Welcome to the interactive UK Scene 250, just another fifty updates from your friendly neighbourhood compiler Saz.
Last year I took over the running of the Talk Wrestling Online / Wrestling 101 Top 50 and the results were based on about 30 odd people voting. The results came out with a few shocks and a lot of newcomers, reflecting the change in stars over the year.
However, if we get more people to vote then it will be more reflective of the country’s opinion.
There was a complaint from some people that they were unaware that the TWO top 50 UK wrestlers were being held, so this year, I’ve decided to advertise early that voting will take place on 5th May 2007 and will end on 2nd of June 2007.
With this in mind, I thought that I would quickly review last year’s results.
Doug Williams has been voted number one both the 2005 and 2006, and rightly so, Williams would be the current face of UK Wrestling, in both his TV appearances and his UK work, he has been around the yard several times and has a lot of respect of the wresters and fans alike. Is it a dead cert that Doug will get the number one spot? Or will someone reach his high peak this year?
There are several real contenders including seasoned pro Jonny Storm, UK scene high climber Darren Burridge, Carl Mizzery, who was the surprise after his return to wrestling in 2005, the superlative Robbie Brookside, as well as Jody Fleisch, UK scene mainstay Ricky Knight and also ex-MPW and 3CW worker Majik.
I am reckoning though that a lot of the votes will go the way of TWC Fight regulars, such as Mad Man Manson and Sheamus O’Shaunessy (who in particular will be noted after Jim Ross’s comments). LDN wrestlers and anyone in RQW will also be in for a shout.
The good thing about the Top 50 is that the fans and the wrestlers alike get
to vote on who they believe deserves plaudits and, though there is certain to be federation bias, it shows in the rankings by bringing the less celebrated names who work hard in the companies across the country.
Another interest will be the battle of the lightweights, Spud’s strange loss of popularity could be stopped by his recent belt wins at SAS and IPW:UK, as well as his involvement with 1PW, Pac however should be close on his heels, I haven’t seen him in action personally yet, but a lot of my colleagues assure me that he is one of the best high flyers in the country. Of course, Jody Fleisch will have his own say.
So make sure you have a long hard think, you have four months to do so, remember they MUST be a British or Irish Citizen, a working pro wrestler and you MUST have seen them in action, either at live shows, on DVD or on Television.
What we do care about in all aspects of the UK Scene is your opinion, especially the paying punter, so if you have a say you are more than welcome to express it, whether it is a popular opinion or not.
South
HEW has announced a partial card for “Living On A Prayer III” , held on Saturday 24th March at the Takeley Silver Jubilee Hall, in Takeley, Bishops Stortford.
Currently announced matches are:
- Kraft vs. Domino
- HEW Title: Ricky Relentless (c) vs. Doug Williams
- Falls Count Anywhere – No Holds Barred Match: Zak Zodiac vs. Sam Knee
VPW has released details for three shows held in February:
– Wednesday 21st February at Crediton Town Hall in Crediton, Devon.
– Thursday 22nd February at The Exmouth Pavilion in Exmouth, Devon.
– Friday February 23rd – Bridgewater Town Hall in Bridgewater, Somerset.
Set to appear are: D’Lo Brown and Japanese wrestler Suwama.
4FW have announced their next show on Saturday 3rd March at Pinehurst Community Centre in Swindon, Wiltshire.
Card reads:
- 4FW British Junior Title: El Ligero (c) vs. Ashton Brown vs. Bubblegum
- 4FW Tag Team Tournament – Semi-Final 1: The Kartel vs. The Entourage
- 4FW Tag Team Tournament – Semi-Final 2: The Bruiser Street Mob vs. Chaos
- Luke “Dragon” Phoenix vs. David Sharp
- Open challenge by Van Wicked
- Martin Stone vs. Iestyn Rees
- 4FW Title: Saul Adams (c) vs. ?
PTW have added to the card of their premier show entitled ‘Defiance‘ on Friday 2nd March at Luton Rugby Football Club, Newlands Road, Luton, LU1 4BQ.
Current card:
- Jonny Storm vs. Atom
- TBW Heavyweight Championship: Shabazz (c) vs. Keith Myatt
- Ladies Match – Miss Vicky vs. Chelsey Karter!
- Dave Sharp vs. Ashton Brown
East
WAW have updated the card for “King of the Ring” on Sunday 11th February at the Marina Centre in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.
The show will feature an 8 man tournament to crown WAW’s King of the Ring, entrants are: Zak Zodiac, Steve Quintain, Ricky Knight, Kraft, Nick Aldis, Jimmy Star, Dark Angel Ashe and Chris Reynolds.
Midlands
SLAM have announced a partial card for their show on Saturday 24th February at the Tamworth Assembly Rooms in Tamworth, Staffordshire.
Card reads:
- Lucian vs. Ross Jordan
- The UK Pitbulls vs. The Murders
FCW have announced the first match for “Reckless Abandon” held on Sunday 25th February at the Baggeridge Social Welfare Centre in Lower Gornal, West Midlands.
Card so far reads:
- El Ligero vs. Laken Xander
KSW have announced more matches and a change of card due to
injury for “King of the Ring” held on Saturday 10th February at Perry Common British Legion, 641 College Road, Kingstanding, B44 0AT.
Card reads:
- Rob Long vs. Dick Daniels
- KOTR Qualifier Round 2: Staxx vs. Brandon Thomas
- KSW Tag Championship: Cupid & Franco vs. The Hunter Bros.
- KOTR Qualifier Round 2: Tyler Rayne vs. Tommy Gunn
- KSW British Championship: Kid Flash vs. Carl Mizzery (c)
- KOTR Final: Staxx or Brandon Thomas vs. Tyler Rayne or Tommy Gunn
- KSW No 1. Contenders Rumble
Wales
SWCW will present their next show on Friday 16th February at the Riverside Social Club in Ebbw Vale, South Wales.
Card reads:
- Jonny The Body vs. Thunderbolt Tommy Dean
- The Man They Call Bassey vs. Buddy Edwards
- Caiman vs. The Saint
- Mike Bird vs. Ashton Brown
- SWCW Southern Heavyweight Title: Maddog Maxx (c) vs. Marcus Kool (winner
goes on to the Triple Threat Match) - Kade Callous vs. Ricky Hype (winner goes on to the Triple Threat Match)
- Dave Sharp vs. Iestyn Rees (winner goes on to the Triple Threat Match)
- SWCW Southern Heavyweight Title – Triple Threat Match: ? vs. ? vs. ?
Training
If you are interested in becoming a professional wrestler, we are here for you on the Talk Wrestling Online Forums, with a comprehensive list of training schools throughout the UK and now with links to suppliers of wrestling gear too! See how good we are to you?
And Finally…
Make sure you take a look at a wrestling show near you, granted there are some shows out there that don’t make the grade, however, if you keep looking you will see there are some great matches and great wrestlers out there!
Don’t forget to interact with the UK Scene, I can still read your comments and questions and involve people in your thoughts through the UK Scene forum.
Take care.
Saz