WATTON SPORTS CENTRE, February 2002
I have decided not to begin this review by saying a few things about Watton. If truth be known, I had never been here before.
Having travelled to Watton via the training school in Hingham, I knew that at this show, I would get the opportunity to see some of the trainees in action in the climax of the show. But more on that later.
Having travelled to Watton via the training school in Hingham, I knew that at this show, I would get the opportunity to see some of the trainees in action in the climax of the show. But more on that later.
W.A.W. British Heavyweight Championship
SEXPAC (champion, with Crystal Clear) v THE BRIXTON BRAWLER
Having put up many fine, although losing efforts, against Sexpac in recent outings, the Brawler was finally rewarded with a shot at the British title. But once again, the hip-swinging dude had the better of a man I once regarded as being nothing more than a village idiot.
For much of the early part of the contest, the Brawler had the upper hand, overpowering the smaller Sexpac. With a more than enthusiastic crowd roaring in his ears, Sexpac was able to fire back on many occasions.
One notable part of this match was the reaction of Sexpac's manageress, Crystal Clear. Many, many times, she seemed genuinely concerned for the well-being of the Brawler. This seemed to enrage Sexpac, and many, myself included, wondered what she was playing at, although it soon became apparent that this was all part of her usual plan. The Brawler fell right into her hands, as Crystal distracted him with her charms, allowing Sexpac some rest. A fight back later, Sexpac used the X-Factor to take the Brawler down. The title belt wasn't getting a new home this night.
SWEET SARAYA & NAUGHTY NIKKI BEST v ANGEL & CHARISMA
This match pitted the experienced duo of Saraya, a 12 year veteran, and Nikki, who made her debut when she was just 13, against the far less experienced duo of Angel and Charisma. This was, in fact, Charisma's first match, having attended this weekend's training school.
As far as a first outing goes, Charisma put in one hell of an effort. Considering that she has had less than 24 hours worth of training, she did damn well. I really can't speak too highly of the effort she put in here.
Even though Angel & Charisma put up a good fight, there was no match they could match the skill, the cunning, and the guile of Nikki & Saraya. These two know all the tricks in the book, and they used their experience to their advantage against the two rookies. There were times when it threatened to turn into a cat fight, but it soon returned to normal wrestling.
The rookies inexperience probably cost them in this bout. Saraya and Nikki won after Saraya power bombed Angel.
Angel, and especially Charisma, can be proud of the effort they showed in this match. With a few more matches under her belt, Charisma could become a true challenger to Saraya's crown. She's got the talent, and it may take a little time to get there, but I really believe Charisma can do it.
THE DARK ANGELS V THE U.K. PITBULLS
Two days ago, the Pitbulls had lost £600 pounds when The Thetford Connection survived 15 minutes against them. At times it seemed like Draven and Ashe would have the same trouble the Connection did.Bulk and Dave dominated early on, using their superior size and power to their advantage.The Angels made the mistake of getting caught early, so the Pitbulls could slow the match down to their slower, more methodical approach.
But even though the Pitbulls threw all they could at them, Draven and Ashe still came back for more, and fought back with vigour and gusto. Putting together a good string of moves, including a Poetry in Motion, a-la Hardys, they used their superior speed and manoeuvrability to actually take the Pitbulls off their feet.
But in the end, it once again came down to experience. The two big men overpowered them, using their trademark double power bomb to finish the match. They may have one, but you could tell that they knew they had been in a battle.Like Charisma before them, the Dark Angels have a lot of promise. In my opinion, Draven and Ashe are future tag-team champions. Remember, you heard it here first.
ROWDY RICKY KNIGHT v THE ZEBRA KID
After the debacle in Thetford, Ricky Knight went back to what he is best at - being Rowdy Ricky Knight, while the Zebra Kid proved in this hard-core encounter that he is perhaps one of the finest young wrestler, if not the finest, on the British circuit today.
Even though I have seen these two knock seven sorts of crap out of each other in various contests for a while now, I can never tire of seeing these two go at it. Ricky's power-based brawling style against the high-flying wizardry of the Zebra Kid is always a crowd pleaser, and very often the match of the evening, and bringing the toys into the equation added something extra. The use of the ladder, the weapons, and particularly Ricky's power bombing Zebra onto the rubbish bin was a sight to behold.
But even though he used the bin to his advantage many times, it would prove to be his downfall. While arguing with the crowd, Zebra Kid climbed to the top rope and delivered one of the best flying drop-kicks I've seen in ages, smashing the bin right into Ricky's face. A three count later, and Zebra had the victory.
