ATTLEBOROUGH, October 2002
Following on from their successful October Outrage IV show the previous week, WAW gave their lesser known stars the chance to shine in a somewhat smaller venue.
TOMMY LEE v MINI MYSTERIO
The returning Mr. Lee set out his agenda as soon as he stepped into the ring - by insulting the local people, and praising his hometown of Norwich. The crowd were clearly on the side of the Mini Mysterio as soon as he entered the arena.
Despite being the larger of the two men in the ring, Lee seemed somewhat frightened of Mysterio, trying to seek refuge on the outside of the ring early on whenever his opponent tried to go onto the offensive.
This was a very entertaining contest, with Lee controlling large parts of it. Mysterio's high-flying style was Lee's undoing though, as with his opponent slumped over the middle rope, Mysterio connected with a 619, followed by a crisp looking elbow drop for the victory.
ANGEL v DESTINY (with Topaz)
The Kendo Nagasaki-trained Destiny was introduced to the world last Saturday by Lloyd Ryan, intent on taking the Sweet Saraya's prized British Championship. However, with her erstwhile manageress Topaz by her side, Destiny had to go through the WAW Rookie of the Year first.
Looking a little nervous in what was her first singles match, Destiny attacked Angel before the bell, and with a little help from the outside, dominated Angel. At times, Angel fought back well, but the constant interference of Topaz was always going to be a deciding factor in this contest.
Things didn't go to plan for Destiny. Having received several warnings, both public and private, from referee Charlie Frary, Topaz tried to interfere once too often. Charlie had had enough, and disqualified Destiny because of Topaz's interference.
Having watched the match from afar, the Sweet Saraya came to the ring and grabbed the microphone, challenging, on behalf of Angel and herself, Destiny and Topaz to a tag-team match. The newcomers had bitten off more than they could chew.
DETROIT v THE KRAFT v TANK
A triple threat elimination match was up next, pitting the Fast & Furious tag-team against each other, with the man mountain Tank thrown into the mix, Tank standing in for the absent Ricky Knight as he slapped me upside the head while walking around the ring.
Tank overpowered both men early on, before centring his attack on the Kraft as Detroit became a veritable spectator. Shortly afterwards, Tank became a spectator. Annoyed at having been double-teamed, Tank decided to take a seat in the audience, urging his opponents to attack each other while he watched from his comfortable position.
Detroit was the first man eliminated, by Tank, leaving the Tank and Kraft to go at it. The Kraft achieved the goal he set himself in this match by body-slamming the larger Tank in the centre of the ring. With the big man down, Kraft applied an armbar. Tank didn't know where he was as referee Charlie Frary made the three count.
THE ZEBRA KID v KARL KRAGIOUS
After a mixed week for the Zebra Kid, who had lost and then beaten Jonny Storm, Zebra entered the ring intent on showing the young Kragious a thing or two in his first professional match.
In nearly twenty minutes of fast-paced action, Zebra literally threw the kitchen sink at Kragious, but time after time, Kragious did not quit. No matter what the Zebra Kid did, he just couldn't put Kragious away, the youngster kicking out of every pin attempt. Kragious's never-say-die attitude proved extremely frustrating for the Zebra Kid.
At the eighteen minute mark, having shown some good offence, Kragious could do no more. A tombstone piledriver followed by a top rope elbow was enough. A three count later, and the Zebra Kid had the victory.
And the former Cruiserweight champion had been impressed, congratulating Kragious as he was helped back to the dressing room.
THE U.K. PITBULLS v THE DARK ANGELS
The Pitbulls were annoyed. It had not been a good week for them. Having failed to win the Crusher Mason Trophy at October Outrage IV, the previous night they had lost their FWA tag titles to Alex Shane and Ulf Hermann. The Dark Angels looked like they were in for a long night.
Attacking before the bell, the Pitbulls dominated the Angels with their sheer power attack. Ashe was the first recipient, and when he managed to tag Draven in, he got much of the same treatment.
Despite being two of the most powerful men in wrestling, the Pitbulls still felt the need to use weapons against the Angels. Grabbing a chair from under the ring, Big Dave levelled Ashe with it while they were on the outside. However, back in the ring, the Bulk tried to use the same chair on Ashe as well. The youngster foiled the attack by drop-kicking the chair into his opponent.
