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| "The Highlander" Drew MacDonald |
Being unable to attend WAW's upcoming show in Launceston would have left me with over a month between wrestling shows. Not being able to wait until my trip to Clacton on April 18th, I decided to accept an invitation, and travelled down with some of the WAW crew to the TWA show in Ipswich. Although I enjoy WAW shows a great deal, I felt it was time for a change, to sample another company's action, and to see some people I don't get to see that often.
JORGE CASTANO v JONNY STORM
This was the first time I had seen Castano in action, and the first time since last April I had seen Storm in person. As a show opener, these two did not disappoint. Castano played the heel role well as the crowd really warmed to Jonny.
Castano really impressed me, and I enjoyed his performance, but despite his heel tactics, he couldn't get the victory against Jonny. The crowd were always behind him, and I could easily see why.
Castano thought he had the victory with a roll-up in the corner, and some help from the ropes. However, despite hitting the three count, referee Dave Marshall realised his mistake, and ordered that the match should continue. Jonny won with a quick roll-up, and, it must be said, an illegal use of Castano's tights. Well, we didn't really need to see the Colombian's ass, did we.
An enjoyable match to start off the show.
DREW MacDONALD & RICKY KNIGHT v THE ESSEX BOYS
My esteemed employer teamed with the Celtic legend this evening, going against Essex's own Paul Tyrell and Phil Powers. Drew and Ricky drew a great deal of heat from the crowd, especially as Ricky came from Norwich. (A little confession here to all you Ipswich residents - I was actually born in Norwich! But please don't hold this against me!)
Although not the best match of the night, I still enjoyed this outing. Drew and Ricky displayed many good heel tactics against Tyrell and Powers, including the use of the tag ropes, and some inventive uses for the ring bell on the part of Ricky. The exchanges between Ricky and Tyrell were extremely good, and often reminded me of the great matches Ricky has with the Zebra Kid. Even Scott Conway's empty cola bottle was brought into the action. Ricky even entertained us with a couple of drop-kicks, something I've never seen from the big man before.
The work on Tyrell's leg between Drew and Ricky was also good, and enough to get Tyrell to tap out as Ricky applied the half Boston Crab. With their job done, Ricky and Drew continued their attack after the bell.
And yes, Ricky did smack me in the head. Twice this time. One day, old man. One day.
MARK MANSON v TIGER STEELE
A battle of the Yanks here, between one I had never seen before, and a huge monster of a man I hadn't seen since Fightmare. Sitting in the third row at Fightmare, I didn't truly realise just how damn big Steele was.
The result was a foregone conclusion from the beginning, but was still entertaining nonetheless. In a typical David v Goliath battle, Manson showed some good moves as he centred his attack on Steele's legs, including the illegal use of a chair. The big Texan was far too powerful though. Manson's attack lasted a few minutes, but even on his knees, Steele still looked bigger than him.
A chokeslam, followed by an impressive powerbomb, secured the win for the big Texan.
ANGEL v SWEET SARAYA
A crowd pleaser here (even if they were a little quiet at times), as the girls continued their series in a TWA ring. Before the match started, referee Dave Marshall said that he wanted no bitchiness. Damn! This was the reason I came down to Ipswich in the first place!
This was, as is always the case, another enjoyable outing, as Angel displayed some new moves. Some were slightly off, but then again, Angel is still learning. She even put the referee to good use, using him as a battering ram while Saraya laid prone in the corner. However, Mr. Marshall proved he isn't as good as sport as old Charlie Frary, and gave Angel a public warning for her efforts.
A few months ago, I would have begun this sentence by saying that this was an upset as Angel pinned Saraya after a flying body-press. But the times are changing.
Saraya, annoyed at the loss, demanded an extra minute in the ring with Angel, and put up £100 for the privilege, keeping some of the money warm in a certain area. Angel accepted the challenge, and immediately pinned Saraya again after a schoolboy roll-up. She had pinned the legend twice in one night, and now wanted a shot at Saraya's British title at the next Ipswich show. Wanting a measure of revenge, Saraya agreed.
European Heavyweight Title - Hard-core Rules
DOUG WILLIAMS v THE ZEBRA KID
When I heard before the show that the Zebra Kid would be facing Doug Williams, my excitement grew. ZK has really impressed me in recent weeks, and of course, Doug Williams' reputation is well known. Throw in some toys, and make it for the vacant European title, and we had a match that promised much, and delivered.
Both men really impressed me, and they pulled out all the stops in a terrific match. Move followed by countermove, some good brawling, good use of weapons, and good ring psychology, all mixed together, gave us a match worthy of the main event status it had been given.
However, even though this was the match of the night, the ending was spoiled a little. When everyone was enjoying a good contest between two of Britain's top wrestlers, Ricky Knight and Drew MacDonald came down to the ring. Throwing powder into Zebra's eyes, Doug got the pin, and the European title.
Afterwards, all three tried to continued their attack on ZK, but were run off by Tiger Steele. Steele then challenged all three to a three-on-two tag-team match. Doug rejected the challenge. As Ricky demanded that Steele put down his cowbell, Drew badmouthed the Texan. Now recovered, Zebra Kid wanted a hard-core tag match there and then. Referee Dave Marshall stopped the challenge, saying that the contracts had to be signed first.