Because of the crowd's reaction to him, Ricky threatened never to wrestle in Watton again. I doubt very much that this will happen.
BASH v JAKE "THE SNAKE" ROBERTS
Having put up a fine effort against the Zebra Kid two days previously, Jake would have some difficulty in putting up an equally good showing against the bat-wielding maniac. But then again, that match was, for me, a definite match of the year candidate.
This was still a damn good match nonetheless. Bash and Jake were quite evenly matched. Jake worked the crowd well, as did Bash, especially when the fans made fun of his make-up. A note to everyone who watches a Bash match - shout "girls wear make-up", because it really annoys him!
Although not the match of the night in my opinion, it was still a damn good outing for both men, and probably the best match I've seen Bash in. He dominated Jake for long periods of the match, literally battering the hell out of him. It took a lot for Jake to quickly counter Bash's tactics with a lightning fast DDT for the win.
But the fun wasn't over there. It's well known that Bash detests snakes, and Jake used this to his advantage. Jake not only introduced his trusted friend to Bash's face, but also gave him a quick peek down below.
Since Jake's first appearance in a WAW ring last December, his matches have just gotten better and better. Those who have written him off as a washed-up has-been should come to a WAW show and see the man in person. The man still has it.
As for Bash - a fine effort for the maniac. He should be proud of his efforts, and hopefully, he'll get his re-match soon.
BATTLE ROYAL
As part of their training, the apprentices from the weekend's training school must compete in a battle royal. Throw them in with a few others who have just a smidgen of experience, and you get one full ring!
Putting down my pen and paper, because I find it next to impossible to make notes on everything that happens in one of these matches, I sat back, shouted a few insults (mainly at Dan Quintain and Triple X), end enjoyed the proceedings. While it's almost impossible to single out anyone for particular praise, I will say that everyone in this match put on a good show.
In the end it boiled down to the massive Tank, a big 21 stone bear of a man, very much in the Bam Bam Bigelow mould, and Bret, definitely a lady killer with his good looks and long-blonde hair. Despite his superior size and power, Tank wasn't able to get past Bret, thanks mainly to Bret's tag-team partner Ben, who looks very similar to Bret. Bret won the battle royal. A definite one for the future here.
In conclusion, the small crowd sounded twice the size they actually were. From beginning to end, they were up for every match, even though at one time, the ring was full of people they didn't know. As the saying goes, a good time was had by all! See you in Clacton!
But in the end, it once again came down to experience. The two big men overpowered them, using their trademark double power bomb to finish the match. They may have one, but you could tell that they knew they had been in a battle.Like Charisma before them, the Dark Angels have a lot of promise. In my opinion, Draven and Ashe are future tag-team champions. Remember, you heard it here first.
ROWDY RICKY KNIGHT v THE ZEBRA KID
After the debacle in Thetford, Ricky Knight went back to what he is best at - being Rowdy Ricky Knight, while the Zebra Kid proved in this hard-core encounter that he is perhaps one of the finest young wrestler, if not the finest, on the British circuit today.
Even though I have seen these two knock seven sorts of crap out of each other in various contests for a while now, I can never tire of seeing these two go at it. Ricky's power-based brawling style against the high-flying wizardry of the Zebra Kid is always a crowd pleaser, and very often the match of the evening, and bringing the toys into the equation added something extra. The use of the ladder, the weapons, and particularly Ricky's power bombing Zebra onto the rubbish bin was a sight to behold.
But even though he used the bin to his advantage many times, it would prove to be his downfall. While arguing with the crowd, Zebra Kid climbed to the top rope and delivered one of the best flying drop-kicks I've seen in ages, smashing the bin right into Ricky's face. A three count later, and Zebra had the victory.
Because of the crowd's reaction to him, Ricky threatened never to wrestle in Watton again. I doubt very much that this will happen.
BASH v JAKE "THE SNAKE" ROBERTS
Having put up a fine effort against the Zebra Kid two days previously, Jake would have some difficulty in putting up an equally good showing against the bat-wielding maniac. But then again, that match was, for me, a definite match of the year candidate.
This was still a damn good match nonetheless. Bash and Jake were quite evenly matched. Jake worked the crowd well, as did Bash, especially when the fans made fun of his make-up. A note to everyone who watches a Bash match - shout "girls wear make-up", because it really annoys him!
Although not the match of the night in my opinion, it was still a damn good outing for both men, and probably the best match I've seen Bash in. He dominated Jake for long periods of the match, literally battering the hell out of him. It took a lot for Jake to quickly counter Bash's tactics with a lightning fast DDT for the win.
