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

Expecting too much from Heel Turns...

It's been a couple of weeks since Ryback 'turned heel' or became a 'bad guy' to those of you that need the term simplified! Something about it still doesn't sit well with me, though. Maybe I am expecting too much but the last two major heel turns that I can think of weren't that obvious when they occurred. I'm of the opinion that a heel turn should be shocking and you should know, there and then, that that individual has become a villain.

Let's go back to Raw 1000 last year and the CM Punk 'heel turn'. As I watched him Clothesline and then perform a GTS (Go To Sleep) on The Rock, it didn't instantly scream HEEL TURN! to me. If anything, The Rock had come back, staked his claim at the WWE Championship, mocked the champion and received a physical warning from that Champion: he wasn't going to sit back and be disrespected the way The Rock had done earlier in the show.

CM Punk stands over a fallen Rock - Raw 1000, 2012

If Jerry Lawler had not have confirmed to us, the TV audience, that 'CM Punk has turned his back on the WWE universe', then I don't think we'd have been none the wiser until the next week on Raw. On the following Raw and beyond it became very apparent that Punk had indeed turned to the dark side. Until then it only appeared that the popular, cool-heel-face CM Punk had simply sent a message to a challenger to his title.

Fast forward to the night after Wrestlemania 29 - Raw, Monday 8th April - where, at the end of the show, Ryback had seemingly saved John Cena from Mark Henry, before Clotheslining the Champ and delivering his finishing maneuver Shellshocked. Again, this didn't scream HEEL TURN! to me; it simply said that John Cena - as new WWE Champion - had a large target on him; heels and faces alike could make a statement at the expense of the new Champion if they chose to do so. For me it was fair game that Ryback would show that he is in the hunt for that title.

Ryback stakes his claim to the WWE Championship - Raw, 2013

I was genuinely confused all week when I started to read reports that that was perceived as an actual heel turn. Then, on Raw the Ryback pre-recorded promo was aired - explaining his actions - showing that Ryback had turned heel. Again, this was not clear until that admission from Ryback and the subsequent references from Michael Cole that Ryback sounded like he was 'just making excuses'. Ok, so heel turns are a whole lot easier in execution than I remember! You simply need a finishing maneuver followed by a Commentator's disapproval = newly turned heel.

I think what may have added to the confusion was that he turned on John Cena - the guy who has such a mixed reaction wherever he goes that I've stated before that it is virtually impossible to turn someone heel against him.

Steve Austin and Vince McMahon did the unthinkable in 2001

All the major heel turns that I can think of over the years have been very obvious and straight to the point. The two Steve Austin turns in 2001 - first, at Wrestlemania; aligning with Vince Mcmahon and secondly, turning on Team WWF at Invasion later that year - instantly told the viewer that he had become a villain. There was no doubt whatsoever. Even the last heel turn before the CM Punk one last year - Big Show - was obvious straight away; punching out Cena and aligning with Evil General Manager John Laurinaitis.

Maybe WWE only know how to turn someone by aligning them with other heels, and have forgotten how to turn someone properly; or maybe the new approach is the forcing-it-down-our-throats approach a la Miz and Alberto Del Rio's face turns at the end of last year. Them guys were turning face whether we liked it or not!

As is the title of this piece; maybe I am expecting too much from heel turns these days. Or maybe I'm just looking for a more shocking turn here and there that'll keep my attention and keep me excited for a product that doesn't seem to make the effort to keep me on the edge of my seat anymore?

@jimmosangle

Chris Jericho: Building for the Future

I was going to wait until Chris Jericho had finished his stint in WWE this time around before beginning this piece, but I can't quite work out when he is going again! I think he will probably be at Extreme Rules (vs Fandango) before quietly disappearing from our screens again. It'll be sad to see him go; a different sadness to when, say, The Rock leaves us.

Clearly, they have different jobs and responsibilities when they come back these days - usually for Wrestlemania season - but I feel Jericho's is much more worthwhile and important. It is undoubtedly obvious that The Rock's (and Brock, Triple H and Undertaker's) role is to attract attention from a wider audience and to draw as much money in that quarter of the year. Therefore, maybe there isn't as much reliance on the rest of the years Pay-Per-Views - I genuinely feel that as long as Wrestlemania does well then they [WWE] aren't really that committed to putting on a stand-out show for the rest of the year.

