REVIEWS
 
 

-----------------------------------------

DAM Promotions,
Weybourne Village Hall,
Saturday, August 7th, 2004

THE TWO SHEDS REVIEW by Julian Radbourne
E-mail: twosheds316@aol.com
Website: www.twoshedsreview.vze.com

DAM Promotions continued their expansion with a show in a new venue for them in front of a sold out crowd, headlined by a match for the now vacant DAM Open title (more details on this situation later.)

ETHAN MOORE v ZAK ZODIAC
The opening match was billed as a WAW Academy match, with two of the hottest young talents going at it in a fast paced match that was a great way to start the show.

In fact at times the action was so fast that it was difficult to follow, as Moore and Zodiac went at it tooth and nail.

The victory went to the young masked star. Despite some impressive moves, Moore stared at the ceiling after Zodiac rolled him up. A good bout from the youngsters here.

SABOTAGE v BIG DAVE WATERS
A battle of pure power here, and my first look at Sabotage, as he went up against the Sheringham strongman.

At times this battle of the brutes was good to watch, but for some reason Sabotage, who seems to be a hybrid of various Undertaker gimmicks, just didn't impress me in this first outing.

Big Dave secured the pin with a school boy roll-up after Sabotage missed a corner attack.

BASH v THE BULK
It had been a while since the former WAW British Champion had been in the ring, and he would face tough opposition in his return match against Britain's heaviest wrestler.

The Bulk dominated the early parts of the bout, using his size advantage well, but time and time again Bash bent the rules to gain the upper hand.

Towards the end of the bout, Sabotage emerged from the back, confronting referee Charlie Frary about his defeat in the previous contest. This was all that Bash needed as he levelled the Bulk with his trusty baseball bat to gain the pin.

Vacant DAM Open Championship - best of three falls
CONSCIENCE v THE ZEBRA KID
At the beginning of the evening it was announced that Ricky Knight had been stripped of the DAM title for his refusal to defend the belt against the Zebra Kid, so the promoters made this bout, fought over three falls, for the vacant title, pitting the WAW British Champion against the Scottish Heavyweight Champion.

Conscience, whose religious gimmick seemed to borrow a great deal from Mordecai (or perhaps it's the other way round), simply overpowered Zebra at first, but the Kid soon fought back with his superior speed.

The first fall went to the Zebra Kid, who pinned Conscience after a top rope elbow. Conscience fought back to equalise after a spinning sidewalk slam. The third fall, victory and championship went to the Zebra Kid. Conscience had exposed the top turnbuckle, but this proved to be his undoing, Zebra sending him crashing into the exposed metal.

Sadly, not the best Zebra Kid match I've seen, but this may have been down to the quality of his opponent.

ROYAL RUMBLE
I don't think I need to say why I hate reporting on these kind of matches. Just look at some of my previous show reports to find out why.

The Bulk won the rumble after some fast paced and hard hitting action, eliminating Sabotage before finishing off Bash with a choke slam.

In conclusion - after the enjoyable tag-team tournament at the last DAM Promotions show, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed with this show, possibly because there were only four regular matches, and no tag-team encounter.

Match of the night goes to the opening encounter between Zak Zodiac and Ethan Moore. A good showcase of today's up and coming talent.
 
 

This was my first visit to a DAM Promotions show, which proved to an exciting and excellent evening of professional wrestling. By the reaction of the fans throughout I don't think that there would be anyone there in Friday night who would disagree. A blow-by-blow account of each match can be found in Luke Jennings official show report on the UK Pitbulls website.

The DAM Tag Team Title Tournament first round filled the first half of the programme:

The New Breed -v- 2Fast 2Furious

The 2F2F team comprised TheKraft and a new wrestler to me, the masked Red Helmet ( I can't think how that name came about). These guys apparently were a late substitute for Swift Justice and, to my knowledge, had never tagged together before.The New Breed were also new to me, and on their showing tonight appear to be a workmanlike mid card combo. This was a fast moving and even contest with Kraft matching The New Breed move for move during most of the bout. The star of this encounter was, for me, the lighter Red Helmet who worked extremely well, often against two opponents in the ring at the same time. I know nothing about this man, but if he continues the form shown tonight I think that he has a very bright future in the sport. However, against the run of play The New Breed took an undeserved victory against the new team when Red Helmet was taken down by The New Breed's Curve. Winners: The New Breed

The Coal Miners -v- The Van Kunders

To be honest, I thought a couple of lads from the audience had jumped into the ring at first, until I realised that The Coalminers had made their entrance. With no attempt at visual presentation ( and wearing street clothes that I couldn't relate to the coalmining industry) they really made very little impact. By contrast the Dutch team made an immediate impression on the fans with their flamboyant ring attire and outrageously camp antics. These two men are born entertainers. Once the action started it was clear that both Mot and Bas Van Kunder had the wrestling ability to carry get away with their particular style of wrestling and demonstarted some impressive and effective set piece moves during the course of the match. The Coalminers seemed somewhat unsettled throughout the match, but gave the Dutch lads a hard contest but lost following a leg drop by Mot onto Miner D (I think) launched from off his partners shoulders. Good match. Winners: The Van Kunders

The UK Pitbulls -v- The Essex BoysThe Essex Boys, Paul Tyrell and Phil Powers, work well together and gave local favourites one hell of a contest. It was furious action from the opening bell as the two Essex Boys took the battle to the larger team with a successful succession of double team moves, in particular concentrating on weakeners to Big Dave's leg. Paul and Phil gave the Pitbulls one of the hardest contests I have seen them in for a long time, but lost the decision after Bulk unleashed one of his devastating Bulkishi Drivers on Phil Powers and took the deciding pin.Winners: UK Pitbulls The first half of the show concluded.

DAM OPEN TITLE - Number One Contender Contest

The Zebra Kid -v- Ashley Darko

Zebra, in typical no compromise move, immediately took the contest to the young star, enraging the more vocal elements of the crowd which he appeared to delight in taunting. The advantage changed hands on innumerable occasions during a very skillful and hard hitting contest including a number of top rope high risk moves from Ashley. This was another outstanding contest involving these two competitors, ending when Zebra delivered a perfect example of his trademark top rope elbow drop to take the pin. Top notch action throughout. Winner: The Zebra Kid

DAM OPEN TITLE - Championship Contest

'Rowdy' Ricky Knight -v- Hot StuffThese two old adversaries clash again, having been nominated as contenders for the vacant title. Mr Knight was on vocal form tonight, treating the fans to his considered opinion of Holt and it's inhabitants. Hot Stuff made his entrance to a very warm and vocal reception. It was going to be a very partisan audience for this one. The Rowdy Man was in particularly mischievous mood tonight, a throwback to the old Superflys era, and he used every 'dirty' trick in his arsenal to undermine Hot Stuff's spirited attack. Knight repeatedly used a succession of blind side moves which enraged the fans and incurred the referee's wrath.This was vintage Ricky Knight. Hot Stuff launched a number of effective counter-attacks but Knight's superior experience eventually wore him down and he finally tapped out the submission from a vicious looking Boston Crab.Winner and new DAM Open Title Holder: 'Rowdy Ricky' Knight

DAM TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

The UK Pitbulls -v- The Van Kunders -v- The New BreedA three team elimination match. At the offset The Van Kunders and The New Breed decided to combine efforts to eliminate the big guys, but this had little effect on the Pitbulls who easily rallied against the onslaught, resulting in the early elimination of The New Breed. The remainder of the contest was not as one-sided as I thought it would have been, with the Van Kunders launching a number of effective two handed attacks against Bulk and Dave, at one time even putting Bulk down on the canvas for a period. Their unorthodox ring style appeared to confuse the Pitbulls for a while but in the end their superior weight was the decider as the Dutchmen were slowed, and Bulk took the only pin required following a big splash. The UK Pitbulls take the title, and the Van Kundens certainly didn't disgrace themselves.

