Jimmo's Angle Special: Interview: The Magnums

Tag team wrestling is an important alternative to a wrestling card simply full of singles and title matches. In some ways, there is more to watch, more to focus on and, maybe even, more excitement.

When you look through the history of tag team wrestling you come across legendary, hall-of-fame worthy names such as The Road Warriors, Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard, and The Briscos – just to name a few. One thing that all of these teams have in common is that they could never dream of reaching the level of 'sleaziness' as British wrestling's brightest and funniest tag teams – The Magnums.

The Magnums comprise of 'The Filth' Chris Walker and 'Dirty' Dick Riley.

I requested an interview with these... gentlemen. I use that term loosely as the interview was agreed to but on their terms; meeting at a seedy, dirty strip club – South of the Gutters of Soho. I arrived at this location and was greeted by a barrage of old, sagging, battered, worn-out, forty-something strippers eventually finding The Magnums VIP booth...

Jimmo's Angle: Hi guys, nice choice of venue... let's get down to business then – the quicker we're done, the quicker I can get out of here! Where were you previously before 'coming together' as a tag team?
Riley: I previously made a name for myself through the DWA (Devon Wrestling Association), and was trained by the now WWE/NXT Superstar Oliver Grey (Joel Redman) and 15-year-veteran UK Dominator. Most people know of me through my series of matches with him... Or through my breakthrough in the FWA (Frontier Wrestling Association) promotion. I also featured heavily in the Agenda/Resistance feud. I am a former DWA Devon Trophy winner and a current Pro EVW Tag Team Champion with my partner 'The Filth' Chris Walker.

Walker: I started out in 2006, spending time training with FWA in Portsmouth, 4FW in Swindon and BAWA in Banbury, Oxfordshire. My first professional match was in 2008. I have worked for numerous companies across the country and wrestled many high profile names, including current WWE Star Daniel Bryan, NXT's Oliver Grey and ROH's Jimmy Jacobs. I also took 2009 off to recover from a broken neck to return better than ever. I am a two-time Pro EVW Tag Team Champion, three-time BAWA Champion, two-time BAWA DVD Champion. I also had the 2010 BAWA Match of the Year vs Joel Redman.

JA: Impressive credentials there! What brought you together?
Riley: We met on the set of the porno 'Die Hard-On'. Actually, after shooting the movie we packed four Polish hookers with nine-pints of Man Relish... whilst snorting coke off of their breasts. The next morning we'd been hit by a revelation to start The Magnums. We then realised that we share a love for powdered substances, porn, hookers, getting laid... and most importantly wrestling.

Walker: We also did MOvember last year – individually - and complimented each other on our awesome 'taches once we met. We were then given the opportunity (with Pro EVW) to compete as a tag team, so I thought that we may as well play on the mustaches, and give a nod to the King of Sleaze – Magnum P.I, by naming ourselves 'The Magnums'. At their next show we won the Pro EVW Tag belts.

JA: Lovely images there, Dick... What are your aims, goals and ambitions?

Riley: One of main aims is to work in Europe; Amsterdam and Germany. It was always one of our main aims when we started as a tag team to wrestle in some of the sleaziest locations there is! We also want to work for the top promotions of the UK. We have worked either singles or as a tag for 7 promotions in around six months as a team!

Walker: Obviously, we want to work with all the top tag teams in the country for the top promotions. As for tag teams; we know we would have an outstanding match whether it be with The Bhangra Knights, London Riots, The Hunter Brothers, Project Ego, The Predators or The LDRS. To be honest, we could have a decent match with any tag team in the country, bro.

JA: Why should people take notice of The Magnums?

Riley: People should take notice. 'cause we are not your every day tag team... We will be the guys you won't forget on the show - the guys that stand out. Not only can we perform good wrestling matches, but we have charisma, charm, and interact with the crowd – especially the ladies - from start to finish - which a lot of tag teams lack and don't do.

JA: Speaking of 'ladies', what type of women are you into?

Walker: What type of woman? We like them busty and filthy! 18-81 years old! We don't care... as long as they can hang with the wang!!

JA: I see. What's a typical day in the life of a Magnum?
Walker: A day in the life of a Magnum?? Well, just watch SleazeTV and you'll see for yourself, BRO!!

JA: I'll be sure to check that out! Finally, have you got a message for the UK wrestling scene?

Walker: We want to make sure that all the promotions and tag teams in the country are aware that THE MAGNUMS are here and we are going to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come!

Riley: Wrestling Promotions... Women... with testicles... We coming for you SUCKAS!

 

Pro EVW - Magnums vs Lion Hearts (Feb 2013)

I'd like to thank The Magnums for their time during the interview. If you'd like to know more about them then visit their Superkick Media page. If you'd like to continue your 'sleazy tour' of them then check out SleazeTV on YouTube:

• Episode 1 - SleazeTV
• Episode 2 - SleazeTV

Note: It should also be noted that The Magnums became the first ever Pride Tag Team Champions over the weekend (Exeter). Congratulations!!