The Dark Angels tried to use their speed advantage, and at times it worked, but the power of the Pitbulls was simply too much, especially when Big D locked in a sharp-shooter on Ashe. This wasn't enough as Ashe refused to submit. Frustrated, Big Dave lifted Ashe above his head into a press slam, and launched him onto the outside of the ring.
This attack brought out Fast & Furious and the Mini Mysterio. As Big Dave tried to go outside, F&F; and Mysterio held him back as the Angels began to double-team the Bulk. This attack was followed by a Draven big splash, and a three count.
Their bad week continuing, Bulk complained about the outside interference, and then challenged Fast & Furious to a match at the Watton show. Annoyed at the way the Pitbulls had been behaving, the rookies readily accepted the challenge.
In conclusion - it's always enjoyable to see some of WAW's lesser lights given the chance to shine. Despite the absence of some of the bigger names, those who are the future of WAW put on a good show.
Match of the night was definitely the Zebra Kid v Karl Kragious. Nearly twenty minutes of action seemed a hell of a lot less, and Kragious should be proud of his first professional match, even if he is a bit sore following this bruising encounter.
THE U.K. PITBULLS v THE DARK ANGELS
The Pitbulls were annoyed. It had not been a good week for them. Having failed to win the Crusher Mason Trophy at October Outrage IV, the previous night they had lost their FWA tag titles to Alex Shane and Ulf Hermann. The Dark Angels looked like they were in for a long night.
Attacking before the bell, the Pitbulls dominated the Angels with their sheer power attack. Ashe was the first recipient, and when he managed to tag Draven in, he got much of the same treatment.
Despite being two of the most powerful men in wrestling, the Pitbulls still felt the need to use weapons against the Angels. Grabbing a chair from under the ring, Big Dave levelled Ashe with it while they were on the outside. However, back in the ring, the Bulk tried to use the same chair on Ashe as well. The youngster foiled the attack by drop-kicking the chair into his opponent.
The Dark Angels tried to use their speed advantage, and at times it worked, but the power of the Pitbulls was simply too much, especially when Big D locked in a sharp-shooter on Ashe. This wasn't enough as Ashe refused to submit. Frustrated, Big Dave lifted Ashe above his head into a press slam, and launched him onto the outside of the ring.
This attack brought out Fast & Furious and the Mini Mysterio. As Big Dave tried to go outside, F&F; and Mysterio held him back as the Angels began to double-team the Bulk. This attack was followed by a Draven big splash, and a three count.
Their bad week continuing, Bulk complained about the outside interference, and then challenged Fast & Furious to a match at the Watton show. Annoyed at the way the Pitbulls had been behaving, the rookies readily accepted the challenge.
In conclusion - it's always enjoyable to see some of WAW's lesser lights given the chance to shine. Despite the absence of some of the bigger names, those who are the future of WAW put on a good show.
Match of the night was definitely the Zebra Kid v Karl Kragious. Nearly twenty minutes of action seemed a hell of a lot less, and Kragious should be proud of his first professional match, even if he is a bit sore following this bruising encounter.
WATTON, October 2002
On an emotional night for all connected with the company, the World Association of Wrestling returned to the Watton Sports Centre for the last time this year as Detroit made his final appearance at a WAW show, before returning to the USA with his family early next month.
ZEBRA KID v MINI MICHAELS
Having restored his winning streak against the rookie Karl Kragious the previous evening in Attleborough, the Zebra Kid stepped into the ring against a somewhat smaller opponent in the Mini Mysterio.
Zebra clearly didn't think much of his opponent. Before the match began, after hurling several insults at Mysterio, Zebra made him a challenge - for every five minutes he lasted, the Zebra Kid would give Mysterio £100. Hearing this challenge, the Sweet Saraya, on behalf of WAW, matched the wager, so for every five minutes he lasted, Mini Mysterio would earn himself £200.
However, Mysterio wasn't just in this match to survive, he wanted to win, and fifteen minutes later, and £600 richer, Mysterio had earned the praise and respect of the crowd with a gutsy performance, showing that this youngster is definitely one to watch out for in years to come.