So, my first experience of a DAM show. It was a very entertaining, incident packed evening with an excellent succession of hard fought contests. The Van Kundens were certainly different, and proved that they could back up the comedy with considerable skill; I'd like to see them matched against a team such as The Essex Boys.

One parting thought - Does the bar at the Holt Community Centre sell triple strength beer, or are a couple of the local fans unable to cope with a few shandies ??

Hello wrestling fans and welcome to the 1st edition of the Flash Column this year, I know its been a long time, but I have been working and had not a lot of time for this.

D.A.M. Promotions presented their fifth show in the North Norfolk area,
bringing back many of the W.A.W. stars as well as some newcomers to entertain a packed crowd, in aid of the Air Ambulance appeal, and with generous sponsorship from several local businesses.

The column this time will be a review of the latest DAM show from Holt, Norfolk, so here comes the 1st match.

1st Match-New Breed vs. 2Fast2Furious (DAM Tag Title Tournament)

Referee-Charlie Frary

Red Helmet & Ashe start off with a tieup with a armbar by Ashe, Red counters but Ashe get to the ropes. Ashe gets another tie-up and takes down Red, Olympic style, this happens again. Tie-up again by Ashe, which is counted by Red with an Olympic style takedown of his own. Test of strength now with Ashe taking Red down with a monkey flip and getting a 2 count. Suplex by Red which gets a 2 count, the pace quickens but is stopped by a cross body by Red. Ashe tags in Curve, who then ties up with Red and then applies the armbar, which Red counters but Curve takes the advantage again by raking the eyes, Red then gets the advantage back with a dropkick to the face. Red tags in Kraft and Curve tags in Ashe. Kraft ties up and shoves Ashe down twice. Test of strength now which is easily won by Kraft but Curve comes in to double team Kraft but Kraft comes back with a double clothesline followed by a bringing suplex on Ashe which gets a 2. Kraft tags Red who armdrags Curve which is followed by a top rope flip miss but walks into a Curve powerbomb, Curve then tags Ashe who hits a hanging suplex and then tags Curve back in who hits 2 running snapmares but only get a 2 count. Ashe comes in a hit Red with a double flapjack followed by a double wheelbarrow bomb, New Breed go for another flapjack but Red counters it into double DDT. Red tags Kraft who slams the New Breed and hits Ashe with 3 suplexs followed by a cross body which only gets a 2. Red hits an enzurgiri on Curve, the advantage is soon back to New Breed as a double suplex off the top rope gets the win.

W/ New Breed-11mins

2nd Match-Coalminers vs. Van Kunders (DAN Tag Title Tournament)

Referee-Joe Williams

Long & D start off with a tie-up with Long twice playing mind games. D applies the arm bar followed by a snap mare but Long soon gets the advantage back with a La Magisterial type arm bar. Clothesline by Long gets a 2. Backslide is countered into a slide kick. D tags to P who hits the elbow, which is followed by 3 postings and a pounding in the corner. The reverse DDT is counted to a reverse neck breaker. Long tags to Thick which is followed by a forward power bomb by both men and then the double boston crab/camel clutch is locked in, double dropkick by the Van Kunders followed by a double crab on both coalminers by Thick. Snap mare into a knee posting by Thick on D followed by a suplex, which gets a 2. Reverse elbow on D once again gets a 2, D counters the hip toss with one of his own. Coalminers double team Thick with a snap mare followed by a top rope splash which gets a 2. D tags in P. Double under hook by P, D tags in and misses Thick in the corner, Thick then slams D and tags in Long which is followed by a double elbow and clothesline. Long hits a top rope elbow drop and gets a 2. P then gets Long in the corner and hits 10 punches, Long reverses in the corner but D comes in and hits a flying leg lariat but only gets a 2. Thick hits D with a under hook, the end comes when Long gets on Thick’s shoulders and hit a leg drop for the win.

W/ Van Kunders-15mins

3rd Match-UK Pitbulls vs. Essex Boys

Referee-Charlie Frary

Essex Boys start off double-teaming Bulk which is soon ended with a double choke slam and a tag to Big Dave who works on both Essex Boys and throws Paul Tyrell onto Phil Powers on the outside. Essex Boys once again double team UKP with the added advantage of Big Dave having his leg trapped in the ropes. Double noggin knocker and a face plant by Bulk on Paul. Bulk tags in Big Dave but Paul takes advantage of the bad leg and dropkicks the knee and then carries on working on it, both men trade tags to work on Big Dave’s knee. Paul hits a splash and a 2nd rope splash on Big Dave’s knee. Phil tags in and works the leg with an ankle pick, more tag trading as both men us each other to get the unfair advantage to work Dave’s knee. Phil hits 2 splashes in the corner but after the 2nd Dave’s anger comes out as he pushes Phil out of the way and tags in his brother. Bulk comes in and hits slams and power bombs on the Essex Boys. Bulk hits the double sandwich in the corner followed by the Rikishi driver on Paul, which gets the win.

W/ UK Pitbulls-8mins

Intermission

4th Match-Zebra Kid vs. Ashley Darko (No. 1 Contenders Match)

Referee-Joe Williams

Tie-up starts the match quickly with kicks by Zebra followed by a arm bar countered by Ashley and countered again by Zebra followed by a headlock and kicks. Clothesline floors Ashley followed by a suplex and a 2nd rope leg drop which gets a 2. Hurricarana by Ashley followed by 2 clotheslines but a super kick soon stops Ashley. Exploder by Zebra who then throws Ashley outside and slams him on the ringside table. Suplex by Zebra followed by a arm bar which is countered into a hurricarana. Tiger bomb by Zebra stops the fast pace followed by a pile driver and a Samoan drop. Zebra put Ashley on the turnbuckle and hits a rock bottom off the top rope, which gets a 2. Sunset flip by Ashley gets a 2 and also a cross body gets a 2. Zebra applies the sleeper followed by a kick to the head. Ashley hits the clothesline to stop the fast pace; Ashley then goes for the Swanton but misses which leads to Zebra working on the knee and neck. Ashley goes to the top rope but is crotched by Zebra and he hits a top rope DDT and then goes back to the top rope and hits the Zebra Crossing for the win.