Support British Wrestling

@jimmosangle

Jimmo's Angle Special: Thank you Paul...

I've been attempting, trying to improve, persevering and enjoying this writing/blogging experience for over six months now and I owe a big 'thank you' to one of my best friends Paul Green.

Paul has been my friend since we were about 14 (we're both as good as 30 now!) and I class him as my most intelligent friend! He's always been interested in computers and came through university with a degree in the subject. Since then he has taken these skills and added his passion for Photography to create Superkick Media.

This is Paul's venture into continually bettering himself. Over the last few years, Paul has taken his hobby of Photography and improved his skills, learning masses along the way to become a unique photographer. He is always willing to learn more and listen to established people in his chosen field to improve further.

It should be noted that Paul is my favourite photographer!

Paul has also tried his hand at Radio Production and Broadcasting. The presenting aspect of this, coupled with Paul's natural enthusiasm have also contributed to him becoming an excellent and competent Ring Announcer in wrestling promotions in the South of England. Added to this, he has also attempted to be a villainous wrestling manager - doing anything it takes to win and gaining as much 'heat' and hatred from the audience for his client that he can generate.

Paul in the middle of Mr McCoy (left) and MC Hank McCoy (right)

I have so much respect for Paul for trying this varied list of activities - and succeeding in all of them. It has, and continues to, inspire me to better myself. As well as discovering a new drive in me in the last couple of years, I have looked up to Paul and his determined approach to the things that he does and felt I'd like to give my interests a good attempt, too - mainly writing.

This post's intention is to highlight my friend's positives and to say a big thank you to him for supporting me in my attempts to improve myself. Recently, I have been disappointed with the lack of support my friends have shown me regarding my writing, but Paul is amongst a small group who do believe in me and what I'm hoping to achieve.

This support, along with the determination and dedication I see from Paul is a great inspiration to me in achieving my ambitions.

Cheap Plugs!

You should check out Superkick.co.uk (see link further up the page and on my 'Friends of Jimmo's Angle page', too) and look out for Paul's studio days - Photography - where he offers hourly slots for you to get quality photographs at outstanding value.

You can also see Paul as his alter-ego Hank McCoy on the British Wrestling circuit - mainly working for Pro EVW (Gloucestershire-based) and NBWA (North Oxfordshire). Link - Superkick Media: Hank McCoy

Support British Wrestling
Support your friends

@jimmosangle

Curtis Axel: Perfect for the Future?

On Monday Night Raw, we saw the return of Joe Hennig to WWE's flagship show. Repackaged as the newest 'Paul Heyman Guy' and renamed as 'Curtis Axel', this appears to be the start of a promising push for the son of the legendary Mr Perfect; Curt Hennig.

I've always liked Hennig Jr since his time with the New Nexus through to his time in NXT; having stand out matches with Tyson Kidd in particular. New Nexus never really did well or got the billing in the same way as the original Nexus and, ultimately, felt like just a stepping stone for CM Punk to finally solidify a main event spot. Hennig, then known as Michael McGillicutty, was one of the only positives of that incarnation of the group, winning the Tag Team Championship with fellow member David Otunga.

Tag Team Champions with David Otunga (New Nexus)

If my memory serves me correctly, I believe that it has always been acknowledged that Hennig was the son of a WWE legend. One of the biggest problems for me has always been the name he was given in that period - Michael McGillicutty - as a reason for him not getting far. I know talent and ability should get you noticed and 'over', but I can't help but feel that a good ring-name is sometimes very important. The Ringmaster was an awful name, but when changed to Stone Cold Steve Austin, we all know how huge and successful that guy became!

I'd love it if Hennig could use his given name as it would help him more than hinder, as well as give credit to his bloodline. It's worked for Randy Orton and to a lesser extent (at the moment) for Cody Rhodes. I suppose that at least WWE have made an effort and continued to acknowledge Hennig's heritage by naming him Curtis Axel - using his father's first name and slightly adjusting his grandfather's nickname. I realise that WWE wouldn't own the name 'Joe Hennig' so it's not in their interest to allow him to use the name. We, as fans, know who he is though and that's the most important thing.

Association with Heyman could be invaluable

Another important aspect going forward is who Hennig is associated with. Being the newest 'Paul Heyman Guy' should be nothing but a good thing. On Raw, you could hear Heyman very clearly shouting encouragement and advice to him throughout the match with Triple H. Of note was when Heyman screamed "They didn't know Brock Lesnar's name; they didn't know CM Punk's name; they're gonna know the name of Curtis Axel!" Although this statement is very true, it also adds a huge weight onto the young shoulders of the newly christened Axel. Can he handle this? Clearly, many in the WWE believe so.

