I Love and Hate Wrestling in Equal Measures

First of all, I realise that the title to this post is somewhat negative. I will break this down in the coming paragraphs and try to spread a little more love than hatred.

Just a brief something else... I haven't written anything for a couple of months now. I'm not entirely sure why; something tells me that I needed a break from writing, not just about wrestling, but about anything. I think my 'hate' of wrestling (hate is a strong word...) caused me to stop for a while. When I think of 'writing', I think of 'wrestling' and this is something that needs disconnecting as I head into 2015. Because of this (and my desire to write about other things), I am knocking wrestling show reviews; 'Positives and Negatives' and any variations that I have used when doing reviews, on the head. It saddens me to announce that but I need to do this to save my wrestling fandom as well as enjoying the shows I go to further by not writing about them. I'm sure I'll do the odd post on a topic that comes up in British Wrestling, but the reviews are over.

Now onto the point of this piece.

I need to break down my wrestling viewing and explain why I love and hate wrestling in equal measures. I'll start with my hatred and move onto my love; starting with the 'bad' news and finishing with the 'good' news, if you will. I don't know if any of you will be able to relate with my experiences this year, but hopefully I'm not alone with my frustrations as well as my hopes and optimism going into 2015. This post will cover WWE, British wrestling and 'other' shows that I have discovered along the way.

Hate

“Hate is a strong word
But I really, really, really don't like you
Now that it's over
I don't even know what I liked about you”

- Plain White Ts

Every so often, my wrestling fandom and viewing changes. I can't remember exactly when it changed, but earlier this year (?) I was watching Raw, Smackdown, Main Event and NXT. This was very time consuming and, after a while, exhausting. I felt that I wanted to do it and needed to do it as I'm a loyal WWE fan. Always have been, might not always be. As the year has gone on I have cut my viewing down to just Raw and NXT and then the actual problem became clearer. Raw was the cause of my reduction.

Don't get me wrong, Smackdown and Main Event have been reduced to throw-away shows in the recent past, but just watching Raw and NXT made it all clear; WWE don't know what they're doing. I know that sounds like a typical IWC/blogger complaint and it will be viewed with the relevant disdain and ignored accordingly, but there must be a reason why I find it easier and easier to NOT watch Raw every week. Admittedly, I watched a good chunk of this weeks show; there seemed to be passable parts of the show and I was intrigued as to why they made certain decisions (bringing back The Authority, for one), but after finishing the cherry picking that I do with Raw, I still felt that I had wasted my time on a show that doesn't seem to know what its doing from week to week.

My biggest issue is that, for the most part, Raw doesn't seem to make sense from week to week. They blow hot and cold on too many people, too often. The examples I'll give are internet darlings and everyone's favourites. I have no favourites or 'horses in the race'; this is probably due to being conditioned not to care about anyone I'm watching. I have come to this conclusion because anytime you put your faith in anyone, they are immediately jobbed out and made to look like a piece of shit. Take Cesaro; he had all the skills to be a top guy as soon as he debuted. He was the US Champion not too long after his debut in 2012. He was a strong, dominant-looking champion for a lot of that time. It seemed as though WWE's lack of main-event guys could be coming to an end. Then he went through a period of being Kofi Kingston (?!) and everyone else's bitch. I forget his 2013 because, as I said before, I'm conditioned to forget about these chumps as soon as I start to care about them. THEN, he went onto win the Andre the Giant Memorial trophy (which I laughed at to start with, but it was a genuine 'thing' that they (WWE) wanted to give to a guy that they seemingly had faith in), a kind-of 'brass ring' in a world where brass rings don't really exist. After this, he seemed to have a huge following and a face run was surely in his future. Nope. Instead he was paired with Paul Heyman in a weird 'anyone we put with Heyman will be the next big thing' situation (because that worked so well for Ryback and Curtis Axel...).

After blowing more hot and cold, Cesaro was then one of the subjects brought up by Steve Austin on his WWE Network podcast with Vince McMahon. Vince, showing wisdom and that he's NOT out of touch, came up with some crap about Cesaro almost being a top guy, but there's still a disconnect with the audience; there's still something that's missing from his game. I know there are those of you that will kiss Vince's ass and defend everything that comes out of his mouth because he owns WWE and has been successful since forever and are the only (big) show left in town, but COME ON, he proved with that segment of the interview that he has no clue how to elevate and find the next 'guy'.

Another guy that has been up and down (even more than Cesaro) is Dolph Ziggler. How many times has this guy got to 'steal the show' (I feel dirty using peoples catchphrases). It is crazy the amount of time this guy has been the best thing going, but he's still in exactly the same spot he was in, like, three years ago. If this was 1997, he would be in the main event picture no questions asked.

And I think that is my biggest hatred of WWE at the moment: Vince and Austin talked about brass rings and doing things that will get you noticed and pushed, but when it comes down to reality, there are NO brass rings and there is a very fine line between doing something that will get you noticed and something that will get you pushed deep down the card or worse, fired. Nobody is going to risk this, apparent, dream job; nobody IS ambitious enough, as Vince said. Everybody is comfortable in their spot, no matter how shit that spot is. I always thought that everyone's goal should be to be World Champion. Obviously, not everyone is going to be that, but everyone should be working as hard as they can so that they MIGHT get that opportunity. I just don't see that anymore. Being 'comfortable' is very apparent with the majority of these guys and the product is suffering EVERY week as a result.

Next on my hatred list is British wrestling. Not all British wrestling, but certain aspects.

Coupled with being disappointed and disillusioned with WWE, British wrestling really pisses me off at times. In 2014, I made it my aim to get around different companies and shows so that I could see what's what and who's good and who's shite. There are very few 'top' companies about. There are also a lot of triers out there and I applaud you. Then there are the absolute shits in 'wrestling' who can't see it or won't admit it. These groups are the absolute f*cking worst and are the reason I use the title of this post. They are the cancer of British wrestling.

Until this group of untrained, disrespectful wannabes goes away, British wrestling, and wrestling in general, will always be seen as a joke and the interest you have that will always attract ridicule and the 'you watch that fake shit?!' comments. I use the word 'disrespectful' because, by attempting to wrestle with little-to-no training and putting shows on - taking peoples hard-earned money – they show disrespect to them show-goers (who, most of the time, have no clue that they're watching the absolute worst in wrestling before it's too late) and it's completely disrespectful to actual wrestlers out there, past or present.

The funniest part of it to me is that the decent wrestlers in this country will still work for these dire 'promoters', giving them justification to run more shows and feel that they are a 'somebody' in British wrestling. Because of the selfishness and back-stabbing in wrestling, I don't see that ever changing. Instead of wiping these crappy, makes-wrestling-look-a-joke 'promotions' out, the complainers (wrestlers) add to the problem by taking, what they see as an easy payday. On one hand, fair play for taking their money, but on the other hand, f*ck you for adding to the problem.

There are other laughable problems in British wrestling, but I'll save them for a later date...

Love

“I couldn't think of a love song that captured my love for wrestling in this part of the post...”

- Jimmo

As negative and angry as the 'hate' section of this post was to write, I do actually have a lot of good things to say about my wrestling viewing in 2014.