The Zebra Kid literally threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Mysterio, dominating him with crisp power moves. It was obvious though that Zebra had underestimated his opponent. As the old saying goes, it's not the size of dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.
It wasn't all defence for Mysterio though. He was able to get in some good moves, especially his trademark 619 move.
The Zebra Kid was too much for him in the end though. With Mysterio lying prone on the mat. Zebra climbed to the top rope and connected with a flying elbow. He didn't even bother going for the pin afterwards, preferring to get his victory when referee Charlie Frary administered a ten count.
After the match Zebra grabbed the microphone and told everyone what he thought of Mysterio. This brought Saraya out again. Zebra threatened Saraya with violence, before a tag-team challenge was made - Zebra would have to find a partner to face Saraya and Mysterio at a later date.
THE DARK ANGELS v PRIVATE PAIN & TANK (with Tommy Lee)
Having endeared himself to the Attleborough locals the previous evening, Tommy Lee, now wearing his manager's hat, once again insulted the natives as he lead his team of Private Pain and Tank into this tag-team encounter.
The Angels, having secured a second victory this year over the U.K. Pitbulls the previous evening, were looking to extend their winning streak against this new combination, and did so with another impressive display.
When Pain was in the ring with either Ashe or Draven, the contest was a pretty even affair. However, things changed when Tank entered the fray, the big man dominating his smaller opponents with a succession of power moves.
Lee, as is the heel manager's way, interfered on many occasions, but towards the end of the contest, the interference backfired. Lee tried to attack Ashe as Pain held him, but Ashe ducked out of the way and Lee levelled his own man. With Pain lying prone on the mat, Ashe scored with a senton bomb, followed by a Draven top rope splash to get the victory.
KARL KRAGIOUS v SAM SLAM
A homecoming for the newcomer Kragious, still a little sore from his bruising encounter with the Zebra Kid the previous evening. However, the returning Sam Slam, normally one half of the Thetford Connection, proved to be tough competition for Kragious, showing that perhaps he was a little wasted in tag-team competition.
A contest pitting two wrestlers of similar age and size promised much - and delivered. Kragious made a few rookie mistakes early on, Slam taking advantage of these, and showing and showing the authority of a much more experienced wrestler.
Slam threw everything at Kragious. But with his hometown crowd urging him on, he refused to give up, even after Sam slammed him onto the hard arena floor. A lesser man would have probably given up after such an attack.
A good contest, with good moves from both men, ended when Sam scored the pin after a top rope splash. Afterwards, Slam got in another attack on Kragious, just for good measure.
DESTINY & TOPAZ v SWEET SARAYA & ANGEL (with Mrs. D)
Having drawn the ire of the women's champion the previous evening, Destiny and Topaz were taken to the woodshed a little in this contest.
Destiny dominated Angel whenever they were in the ring together, but when Saraya tagged in, she once again showed just how dominating she can be in the ring. She dominated Destiny, and when Destiny tagged Topaz in so she could get a breather, Saraya dominated her as well.
The rookie's inexperience showed as Saraya pinned Topaz following a Pedigree. The youngsters showed some good moves, but this match was always going to belong to Saraya and Angel.
THE U.K. PITBULLS v FAST & FURIOUS
A highly emotional match this, as Detroit entered a WAW ring for the final time, teaming with The Kraft against the multi-time tag champions in this elimination match.
Sheer power dominated early on as the Kraft took the brunt of Big Dave's attack, and when Dave had had enough, the Bulk took over with much of the same. After taking a serious beating, Kraft tagged in Detroit, who received a great reception from a crowd that was until recently his hometown fans.
Not wanting to go out with a whimper, Detroit refused to give into the Pitbulls's power attack, refusing to submit to Big D's submission moves. Detroit's fighting spirit proved too frustrating as the Bulk clobbered him with one of the ringside chairs.
Big Dave was the first man eliminated from the contest. Kraft lifted his partner high above his head, press-slamming Detroit onto the prone Pitbull. A three count later, and the Bulk was left alone in the match.