Jericho vs Daniel Bryan - Raw, Monday 11th February 2013

As great as it is that these 'legends' and future Hall of Famers bring in an outrageous amount of money, it makes Jericho's job even more important, and maybe even harder. But why?

Well, in the first quarter of this year The Rock ONLY worked with John Cena and CM Punk - these were by far the biggest matches that could've been put on - by doing this it elevated (if that's even possible) Cena and Punk further, and widened the gap in superstardom between the two and the other guys on the roster trying to make a name for themselves. It also holds these youngsters back for three months. Surely this is a bad thing all for the benefit of making a quick buck?

If Cena and Punk are raised any further, and your next guys down have to wait three months for their opportunities, then it makes these future threats seem less, almost non-existent - it makes it harder for a Mark Henry or a Ryback to be seen in the same 'league' as a John Cena.

That's where Jericho steps in to bridge that gap. In the last four months, there hasn't been many of the mid to upper-mid card that he hasn't worked with - and improved. He came back and went forty minutes alongside Dolph Ziggler in the Royal Rumble match before giving Ziggler the honour of eliminating him. He had Match-of-the-Year contenders against CM Punk and Daniel Bryan in the first few weeks of returning to Raw. At Elimination Chamber he put in a great effort and everyone benefited from being in the match with him, and at Wrestlemania he took on the challenge of working with debutant Fandango; with both coming out the other end smelling of roses.

Jericho vs Fandango - Wrestlemania 29

Jericho has even crossed paths with The Shield and became another statistic on their unbeaten run. Momentum continued for them and credit where credit is (most definitely) due to Jericho; all of this in just one encounter.

As I read back through my notes of Jericho's 2013 run and his body of work this time around, I am in complete awe of the contribution the man has made. He came back at Royal Rumble and gave 1000% straight away.

So, although The Rock and company bring in huge sums of money to help towards the future, it all counts for nothing if there are no stars being made to carry the business forward. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times - when The Undertaker and Triple H finally hang up their boots; when Brock is done with coming back for a quick and easy paycheck; and when Rock realises that movie directors don't want to risk him getting injured - pressuring him to retire for good - and he decides to come back in a mainly non-physical role; who is going to top the card at Wrestlemania then?

Jericho was the first Undisputed Champion in WWF/E

With any luck, Chris Jericho will have had enough of an input that the next generation of 'Superstar' will have risen by then. If not, then maybe it might have been a wiser idea to use Rock, Brock and other part timers to contribute to the future the way that Jericho has attempted to.

@jimmosangle

My Weekend of (British) Wrestling 8

Saturday 20th April 2013 - Brackley Leisure Centre, Brackley, Oxfordshire

Saturday afternoon saw me attend another show put on by Alan Ravenhill and James Mason in association with Welsh Wrestling. Previously, I attended their shows in Kidlington and Abingdon (both Oxfordshire) as they made their way through the South of England. Again, I was not disappointed.

I arrived at the venue and was lucky enough to meet James Mason, who thanked me for the previous write-ups of the past shows that I'd been to - just a quick note to James: I'm very happy to endorse your shows when they are as good as the ones that I've attended so far! It was very nice to be appreciated and, as always, I hope that people manage to find these posts, see the good work that James and his crew do, and attend future shows.

As with the previous shows, I was grinning throughout the show as what I saw was simple, but very entertaining - they truly put on a great family show that appeals to all. You cannot go wrong attending one of these shows!

Lee Bamber announced the evening's event and again I have nothing but good things to say about the enthusiasm and information that he provides - proving that a Ring Announcer's job is a very important one when putting a wrestling show on.

Hometown Hero -AD Driscoll

Alongside Lee, was a talented group of wrestlers with a few outside additions; adding something new to the shows that I'd previously seen. These were in the form of 'The Filth' Chris Walker and AD Driscoll - both of whose work I'm familiar with, and both who always put on a decent showing.

Results

• 'Mean' Tommy Dean defeated James Mason
• A D Driscoll defeated 'The Filth' Chris Walker
• Stevie Starr defeated Big Dog
• Japan's Tagori defeated Josh Faulkner
• Brackley Rumble winner: James Mason

'The Filth' Chris Walker (right) - one half of The Magnums (courtesy of Superkick.co.uk)

As always, everybody put in a good shift - standout performances from youngster Josh Faulkner and Stevie Starr showing great strength by slamming 400-pound Big Dog to gain the win.