As much as I have and will continue to sh*t on WWE, they have one little gem that I hope and pray will remain under the radar; NXT. This show has gotten so good that it recently made WWE's TLC ppv seem like THAT was the developmental show, and a bad one at that! NXT is a simple, short show that is therefore easy on the eye AND the brain. Where they only have an hour to fill, they fill it with good-to-great wrestling, storylines that make sense, go somewhere, and have logical outcomes and consequences that lead onto the next thing for both guys. It has likeable good guys, and bad guys that you have genuine reasons to dislike. So simple.

They also have several additions that are probably BETTER than a lot of the main roster but have to go through developmental because YOU ARE NOTHING BEFORE WWE AND YOU DID NOTHING BEFORE YOU GOT TO FLORIDA!!

I'm really happy that Sami Zayn has remained in developmental for so long because he is being used in the right way and has just completed an epic stroyline that had the appropriate time to be told before being executed. PLEASING! It'll be a sad day when he gets promoted to the main roster to take part in a ginger faction with Sheamus, or some other pointless use.

The women of NXT are also something to behold and respect. That's a rare thing in wrestling as for as long as I've been watching, women have either been sex objects (the first few years of my WWE fandom) or bitchy girls that hate each other (EVERY diva in present day WWE). They are the WORST role models for girls and I'm shocked that any aspiring female wrestler's ambition would be to be a WWE diva. Apart from the fame that comes with it, if you really want to be a wrestler then there are much better places to ply your trade. But I suppose money will always talk louder...

Another place where women (and other groups) are shown in a bright light is Lucha Underground. This has become my newest favourite wrestling thing. It's a TV show that has wrestling as its main thing but has a very different feel to it due to its excellent production; something that WWE should be and wishes it was. It has the best luchadores competing and everyone looks strong even in defeat. Women, Minis and Exoticos join the 'typical' wrestlers in being equals and this is refreshing and great to see. More often than not, the men will win but each of the groups I mentioned have all been built up to make you doubt what you think you know; a little unpredictability is VERY welcome in my wrestling viewing!

My favourite character on the show is Sexy Star. Since her introduction, she has been presented as a strong, no-sh*t-taking fighting female. She mixes it up with the guys and gives as good as she gets. It's so pleasing to see a woman presented in this way; THIS is a role model for girls and women out there – a strong female who kicks ass and doesn't bitch and complain about her fellow women. After years of being conditioned to see women in wrestling as sexy objects, it's one of the best things ever to see them being treated with respect and the way that they should be. I get that WWE made $$ from T 'n' A, but they taught a generation (and some) that women and girls are bitchy and awful, awful people.

The two things that attract me to both NXT and Lucha Underground is the run-time. Take out adverts and each show is just 45 minutes. That is so digestible and easy to watch. I don't care how many extra dollars WWE are making; three hours will catch up with them one day with fewer and fewer people tuning in. 45 minutes is a great amount of time to get your point across and present a pleasing wrestling show. In that time, they make the viewer care about just as many performers as Raw does in three hours. How crazy is that?

I have also given NJPW a chance and have really enjoyed what I've seen so far. It was sold to me that, because the commentary is in Japanese (and I don't speak Japanese), you focus more on the in-ring action. This is very true and as a result, the New Japan action is probably my favourite. It's hard-hitting and 'real' looking. So far the finishes to the matches have ALL been exciting... it's almost like my stone cold heart is melting a little and beating a hell of a lot faster as a match comes to its conclusion! I'm looking forward to the January 4^th NJPW show and a huge part of that is Jim Ross commentating on it. That's the thing that has sold that show to me and I can imagine it will do well in other English speaking countries in the same way.

Whilst listening to The Ross Report, I'm now also very interested in the future of Global Force Wrestling. When I first heard of them earlier this year, my first thought was that I would have nothing to do with them as I am a WWE guy through and through. I'm now in it for myself and if GFW produces a product that has good wrestling, logical storytelling and the best wrestlers doing both of these things, then I will definitely be giving it a chance.

With the improvements of NXT recently and the introduction of Lucha Underground and NJPW (to the American market), as well as GFW starting up, it might be the dawning of a better time with regards to International wrestling in 2015.

On the home front, British wrestling is doing well, too. As I stated in my 'hate' segment, we have a few promotions worth checking out and a few that are... not good. My favourite would have to be Progress wrestling (based in London). My close second would be Chaos wrestling (Bristol). Together, I have come to the decision that these are my 'must-sees' in 2015; that was the beauty of seeing so many different shows this year; I have now whittled it down to my absolute favourites. And now that I have stopped show reviews, I have found that I enjoy a live show a hell of a lot more; not writing down notes all the time has allowed me to just focus on what I'm seeing and I'm happier for it.

Hopefully More Love Than Hate...

Hopefully this has all resonated with you. If not, I still needed to get it off my chest! I will continue to go to wrestling shows (and enjoy them). I will continue to watch what I enjoy and hopefully add things here and there to ADD to my enjoyment rather than irritate me. I really hope that WWE realises its problems, because despite peoples delusions, there ARE problems; basic ones if it is to be the best wrestling show out there. At the moment it's the biggest, but I'm not so sure, with all the other offerings, that it's the best anymore...

Support Wrestling

@jimmosangle

Looking Forward To Wrestlemania 31

Last night, I could have gone to a local wrestling show. After a conversation with a good friend of mine earlier in the week, I convinced myself that my time (and money) would be better suited to doing something that I wouldn't be tearing my hair out over... as easy as it is to get material from the wrestling show in question, I felt that the time had come to move on to things more worthwhile. Instead I went to the gym - one of my new favourite things - as well as doing one of my other, fairly new favourite things: listening to podcasts.

Whilst in the gym, earphones in, I listen to the likes of Steve Austin, Chris Jericho and, my choice this time around, Jim Ross. On this particular episode, he would again refer to the potential Wrestlemania scenario of Brock Lesnar dropping the WWE title to Roman Reigns in a 'passing of the torch'. Although this seems to be the general consensus amongst those in and around wrestling, I can't help feeling that this can't be the only option. For one, I'm still not sold on Reigns being the 'chosen one' just because that's what they want us to believe. He's got a long, long way to go and we're four months away from the biggest show of the year.

JR would also say, as he has done for weeks, that Lesnar's contract might be up right after 'Mania which, inevitably, will do the rounds and become common knowledge, thus confirming the outcome of any such meeting with Reigns at that show not only to smart-ass fans, but everyone else, too. I got thinking about other possibilities and almost came up with half of the card that could be a better option in the long term. I haven't banged on about 'the future' for a while on my blog as WWE seemed to be heading in the right direction with regards to that; finally giving Daniel Bryan his big win, making Bray Wyatt a bigger player (despite the Cena feud), and having all three members of The Shield have relevance as individuals.

The matches below are just some of my ideas that will, hopefully, help following Wrestlemania:

Rusev vs. Randy Orton

This might be a weird match to see but the alternative that is being talked about for Rusev doesn't sound good in the slightest. Rumour has it (as it always does) that Rusev is on his undefeated streak that will lead to a program, and match, with the mighty John Cena at Wrestlemania. Admittedly, that sounds great; a top opportunity for Rusev to step up to the next level and all that. But I really worry for Rusev after this because, in my mind, he's definitely losing that one. It's the ultimate 'Russian guy has been tearing through the roster; who can possibly stop him?... if there's anyone that can, it's John Cena!'. I know that there are those that say that wins and losses don't matter, but in situations like this THEY DO. If Rusev beats Cena then that is a huge feather in his cap as nobody ever beats Cena. Ever. It elevates him. But if he loses then he potentially gets thrown on the scrap heap like everyone else that had an undefeated-something against Cena: please Google Muhammad Hassan and Chris Masters' Masterlock Challenge for examples.