In conclusion, a highly enjoyable first taste of a TWA show. It's always good to step out of my home territory, and I hope to do it a little more in the future. I'd like to thank Ricky and Saraya for getting my foot in the door, and Scott Conway for making me feel welcome at ringside. Thanks again, and maybe I'll see you at the next Ipswich show.
Castano really impressed me, and I enjoyed his performance, but despite his heel tactics, he couldn't get the victory against Jonny. The crowd were always behind him, and I could easily see why.
Castano thought he had the victory with a roll-up in the corner, and some help from the ropes. However, despite hitting the three count, referee Dave Marshall realised his mistake, and ordered that the match should continue. Jonny won with a quick roll-up, and, it must be said, an illegal use of Castano's tights. Well, we didn't really need to see the Colombian's ass, did we.
An enjoyable match to start off the show.
DREW MacDONALD & RICKY KNIGHT v THE ESSEX BOYS
My esteemed employer teamed with the Celtic legend this evening, going against Essex's own Paul Tyrell and Phil Powers. Drew and Ricky drew a great deal of heat from the crowd, especially as Ricky came from Norwich. (A little confession here to all you Ipswich residents - I was actually born in Norwich! But please don't hold this against me!)
Although not the best match of the night, I still enjoyed this outing. Drew and Ricky displayed many good heel tactics against Tyrell and Powers, including the use of the tag ropes, and some inventive uses for the ring bell on the part of Ricky. The exchanges between Ricky and Tyrell were extremely good, and often reminded me of the great matches Ricky has with the Zebra Kid. Even Scott Conway's empty cola bottle was brought into the action. Ricky even entertained us with a couple of drop-kicks, something I've never seen from the big man before.
The work on Tyrell's leg between Drew and Ricky was also good, and enough to get Tyrell to tap out as Ricky applied the half Boston Crab. With their job done, Ricky and Drew continued their attack after the bell.
And yes, Ricky did smack me in the head. Twice this time. One day, old man. One day.
MARK MANSON v TIGER STEELE
A battle of the Yanks here, between one I had never seen before, and a huge monster of a man I hadn't seen since Fightmare. Sitting in the third row at Fightmare, I didn't truly realise just how damn big Steele was.
The result was a foregone conclusion from the beginning, but was still entertaining nonetheless. In a typical David v Goliath battle, Manson showed some good moves as he centred his attack on Steele's legs, including the illegal use of a chair. The big Texan was far too powerful though. Manson's attack lasted a few minutes, but even on his knees, Steele still looked bigger than him.
A chokeslam, followed by an impressive powerbomb, secured the win for the big Texan.
ANGEL v SWEET SARAYA
A crowd pleaser here (even if they were a little quiet at times), as the girls continued their series in a TWA ring. Before the match started, referee Dave Marshall said that he wanted no bitchiness. Damn! This was the reason I came down to Ipswich in the first place!
This was, as is always the case, another enjoyable outing, as Angel displayed some new moves. Some were slightly off, but then again, Angel is still learning. She even put the referee to good use, using him as a battering ram while Saraya laid prone in the corner. However, Mr. Marshall proved he isn't as good as sport as old Charlie Frary, and gave Angel a public warning for her efforts.
A few months ago, I would have begun this sentence by saying that this was an upset as Angel pinned Saraya after a flying body-press. But the times are changing.
Saraya, annoyed at the loss, demanded an extra minute in the ring with Angel, and put up £100 for the privilege, keeping some of the money warm in a certain area. Angel accepted the challenge, and immediately pinned Saraya again after a schoolboy roll-up. She had pinned the legend twice in one night, and now wanted a shot at Saraya's British title at the next Ipswich show. Wanting a measure of revenge, Saraya agreed.
European Heavyweight Title - Hard-core Rules
DOUG WILLIAMS v THE ZEBRA KID
When I heard before the show that the Zebra Kid would be facing Doug Williams, my excitement grew. ZK has really impressed me in recent weeks, and of course, Doug Williams' reputation is well known. Throw in some toys, and make it for the vacant European title, and we had a match that promised much, and delivered.
Both men really impressed me, and they pulled out all the stops in a terrific match. Move followed by countermove, some good brawling, good use of weapons, and good ring psychology, all mixed together, gave us a match worthy of the main event status it had been given.
However, even though this was the match of the night, the ending was spoiled a little. When everyone was enjoying a good contest between two of Britain's top wrestlers, Ricky Knight and Drew MacDonald came down to the ring. Throwing powder into Zebra's eyes, Doug got the pin, and the European title.
Afterwards, all three tried to continued their attack on ZK, but were run off by Tiger Steele. Steele then challenged all three to a three-on-two tag-team match. Doug rejected the challenge. As Ricky demanded that Steele put down his cowbell, Drew badmouthed the Texan. Now recovered, Zebra Kid wanted a hard-core tag match there and then. Referee Dave Marshall stopped the challenge, saying that the contracts had to be signed first.
In conclusion, a highly enjoyable first taste of a TWA show. It's always good to step out of my home territory, and I hope to do it a little more in the future. I'd like to thank Ricky and Saraya for getting my foot in the door, and Scott Conway for making me feel welcome at ringside. Thanks again, and maybe I'll see you at the next Ipswich show.
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