As promised, thoughts and opinions regarding NCW’s debut in Reading on March 13th.
It was a particularly stressful drive down to Reading, with the fog and the rain, and the remnants of snow still blocking higher grounds on route to Berkshire. How would NCW’s first show pan out and would the crowd be sent home wanting more?
Having met Mr Virgo, members of the team, and other members of the UK wrestling biz such as the guys from 1stopwrestling, we approached the Rivermead Centre with great optimism. The hall itself was well set up with railings and ringside mats, as well as the always’ professional lighting and p.a supplied by the Norton family. We wrestlers started trickling in throughout the course of the day, including the very (positively) impressionable Shane Douglas and the “Underwear Model” Eric Priest. Having been asked to provide design for the show in the form of a website and a new logo, through my/ my partners design venture ‘NewMediaBiz’ everything was ready to go. – Oh and just to clear up an amusing rumour on that subject, I have not got a stake in NCW, neither have I invested financially in the show.
I have provided a design service for many promotions such as HCW, NCW, WrestleXpress and RBW. On the shows I am there as a wrestler. I do not have a say in the office, much like EZ Money doesn’t book matches for the wrestlers he makes tights for, much like FWA officials, who filmed the event, had no say in the direction of the event. Got it? Good.
There are wrestlers that book their own matches and finishes in this world but I have never been one of them. Despite the rumours almost 2 years on, Mr William had no say over at WX either. That one fascinates me. I do support the promotions that I work for because I want to help them succeed, but that’s not a crime, and more wrestlers and fans should do it if they want to help the industry climb back to prominence, rather than concentrate only on short term gain. Thankfully most wrestlers have the right attitude… heck we have too!
My match with the Dominator ran shorter than I’d hoped, and left little room for almost all of what I had hoped to achieve on such a big stage, but was passable for what it was, and I look forward greatly to taking things up a notch should NCW afford me that opportunity in the future. There was a great chant of “Future, Future, Future” as I hit the ring. The show overall was enjoyed by all in attendance. The big plan “to leave the crowd wanting more” was certainly achieved with a main event now already set in place for the next date. NCW couldn’t have hit the target better with the controversial finish. Congrats to all 4 men involved in the finish.
Mr Virgo, as a new promoter, handled things in an impressive manner, coping well under the pressure of his first show. Although there were problems with the ring (always the same after the UK Pitbulls invade!) this was quickly sorted in the interval so no disruption there. The show ran very smoothly for a first outing and hopefully bodes well for the future.
Douglas and Priest were also great to finally meet and both were very enthusiastic about being in the UK, and I think enjoyed their stay and the general experience of the show that resulted in the “The Franchise” taking the NCW Heavyweight Title. Word of mouth should provide a great run up the second show if they announce one, and I hope that they do because NCW has great potential.
I had a chance to catch up with members of RBW, and we had a very interesting chat about the future of the company and how they have been undergoing some changes in recent months, which look positive to me. I got great support during my match from future RBW wrestlers, who are currently putting in the hours at Nottingham’s training school – so best of luck to the RBW trainees for their big matches on Saturday! I also picked up a few stories along the way including having a flat car battery (never leave the interior light on after map reading) and being delayed in my return home. Life is bitter sweet! Stay Cool.
More next week,
Scott Future