I'm not saying that them two guys were ever going to be top guys, but they had undefeated streaks that came to a crushing end thanks to Cena (not his decision, but you get my point). Bray Wyatt is a strong enough character that he has come back from being obliterated, in feud terms, by Cena earlier this year, but for Rusev things are a little different. It's all about strong wins for him. If, on the lead up to 'Mania, Rusev gets the Accolade on Cena and looks to be a threat then great. But what happens to him once he's disposed of by Cena? I can't keep being convinced that having a feud with Cena, or having matches with Cena automatically 'makes you' or elevates you. If there was a chance of gaining a win from the situation that's brilliant, but if it's just Cena coming out on top EVERYTIME, then how is that productive or making things move forward. It wouldn't hurt for Cena to lose here and there. It literally NEVER happens so if it does, he won't be worse for it; he'll still be the top guy, miles above everyone else. There's literally no downside to him losing one every once in a while.

This is the point of a match with Randy Orton. At the present time, Orton is going to come back as a babyface after the beatdown that he received this week. He's the number two guy in the company after Cena and has been for ten years now. He's at the same level as Cena (just?) except that he's likeable, he hasn't just been a good guy his entire run and his worth as a top guy isn't damaged by losing. In fact it must be even greater as he's the biggest scalp on Roman Reigns' list so far. Therefore if you need a big name against Rusev, why not have him in that role? It showcases Rusev on the biggest stage against one of the biggest names out there with a chance of coming out with a win. Save Cena vs Rusev for a later time where it isn't as crucial. With Rusev vs Orton, you have people wondering who could win. You could have Orton break Rusev's streak and it wouldn't be as much of a roadblock as if Cena were the man for the job. You could also have Rusev win; at Wrestlemania; against one of the top-two guys in the company, and Orton wouldn't lose any value in doing so. Rusev would only gain. WWE would also gain in having an unstoppable heel to go after their newly made star (?), Roman Reigns.

We really need to get away from this pedestalled idea that simply breathing the same air as Cena makes you a star. Sometimes, just sometimes, let's accept that wins are needed to hammer the point home and have that person elevated.

Brock Lesnar vs Cesaro

Now, you're probably thinking 'well if Lesnar's in this spot and Cena's not against Rusev, I know where this is going...' and you'd be right.

IF Lesnar's contract is up right after Wrestlemania and there's no chance of renewal then surely something else needs doing with him. What better use of him than to elevate another guy that has needed such treatment since Wrestlemania this year (and before). There's a link in there with Heyman to make this thing come together, too.

WWE are in dire need of top babyfaces. They have this dream of having Roman Reigns be the next guy but that seems to be the only one that has a rocket strapped to him. Why can't several guys reach that level at the same time? Why can't Dean Ambrose get that sort of attention? What about the ascension of Bray Wyatt? Let's not forget about Daniel Bryan if and when he returns. There's so many guys that could be main event players if the right care and direction is given to them. It just looks like, after Wrestlemania, there will be Cena, Orton and Reigns. That's just one guy different from the year before, or even five years before.

This match, just like the Rusev versus Orton match, could go either way and STILL make Cesaro. Unlike a match versus Cena, it would all be in the performance and a loss wouldn't necessarily kill the person's momentum. If Cesaro is allowed to stand toe-to-toe with Lesnar, have a decent match with him (which he would), trouble Lesnar in places, then after Wrestlemania you'd have another babyface to join up with Reigns going forward. And I say 'babyface' and Cesaro because if he's not already one leading up to Wrestlemania, he definitely will be one after a program with Lesnar (and Heyman).

WWE title: John Cena (c) vs Roman Reigns

As much as people will hate John Cena reaching Ric Flair's milestone amount of World titles, I think it's needed in the ascension of Roman Reigns. If Lesnar is to leave straight after 'Mania then something else needs to happen to make it less predictable for a Reigns win. What better way than to have Reigns have to overcome the biggest test against the guy that “the future has to go through” and all that. Obviously it would be babyface versus babyface with, probably, a portion of the fans in attendance more in Reigns' corner (or maybe a little more than that?!), but it could have a positive outcome in two ways; first, you would give Reigns his big, defining moment against the biggest star in WWE. If he fails after that then he fails. Secondly, you might, and this is a very big might, generate some sympathy and respect for Cena. This is obviously a huge ask and there will be those that still boo the sh*t out of him, but if he were to 'do the honours' at Wrestlemania for the next big star, maybe people would warm to him a little.

OR maybe people won't buy Reigns as the next big thing by Wrestlemania and boo the hell out of both of them?!

A better option?

Conclusion

These are just some of my thoughts last evening and they can be added to all the other fantasy bookers out there. I know it's often said that it's not the result that is important but the journey to get there (Daniel Bryan is a fine example of this earlier this year), but if Reigns isn't ready and they're going to force it upon us (as seems to be the case) then they'll get the reaction that's coming to them.

With Lesnar potentially not re-signing, what better use for him than to elevate a guy, win or lose. It's the same situation with Orton; win or lose, he's not going to suffer from it or have a stigma attached of 'losing to Rusev'. He'll carry on in 2015 doing what he always does. Cena is a different story, though. I hope I haven't come across as a Cena-hater in this piece because I'm really not. I just feel the need to point out the potential damage that losing to Cena could do to up-and-comers.

There seems to be this idea that being in the ring with the guy instantly elevates you. I felt so bad for Bray Wyatt earlier this year because he has such a great character that they can have him around for years. I hate to liken it to being the 'new Undertaker' because I really hope that he'll be the 'first Bray Wyatt' or whatever way you would wish to say he's his own man with his own destiny. He gained nothing from the Cena feud apart from “I had a feud with John Cena”; he had one win over him – not even a pinfall win – due to a creepy, singing kid distracting Cena. I just don't think Rusev in the same position is beneficial to anyone.

If I'm being honest, I don't think that it's NOT going to be Lesnar vs Reigns or Cena vs Rusev, but we can all dream and fantasy book...

One last one: how about Rollins vs Ziggler for the Intercontinental title? It would be one of them classic IC title matches where both guys should be at that level on the stage of Wrestlemania. It would have all the potential to be a showstealer, too. You could even have Rollins attempting to cash-in at the end of the show regardless of the outcome to this match...

I'll shut up now!

@jimmosangle

The Positives and Negatives of My Weekend of (British) Wrestling at Pro EVW and Kamikaze Pro

Part Two - Sunday 26^th October – Kamikaze Pro – Birmingham

My second show of the weekend was at Kamikaze Pro in Birmingham. The original plan was to go to this so that my girlfriend could see Tyler Bate – her favourite wrestler (more on this later). On closer inspection, I noticed that, in the main event, there would be a huge star of my childhood fandom – Bob 'Hardcore' Holly. Bonus. I'm not usually attracted to shows based on the import (as I've stated in a few articles in the past) but this was a nice addition to getting to a show for the missus' needs (I'm a good boyfriend, eh?).