W/Zebra Kid & No.1 Contender-14mins

5th match-Hotstuff vs. Ricky Knight (DAM Title Match)

Referee-Charlie Frary

Tie-up starts with Ricky putting Hotstuff in the ropes, arm bar by Ricky takes Hotstuff down another arm bar by Ricky is countered by Hotstuff to one of his own which takes Ricky down. Ricky takes Hotstuff down twice with a hair takedown. Ricky applies the sleeper but its countered into an arm bar then Ricky takes the advantage back with a slap. Sunset flip by Hotstuff gets a 2. Ricky applies the single leg Boston crab followed by DDT, which gets a 2. Sit-down splash by Ricky gets a 2.  Ricky applies the nerve hold but Hotstuff gets out but is hit with a clothesline and gets a 2. With Hotstuff turned up side down in the corner, Ricky takes advantage with a dropkick, which sends Hotstuff out to the floor, with both men back in the ring; Ricky hits a spear and gets 2. Slam by Ricky who then goes for a leg drop but Hotstuff rolls out of the way, Hotstuff goes for the pin but a low blow by Ricky ends the count at 2. Head butt is followed by the nerve hold by Ricky. Hotstuff goes for the dropkick but misses which lets Ricky apply the Boston crab, which ends the match.

W/Ricky Knight & DAM Champion-17mins

6th Match-Van Kunders vs. UK Pitbulls vs. New Breed (3way Elimination Match, DAM Tag Title Match)

Referee-Charlie Frary & Joe Williams

New Breed & Van Kunders attack the Pitbulls at the start but 2 double choke slams end it as soon as it begins. New Breed being double teaming Thick who hits a double clothesline and he tags to Long who works on Curve. Curve tags in Ashe who is hit with a face plant followed by a twisting armbar followed by a arm bar. New Breed hit a double stunner on Long from the tope followed by a double suplex but it is countered into a neck breaker. Bulk comes in and works on Curve with a bear hug, he goes for the Rikishi driver but is countered by the enzurgiri followed by a double team, which is soon ended when the Pitbulls hit the double power bomb and eliminate the New Breed. As the New Breed leave, Ashe hits Big Dave with the title belt which leads to Thick working on Dave’s knee. The Van Kunders trade tags to carry on the work on Dave’s knee. Bulk eventually comes in and hits Long with a butt bump, Bulk then applies the arm bar but Long counters it Owen Hart style followed by a DDT and a leg lariat which gets a 2. Long goes to the top but is caught and hit with the Rikishi Driver which only gets a 2.All 4 men in the ring know with the Van Kunders being hit with a double avalanche followed by the leg drop/splash for the win.

W/ UK Pitbulls-DAM Tag Team Champions

DAM Promotions crowned their first champions at the Holt Community Centre last night, in a six team tournament for the DAM Tag-Team Championship, as well as crowning their first DAM Open Champion.

DAM Tag-Team Title Tournament - 1st Round
THE NEW BREED v 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS
With the team of Swift Justice withdrawing from the tournament at the last minute, the New Breed team of Ashe and Curve faced the new team of The Kraft and the masked Red Helmet in the opening round of the tag-team tournament.

Despite the fact that this was probably the first time they had teamed together, Kraft and Red put up a very good showing against the more experienced team in a pretty even contest. One good moment from the new when Kraft lifted one of his opponents into a suplex, and Red came flying off the top rope with a cross-body block. A fluid double-team move, and a little unexpected from this "rookie" team.

The New Breed emerged victorious from this bout though. As Ashe lifted Red onto his shoulders, Curve came off the top rope with a reverse DDT to gain the victory and entry into the three team final. Probably the best match I've seen from the New Breed in a long time.

THE COALMINERS v THE VAN KUNDERS
The visiting team from the Netherlands immediately got the fans going with their flamboyant gimmick, which was somewhat off-putting for their opponents, who were more concerned with avoiding Mot & Bas's advances than trying to put on a wrestling match.

Another evenly fought contest here saw the foreign team emerge as winners, and impressing the fans with their wrestling skills. The win came when Mot climbed onto his brother's shoulders, and then came down on Miner D with a leg drop. A good show from the Van Kunders here.

THE ESSEX BOYS v THE U.K. PITBULLS
The final match of the first round saw the visiting Essex Boys team of Paul Tyrell and Phil Powers take on the local heroes, Big Dave Waters and the Bulk.

The Essex Boys had their game plan down pat, as they worked over Big D's leg for extended periods of the contest, realising that if the strongman couldn't stand he couldn't unleash any of his power moves. But with his local crowd cheering him on, Dave eventually made the tag to the Bulk, which led to him pinning Powers after a Bulkishi Driver.

DAM Open Title - Number One Contenders Match
THE ZEBRA KID v "THE RENEGADE ANGEL" ASHLEY DARKO
The second half of the show began with a back-and-forth, hard hitting contest between one of the top three wrestlers in the country right now and one of Britain's top young stars.

The Zebra Kid and Ashley Darko gave it their all, unleashing move after move on each other in an excellent contest which saw both men almost gain the win on a number of occasions. It was a great bout to watch, and the fans were totally enthralled by the action.

The Zebra Kid won the bout, and the number one contenders spot, with a top rope elbow drop, otherwise known as the Zebra Crossing. Both men should be commended for their efforts in this contest. This is quite possibly the best match I've seen on a DAM show in their two years of operation.

Vacant DAM Open Championship
"ROWDY" RICKY KNIGHT v HOT STUFF
Having discovered who the number one contender for the title was, we soon found out who the champion actually was in another great singles bout pitting the two old rivals against each other.

Once again, the visiting Rowdy Man endeared himself to the crowd with some well thought out comments about the local community that had the fans literally baying for his blood as the contest began. As usual, Knight used every underhanded trick in the book against his younger opponent, but as usual, Hot Stuff was a true fighting man, not one to back down.

However, Knight's games eventually took their toll on Hot Stuff, as he won the match and the championship after Hot Stuff tapped out to a Boston Crab, having been on the receiving end of a low blow moments earlier. As Knight celebrated his title triumph, Hot Stuff contested the decision. As usual, Knight claimed total innocence.

Vacant DAM Tag-Team Championship
THE NEW BREED v THE VAN KUNDERS v THE U.K. PITBULLS
The three team elimination final for the vacant tag-team titles saw the Pitbulls once again showing just how dominant they are as a team as they defeated both combinations to become the first DAM Tag-Team Champions.

As the bout began, both teams tried to double-up on their larger opponents, but it wasn't enough as the big men took all four of them down with choke-slams. After some good exchanges from all three teams, the New Breed were the first team eliminated after Bulk pinned Curve following a Pitbulls Power bomb.

The Pitbulls then showed that they weren't going to make the same mistake the Coalminers had earlier, and were not put off by the Van Kunders's mind games. It eventually led to Bulk pinning Mot Van Kunder following the devastating looking legdrop/big splash combo. A three count later, and the Pitbulls had what could be the first of two title wins this weekend.

In conclusion, a great night of wrestling action in North Norfolk, and probably the best DAM show since the company began two years ago. They've carved out a niche and a good fan following in the area. Of course, the very vocal crowd also made for a good night, and it was all for a good cause as the proceeds from the show went to the Norfolk Air Ambulance appeal.

Match of the night, of course, goes to the hard-hitting encounter between the Zebra Kid and Ashley Darko. I've looked forward to seeing these two go at it in a singles match for ages. Now I've seen one, I'm looking forward to seeing more.