But the fun wasn't over there. It's well known that Bash detests snakes, and Jake used this to his advantage. Jake not only introduced his trusted friend to Bash's face, but also gave him a quick peek down below.
Since Jake's first appearance in a WAW ring last December, his matches have just gotten better and better. Those who have written him off as a washed-up has-been should come to a WAW show and see the man in person. The man still has it.
As for Bash - a fine effort for the maniac. He should be proud of his efforts, and hopefully, he'll get his re-match soon.
BATTLE ROYAL
As part of their training, the apprentices from the weekend's training school must compete in a battle royal. Throw them in with a few others who have just a smidgen of experience, and you get one full ring!
Putting down my pen and paper, because I find it next to impossible to make notes on everything that happens in one of these matches, I sat back, shouted a few insults (mainly at Dan Quintain and Triple X), end enjoyed the proceedings. While it's almost impossible to single out anyone for particular praise, I will say that everyone in this match put on a good show.
In the end it boiled down to the massive Tank, a big 21 stone bear of a man, very much in the Bam Bam Bigelow mould, and Bret, definitely a lady killer with his good looks and long-blonde hair. Despite his superior size and power, Tank wasn't able to get past Bret, thanks mainly to Bret's tag-team partner Ben, who looks very similar to Bret. Bret won the battle royal. A definite one for the future here.
In conclusion, the small crowd sounded twice the size they actually were. From beginning to end, they were up for every match, even though at one time, the ring was full of people they didn't know. As the saying goes, a good time was had by all! See you in Clacton!
PRINCES THEATRE, CLACTON, February 2002
Just under a week away from their shows up north, WAW once again ventured into the county of Essex. After their excellent show at Canvey Island a few weeks ago, this show would have a lot to live up to.
PAUL TYRELL v THE BRIXTON BRAWLER
It was now the turn of the local hero, Paul Tyrell, to try his luck against the Brawler, a dangerous opponent who is still underestimated by some of the fans.
An enjoyable opening match for the show, with some good early work from Tyrell, countered by the Brawler's underhanded tactics, which earned him two public warnings from Charlie Frary. Some excellent moves from both men.
Brawler made the mistake, though, of trying to an aerial attack. Tyrell stopped him just as he was about to launch himself off the top rope, and sent him flying to the mat. Climbing the ropes himself, Tyrell caught the Brawler with an impressive flying body press for the three count.
A very good contest from both men. This was the first time I had seen Tyrell since Fightmare last April, and I hope that I'll see him again on a future WAW show.
Mexican Tag Match;
SWEET SARAYA, CRYSTAL CLEAR and "NAUGHTY" NIKKI BEST v SHEENA SUMMERS, KHARISMA and ANGEL
Now, before I start, I'll try and run through the rules of this style of contest - two team captains are nominated (Saraya & Sheena), and if either of these are pinned, then the match ends. However, if any of the others are pinned, the match continues. There's some other stuff in there, and in the end, trying to fathom all of this is rather confusing.
Before the match started, Saraya let everyone know that she was not happy with the reception she and her team got from the crowd. They threatened to leave if the crowd continued with their verbal assault. Of course, the onslaught continued, and Saraya and her troops began to march off, only to come back seconds later. This sort of thing always makes me wonder why the heels make such a threat in the first place. It's obvious they're never going to leave.
Another enjoyable bout here, and one I'm sure that Dan "The Man" Quintain would have enjoyed had he been there. It was good to see Sheena Summers back in a WAW ring. She showed a little ring rust at first, but put in a good performance, as did her team-mates Angel and Kharisma.
But for me, the woman of the match was Saraya. Although Crystal and Nikki had their moments, Saraya seemed to carry her team, putting in one hell of a performance against all three of her opponents.
The first fall went to Sheena's team, as the captain herself pinned Nikki following a sunset flip reversal. However, because Saraya was not pinned, the match continued. The action continued for several more minutes, until Kharisma scored something of an upset by pinning Saraya following a boot to the stomach/sunset flip combination.
Annoyed that this rookie, in only her second match, had pinned her, Saraya issued a challenge to Kharisma for a lumberjack match at the next Clacton show in April.
Kharisma gladly accepted the challenge.
THE U.K. PITBULLS v HOT STUFF and TRIPLE X
When you have a match involving the AIWF World Hardcore Tag-Team Champions and the WAW British Champion, you expect a lot from it, but sadly, this match failed to deliver.
There were some good early exchanges between Big Dave and Hot Stuff. Stuff tried to overpower Dave, a mistake against a man more than twice your size, as the Sheringham strongman easily overpowered him.