On arrival, I was pleased that the blonde lady (anybody know her name?) on the door was aware of the blog. It's always nice to know that people know it, read it and enjoy it. Later in the interval, it was nice to know that Tyler Bate also enjoyed what I write here – pointing out the Mad Man Manson interview as a good one. It's nice when fans say that they enjoy the blog and it's probably even more pleasing when the guys on the show say that they do, too.

I haven't been up to a Kamikaze show for a while now and, as always with good shows, I regret this and need to do something about it! Clearly things have improved – as they should do with a growing promotion – with a good sized audience; maybe over 200? Not only was it a big crowd, but they were a loud and 'up for it' crowd; plenty of regulars it would seem.

Positive: An Audience With Eddie Dennis

I got to talk with Eddie not too long ago at a show and he was very pleased with the things that I write about him. This positive will be no different. Eddie came to the ring as a heel, as I expected him to (he had been at the last Kamikaze show that I attended). T-Bone then came out with a scowl on his face, this was typical of him but I assumed that he would be the babyface for this match. Then he started shouting at kids at ringside and emptying packets of crisps over others (tough guy).

I started to think that we were going to have a heel vs heel match, which would've been a strange start (or any part of a show). Within minutes things became clearer; Eddie became a favourite of the Birmingham locals due to his comedy ramblings towards T-Bone. This was also helped due to the audience being a somewhat 'smart' crowd. In wrestling, when a show gets to a certain level of popularity, there's going to be a large number of smart fans and in some ways that helps situations such as this match. Either that or Eddie is getting popular with the Kamikaze audiences and will soon be turning full babyface. EITHER THAT or Eddie can continue doing what he's doing and still be popular regardless?!

Eddie Dennis

Positive: The Match The Missus Had Been Waiting For...

The second match saw The Hunter Brothers taking on Tag Team Champions Dan Moloney and TYLER BATE. I type Tyler's name in capitals there because I'll probably be in trouble if I don't (she's quite defensive of Tyler... it's almost worrying). As I tried to enjoy this match, I had a camera phone resting on my shoulder, with several (hundred?) shots being taken whenever Tyler was in view. When I would attempt to clap something that The Hunters would do, I was immediately stopped and given 'the look'. In the House Of Tyler, clapping for others is extremely frowned upon!

It was quite pleasing that after only two matches, the missus was satisfied with the evening's wrestling and nothing was likely to top that for her... until the interval...

For me, I loved the story of this match. I've read a few things somewhere that there is tension amongst the team of Bate and Moloney. This showed and, along with a decent match, was really pleasing to see. I take it that Tyler wants to do things more 'by the book' whereas Moloney wants to get the job done whatever way he needs to. What's even more impressive is that when they eventually do split and feud, it will be a very looked forward to match – between a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old (please correct the ages if I'm wrong on that?!). How impressive is that that we have two guys that aren't even twenty in a believable, almost 'must see' match?

Negative (Positive really?!): Lee Hunter Thinks He's James Mason

I saw you, Lee. I heard you even clearer.

Lee summoned the power of James 'thirty year veteran' Mason in his “DO YOU WANT SOME MORE?” question to the audience. On receiving the answer he required, Lee then started up a 'WE WANT MORE!!” chant. Sickening!

In all seriousness, though, what a simple and massively effective way of getting the audience into it this is... fair play Lee Hunter, but I'll be watching you from now on to see if you steal any more family-friendly-show, pandering chants!

Positive/Negative: Fighting Females/Weird Match Placement

I'm not going to get into my views on ladies wrestling as I (kind of) addressed it in my post yesterday. The positive to this is the name of the division. There are probably a thousand names that a women's division can be given but I really like the name 'Fighting Females'. It's a really catchy name and if it actually has some scrappy, fighty girls in it then job done.

The negative for me was the match placement. Before the show I tried to figure out what match might go where and I was surprised to see the ladies match on as the first half main event. For me I'd have had the Money in the Bank Ladder match at that point. I think that the ladies match should probably be either second on the card or just before the main event. This is what I've seen in the past and as far as appeal, that's the position that would best suit it.

Positive: The Best Interval Ever?

Before going to the show, a good friend of mine said that I should take my Bob Holly book to the show to be signed. I hadn't even given it a thought as just meeting him would be pretty cool.

During said interval, we made our way over to the merchandise table as Bob was there signing items and taking photos. I waited my turn and then finally got to shake the man's hand that had been a big part of my childhood. Don't get me wrong, Bob wasn't the main star of the Attitude Era but he was a huge character in what that era was all about. Out of all the imports that come over to our shores, he's the biggest attraction that's been here in my eyes and my fandom. I was pleased to let Bob know that I really enjoyed his book; it was one of the most honest and real memoirs that I've had the pleasure to read. I was also pleased to get a photo with him. Not as pleased as he was to get one with my girlfriend though?! Fair play to him though; a very nice, humble guy who deserved all the applause that he received throughout the night.

Hey pal, hands off?!

Other than getting Bob Holly to sign my book, the main aim of this show (apart from enjoying the show itself) was to get my girlfriend a photo with Tyler Bate.

Let me elaborate. Ala – the missus – came with me to a Triple XXX show in January. She saw Tyler in the ring and fell in love instantly. Despite me pointing out that he was 17-years-old, this didn't deter her from stating that, from that day on, Tyler would be her favourite wrestler. This has sometimes been forgotten when she met Chris Andrews, then Justin Sysum, oh and that time she saw Chris Masters at a show (what's up with my abs, eh?). But whenever I would mention going to a show with Tyler on it, she would, again, realise where her loyalties lay (hint: they don't lie with me... #SadFace).

On our way back to our seats from meeting Bob, there HE was: Tyler. I introduced myself and briefly said that Ala was his biggest fan and could we get a photo. He gladly accepted (and was probably a little worried). Ala's dream had finally come true: to be within touching distance of her favourite.

A little excited to meet Tyler...

All jokes aside, I'd like to thank James and Kaminkaze Pro for getting Bob Holly over here so that I had the chance to thank one of my childhood favourites, as well as get my book signed – that book now becomes an even bigger keeper in my eyes. Also thanks to Tyler for the photos with Ala; it made her night (and life probably?!). It's moments like this that show that wrestling is great for everyone. We both got something out of this show that made our nights!

Right, where was I? Oh yeah, wrestling positives and negatives:

Positive (with a hint of Negative): The Craziness Of The Ladder Match

I'll get the negativity out of the way first. Well, not that negative but just my personal preference. I'm not a huge fan of flippy, jumpy, diving-over-the-top-rope here, there and everywhere matches. I'm sure I could have condensed that sentence down, but there you go. I'm more of a 'wrestling' kind of fan and the flippy stuff just doesn't mean anything to me. It's pretty, it gets a 'OOOOOoooooo' from the crowd everytime (and those gosh darn 'THIS IS AWESOME!' chants that are kind of warranted and kind of aren't), but it's just for show. At times it just feels like a way of getting everyone's 'sh*t' in.