I've read a lot of people criticising the end of Raw as being more about Triple H's condition than Curtis Axel getting the spotlight. I'd rather look at the positives; Axel became associated with Paul Heyman AND had a match with Triple H - two huge pluses - on his return to main-WWE television. Along with this criticism, there were also calls for him to have put a beating on the fallen Triple H. I think that would have been too much, too soon for Axel who I don't think will be thrown into main event feuds just yet. A mid-card run is a more realistic path right now. Maybe a simple pinfall win over Triple H - in his concussed condition - would have been a better finish for all concerned?

The great Curt Hennig

I really hope that this is going to be the start of something special for Hennig as he, along with a lot of NXT talent, deserve spots on the top WWE shows. As well as having a great wrestling family tree, Hennig has the talent to go far. I'm excited to see where this goes in the next few weeks - with Heyman on the mic and by his side, he can only improve and gain valuable experience on the way to the top.

@jimmosangle

My Weekend of (British) Wrestling 9

Sunday 19th May 2013 - NBWA - Spiceball Leisure Centre, Banbury, Oxfordshire

I went to my first wrestling show in a few weeks as I attended the fourth NBWA show - Passion 4 Glory. This had also been my first show at the Spiceball Leisure Centre, which to me seemed like a much better venue than the first two shows that NBWA had put on. For starters, the ceiling was not going to be an issue!

The headline act on this show was the appearance of Kid Kash - former WWE, TNA and ECW star. I only really remember him from his time as a tag team with Jamie Noble from WWE but appreciated that he has been around for a long time - and it showed in his match with NBWA Champion Kay Jutler; a great showing of how experienced and polished he is as a wrestler. These two put on the match of the night (for me). The end of the match saw a DQ finish, with Kash hitting Jutler with a chair, giving the win to the Champion. The aftermath was very nice to see, too. Although Kash had played heel throughout the night, this was the time when he would endorse the younger Jutler in a great show of respect.

Demanding Jutler to 'get up, boy', Kash then looked him in the eye and told him that he had given him a great match and that one day, with improvement, he could be a top wrestler. Triple H and The Rock should take note; this is the type of moment that encourages the future to progress and grow. In turn, Jutler thanked Kash for giving him his greatest career highlight to date.

Another match that caught my eye, and came a close second to Kash vs Jutler, was the triple threat number one contendership to the NBWA Championship match. This match pitted three very good and accomplished guys in Stixx, Iestyn Rees and Mexican sensation, El Ligero. Rees would stay on the outside for a good chunk of the match, refusing to join in with crowd-pleasing two faces in the ring. This allowed Stixx and El Ligero to put on a smooth and pleasing match before Ligero gained the pin and claimed number one contendership to Kay Jutler's title.

Before these two main event encounters, my favourite match to that point had been 'The Filth' Chris Walker against Harvey Dale-managed T-Bone. I was expecting good things here as I think both guys are entertaining and more than capable of putting on an enjoyable match. From the start, it looks as though T-Bone would simply squash the sleazy, cowardly Walker. This was not the case though as Walker held his own before delivering a severe blow to T-Bone's future ambitions of having children and gained the surprise win. I really liked this match because, as I said, I felt T-Bone should have dominated and won convincingly. It was a nice surprise that Walker sleazed his way to victory, though. I also thank him for giving me a handful of sweat on his way out!

Other good performances were put in from Kristoff Walton, Stu Oddysey and Richtor, with the token comedy showing from Sancho Cortez - in a nice opener to get the crowd warm and make me laugh at the silliness!

The only thing that put a downer on the night for me was that there were eight matches. This made the night drag on - with a 10pm finish on a Sunday night. Obviously, it's up to the powers-that-be to decide the match quantity and lengths, but this seemed a lot - this isn't a WWE Pay-Per-View so I don't think eight stacked matches are really necessary. The bonus for the fans was that there was a lot of talent on display but I can't help but feel that the promoter needs deep pockets to cover all of this.

Results

• 'The Black Messiah' Marshall X defeated 'The Aztec Curse' Sancho Cortez
• Kid Kash/Kay Jutler confrontation
• 'Showcase' Stu Oddysey defeated Richtor
• Heavy Metal Cowboys & Michael Adams (w/ The Management) defeated 'Special K' Kirk Langley, 'Iron Fist' Frankie Fellasarno & 'Shining' Johnny Searle
• 'The Filth' Chris Walker defeated T-Bone (w/ Harvey Dale)
• Fatal Four Way (Elimination): The Alpha Female defeated Leah Von Dutch, Bacardi and Jezabeth before turning heel and joining The Management
• Marc Massa & Kristoff Walton (w/ Mr McCoy) defeated Tukay & C-Ray Johnson
• No 1 Contendership to the NBWA Championship: El Ligero defeated Iestyn Rees and Stixx (w/ Harvey Dale)
• NBWA Championship: 'The Male Model' Kay Jutler (c) defeated Kid Kash by DQ

Overall, an enjoyable evening returning to an NBWA show. There was a decent size crowd - possibly 150 or above. This has got to be a positive for the Banbury-based promotion!

