring, only to be taken down by another Bulk choke slam.
After this melee, it was left down to Miner P and Big Dave. The Coalminer attacked Dave from behind, but the big man fought back, lifting him by his overall straps into a slam. Moments later P was on his back again, having been taken down with a full nelson slam.
As Hot Stuff tagged in, he began to attack P's legs, but this attack didn't last long as P tagged in his tag-team partner. Miner D attacked from behind, and applied a camel clutch-like hold before Hot Stuff fought back with an x-factor to take his opponent down, only for his opponent's partner to break up the count.
Big Dave then tagged back into the match with a cradle slam on Miner D. Once again the cover was broken. Big D then began to work on Miner D's back, coming down with a big splash on his back before applying a camel clutch of his own. That surely would have been it for the Coalminers had Miner P not broken the hold.
Miner D tried to fight back with a front face lock on Big Dave, but the strongman simply powered out of the hold. Dave soon tagged in his partner, and the Pitbulls began to double-up on the Coalminer, as Dave listed D into a press slam onto Bulk's leg. It wasn't long before Miner P tagged back in, and took the big man down with an hurricanrana. The following cover only got a two count.
The Sexy Monkey then came in, and unloaded with several punches on the Bulk before attacking below the belt. The big man soon fought back and took Knightwing down with his patented Bulkishi Driver. After Big Dave tagged back in, Knightwing connected with another low blow before tagging in his partner Hot Stuff. The mongrel team double-teamed the big man, before Hot Stuff was barged down to the mat following a missed Hot Stuff clothesline.
With Bulk having tagged back in, the Pitbulls began to double-team the Canadian to such an extent that it wasn't long before Knightwing was taken out with a Pitbulls power bomb. The match was now down to the Pitbulls and the Coalminers.
At first the Coalminers didn't want anything to do with the Pitbulls, deciding that they wanted to go walkabout, and at one time headed back to the changing room. Eventually they returned to the ring, but their attacks proved futile. Both Coalminers tried for body blocks, but the Pitbulls simply slammed them together.
The match didn't last much longer. As Big Dave applied a sleeper hold on Miner D, the Flatliner returned to the ring, chair in hand, and first levelled the Bulk, who had been fighting with Miner P outside the ring, before jumping the ring and levelling Big Dave. Then, to the confusion of the fans, the referee disqualified the Coalminers because of outside interference. The fans were confused because this was a match for the World Hard-core Tag-Team Championship.
After the match the Coalminers began to double-team Big Dave, which eventually led to Miner P coming off the top rope with a big splash.
After the action subsided, the Pitbulls themselves were confused. They thought they were champions, but were obviously not because of the fact that the referee had disqualified the Coalminers. Realising what had happened, Bulk called out the Flatliner. The man mountain was not forthcoming with the Bulk's request. Afterwards the Bulk made a challenge for the next DAM Promotions show, a six man tag pitting the Coalminers and the Flatliner against the Pitbulls and a partner of their choosing.
BATTLE ROYAL
I hate battle royals. I've said this before, and I'll say it again. These things are the bane of this reporter's existence, they are that difficult to report. So as 15 BRAWL and WAW stars, including Sam Slam, MTX, Major Destruction, Zak Zodiac and Caffeine Boy went at it, I put my pen down and decided to wait until the last four were in the ring.
The last four in question were Robin Knightwing, Jack "The Tank" Russell, Rock Weiler, and The Kraft. After Kraft took out Weiler, Knightwing eliminated the Kraft, leaving the Canadian in the ring with Tank. It wasn't long before the man mountain eliminated the Monkey to claim the victory.
In conclusion - not a bad show, let down in certain areas but made up for in others. Match of the night went to the Sweet Saraya v Kharisma match. A perfect display of technical wrestling the likes of which we very rarely see in a wrestling ring today.
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