Okay, now I'll get onto what I thought of this match: it was excellent! As much as I'm not a fan of this type of flippy, floppy(?) type of match, I thought this was great in that it flowed really well. There were spots galore and it never took a second to breath. It kept you engrossed from start to finish; two guys would be in the ring, flip, spot, spot, flip, CRASH! And then another two guys would come in and do something equally as flippy and spotty and CRASHY! There were combinations of guys all at once and some nice (and scary) ladder spots. The pick of the bunch was when Pete Dunne pushed Damian Dunne from the ladder onto the one rested in the corner. Crazy stuff.

And a match involving Pete Dunne and 'Flash' Morgan Webster wouldn't be complete with a Reverse Hurricanrana?! Such a brutal looking move.

Fair play to all the guys in this match, it was exciting, brutal at times and had an unpredictable ending.

Negative: That Doesn't Seem To Make Sense...

After the ladder match had ended, MC/Commentator/General Manager(?) Lawrie Neal decided that Pete Dunne had been screwed out of winning the MITB briefcase and would fight Robbie X for it at the next show. This is such a bullsh*t way of announcing this match. Robbie won the match fair and square; low blows and all are allowed etc so it makes no sense to announce this match as if Pete is hard done by. Pete Dunne versus Robbie X should be a good one, whatever the prize involved, but this reminds me of when Damian Sandow 'screwed' Cody Rhodes out of winning the MITB briefcase last year. It's every man for themselves and there's no disqualifications. Get to the match without excuses like this.

POSITIVE: I Heart Sebastian Radclaw

I've said it before and I'll say it again; I love the Sebastian Radclaw character. It took me ages to finally see him on a show (previously watching him on his Youtube offerings was funny enough at the time) and when I did I couldn't believe that I'd waited so long. The twitchy, crazy, dancy little guy is TOO funny. I was in absolute stitches throughout this match; from the silliness of it being a 'Skat Monkey on a Pole' match, to his translations of what Marshall X was saying. Seb is so funny and really talented wrestling-wise, too, which is always a tick in the box for me. Comedy-wise I can think of Grado, Mad Man Manson and Radclaw as being genuinely funny guys in British wrestling; and comedy is definitely needed on shows. It's always great when people give their character 100% and I feel that that's what Seb does everytime!

Sebastian Radclaw

I think that Seb versus Marshall was my favourite match of the night. As crazy as this sounds, I was emotionally invested in him getting Skat Monkey back?! I loved the comedy aspect of the match and, for the first time in my British wrestling fandom, was CHANTING along. I have never done that before so it must have gripped me that much?!

POSITIVE: Imports Doing The/Their Job

I posted a tweet on Saturday after seeing one particular show's results. All the imports on their show (well, four out of five) went over their opponents (won). I'm sure this show was fantastic and everything but I couldn't believe that that was the 'scoreline' or whatever you'd like to call it. After doing an interview with Mad Man Manson on imports and having strong views on them myself for as long as I can remember, it really bothers me when we – in this country – seem to pander and treat these guys as if they are something special. Maybe some of them were/are, but they're going to be here for one match. ONE MATCH. It should be their job to make OUR guys look the business and in most cases do 'the job'. That doesn't have to happen everytime, but it should happen a lot more often than not. Don't get me wrong, it's not all about the wins and losses but in the fan's eyes that's sometimes really important; more important than just getting to be in the ring with an import.

Thank you to Bob Holly for doing that on this show. Obviously you do as you're told by the promoter and I think what was asked of Bob Holly on this night made Ryan Smile and Robbie X look better for it. I was completely surprised that Ryan LOST the Kamikaze Pro Championship to Bob Holly and that's a good thing. I had no doubt in my mind that Ryan would sneak a win and continue on as champion with Bob's scalp part of that reign.

It was a nice, unexpected surprise. And so was the finish to the show.

Out popped Robbie X, briefcase in hands, to smash Bob over the head and become the even newer Kamikaze Pro Champion. Great stuff! Not only had there been a huge surprise with Bob winning the belt but he had then done what was right and given Robbie the heel tagline going forward of 'I beat Bob Holly'.

Results

• Eddie Dennis defeated T-Bone
• Kamikaze Pro Tag Team Championship: The Miracle Violence Connection (Tyler Bate & Dan Moloney)(c) defeated The Hunter Brothers (Jim & Lee)
• Fighting Females match: Leah Von Dutch defeated Nixon Newell
• Money in the Bank ladder match: Robbie X defeated 'Dynamite' Pete Dunne, Damian Dunne, Chris Brookes, 'Flash' Morgan Webster and Ethan Silver to receive a future championship match
• Skat Monkey on a Pole match: Sebastian Radclaw (w/ The Spirit of Uncle Eggbert) defeated Marshall X to regain Skat Monkey
• Kamikaze Pro Championship: Bob 'Hardcore' Holly defeated Ryan Smile (c)
• Money in the Bank cash-in: Kamikaze Pro Championship: Robbie X defeated Bob 'Hardcore' Holly (c)

An excellent, feel-good show that was a pleaser from start to finish. Kamikaze has become one of my favourites with a good mix of wrestling, flips and sh*t, characters and stories to sink your teeth into. Thank you again to James and all the crew at Kamikaze for putting on a top show. It looks as if things are on the up and are progressing. The audience seem like they're regulars and with shows like this that will only improve in the months ahead. Birmingham are lucky to have a promotion such as this that brings a great level of entertainment to their Sunday evenings.

Please visit Kamikaze Pro on Facebook and Twitter; follow them and look out for future events – you will not be disappointed!

Support British Wrestling

@jimmosangle

The Positives and Negatives of My Weekend of (British) Wrestling at Pro EVW and Kamikaze Pro

Part One – Saturday 25^th October – Pro EVW – Bourton-On-The-Water

Pro EVW (mainly based in Gloucester) is one of my favourites. This might not be reflected with how many of their shows I've been to this year but that is due to my need and desire to get around more of the rest of the country's shows and get a better taste for wrestling in UK. Eventually, and not too far away, I'm going to have a good idea of which ones I like, which ones are a stretch to travel to, and which ones are the absolute sh*ts, and then I'll be a happy blogger who doesn't bitch and moan about every little thing. This will be a result of finding the promotions that make my whiny little brain happy and SUSPEND MY DISBELIEF from start to finish... that's not that hard to do, is it?

This weekend could have been perfect if I could have gone to one of my other favourites; Pro Wrestling Chaos (Bristol) on Friday night, but, unfortunately, my working hours would get in the way of that one... b*stards...

Positive: The Guys and Gals of Pro EVW

One of my favourite things about Pro EVW is that when I get there I'm really happy to see everyone. It's always nice to see everyone, from the wrestlers to the trainees to the organisers, and it's usually long overdue (as I noted earlier). All the wrestlers that appear on a Pro EVW show are friendly and there doesn't seem to be an ego about them, unlike some other shows that I go to. This is where I first got to see “behind the curtain” and I'll always be grateful for that.

Positive: Waking New Fans Up For The Night Ahead

I wasn't sure whether to make this a negative, but it stays a positive due to the effort made to get the audience 'into' this show and wake them up. MC Hank McCoy always does his best to get the audience ready for the matches, but it's always going to be difficult with a relatively new-to-wrestling crowd, especially when there aren't as many as you'd like in attendance. Hank did as best as he could before the opening match. This is when some work was needed to be done by the wrestlers in the opening match.