Breaking the rules a little here; I'd just like to thank Tommy Dean and Big Dog for being very welcoming after the show - I found out the Tommy's football team are doomed before next season's even started, so I wish them luck!

'Mean' Tommy Dean

I urge you to check out Welsh Wrestling's website and check the 'Live Events' tab to see if there is a show in your area soon - these guys are a great bunch and it's a great family show!

Support British Wrestling!

@jimmosangle

WWE: Is The Balance Of Power About To Shift?

After Monday Night Raw, I got thinking that things concerning the two main World Titles could be set for a change in the near future.

All of 2013 has seen the WWE title contested by three main contenders - CM Punk, The Rock and new champion John Cena. The only problem going forward here is that The Rock has now disappeared again leaving Punk and Cena as the two main guys competing for the WWE's biggest prize. It needs to be noted that these two are head, shoulders, and the majority of their bodies, above everyone else.

The obvious answer to this is to have these two square off. The trouble with this situation is that we have seen this match far too often in the last couple of years. We need something fresh. For the sake of the WWE and the WWE title, we need new contenders. The wheels to this were set in motion on Raw this week.

Raw started with Mark Henry challenging Cena for his newly won championship - a challenge Cena gladly accepted. By the end of the night, we had a second contender throwing his name in the hat in the form of Ryback. These are two promising 'newbies' in the WWE title picture. But something needs to change - massively - if these guys are to be seen as credible challengers that CAN take the belt from Cena.

John Cena is the most discussed WWE superstar, and hottest topic on every wrestling fan's lips in recent history. He is loved by kids and hated by adults - this is because we see through the crap that we are fed on a weekly basis. Don't get me wrong, Cena deserves his position of 'face of the company' - he is heavily involved in WWE ventures outside of the ring and makes the WWE tonnes of money. For these reasons it is difficult for the WWE to turn him heel (bad guy) and anyway, why would they want to?

My argument isn't based on a John Cena heel turn, though. He gets such a mixed and confusing reaction from the fans that I think it's virtually impossible for WWE to turn him anyway. My argument is that his 'superman' booking needs to be drastically toned down and this needs to happen as soon as possible. This will not only help his future opponents - making them appear a genuine threat to Cena and his title - but, if done correctly, will also help the new World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler.

Monday night on Raw saw Ziggler finally cash his Money in the Bank contract in and successfully defeat a wounded Alberto Del Rio. This was welcomed by the awesomely over-the-top (out of town?) Monday Night Raw crowd, as well as the IWC, as they finally got something that they wanted (I should note that I agree with an article I read, by Kevin Kelly (@realkevinkelly), about Ziggler's win and booking prior to the cash in, where he says that despite the win WWE still haven't shown 100% faith in Ziggler).

WWE now need to keep our attention; not by continuing to give us what we want, but by presenting us with a leveller playing field. What I mean by this is that WWE has a chance to make their World Champion as important as their WWE Champion. I know this is a crazy notion as the World Title has been seen as a secondary title for so long now that we've forgotten how prestigious it used to be, but with Ziggler - a popular and talented future of the company - being given the ball, why not really go with something that will benefit the majority instead of the few?

This 'level playing field' could start with the new World Champion confronting the new WWE Champion, cockily outclassing him not only on the mic but also in the ring. They could play off Ziggler's win over Cena from TLC and where they both are now. This could be followed up by Ziggler getting some credible wins (as well as a few cheat wins thrown in). Ultimately, they need to give Ziggler a win over Cena - maybe even a clean win - without Cena kicking out of Ziggler's best moves as was the case at the start of the year.

Along with this, a few beatdowns by Henry and/or Ryback wouldn't go amiss either, thus building credible, title-threatening contenders and bouts in the coming months. Basically, we need to see a more beatable, mortal John Cena.

I know this is crazy, blasphemous talk amongst Cena lovers, but a change along these lines NEEDS to happen going forward otherwise the only credible opponent Cena will have is CM Punk, and Dolph Ziggler will just be another guy given the World Title that isn't quite good enough for the 'big one'.