And who can forget the Van Kunders, eh? I certainly won't!

THE TWO SHEDS REVIEW by Julian Radbourne
E-mail: twosheds316@aol.com
Website: www.twoshedsreview.vze.com

D.A.M. Promotions presented their fourth show in the North Norfolk area,
bringing back many of the W.A.W. stars as well as a newcomer to entertain a
packed crowd, in aid of the Theresa Bellingham appeal, and with generous
sponsorship from several local businesses.

ROCK WEILER v THE KRAFT
A late replacement for the absent Deano Lynskey, Rock Weiler came in to face his
current nemesis in a rematch from the show in Hunstanton one week previously, a
match which had earned rave reviews on other websites.

Although not as good as their previous encounter, this was still a highly
entertaining contest, and a great way to start the show. Rock, even at such an
early stage in his career, is already showing signs of developing into a classic
heel, able to get a crowd baying for his blood by just entering an arena, while
the Kraft is improving all the time, and is developing into one of the most
popular young stars on the wrestling circuit.

The man from the Dog Pound gained the victory this evening, although in rather
dubious circumstances. Unable to overcome his opponent by legal means, when the
referee's back was turned to him, as Kraft was tied up in the ropes, Rock
grabbed Kraft's leg and brought it up into the referee's down below area. Lying
on the mat, and oblivious to Rock's underhanded tactics, he called for the bell
and awarded the victory, via disqualification, to Rock, robbing the Kraft of a
hard-fought victory.

"THE TATTOOED WARRIOR" STEVE QUINTAIN v HOT STUFF
A non-title match for the WAW Cruiserweight Champion as Quintain went up against
the ever-popular Hot Stuff, who is improving all the time in what is his
comeback year.

Both wrestlers acquitted themselves well in this match, matching move for move
and hold for hold, but it was Quintain's underhanded tactics which always seemed
to give him the upper hand, as time and time again Quintain showed that despite
being a great wrestler, he isn't afraid to get a little dirty, if you know what
I mean.

The evil deeds didn't get Quintain the victory, though, as Hot Stuff used a
schoolboy roll-up to secure the pin. A very entertaining contest here, and
hopefully, this pin will put Hot Stuff in line for a Cruiserweight title shot.
The Eastern Counties Champion deserves nothing less.

"THE SHINING LIGHT" STEVIE KNIGHT v "BIG" DAVE WATERS - Table match
My first chance to see British wrestling's other famous "Knight" here, as Stevie
went one on one with one of the local heroes. It was obvious that he would have
his work cut out for him going against the Sheringham strongman in a match Big
Dave has excelled in in the past.

This match may have been dangerous, but it proved extremely dangerous for the
referee, who, early on in the contest, was accidentally put through one of the
tables at ringside. As a second official was brought out, the poor boy was
carried backstage for some much needed medical attention.

This was indeed a bruising encounter, with tons of hard-core action, as Knight
pulled out all the stops to try and take the big man down. But with his local
fans cheering him on, Big Dave's power proved too much for Knight, as Dave ended
the bout by slamming Knight into a table using a fireman's carry.

"ROWDY" RICKY KNIGHT v ASHE
Out of all the matches announced for this show, this was the one I was looking
forward to the most, as it would showcase one of Britain's finest up and coming
young stars against one of it's toughest veterans.

And I was not disappointed. The Rowdy Man shows that despite he is just a few
weeks shy of his *CENSORED* birthday, he is still more than capable of going toe
to toe with the youngsters, having proved this in countless battles with the
Zebra Kid, and now with the young Dark Angel.

Many younger stars in the past have frozen when they've stepped into the ring
with Ricky. Ashe was not one of them. He was not awed by the fact of who he was
in the ring with, and with a good combination of high-flying and old fashioned
wrestling style, showed that he could hang with the Rowdy Man. If Knight had
underestimated the youngster before the bout, he surely wasn't afterwards.

Indeed, the only way Knight could put Ashe away was by breaking the rules. Ashe
tapped out when Knight applied a single-leg Boston Crab. But the victory was
tainted, the referee was unaware that Knight was using the ropes for leverage.

An entertaining bout, showing me two things - Knight can still hang with the
young 'uns, and Ashe has a great future ahead of him.

W.A.W. British Heavyweight Championship
THE ZEBRA KID (c) v THE BULK
A definite mismatch of styles here, with the high-flying champ defending his
title against the much larger and power-based wrestler. Many thought that there
would be a new champion crowned tonight, especially as the Bulk had the home
field advantage.

And this nearly happened. After nearly ten minutes of non-stop action, these
guys threw everything they had at each other. Zebra used every trick in the
book, but despite a constant stream of offence against the Bulk, he couldn't
keep the big man down.

And the champ obviously knew this beforehand, having cut some sort of deal
backstage with Rock Weiler. As Rock distracted the referee, and the Bulk argued
with him, Rock threw Zebra a small pouch containing some white powder. It was
obvious what the champion's plan was. But the plan backfired, as Bulk turned his
attention back to his opponent and kicked the power into Zebra's eyes. A
Bulkishi Driver later, and we had a new champion, or so it seemed. Trying to
regain his eyesight, Zebra contested the decision, and it seemed that the
referee was easily won over as reversed his decision and awarded Zebra the
victory by disqualification. The locals, and the Bulk, were not happy.

Elimination Match
THE ZEBRA KID, ROCK WEILER, STEVIE KNIGHT, RICKY KNIGHT & STEVE QUINTAIN v THE
U.K. PITBULLS, THE KRAFT, ASHE & HOT STUFF.
A slobber-knocker to end the evening pitting all the evening's combatants in a
elimination tag match against each other.

As is always the case with these kinds of matches, there was a lot of action to
watch, so to make things simpler, I'll stick with who eliminated who.

Steve Quintain pinned Hot Stuff with a schoolboy roll-up. The villains were one
man ahead. They soon had a two man advantage after Stevie Knight pinned The
Kraft. Things looked really bad for them after the Zebra Kid downed Ashe,
leaving the Pitbulls alone to face five opponents.

They were soon into the action though. Bulk took down Quintain before Big Dave
took out Rock Weiler. After Bulk took out Stevie Knight, the friction in the
Knight family was apparent for all to see as the Zebra Kid was counted out after
brawling with Ricky Knight. The Rowdy Man was now on his own, and it wasn't long
before the Pitbulls took him down, Bulk pinning him after the big splash/leg
drop combo.

In conclusion, an entertaining night, but one thing that will always come to
mind when I think of this show is one of the fans, a gentleman who really got
into it, who proved to me that real wrestling fans still exist, even in today's
world of the "smart mark". Whenever the villains came to the ring, this guy was
on his feet, shaking his fist at them as they entered, and when said villain
singled him out for possible humiliation, the fan was ready to accept any
challenge that was thrown his way.

And now the moment you've been waiting for - match of the night. This goes to
the battle between established veteran and up-and-coming star. I made my
comments about Ricky Knight v Ashe earlier Ashe earlier. A fine contest all
round.

THE TWO SHEDS REVIEW by Julian Radbourne
E-mail: twosheds316@aol.com
Website: www.twoshedsreview.cjb.net

DAM Promotions staged their third show at the Holt Community Centre this past Saturday, 24th May, mixing names normally associated with the World Association of Wrestling with the likes of MTX, Flatliner and the Coalminers.