Luckily, this would be in the form of The Magnums (Walker and Riley) and Fame & Fortunate (Caine and Gordon). For the first five or so minutes, these four would have great comedy that would get the audience into the show and make them feel at ease. It was needed as small, inexperienced audiences need as much encouragement as they can get to realise that it's ok to make noise and it's ok to let yourself go at a wrestling show. I'm still not sure if this comedy segment, before the wrestling got going, was intentional but it worked better than if they would have just started wrestling straight away.

Chardonnay

Positive/Negative: Girls Matches

I've only really seen one good ladies match in my wrestling fandom. I don't even count the abomination in the WWE at the moment in that. Generally, I really want to like the ladies matches on UK shows but it's really difficult to. That's not to say that they shouldn't try, but I think there's a reason that they only get one match (if that) on most shows. It's a harsh reality, but as one of the wrestlers said to me after the show, it's not that 'believable' when girls are in the ring. The positive to this match was that there were some decent wrestling sequences in there. Some of the best of the night, in fact.

Positve: Justin vs Lomaxx (And Justin's Sh*tty Springboard 450 Splash)

I really like matches when there are two big men and one has that slight size advantage – you know he's going to kick the sh*t out of the slightly smaller guy for ten minutes! It reminds me of Iestyn Rees matches against, say, Big Grizzly or Richtor. He's a big guy, but he's up against someone bigger (and stronger?) and it's going to be a mission to overcome the odds. Justin had the same situation. I particularly liked Lomaxx vocalising how easy it was to shove Justin away. I think it was needed to show how dominant he was, and was going to be for the remainder of the match. It also made the audience hate him and think he was a cocky, over-confident dick.

The match would come to a close with Justin finally slamming Lomaxx after several teases. This got quite a good pop, as was desired. The impressive looking visuals continued as Justin finished the match with a Springboard 450 Splash.

Yeah ok Justin, You did good. Show off!

Positive: The Teacher and The Student

The System's Dom versus Matt Ridler wasn't billed as such but this was that type of feel. You had twenty-year veteran Dom taking Ridler to school at times with some no nonsense moves along with some tasty chops that I could feel in the back row. I was really looking forward to this match in particular as I'd seen them putting it together before the show. I kind of knew what was coming and it made complete sense to me. Matt looked good throughout but got the sh*t kicked out of him by the more experienced guy, who would pick up the somewhat dominant win. It's how these matches should always pan out with experience coming out on top nine times out of ten. As long as the younger guy comes out looking better then it's job done.

Additional positve for Tom (Logan) for his presence at ringside. At times I thought he was a bit too much, but there was a lot of confidence in everything he was saying (shouting) when getting the audience to cheer or boo. He even cracked out an impressive, and unexpected, American accent to berate one person in the crowd. Unlike a lot of trainees I see, Tom is a bigger guy that, with the right training/guidance, can be a good addition to the show in future. All the hair and facial hair helps in my book, too. There's just not enough beards in wresting at the moment...

'Mr Wales' Iestyn Rees

Positive: Bad Guy Iestyn Rees

I did some pre-show notes on Friday and one of them was about Pro EVW having the same heels and babyfaces in all the time that I've seen them. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as people will get fairly familiar with these battle lines, especially when they want a little continuity from show to show. For as long as I can remember, Iestyn has been a face for Pro EVW mainly as part of The Alpha Males. On this night, Iestyn would become 'Mr Wales' and attack 'The Swiss Pornstar', 'Fat Les', 'The Shark' Chris Andrews (Mr England) to set up the main event of England versus Wales. It's a simple thing to do and a nice change to see someone cross from face to heel (for one night only?).

Negative: The Champ Isn't Here

or

Positive: Working Around Setbacks

I don't know the ins-and-outs of it and it's none of my business, but the new Pro EVW Champion Charlie Garrett wasn't at this show. This disappointed me as I was looking forward to seeing him before the show and also versus Chris Andrews in the advertised main event. Regardless of this, the show and set of matches that happened were more than good enough. There were six matches with something for everyone. There were such talents as Iestyn Rees, Chris Andrews, The Magnums and UK Dominator along with up-and-comers Matt Ridler and Logan; trainees used in the right way.

Again, in my pre-show notes, I had this big speech about how Charlie being champion sets up some nice possibilities. You could have him against former champion Justin Sysum. There's also a match that could take place against the guy that he beat for the title, Sam Bronson. The most intriguing is if Iestyn were to stay heel (or turn heel on Charlie) and there's a jealousy match between The Alpha Males. Some good possibilities for those that like a bit of continuity with their wrestling shows.

Results

• Pro EVW Tag Team Championship: Fame & Fortunate (Robbie Caine & 'Gentleman' Gilligan Gordon)(c) defeated The Magnums ('Filthy' Chris Walker & 'Dirty' Dick Riley)
• Chardonnay defeated Nadia Sapphire
• Justin 'The Hammer' Sysum defeated Lomaxx
• JD Knight defeated Sam Bronson
• Dom (w/ Logan) defeated Matt Ridler
• Team England; Chris Andrews & The Magnums defeated Team Wales; Iestyn Ress & Fame & Fortunate

Another nice little show in a new venue. Not the biggest attendance; I'd have thought around 80 were there, but that's not a bad thing for a new venue, especially as they usually draw around 200 at their other, regular venues. This show reminded me of how good a Pro EVW show can be and that I need to get my ass down Gloucester way more often. As I said before, when I've gotten around the majority of the country's promotions I'll have a better idea of where is worth my time. I have no doubt that Pro EVW will always be on that list.

Lomaxx

Please check out Pro EVW on Facebook and Twitter and look out for any future events. A very good family show that does the simple things well and sends everyone home happy, everytime.

Support British Wrestling

@jimmosangle

COMING SOON - Part Two - Sunday 26^th October – Kamikaze Pro – Birmingham

Jimmo's Angle Special: Interview: Mad Man Manson on Imports and British Wrestling

Recently, I did an article for The Indy Corner (link) about imports on the UK wrestling scene. It's been a subject that I've thought about for a long time now and felt the need to bring attention to. Additionally to this, I was speaking to a good friend of mine who dropped a few names of people that had similar opinions of imports as I do and I felt it was worth seeing for myself how these individuals really felt.

I messaged Mad Man Manson about this subject and he happily obliged to share his thoughts on imports. He was also kind enough to share his thoughts on the British wrestling scene.

I live in hope that my words will somehow make people think and change things that they do. I realise, however, that this probably won't be the case and people will continue to do what they are doing because they get certain endorsements that give them the justifications to continue. Hopefully people will listen to the following words from a British wrestling favourite and think hard about their future dealings in British wrestling.

The following is an interview I conducted with Mad Man Manson on 'Imports' and 'British wrestling':

Imports
What is your general view on imports on the UK scene?
Well, here's the general dealio:
It's not the import's fault, I've been an import for half my 'career', they are just guys trying to make money in the job. It's the promoters and fellow 'wrestlers'. Promoters paying over the odds and acquiescing to their demands while on the other hand arguing with their regular talent about £5 extra for exes, etc.

Some promoters use them brilliantly – Fludboat (Stephen Fludder - PCW) in Preston tells them exactly what he wants and if they don't do it, he fucks them off. Perfect business. If you hired a plumber to fix your sink, you wouldn't let him watch your TV, eat your dinner and paint your door.