@jimmosangle

My Weekend of (British) Wrestling 7 (Wrestlemania weekend)

It's been more of a 'Week of Wrestling', than just a weekend. Along with my usual viewing of WWE Raw, Smackdown, Main Event, NXT and ROH TV, there was also a Pay-Per-View offering of a little show called Wrestlemania on Sunday night - anyone heard of that? I also had an enjoyable evening on Thursday watching some old ROH matches, as well as some old BAWA (British Allstar Wrestling Alliance) - a defunct local, Banbury-based wrestling promotion.

Saturday 6th April 2013 - Pro EVW - The Capital Venue, Gloucester 

In a lot of respects my Saturday night of wrestling was more important than all of it. I attended a Pro EVW show in Gloucester with some friends that were working on it. This show was a special one as it was a tribute show in honour of Kamil Ciemniewski - a young trainee of Pro EVW wrestling that sadly passed away a few weeks ago.

I would hazard a guess that around 300 people were in attendance - including many of Kamil's family and friends - to support this night and to raise as much money towards charity as they could. I should point out here that all proceeds - whether it be ticket sales, backstage passes, merchandise sales - would go towards a charity of Kamil's family's choice. Huge credit to those at Pro EVW for doing this. Credit is also due to the wrestlers that took part on this show as they all donated their fees to charity, too.

The Pro EVW crew stand in tribute to Kamil as British Wrestling veteran Roy Harley conducted the 10-bell-salute

I can't claim to have known Kamil, but after hearing the tragic news I thought back to the one time that I did meet Kamil. It was the first Pro EVW show that I had attended and I was sat watching the set-up through the day. Kamil approached me, which at first surprised me as we'd never met, but Kamil knew that at least we had wrestling in common to talk about. He seemed very excited about the evening ahead and that he was able to be around guys that he saw as idols. He reminded me of me when I was his age - a fan that was excited about wrestling. I think of this encounter fondly.

The night was a success, with the audience getting into the action and being very noisy at times. This was helped by MC Hank McCoy's enthusiasm, as well as all the wrestlers putting in great showings to get everyone either on their side or firmly hating them!

Results

• Pro EVW Heavyweight Championship: 'The Shark' Chris Andrews (c) defeated 'Big Bad' Dave Mastiff
• T-Bone (w/ Gilligan Gordon) defeated JD Knight (T-Bone became last entrant in Rumble match; Knight became 1st entrant as a result of loss)
• Iestyn Rees, Sam Andrews & Zak Garrett defeated Pro EVW Tag Team Champions The Magnums (Walker & Riley) & Jules Lambrini
• UK Dominator defeated Dan Splash
• Tyler Hawke defeated Kidd Lycos
• Rumble match; winner - JD Knight 

By the end of the night, Kamil's favourite wrestler came through and won the 25+ man Rumble match to end the show in the right way.

Other highlights of the show included a great opening match from Pro EVW Heavyweight Champion Chris Andrews beating Dave Mastiff. Some really impressive strength was shown by Andrews as well as getting the audience excited and 'into' what they were seeing. I said to a friend that Andrews has a kind of Batista look to him, which instantly impresses you when he comes through the curtain - you know that this guy is a wrestler - and his intensity and enthusiasm makes it easy for you to back him and want him to come out on top.

The Pro EVW Tag Team Champions The Magnums - 'Dirty' Dick Riley and 'Filthy' Chris Walker - were also in fine form again. They have the right amount of comedy and sleaziness on the way to the ring mixed in with the right amount of aggression when the bell rings - ultimately, an entertaining showing as always. Their opponents put on a great babyface showing with Zak Garrett, Sam Andrews and Iestyn Rees picking up the victory before making their way through the crowd to give thanks to everyone for coming.

As always, I'm pleased to see UK Dominator at his rulebreaking best; this time defeating Dan Splash. Dom is possibly my favourite heel as he is what I look for in a heel - he's an aggressive, imposing, nasty bully. He's not a 'cool' heel, he's simply someone that you can easily hate. What more do you need?

Rumble winner JD Knight; Kamil's favourite wrestler (with Kamil in the photograph)

I really enjoyed this show and I think everyone in attendance did, too. It was for a great cause and I tip my hat to everyone at Pro EVW for putting the event on - I personally think they did Kamil proud. I hope his family and friends felt the same and had a great evening.

If you haven't been to a Pro EVW show yet then you should treat yourself to the next show - Cinderford, Gloucestershire on Saturday 27th April 2013 - check the Pro EVW Facebook page out for further details.

Support British Wrestling!

@jimmosangle