"FLYING" PHIL POWERS v THE ZEBRA KID v JIMMY JOE MASON v THE KRAFT
An interesting way to begin the show, with a four-way elimination match pitting some of the best talent in the country today.

The bout began with Powers and The Kraft starting things. The Essex rookie proved too powerful for the Flying One early on, back dropping and clothes lining him before Powers sought refuge outside. Mason soon tagged in, and after applying a sleeper hold for a few moments, began to work on Kraft's leg. Kraft fought back with an arm wringer before tagging in the Zebra Kid.

Zebra Kid's heel tactics soon earned the ire of the referee, and a public warning. Zebra went on to dominate Mason, catching him with a drop kick before slamming him to the mat. With Mason on the mat. Zebra connected with a flying splash, but only got a two count.

Mason fought back after Zebra lifted him onto the top rope, coming back with a hip toss and a drop kick on Zebra as he patrolled the ringside area. Zebra then took Mason's legs out from under him, and spread-eagled him on the corner post. The following large crash could be heard throughout the arena as Zebra smashed a chair into Mason's legs.

Powers then tagged in, and continued Zebra's work, but it didn't last for long, as a Mason sunset flip earned him a two count.

Mason tagged Kraft, and Powers offered him the hand of friendship, which Kraft refused. Powers kicked Kraft, snapmaring him to the mat and following this up with another kick. It was then that the Zebra Kid came in illegally, and helped Powers double-team the larger Kraft.

As Mason tagged back into the match, he came flying off the top rope with a clubbing blow on the Kraft. He then began to work on Kraft's arm before taking him down with a powerful clothesline. Kraft soon fought back, taking him down with a clothesline of his own, following this attack with a body slam and a leg drop to Mason's groin. He only got a two count from the ensuing cover though.

After the pin attempt, Powers began to taunt the Kraft from the outside. This gave Mason the opportunity he needed, as a roll-up from behind earned Mason a two count. Mason then tagged the Zebra Kid, who posted Kraft and then connected with a clothesline as a follow-up move. With Kraft slumped in the corner, Zebra drop-kicked Kraft below the belt. Powers then tagged him and the two tried to double-up on Kraft, only for them to miss a clothesline as Powers came back with a clothesline of his, sending both men flying.

Kraft quickly tagged in Mason, who got a two count on Powers following a fisherman's suplex. Powers fought back with a kick and an arm wringer before tagging in the Zebra Kid, who connected with a super kick on Mason. A suplex was followed by a body slam, before Zebra climbed to the second rope and coming down on Mason with a leg drop. This wasn't enough to put Mason away as he kicked out on two.

Powers tagged in and missed a leg drop. Mason fought back briefly but Powers was soon back into it with a neck breaker. Powers then tagged in the Kraft, who suplexed Mason for just a two count. The youngster then began to work on Mason's arm, applying an armbar. Then, for some strange reason, as Mason looked like he was about to submit, Zebra came in and broke up the attack, strange considering it would have taken one of his opponents out of the game.

Zebra then came into the match and once again attacked Kraft below the belt. He then continued his attack with a body slam followed by a missile drop kick off the ropes. This wasn't enough to eliminate Kraft as he only got a two count.

Powers then came back into the match and began to slap Kraft around a little, before connecting with a drop kick of his own. Mason was next in as the attack on the Kraft, but it didn't last long as Kraft monkey flipped him out of the corner.

After Powers came back into the match, he pulled Zebra back into the ring as they whipped both Mason and Kraft into the ropes, hoping to connect with drop kicks. However, this attack failed. Zebra was the first to recover from this setback, as both he and Kraft applied submissions holds to Powers and Mason respectively. Seconds later both men were tapping. It was now down to the Kraft and the Zebra Kid.

However, Powers was still annoyed at the way he had been eliminated, attacking the Kraft as he left the arena. As he distracted the referee, Zebra continued the chair attack, before choking the Kraft with his boot.

Zebra attempted a whip into the corner, but Kraft reversed it, fighting back with a sit down slam. Although he only got a two count, Kraft was not put out as he continued his attack - a hip toss and two clotheslines. Zebra tried to fight back by reversing a whip into the corner, but Kraft somersaulted over the top rope, landing on the ring apron before quickly climbing to the top rope and coming off with a powerful flying clothesline.

Once again Zebra's underhanded tactics got the upper hand as he kicked Kraft below the belt again. The Kraft was fading fast as Zebra lifted him onto the top rope before coming off with a superplex. Zebra Kid then climbed to the top rope and came down with a vicious flying elbow. Three seconds later and the Zebra Kid was declared the winner.

THE FLATLINER v ASHE
My first chance to see this man mountain of a monster, as in his first Norfolk appearance, he endeared himself to the locals by calling them inbred.

The fans were firmly behind Ashe, still without his tag-team partner Draven, as the youngster won a cheering contest. This did not sit well with the Flatliner as he simply overpowered Ashe after two lockups, following this up an impressive press slam. Flatliner's power-based game worked well until he went for a power-bomb. Ashe flipped out of the attempt, and came off the ropes, diving over Flatliner and going for a sunset flip. Flatliner simply powered out of this attempt by sitting down on Ashe's sternum. Ashe was soon back on the attack with a stiff kick to Flatliner's head. As he dived out of the ring to get regain his senses, Flatliner now knew he had to take his opponent more seriously.

Back in the ring Flatliner offered his had as a token of sportsmanship. Ashe accepted this gesture, but quickly found himself on the receiving end of a powerful clothesline. Flatliner quickly went for a cover, but pulled Ashe up after the two count. Flatliner continued with the attack with a powerful body slam, and went for another cover. But once again, when it looked like he had Ashe beaten, he pulled Ashe up as the referee counted two.

Flatliner's attack was relentless as he delivered several forearm smashes to Ashe, before raking his back. A whip into the corner was followed up by a powerful clothesline as Ashe slumped in the corner. As Flatliner went for a body slam, Ashe scurried out and connected with a drop kick to Flatliner's back. As the Flatliner was draped over the middle rope, Ashe took to the air, flying over the top rope and onto Flatliner's neck with a leg drop, landing on the hard floor outside the ring. Ashe was quickly back to his feet though as he ran up to the top rope. As the groggy Flatliner got to his feet, Ashe connected with a whisper in the wind. Ashe went for the cover, then played mind games with his opponent, pulling Flatliner up as the referee counted two. This proved to be a costly mistake for the youngster.

As Ashe once again went to the top rope, he missed the big splash as Flatliner rolled out of the way. After a couple of chops in the corner, Flatliner lifted Ashe onto his shoulders and connected with a roll-over slam. Placing just one finger on Ashe's chest, this was enough to get the pin.

However, it wasn't enough to get the victory. As the monster attacked Ashe after the bell, the referee reversed his decision and awarded the match to Ashe via disqualification. This only incensed Flatliner even more, as he grabbed the microphone, and called out his long-time nemesis the Bulk. The big man was having none of it though.

SWEET SARAYA v KHARISMA
A scientific match-up here as both women put on a display of top-notch wrestling.