The 'wrestlers' are their own worst enemy on this one - How many times have you seen “I get to wrestler tonight. OMG!” on a social media status? It's fucking embarrassing. No, you don't GET to wrestle so-and-so, you GET to be paid to do your fucking job like every office drone, football player, carpenter and warehouse man in the country. BUT this is because they haven't been trained in the job, they're fans. Nothing wrong with being a fan but when you take money from my pocket, I have a problem with it.

Sadly, there's nowt I can do about it, nor is it my place to judge others on how they wish to behave. I do know that as long as XYZ wrestling is paying £500 plus quid to cover some shitbox yank who works for $50 at home, we'll always be looked down at as jokes by the rest of the wrestling world.

What do you think imports bring to British wrestling?
If they have any kind of name value, they bring in paying customers. Some of the more experienced ones can also be used to teach students but in general, the teaching should be left to the British guys. People from all over the world come here to train - guys like Brian Danielson, Fergal Devitt, El Generico and loads more came here to learn the job before going onto great success. Every Summer, Japanese, American and European wrestlers travel to this country to learn how to work. This country! This is where they choose to learn. SO, why the fuck do people here fly off to those countries under the guise of it being to learn? It doesn't make sense. If you're not making it here, it's one of two reasons - 1: You're not good enough. 2: You're not fucking good enough.

Imports are over valued, British wrestlers are under valued. This is British wrestling, nobody can do it better than a British wrestler.

Are they really worth the expense?
Depends on the expense. If you get Hulk Hogan for a tenner and two people pay a tenner each to see him, who wouldn't have been coming to the show without him, bang! Profit. If, however, you pay a tenner for someone who doesn't bring in a paying customer or a DVD sale, bang! Loss. It really is that simple.

People like to cloud and muddy the issue using buzz words like 'exposure' and 'elevating home talent' but it's bollocks. IF YOU AREN'T MAKING MONEY AS A WRESTLER, EITHER STOP DOING IT OR GET BETTER. IF YOU'RE NOT MAKING MONEY AS A PROMOTER, EITHER STOP DOING IT OR GET BETTER.

Do you feel that British wresting show-goers know who the majority are?
Depends on the show goer. There's no average. The crowd up at PCW would know the majority but the crowd at Devon Cliffs wouldn't have a clue. Similar attendances, different audiences. Promoters and wrestlers in this country are blinded to the bigger picture as the majority are fans, not businessmen. Being a fan is not a bad thing, but allowing your heart to rule your head is. People get caught up in calling it 'the business' like the rules are somehow special and specific only to it. Remove 'the' and you're left with just fucking business! That's what it is. Treat it as such.

British Wrestling
What is your view on British wrestling at the moment? Is it the in a “great” place like many claim it is?
It can't be judged with a sweeping statement as there are far too many variables. Some of us are successful, make good money and enjoy it. Others don't. Are there some exciting things going on? Definitely. PCW, PROGRESS, that ICW in Scotland. All doing brilliantly. Making money, entertaining fans and giving the wrestlers a solid, safe, enjoyable environment in which to work.

We can work 3 or 4 days a week, every week. During the Summer, we can work anything up to a dozen jobs a week. NOWHERE else in the world is that available. It should be appreciated and respected.

What do you see as the main problems in British wrestling?
No business sense. Too many training schools. Too few barriers to entry into the job itself. An immature attitude towards the job from those within it. Fragmentation of market sector leading to diminishing returns in terms of profitability, audience share and potential growth.

There's some great things going on. There's some shit things going on. I'm involved in both.

Is there a problem with training in this country and too much of a 'fan mentality' amongst the 'wrestlers'?
There are about 9 people in this country good enough to train. There are about 90 training schools. See the problem? Why would someone go all the way to Dean Allmark's excellent, reliable, safe, productive school when they could play wrestler with their mates in their local hall? If the job was harder to get into, the fans who try to get into it would either a) Become excellent tradesmen having overcome the obstacles or b) Understand that it's not a viable career or job for everyone and go back to being fans again.

The absolute best piece of advice I can offer to anyone thinking of, or currently training is this - Look at the training school. Look at the trainer. Now ask these questions: Has that school produced anyone who is where you wish to be? No? Walk the fuck away. Has that trainer produced anyone who has gone on to be where you aspire to be? No? Walk the fuck away.

People are picking training schools based on geography. How fucking ridiculous is that?! 'Well, training school A is well run, successful and safe but training school B is near my bus stop. B it is!' Clowns.

Some of us look after each other and let each other know when there's money to be made somewhere. A promoter will always try and get a price down (as they should, that's business) but the fan wrestlers are so desperate to wrestle, they drop their price to a pittance. The business minded wrestlers charge more of a premium as they are not desperate to be performers.

What do you enjoy about wrestling?
I enjoy the adventurous lifestyle at times. I enjoy seeing new places and experiencing new things. I enjoy spending time with my friends who are also in the job. I get a buzz from entertaining people and making them laugh. I also enjoy the money and opportunities it provides for me, without that, I would not be involved in it. I have gotten far more from my time in the job than it has asked of me. That is a real positive for me.

Why do you do it?
I do it primarily for money. The same reasons most people do most jobs. It is a trade that I have trained in and know how to do well, within my own limitations. People want to give me money to ply my trade. I want to let them. The bonus to that is that I enjoy entertaining people. I get a good feeling when something goes well, when something is received well. Like an actor or comedian on stage, it feels good to connect with an audience as an entertainer.


As I said in the introduction to this interview, I hope that this makes people think more. Whether it is bringing in imports or our general attitude to how things are done in British wrestling, things still need to improve in this country if we are to be seen as more than just a place to get an easy pay-off and where anyone can get on a show. Manson is right, it SHOULD be harder to get into wrestling.

I'd like to thank Darren (Manson) for his time and answers. It was refreshing to hear what someone REALLY feels about some of the most important issues in British wrestling instead of the usual sugar-coating that a lot of people seem to do.

Support British Wrestling

@jimmosangle

The Positives and Negatives of Grand Slam Wrestling (Ravenhill/Mason)

This weekend was one of them busy ones where I thought it would be a great idea to go to two shows and then write up the reviews for both. This all equals having not much of a weekend left, but in the case of this one just passed, it was well worth it! From a wrestling point of view, this weekend wasn't ever going to fail – Saturday I saw the likes of Martin Kirby, 'Flash' Morgan Webster and El Ligero alongside some of the best there is in the Bristol area (see the link) and on Sunday I saw James Mason, 'Returing from a WWE tour' Stevie Starr, and one of my favourite comedy heels, Mean Tommy Dean.

As much as I love going to CHAOS or PROGRESS shows – quite possibly my two favourites at the moment – I love going to see shows put on by Alan Ravenhill and James Mason. You just cannot go wrong with these types of shows. On a side note, I NEVER know what to call these shows?! I'm pretty sure it's called 'Grand Slam Wrestling' but then I hear it referred to as 'Superstars of Wrestling' (not to be confused with the SUPERCARDS that are on offer down Gloucester way...). It could also be called 'Welsh Wrestling' (in England?) but that's who I always think this is 'in association with' and all that...