It wasn't long before the Kraft was history though, and his elimination showed that despite their God-given physical gifts, a Pitbulls just cannot win a match on his own. With Kraft lying prone over the second rope, Dave ran in and clobbered him over the head with a rubbish bin, busting him open. With Kraft lying in the centre of the ring, the Bulk used his roll-over before securing the pin, leaving Detroit alone in the ring with the big man.
The Bulk then began to overpower Detroit, catching him with a good-looking chokeslam. However, Detroit's never-say-die attitude just proved too much for the big man, as he fought back well. Soon after, with the Bulk slumped on the canvas in one corner, Detroit grabbed the bin that Dave had used so well earlier, and put it over the Bulk's head. Then, climbing to the opposite corner, Detroit connected with the lethal Van Daminator (or is it Van Terminator?) He soon followed this up with his trademark Impaler DDT. Three seconds later, Detroit scored the win in his farewell appearance.
While celebrating his victory, the Sweet Saraya returned to the ring, and called all of the WAW crew into back into the arena. She then said what we were all thinking. Even as I write this, I am getting a little emotional just thinking about what she said.
In conclusion - a good card, and a very emotional evening. Normally, I award a match of the night to the match I, as a fan, enjoyed the most. But on this occasion, I am going to base my decision on pure emotional judgement. The U.K. Pitbulls v Fast & Furious was one hell of a roller-coaster ride. Nearly twenty minutes of tag-team action at it's best. The U.K. Pitbulls are currently recognised as one of the best teams in Britain today. If circumstances had been different, and if Detroit and The Kraft could have had more time together as a team, in 12-18 months, they could have begun to achieve what the Superflys did in the nineties, and what the Pitbulls are achieving now.
I've said this before in my usual Two Sheds Review column, but it doesn't hurt to say it again. Thanks for the memories Marty.
ZEBRA KID v MINI MICHAELS
Having restored his winning streak against the rookie Karl Kragious the previous evening in Attleborough, the Zebra Kid stepped into the ring against a somewhat smaller opponent in the Mini Mysterio.
Zebra clearly didn't think much of his opponent. Before the match began, after hurling several insults at Mysterio, Zebra made him a challenge - for every five minutes he lasted, the Zebra Kid would give Mysterio £100. Hearing this challenge, the Sweet Saraya, on behalf of WAW, matched the wager, so for every five minutes he lasted, Mini Mysterio would earn himself £200.
However, Mysterio wasn't just in this match to survive, he wanted to win, and fifteen minutes later, and £600 richer, Mysterio had earned the praise and respect of the crowd with a gutsy performance, showing that this youngster is definitely one to watch out for in years to come.
The Zebra Kid literally threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Mysterio, dominating him with crisp power moves. It was obvious though that Zebra had underestimated his opponent. As the old saying goes, it's not the size of dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.
It wasn't all defence for Mysterio though. He was able to get in some good moves, especially his trademark 619 move.
The Zebra Kid was too much for him in the end though. With Mysterio lying prone on the mat. Zebra climbed to the top rope and connected with a flying elbow. He didn't even bother going for the pin afterwards, preferring to get his victory when referee Charlie Frary administered a ten count.
After the match Zebra grabbed the microphone and told everyone what he thought of Mysterio. This brought Saraya out again. Zebra threatened Saraya with violence, before a tag-team challenge was made - Zebra would have to find a partner to face Saraya and Mysterio at a later date.
THE DARK ANGELS v PRIVATE PAIN & TANK (with Tommy Lee)
Having endeared himself to the Attleborough locals the previous evening, Tommy Lee, now wearing his manager's hat, once again insulted the natives as he lead his team of Private Pain and Tank into this tag-team encounter.
The Angels, having secured a second victory this year over the U.K. Pitbulls the previous evening, were looking to extend their winning streak against this new combination, and did so with another impressive display.
When Pain was in the ring with either Ashe or Draven, the contest was a pretty even affair. However, things changed when Tank entered the fray, the big man dominating his smaller opponents with a succession of power moves.
Lee, as is the heel manager's way, interfered on many occasions, but towards the end of the contest, the interference backfired. Lee tried to attack Ashe as Pain held him, but Ashe ducked out of the way and Lee levelled his own man. With Pain lying prone on the mat, Ashe scored with a senton bomb, followed by a Draven top rope splash to get the victory.