The match began with a lockup as Saraya backed Kharisma into a corner. A second lockup saw both wrestlers go onto the ropes. After this, Saraya worked on Kharisma's arm for a few moments, before changing her attack into a sleeper hold. Kharisma managed to get out of this old with an armbar of her own, but it wasn't long before Saraya fought back with an arm attack of her own.

There then followed a quick exchange of wrestling moves and holds as neither woman could gain an advantage. Eventually Saraya locked in a Walls of Jericho-like move, before moving onto a leg lock and eventually an STF. Kharisma looked like she was about to fade when Saraya released the hold, before going back to work on her opponent's lower limbs.

Saraya then stepped up her attack with a suplex, followed by a whip into one of the corners, a clothesline, and a big splash. Despite all of this offence she only got a two count from the following cover. A show of sportsmanship followed as both wrestlers shook hands.

Saraya kept up the attack with a quick full nelson, followed by an armbar which Kharisma soon countered. Kharisma's offence didn't last long as Saraya slammed her down to the mat twice. This still wasn't enough to put Kharisma away. The cover only got a two count.

Relentless, Saraya kept on the attack with a powerful clothesline off the ropes. Saraya then tried for a hurricanrana, but Kharisma countered with a side slam, sending Saraya crashing down to the mat. The move wasn't enough to put the veteran away.

Showing great powers of recovery, Saraya was soon back on the offensive with a sleeper, followed by a devastating TKO which only got a two count. Then, having been whipped into the corner, Kharisma tried to counter Saraya's follow-up attack with a stiff kick, but Saraya was wise to the move, countering with a leg drag out of the corner. The Women's champion continued the attack with a full nelson/leglock combo I couldn't begin to describe, before working on her opponent's arm a little. The roll-up cover was only broken because Kharisma was in the ropes. Another show of sportsmanship in the form of a handshake followed. This was a good sporting contest between the two, and the respect they had for each other was apparent for all to see.

The warriors then began to run the ropes, each of them missing clothesline and back elbow attempts before Kharisma eventually hoisted Saraya onto her shoulders and catching her with a good Samoan drop. Having only scored a two count with the cover, Kharisma tried for a sleeper, before Saraya countered with a snapmare. Saraya then applied another hold that was hard to describe as she worked over Kharisma's legs and arms at the same time. This attack didn't last long as Kharisma countered with a roll-up, which only got a two count. The third sporting gesture of the contest followed.

Saraya then centred her attack on Kharisma's legs, weakening them enough so she could scoop her opponent up into a body slam. Climbing to the top rope, Saraya walked the top strand for a few inches before coming crashing down onto Kharisma with a big splash. This still wasn't enough to put Kharisma away.

Saraya stayed on the attack. A powerful looking Tombstone pile driver still wasn't enough to end the match. It looked like Saraya was becoming frustrated as she again began to attack Kharisma's legs, locking in a half-Boston Crab in the hope that her opponent might finally submit. Kharisma was having none of it though, as she managed to scramble her way to the ropes.

Kharisma was fading fast though, and it was obvious that Saraya's constant attacks were becoming too much for her. It wasn't long before Saraya lifted her onto the top rope before bringing her crashing down to the mat with her sit-down power bomb. A three count later and the Women's Champion had the win, and at the end of the contest, both wrestlers showed their respect for each other by once again shaking hands.

"ROWDY" RICKY KNIGHT v MTX
This was probably the match I was looking forward to the most.

Knight began the match in typical Rowdy Man fashion, by insulting the locals, calling them "country bumpkins". After MTX came to the ring Knight showed a rare case of sportsmanship as he shook MTX's hand. It didn't last long as he demanded total silence before he wrestled.

From the initial lockup, Knight backed MTX into the corner, and proceeded to pull his opponent's hair, although when asked by the referee Charlie Frary Knight claimed innocence. A second lockup got the same result, before Knight began to work on MTX's arm, even biting his fingers at one point when the referee was out of position. MTX soon reversed the hold. Seconds later Knight moved into the ropes so MTX had no choice but to break the hold.

There then followed a test of strength, which Knight won, before turning the hold into another arm wringer. MTX soon countered the hold again, which Knight again countered by going into the ropes. The Rowdy Man then decided to get his bearings on the outside of the ring.

Back in the ring Knight applied a full nelson before turning it into a snapmare, followed by a sleeper hold. MTX countered with an armbar, and once again Knight escaped the hold by going into the ropes.

MTX turned it up a notch by sending Knight crashing into the corner post, then following up the attack with a powerful body slam, and two clotheslines. Knight again broke MTX's concentration by taking a walk outside. However, it was obvious that this was a part of Knight's plan all along as he grabbed a discard metal soft drinks can.

Once he returned to the ring, Knight made sure the referee was blind to his actions as he raked the can across MTX's forehead. He followed up this attack by slamming MTX's skull into the ring post, before tossing his opponent outside. Following him out, Knight showed why he is the British Hard-core Champion by slamming MTX's head into the ring apron twice and then slamming him onto the hard arena floor. Knight then grabbed a chair and brought it crashing down onto his opponent.

When the action returned to the ring Knight slammed MTX's head onto the top pad, before bringing him back into the ring. Knight went for the cover, but it was too close to the ropes. Annoyed, Knight took out his frustrations on the ref, verbally lashing Charlie Frary.

Knight continued his relentless attack, working over MTX's arm before raking his back. Then, with MTX draped over the middle rope, Knight came crashing down onto his back. However, Knight went to the well once too often as he missed the second attempt. Recovering quickly, MTX grabbed Knight's legs as he lay on the mat, and wanted to attack Knight below the belt. However, the referee stopped him.

With both men now on their feet, Knight applied a headlock, which MTX countered with a whip into the ropes. However, it was a case of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object as both men crashed into each other. Knight was the first man to get to his feet as he quickly barged MTX down, following this up with a DDT. The ensuing cover, much to Knight's annoyance, only got a two count. Another quick cover again only got a two count.

Knight kept up the attack with an Irish whip, which MTX countered with a sunset flip. This wasn't enough to put his opponent away as he only got a two count. Knight had had enough as once again he sought solitude outside the ring. Then, with the referee blind to his actions, Knight grabbed another illegal object and clobbered MTX with it. Back in the ring Knight slammed MTX to the mat, following this up with a leg drop. This still wasn't enough to put him away though. A head butt following another pin attempt still wasn't enough.

Knight's attack on MTX showed no signs of easing up as a powerful head butt felled MTX like a tree. MTX was still fighting back as he refused to be pinned. MTX fought back for a few moments but Knight was soon back on the attack, kicking him in the stomach and slapping him around a little.

Knight then whipped MTX into the corner, following up with a shoulder barge. Bringing him out of the corner with a snapmare, Knight came crashing down on MTX with a big splash. The frustration began to show as once again MTX kicked out on two.

Again whipping MTX into the corner, Knight was surprised when MTX countered with a sunset flip. The surprise wasn't enough to put MTX away as Knight kicked out on two. Knight then drop kicked MTX's knee and began working over it with a half Boston Crab, using the ropes whenever the referee wasn't looking.