Anyway, what it is is a great afternoon of wrestling for all the family (urgh, I feel like I'm promoting it on the radio or something?!). Like my other review this weekend, this review will probably be a complete ass kissing affair, too! What I want to try and get across here, though, is why this particular show is quite possibly one of the BEST in the country without doing anything massively fancy. And I can imagine what some of the die-hard fans of other promotions will think to that comment; 'he's talking sh*t' or 'my promotion has eight matches and there's loads of dives and stuff' and other hugely hilarious crap like that.

Let the kissing-up commence...

Positive: A Nice Surprise...

When I've attended Alan and James' shows in the past, there hasn't been what I'd call a great turn out for them. I'd have thought that there's been around the 80 mark at other shows, and that's not bad considering they don't really use any online advertising (not that I can find, anyway!). The advertising is somewhat old-school with flyers, posters and radio plugs. I think it's sometimes hard to grasp what the single best way to promote a wrestling show is but I've always liked the idea of handing out and posting flyers to people – it's got a personal touch to it; you've made that first connection with a potential show-goer and made it seem that you want that individual to come to your show. Anyway, when we walked into the hall of the Bracknell Leisure Centre, I was pleasantly surprised to see a good-sized crowd ready for some wrestling. In situations like this I don't really do a proper headcount (sometimes I'm not THAT sad...) but scanning around, I think there was around 150; pretty good for a one-off show.

Positive: Headset Hank McCoy

This weekend I really wanted to give my pal, Hank McCoy a shout out. On Saturday he was slightly annoyed at a Twitter comment that suggested that he was 'annoying'. Whoever sent that tweet has no idea; you see him every now and then at a show, I have to put up with him every week?!

Jokes aside, Hank had a tough start to this show as the microphone decided to be a bugger, resulting in him having to shout the announcements out to the audience. I was at the back and could just about hear him so it was a good effort to get the required information out there until a headset was sorted for him to use for the remainder of the show. I kind of hoped that he would wear it like he was Britney Spears but that never happened!

Here's Hank with a crap example of my point

Saturday's annoyance at people questioning his work in tweets (not as bad as I'm making it out to be!) and his professionalism on Sunday all makes me think that this guy is so underused in British wrestling. Yes, I'm completely biased because he's my mate, but Hank McCoy (if that is your real name?!) doesn't just announce people for their matches; he doesn't just shill merchandise and backstage passes; he works his ass off from before doors open until the last person leaves because he understands that he has a job to do; an IMPORTANT job that is completely overlooked by a lot of promotions in the UK. I'm not writing this to get him booked anywhere, I'm simply pointing out that if you have a Hank McCoy (which you don't) on your show then you've already got a great presentation that will attract fans back the next time.

Negative: Because I Need One Somewhere!

I need to admit something. I f*cking hate 'Rockin' All Over The World' by Status Quo. I really do. In my lifetime I have heard it thousands of times and I'm sure generations and generations before me hated it too when it came out in 1875. But I kind of love it a little bit when James Mason enters to it (does that sound naughty to anyone else, or have I just got a dirty mind?). It's such a happy, clap-along, babyface song that it works so well. God damn you, James, for making me like Status Quo a little bit...

Positive: A James Mason Opener

This will never, ever be a negative. If you need someone to open your show then book James Mason (he's got a lightening strike on his singlet that makes him go faster!). I have never seen a bad opener involving James Mason (apart from against Justin Sysum, but that must've been Justin's fault!) and I don't think I ever will. It's one of the most important things to get right on a wrestling show and James never fails to deliver.

And then there's Tommy Dean.

I wish I hated Tommy when he comes out for a match, but I never do. I just find myself laughing at his 'manliness' or whatever he calls it. I'm in awe of his chiselled physique and 28-inch biceps. He is a wrestling god. I'm glad to say that he makes a James Mason Opener that much better, because James has to beat someone, right?

Positive: Why I Think That This Show Is One Of The BEST In The Country

Let me get to the point here. I've looked forward to going to one of these shows because I knew it would be my favourite to do a review on. This show was made for doing a positives and negatives post on as it highlights one of my key beliefs when it comes to British wrestling.

This shows layout is the layout that should be used more. Match one was a simple, flowing affair that gets the audience involved, wakes them up and gets them ready for the night ahead. Match two slowed things down a touch and got the audience ready for match number three, where, on this occasion, there was a big shiny belt to look at and say 'OOOOOOooooooooo' in amazement. After the hard-hitting championship bout there was an interval so everyone could regroup, get a drink, and the kids could recharge their batteries before screaming their lungs out for a further two matches (yes, just two matches in the second half – don't overdo it and kill your crowd's energy by making them sit through a WWE-amount of matches; you're NOT WWE in so many ways so don't copy them!).

This consisted of a match to remind everyone it's time for wrestling again (congrats to Jutler and Tagori for that) and then the main event which saw a tag team contest between four 'backstage brawlers' from ealier in the night. The heroes win, the villains get laughed at and get chased out, and your audience leave knowing that good prevailed over evil. How f*cking difficult is that to do? Not very.

One of the best things about this layout was something that Chris Walker (Magnums) pointed out to me in the car ride home from CHAOS on Saturday: people need to understand their position on the card; if there's a powerbomb in the first match then how is your main event going to top that, for example? Instead of getting all of one's 'sh*t' in because it's your 'opportunity' to shine and blah blah blah, how about just doing your job in your designated part of the show. If you get to the main event one day, do as many powerbombs as you like.

The Smiling Psycho (does that work?)

Positive: This Kade Callous Fellow...

I'd never seen Kade Callous before. I think he's a Welsh Wrestling regular (right?) and that's one of the shows that I'd like to check off the list so I'm sure I'll see him again. Just a quick note here about him; I really liked his crazy-smile-to-angy-psycho look that he did throughout the afternoon. I think it's something he does well and, for me, it's unique to do it AND do it right.

Positive: New Attire

Just lately, I'm blown away that James Mason seemed to have a new singlet – the one with a lightening strike on them – and NOW I'm even more blown away that Tagori – the Japanese Warrior with matching music – also appears to be sporting new gear since the last time I saw him?! Maybe they could tag sometime? (I genuinely feel dirty for attempting such a crap joke...)

Results

• James Mason (w/Status Quo) defeated 'Mean' Tommy Dean
• JD Knight defeated Antonio De Luca
• British Heavyweight Championship: 'Returning From A WWE Tour' Stevie Starr (c) defeated Kade Callous
• Tagori defeated Kay Jutler
• Stevie Starr and Antonio De Luca defeated Kade Callous and JD Knight

I should point out that I've given Stevie Starr the moniker 'retuning from a WWE tour' because I think it is both genius and hilarious that it's used to introduce him! Sometimes I just sit here and amuse myself...

I couldn't find a picture of Tagori, so here's Tajiri (close enough)

Anyway, what a fantastic show this was. It's amazing how such a simple show can get just as good a reaction as some of the regularly-run shows that there are around the country. I really hope that I have conveyed this in this post as it really is pleasing to see a show that sends you home in a good mood with the least amount of effort (not to say that there wasn't effort from the performers, but it seemed so effortless to get the appropriate reactions throughout the afternoon!).

If you can get to a Ravenhill/Mason/Grand Slam Wrestling/Whatever They Call It show then I urge you to. It is a fantastic family afternoon of simple-to-follow wrestling, with lots of laughs and a great feel-good ending... unless Tommy Dean is main eventing, of course...

Support British Wrestling

@jimmosangle