The next show will be on Sunday 16th June in the Spiceball Leisure Centre. It will be another exciting show to watch as joining the UK's talents that already exist in NBWA will be NJPW and former-WWE star Harry Smith - son of the legendary British Bulldog.

Check out the NBWA Facebook page and follow them on Twitter - @NewBreedWA

Support British Wrestling

@jimmosangle

Brock Lesnar - What's Next?

Brock Lesnar returned to our screens last year, on the night after Wrestlemania 28 to a huge pop from the live crowd and probably the majority of the TV audience who hadn't read spoilers leading up to the event.

He entered the ring, where John Cena was standing; Cena offering his hand in greeting only to be dumped on the mat by an earth-shaking F5. In the staleness that we're presented with over the last few years in the WWE, this seemed like a huge coup and a huge moment to be a wrestling fan. Unfortunately, that's about as good as it's got.

Typical Cena before receiving an F5

Cena would go onto solidify his 'Superman' status by defeating Lesnar at the Extreme Rules Pay-Per-View that month. Many, including myself were baffled that Lesnar would make such a dominant entrance only to be beaten by the man that was so distraught and defeated by his loss to The Rock at Wrestlemania. Surely a more logical way forward would've been for Lesnar to win his first match back and continue Cena's loss in form?

Lesnar continued and finished 2012 with sporadic and brief appearances (as per his years contract) feuding with COO Triple H. The loss to Cena was soon forgotten as Lesnar proceeded to break Triple H's arm before fighting, and beating, him at Summerslam. Dominance restored?

Unfortunately, after this win we didn't see Lesnar again until late-January 2013 when he returned to save Paul Heyman's job and F5 Vince McMahon. As crazy-dominant as Lesnar looks every time he returns, it's a shame that he comes and goes in the manner that he does as it loses any momentum each time. This seems to have changed in the last couple of months, though. In the lead up to Wrestlemania and in the last few weeks since, Lesnar has been on our TVs a lot more. I don't expect this to continue past Extreme Rules.

I'd like to think, and I'm sure it will be the case, that the Lesnar/Triple H feud will have run its course by the time Extreme Rules has been said and done. But then what should we expect? As far as WWE is concerned, I hope that they will put trust in their full-time stars to draw month-to-month on Pay-Per-View. But where does Lesnar go from here?

I have thought about this a lot over the last year and I continue to be at a loss for ideas. I cannot think of anyone that he can feud with and be seen as having a realistic chance of defeating the 'beast'. He is employed to have matches against the top, top guys on the roster to bring in money and interest from a wider audience. After the match with Cena and the overrun feud with Triple H, I can't think of any top guys that can go toe-to-toe with Lesnar.

Undertaker, like Santa Claus, is around once a year. That's going to come to an end in the not too distant future. Can he even have one more physical match - especially on the level that would be provided by facing the vicious Lesnar? I very much doubt it.

There has also been talk of a match/feud with CM Punk at some point in this latest run by Lesnar. As mouth-watering a possibility as this is, it just seems to be a complete mismatch to me. Simply put, Punk is too small to trouble Lesnar. I say this because in Lesnar's first run in the WWE (2002-04) he only faced the biggest challengers and only lost to the smaller, late, great Eddie Guererro due to being on the way out of the company (and due to interference from Goldberg) and needing to pass the torch.

Lesnar has such a vicious, dominating presence every time that he shows up that only the biggest, strongest opponents will do - and will stand a chance. Does anybody even fit into that category anymore?

You could throw names such as Randy Orton, Sheamus or Big Show into the hat to face Lesnar, but unfortunately the era we live in now mean that these guys might be top stars of today but they are simply snacks for Lesnar. These guys have been so watered down by the 'rules' that WWE has to live by that they would just not be believable in a feud with the aggression-filled Lesnar. On the other hand, Lesnar - to a certain extent - has nothing limiting him. He's not a full time guy; he's a former UFC Champion; he probably doesn't even need this gig with the WWE anyway. Therefore, he can be as badass as he likes. And he is.

Lesnar's first run in WWE came at a time when blood was allowed, weapons in matches were allowed, and Pay-Per-Views were regularly '18' certified (DVD; VHS). In a way, that reputation has no place in WWE of 2013. It is too 'adult' for the target audience. So I ask again; what or who is there to fill the next two years for Brock Lesnar?

@jimmosangle