KARL KRAGIOUS v SAM SLAM
A homecoming for the newcomer Kragious, still a little sore from his bruising encounter with the Zebra Kid the previous evening. However, the returning Sam Slam, normally one half of the Thetford Connection, proved to be tough competition for Kragious, showing that perhaps he was a little wasted in tag-team competition.
A contest pitting two wrestlers of similar age and size promised much - and delivered. Kragious made a few rookie mistakes early on, Slam taking advantage of these, and showing and showing the authority of a much more experienced wrestler.
Slam threw everything at Kragious. But with his hometown crowd urging him on, he refused to give up, even after Sam slammed him onto the hard arena floor. A lesser man would have probably given up after such an attack.
A good contest, with good moves from both men, ended when Sam scored the pin after a top rope splash. Afterwards, Slam got in another attack on Kragious, just for good measure.
DESTINY & TOPAZ v SWEET SARAYA & ANGEL (with Mrs. D)
Having drawn the ire of the women's champion the previous evening, Destiny and Topaz were taken to the woodshed a little in this contest.
Destiny dominated Angel whenever they were in the ring together, but when Saraya tagged in, she once again showed just how dominating she can be in the ring. She dominated Destiny, and when Destiny tagged Topaz in so she could get a breather, Saraya dominated her as well.
The rookie's inexperience showed as Saraya pinned Topaz following a Pedigree. The youngsters showed some good moves, but this match was always going to belong to Saraya and Angel.
THE U.K. PITBULLS v FAST & FURIOUS
A highly emotional match this, as Detroit entered a WAW ring for the final time, teaming with The Kraft against the multi-time tag champions in this elimination match.
Sheer power dominated early on as the Kraft took the brunt of Big Dave's attack, and when Dave had had enough, the Bulk took over with much of the same. After taking a serious beating, Kraft tagged in Detroit, who received a great reception from a crowd that was until recently his hometown fans.
Not wanting to go out with a whimper, Detroit refused to give into the Pitbulls's power attack, refusing to submit to Big D's submission moves. Detroit's fighting spirit proved too frustrating as the Bulk clobbered him with one of the ringside chairs.
Big Dave was the first man eliminated from the contest. Kraft lifted his partner high above his head, press-slamming Detroit onto the prone Pitbull. A three count later, and the Bulk was left alone in the match.
It wasn't long before the Kraft was history though, and his elimination showed that despite their God-given physical gifts, a Pitbulls just cannot win a match on his own. With Kraft lying prone over the second rope, Dave ran in and clobbered him over the head with a rubbish bin, busting him open. With Kraft lying in the centre of the ring, the Bulk used his roll-over before securing the pin, leaving Detroit alone in the ring with the big man.
The Bulk then began to overpower Detroit, catching him with a good-looking chokeslam. However, Detroit's never-say-die attitude just proved too much for the big man, as he fought back well. Soon after, with the Bulk slumped on the canvas in one corner, Detroit grabbed the bin that Dave had used so well earlier, and put it over the Bulk's head. Then, climbing to the opposite corner, Detroit connected with the lethal Van Daminator (or is it Van Terminator?) He soon followed this up with his trademark Impaler DDT. Three seconds later, Detroit scored the win in his farewell appearance.
While celebrating his victory, the Sweet Saraya returned to the ring, and called all of the WAW crew into back into the arena. She then said what we were all thinking. Even as I write this, I am getting a little emotional just thinking about what she said.
In conclusion - a good card, and a very emotional evening. Normally, I award a match of the night to the match I, as a fan, enjoyed the most. But on this occasion, I am going to base my decision on pure emotional judgement. The U.K. Pitbulls v Fast & Furious was one hell of a roller-coaster ride. Nearly twenty minutes of tag-team action at it's best. The U.K. Pitbulls are currently recognised as one of the best teams in Britain today. If circumstances had been different, and if Detroit and The Kraft could have had more time together as a team, in 12-18 months, they could have begun to achieve what the Superflys did in the nineties, and what the Pitbulls are achieving now.
I've said this before in my usual Two Sheds Review column, but it doesn't hurt to say it again. Thanks for the memories Marty.
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