After applying the hold for a number of minutes, Knight connected with a powerful side-slam. Knight began to get even more frustrated as once again he only got a two count. Knight was annoyed, so annoyed that he began to argue with referee Charlie Frary more and more.

Knight kept up his attack. A punch, a powerful clothesline, and still, only a two count. A power slam from Knight again only brought a two count. Another quick cover, and still, only a two count. Knight's anger was boiling over as the arguments with the referee continued.

This was all MTX needed. Despite having the proverbial kitchen sink thrown at him, he came back strongly. A drop kick followed by a suplex surprised the veteran. A three count later and MTX was declared the winner.

Knight was angry and upset. Grabbing the microphone, he argued with Charlie about the count, insisting it was only a two count. Knight began to push Charlie around, only for Charlie to fight back with a shove of his own. As MTX watched this, he seized his opportunity and rolled Knight up. The ref counted Knight's shoulders to the mat, and, just to prove his point, MTX had beaten the Rowdy Man twice in one night. Knight left the ring an unhappy man.

AIWF World Hard-core Tag-Team Championship
THE COALMINERS (c) V THE U.K. PITBULLS v "THE SEXY MONKEY" ROBIN KNIGHTWING and HOT STUFF
Having been at each other's throats since February, it was obvious to long-term observers that this would be a difficult match for Robin Knightwing and Hot Stuff. However, the enemies agreed to put their differences aside in an attempt to win tag-team gold.

The match started off with Bulk going up against Knightwing. The Canadian looked like a midget compared to the man mountain Bulk, and it was obvious that Knightwing would have trouble as the Bulk simply overpowered him each time he tried an offensive move.

Having had no luck in the ring, Knightwing quickly tagged in Hot Stuff, who had the same amount of luck as his partner. At first Stuff used his speed to evade the larger man, but it wasn't long before Bulk caught him and slammed him down to the mat. Bulk then used his massive girth to stand right on top of Hot Stuff.

Big Dave then tagged him, and after a quick double-team move, used a surfboard submission move on Stuff, applying the hold for a few moments before dropping him face first to the mat. Hot Stuff fought back for a few seconds, but a head butt proved to be his undoing. When Stuff tried the move, it affected him more than it did Big D.

Hot Stuff quickly tagged in his partner, and Knightwing challenged Big Dave to a test of strength, which the Sheringham strongman won quite easily. Having failed this test, Knightwing wanted out of the match, but no one was willing to take his place in the match. Distracted by this, Knightwing was easy prey as Dave slammed him to the mat with a baldo bomb, before applying a Boston Crab.

After Big Dave tagged in his partner, Bulk took Knightwing down with a choke slam before winding him with his patented rollover. But this wasn't enough for the Bulk. Bringing Miner P into the ring, he slammed his opponents heads together. Miner D then came into the ring, only to be taken down by another Bulk choke slam.

After this melee, it was left down to Miner P and Big Dave. The Coalminer attacked Dave from behind, but the big man fought back, lifting him by his overall straps into a slam. Moments later P was on his back again, having been taken down with a full nelson slam.

As Hot Stuff tagged in, he began to attack P's legs, but this attack didn't last long as P tagged in his tag-team partner. Miner D attacked from behind, and applied a camel clutch-like hold before Hot Stuff fought back with an x-factor to take his opponent down, only for his opponent's partner to break up the count.

Big Dave then tagged back into the match with a cradle slam on Miner D. Once again the cover was broken. Big D then began to work on Miner D's back, coming down with a big splash on his back before applying a camel clutch of his own. That surely would have been it for the Coalminers had Miner P not broken the hold.

Miner D tried to fight back with a front face lock on Big Dave, but the strongman simply powered out of the hold. Dave soon tagged in his partner, and the Pitbulls began to double-up on the Coalminer, as Dave listed D into a press slam onto Bulk's leg. It wasn't long before Miner P tagged back in, and took the big man down with an hurricanrana. The following cover only got a two count.

The Sexy Monkey then came in, and unloaded with several punches on the Bulk before attacking below the belt. The big man soon fought back and took Knightwing down with his patented Bulkishi Driver. After Big Dave tagged back in, Knightwing connected with another low blow before tagging in his partner Hot Stuff. The mongrel team double-teamed the big man, before Hot Stuff was barged down to the mat following a missed Hot Stuff clothesline.

With Bulk having tagged back in, the Pitbulls began to double-team the Canadian to such an extent that it wasn't long before Knightwing was taken out with a Pitbulls power bomb. The match was now down to the Pitbulls and the Coalminers.

At first the Coalminers didn't want anything to do with the Pitbulls, deciding that they wanted to go walkabout, and at one time headed back to the changing room. Eventually they returned to the ring, but their attacks proved futile. Both Coalminers tried for body blocks, but the Pitbulls simply slammed them together.

The match didn't last much longer. As Big Dave applied a sleeper hold on Miner D, the Flatliner returned to the ring, chair in hand, and first levelled the Bulk, who had been fighting with Miner P outside the ring, before jumping the ring and levelling Big Dave. Then, to the confusion of the fans, the referee disqualified the Coalminers because of outside interference. The fans were confused because this was a match for the World Hard-core Tag-Team Championship.

After the match the Coalminers began to double-team Big Dave, which eventually led to Miner P coming off the top rope with a big splash.

After the action subsided, the Pitbulls themselves were confused. They thought they were champions, but were obviously not because of the fact that the referee had disqualified the Coalminers. Realising what had happened, Bulk called out the Flatliner. The man mountain was not forthcoming with the Bulk's request. Afterwards the Bulk made a challenge for the next DAM Promotions show, a six man tag pitting the Coalminers and the Flatliner against the Pitbulls and a partner of their choosing.

BATTLE ROYAL
I hate battle royals. I've said this before, and I'll say it again. These things are the bane of this reporter's existence, they are that difficult to report. So as 15 BRAWL and WAW stars, including Sam Slam, MTX, Major Destruction, Zak Zodiac and Caffeine Boy went at it, I put my pen down and decided to wait until the last four were in the ring.

The last four in question were Robin Knightwing, Jack "The Tank" Russell, Rock Weiler, and The Kraft. After Kraft took out Weiler, Knightwing eliminated the Kraft, leaving the Canadian in the ring with Tank. It wasn't long before the man mountain eliminated the Monkey to claim the victory.

In conclusion - not a bad show, let down in certain areas but made up for in others. Match of the night went to the Sweet Saraya v Kharisma match. A perfect display of technical wrestling the likes of which we very rarely see in a wrestling ring today.

DAM Promotions, in association with WAW, staged their second show at the Community Centre in Holt this evening. Much was expected of this event after the success of their show in Sheringham this past May, and it must be said that they didn't disappoint.

DETROIT v SPARX
The artist formerly known as Coalminer D (or P, I always got them confused) was the next opponent for the man tipped to become WAW's rookie of the year. Early on Sparx, along with his Electric Mayhem partner Shox (who soon returned backstage), delighted in showing off their newly won AIWF World Hardcore tag titles.

While I must admit I haven't exactly been a fan of the Coalminers in the past, the Electric Mayhem gimmick seems to suit them a lot better. Sparx really impressed me in this outing, as did Detroit. Both men seemed well suited to each other in both style and technique. One thing the wrestlers did seem to fail on was getting the crowd worked up. At times it seemed like they were watching a funeral, they were that quiet. But then again, I guess you can't have everything.