Triple X, however, showed that perhaps it was a mistake for him to take this match. He showed some good submission holds, mainly his ankle-lock on Dave, but he looked completely out of his depth, like a man who still has a lot to learn.
Outside the ring, Dave completely destroyed Triple X, and got disqualified for his troubles. The referee then ruled that because XXX was unable to continue, the match would continue as a singles match between Bulk and Hotstuff. The British Champion showed tremendous spirit against the big man, putting up a damn good show.
But once again, it became apparent that a Pitbull could not win on his own. Dave returned to the ring, and attacked Charlie. With the ref down, Dave unleashed the full-nelson slam on Hot Stuff, allowing Bulk to cover him.
But guess what dummies? The ref couldn't count, because he was flat on the mat. Heels can be really stupid sometimes, can't they!
The referee's predicament allowed local boy The Kraft (the winner of the Watton battle royal) to jump into the ring and smash Bulk over the head with a keyboard. A stunned and bleeding Bulk was then easy pickings for Hot Stuff. A three count later and the big man had been pinned.
But that wasn't the end of things. Annoyed at the outcome, and the interference of the new local hero, Bulk challenged Hot Stuff to a British title match, while Dave wanted the "long haired poof", the Kraft, in the ring. Both challenges were accepted for the Clacton show in April.
Hardcore match
ROWDY RICKY KNIGHT (with Sweet Saraya) v THE ZEBRA KID
No matter how many times I see these two go at it, I never seem to get tired of watching these two go at it. I could literally watch these two kick the crap out of each other all night, but with the pace these two always go at, they probably wouldn't be able to last more than twenty minutes each!
The introduction of Saraya at ringside changed things a little from the last encounter in Watton. Because of the hardcore rules, Saraya was able to help Ricky on many occasions, without fear of a reprimand from the referee. At times, their plan worked to perfection, but more often than not, her interference backfired, and in one particular moment, Saraya was on the receiving end of a vicious weapons attack from the Zebra Kid.
On two occasions, the action got a little too close for comfort. Once again, the Rowdy One laid the smack down on my bald head, and later, he laid the smack down on the Zebra Kid right on the table in front of me.
In what can be considered something of an upset, Ricky Knight scored the pin over the Zebra Kid after Saraya's vicious attack with a tray. Their plan had worked, but had brought out the ire of the returning Sheena Summers. Both Sheena and Zebra contested the decision, and challenged Ricky and Saraya to a mixed tag match. The Knights gladly accepted the challenge. That Saraya is going to be one busy gal in April!
JAKE "THE SNAKE" ROBERTS v BASH
Having put up such a good show in Watton this past Sunday, Bash was given another chance to pit his skills against the legend.
Fresh from being groped by Jonathan Ross, Jake showed some good skills in a winning effort.
If anything, and I don't want to sound too critical, this match was a little too short. Jake has put in some good efforts in a WAW ring in recent weeks, so he is entitled to an off-day now and then. The contest may have been brief, but it still got one hell of a crowd reaction.
In conclusion, some enjoyable matches, some so-so, and a crowd that was really up for it. Not the best WAW show I've seen, still better than some of the stuff you'll see on television these days!
PAUL TYRELL v THE BRIXTON BRAWLER
It was now the turn of the local hero, Paul Tyrell, to try his luck against the Brawler, a dangerous opponent who is still underestimated by some of the fans.
An enjoyable opening match for the show, with some good early work from Tyrell, countered by the Brawler's underhanded tactics, which earned him two public warnings from Charlie Frary. Some excellent moves from both men.
Brawler made the mistake, though, of trying to an aerial attack. Tyrell stopped him just as he was about to launch himself off the top rope, and sent him flying to the mat. Climbing the ropes himself, Tyrell caught the Brawler with an impressive flying body press for the three count.
A very good contest from both men. This was the first time I had seen Tyrell since Fightmare last April, and I hope that I'll see him again on a future WAW show.
Mexican Tag Match;
SWEET SARAYA, CRYSTAL CLEAR and "NAUGHTY" NIKKI BEST v SHEENA SUMMERS, KHARISMA and ANGEL
Now, before I start, I'll try and run through the rules of this style of contest - two team captains are nominated (Saraya & Sheena), and if either of these are pinned, then the match ends. However, if any of the others are pinned, the match continues. There's some other stuff in there, and in the end, trying to fathom all of this is rather confusing.
Before the match started, Saraya let everyone know that she was not happy with the reception she and her team got from the crowd. They threatened to leave if the crowd continued with their verbal assault. Of course, the onslaught continued, and Saraya and her troops began to march off, only to come back seconds later. This sort of thing always makes me wonder why the heels make such a threat in the first place. It's obvious they're never going to leave.
Another enjoyable bout here, and one I'm sure that Dan "The Man" Quintain would have enjoyed had he been there. It was good to see Sheena Summers back in a WAW ring. She showed a little ring rust at first, but put in a good performance, as did her team-mates Angel and Kharisma.
But for me, the woman of the match was Saraya. Although Crystal and Nikki had their moments, Saraya seemed to carry her team, putting in one hell of a performance against all three of her opponents.
The first fall went to Sheena's team, as the captain herself pinned Nikki following a sunset flip reversal. However, because Saraya was not pinned, the match continued. The action continued for several more minutes, until Kharisma scored something of an upset by pinning Saraya following a boot to the stomach/sunset flip combination.
Annoyed that this rookie, in only her second match, had pinned her, Saraya issued a challenge to Kharisma for a lumberjack match at the next Clacton show in April.
Kharisma gladly accepted the challenge.
THE U.K. PITBULLS v HOT STUFF and TRIPLE X
When you have a match involving the AIWF World Hardcore Tag-Team Champions and the WAW British Champion, you expect a lot from it, but sadly, this match failed to deliver.
There were some good early exchanges between Big Dave and Hot Stuff. Stuff tried to overpower Dave, a mistake against a man more than twice your size, as the Sheringham strongman easily overpowered him.
Triple X, however, showed that perhaps it was a mistake for him to take this match. He showed some good submission holds, mainly his ankle-lock on Dave, but he looked completely out of his depth, like a man who still has a lot to learn.
Outside the ring, Dave completely destroyed Triple X, and got disqualified for his troubles. The referee then ruled that because XXX was unable to continue, the match would continue as a singles match between Bulk and Hotstuff. The British Champion showed tremendous spirit against the big man, putting up a damn good show.
But once again, it became apparent that a Pitbull could not win on his own. Dave returned to the ring, and attacked Charlie. With the ref down, Dave unleashed the full-nelson slam on Hot Stuff, allowing Bulk to cover him.
But guess what dummies? The ref couldn't count, because he was flat on the mat. Heels can be really stupid sometimes, can't they!
The referee's predicament allowed local boy The Kraft (the winner of the Watton battle royal) to jump into the ring and smash Bulk over the head with a keyboard. A stunned and bleeding Bulk was then easy pickings for Hot Stuff. A three count later and the big man had been pinned.
But that wasn't the end of things. Annoyed at the outcome, and the interference of the new local hero, Bulk challenged Hot Stuff to a British title match, while Dave wanted the "long haired poof", the Kraft, in the ring. Both challenges were accepted for the Clacton show in April.
Hardcore match
ROWDY RICKY KNIGHT (with Sweet Saraya) v THE ZEBRA KID
No matter how many times I see these two go at it, I never seem to get tired of watching these two go at it. I could literally watch these two kick the crap out of each other all night, but with the pace these two always go at, they probably wouldn't be able to last more than twenty minutes each!
The introduction of Saraya at ringside changed things a little from the last encounter in Watton. Because of the hardcore rules, Saraya was able to help Ricky on many occasions, without fear of a reprimand from the referee. At times, their plan worked to perfection, but more often than not, her interference backfired, and in one particular moment, Saraya was on the receiving end of a vicious weapons attack from the Zebra Kid.
On two occasions, the action got a little too close for comfort. Once again, the Rowdy One laid the smack down on my bald head, and later, he laid the smack down on the Zebra Kid right on the table in front of me.
In what can be considered something of an upset, Ricky Knight scored the pin over the Zebra Kid after Saraya's vicious attack with a tray. Their plan had worked, but had brought out the ire of the returning Sheena Summers. Both Sheena and Zebra contested the decision, and challenged Ricky and Saraya to a mixed tag match. The Knights gladly accepted the challenge. That Saraya is going to be one busy gal in April!
JAKE "THE SNAKE" ROBERTS v BASH
Having put up such a good show in Watton this past Sunday, Bash was given another chance to pit his skills against the legend.
Fresh from being groped by Jonathan Ross, Jake showed some good skills in a winning effort.
If anything, and I don't want to sound too critical, this match was a little too short. Jake has put in some good efforts in a WAW ring in recent weeks, so he is entitled to an off-day now and then. The contest may have been brief, but it still got one hell of a crowd reaction.
In conclusion, some enjoyable matches, some so-so, and a crowd that was really up for it. Not the best WAW show I've seen, still better than some of the stuff you'll see on television these days!
No comments:
Post a Comment