Both men impressed with some crisp moves, Sparx's spinebuster and Detroit's spinning leg drop being two stand out points.

Detroit gained the victory with his Impaler DDT, always a good way of bringing a match to a close. A good contest for both men.

SHOX v THE KRAFT (with Kharisma)
It was the turn of Shox to take centre stage, going up against Detroit's Fast & Furious tag partner The Kraft, accompanied as always by the lovely Kharisma.

As is the heels way, Shox complained early on, claiming Kraft pulled his hair whenever they locked up. Once again, the crowd was silent, despite Kharisma's efforts to get them going.

(Criticism alert) One thing that bothered me about this match was when Kharisma interfered. With Shox's constant attempts to get at her, Kharisma and The Kraft fought back a little with some good looking double-team moves, including a very good looking leg drop from Kharisma, assisted by The Kraft. I couldn't understand why the referee let this one go. (Criticism ends)

The reason why Sparx lost the previous outing probably had something to do with the fact that his partner in crime never helped him. However, this time, Sparx was on hand to help Shox. While Shox distracted the referee, Sparx returned to the ring and caught Kraft unawares. With the deed done, Shox got the roll-up and the victory. Another good outing with two evenly matched opponents.

MTX v THE ZEBRA KID v BIG DAVE WATERS
Sometimes, triple threat matches can be messy affairs, and at other times, they can be so full of action that there is too much action to keep a track of. This match falls squarely into the second category.

To a still silent crowd, the Zebra Kid showed us which colours he would be wearing for this contest by badmouthing us all. For the first time, I was seeing Zebra attract a great deal of heel heat, and thank god, because this finally got the crowd animated.

In the early stages of the match, Zebra just didn't seem to care as Big Dave and MTX went at it. Annoyed that he wasn't sharing the load,  MTX and Dave went on the attack. This brought Zebra out of his shell, as he unleashed his full attack on both of his opponents, with his attack centred on the Sheringham strongman.

Zebra Kid, as always, impressed throughout. He played the perfect heel card, often catching Big Dave with low blows, much to the chagrin of the official, who issued two public warnings in his direction. During the contest MTX, perhaps seeing which side his bread was buttered, decided that perhaps it would be best to team with Zebra rather than fight against him, so much so that at the end of the match, he was willing to sacrifice the win as Zebra pinned Dave after a flying splash from the top rope. After the bell, Zebra and MTX doubled up on Dave, attacking him a little more. A good way of ending the first half of the show.

WAW Hardcore Championship
ROWDY RICKY KNIGHT (c) v THE BULK
This match was made six weeks previously at the Sheringham Carnival show, and it promised much as this reporter headed to the proverbial hills, fearing for his safety in the hardcore environment. And yes, before you ask, Ricky did slap me in the head. The fans really seemed to enjoy this.

Before the match even began, Ricky, as is his way, badmouthed us all, showing that despite appearances, things never really change.

This match was action packed throughout, and showed that, if executed properly, a hardcore match can be very exciting. To quote the late great Gorilla Monsoon, the match was a slobber-knocker, with great use of the weapons provided, be it tea tray, baseball bat, knightstick, or guitar. Sadly, no kitchen sink was present, but it wouldn't have surprised me if they had used one, had one been made available.

At one point, the referee got a little too close for comfort, as Bulk accidentally backed him into the corner. With the referee out, the Zebra Kid came into action again, as, with small musical keyboard in hand, he crept into the ring and hammered the Bulk with it, before pulling Ricky onto the prone Bulk. With the referee coming to, he slowly made the three count. With the crowd roaring their disapproval, Ricky Knight was declared the victor.

10 Man Survivor Series match
ROWDY RICKY KNIGHT, THE ZEBRA KID, MTX & ELECTRIC MAYHEM v
DETROIT, THE KRAFT, ASHE & THE U.K. PITBULLS
All 9 of the previously seen wrestlers, joined by Dark Angels member Ashe, finished off the evening for an exciting elimination match, in which the action was fast and furious at times. You could tell what the action would be like from the very beginning. As the heels came to the ring, Ashe should us what sort of night we were going to be in for as he virtually ran up to the top rope and launched himself towards his enemies, sending them all crashing to the ground.

It was really fast paced, as were the tags, before Kraft was the first man worn down, as each heel took their turn to attack him. He couldn't stand the punishment for long, and he was the first to fall. Kraft attempted a sunset flip on Ricky Knight, only for the Rowdy man to foil the attempt with a sit-down splash, with secured the pin.

MTX was the next to go, Bulk taking him down with his trademark Bulkishi Driver. We then saw some outstanding exchanges, particularly from Ashe and the Zebra Kid, and Detroit and the Zebra Kid. Detroit was the next man eliminated, pinned after a Zebra Kid flying elbow.

Dark Angel Ashe was the next man out, thanks to some good double team work from Ricky Knight and The Zebra Kid, showing shades of the Hart Foundation in their prime, unleashing a Hart Attack-style clothesline on the youngster.

More crisp double-team moves followed as the Rowdy Man was the next to go, thanks to a Big Dave Splash/Bulk leg-drop combo. With it now being three against two, the Zebra Kid had had enough. Not wanting to feel the wrath of the Pitbulls, Zebra left his Electric Mayhem partners high and dry.

Shox and Sparx were tempted to follow him back to the dressing room when things took an unexpected twist. Grabbing the microphone, Bulk reminded everyone that the AIWF Hardcore Tag-Team titles are defended under the 24/7 rule. He then challenged Electric Mayhem to an impromptu title match. The champions seemed reluctant at first, and it took a little persuasion from Detroit and The Kraft, as they threw them back into the ring before the challenge was accepted.

With this reporter once again running for cover, the match was fought on two fronts. Bulk fought Sparx on the outside while Big D and Shox went at it in the ring. Bringing back memories of the Dudleys in their prime, Sparx went through the ringside table, courtesy of the Bulk, and with our ring announcer Michael Mann running for cover as well.

Meanwhile, in the ring, Shox and Dave were going at it, until Dave got the upper hand and used a move I've never seen from the big man before - the F5. A three count later and we had new champions.

In conclusion, a good night, and indeed a better show than their previous show in April. No really big mistakes worth mentioning here, as all matches were good. Match of the night goes to Ricky Knight v Bulk. The Rowdy Man once again showed why he is perhaps the best heel worker in the business right now.

WAW/DAM PROMOTIONS,
SHERINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL, Friday May 17th 2002
By Julian Radbourne

A warmish night in the Norfolk coastal town of Sheringham, for a show in aid of the local Ladybird Playgroup, which was recently the victim of an arson attack. The show was the first promoted in the area for a number of years, and the first show of the newly formed DAM Promotions, who co-promoted the show with WAW. Our ring announcer was local town crier Tony Nelson, decked out in a splendid outfit, complete with bell!

THE K-STAR FOUNDATION v THE ESSEX BOYS (with Kharisma)
I’m going to confess something here. Even though my father’s family originate from Birmingham, and I have countless cousins, aunts and uncles in the Midlands area, I just can’t stand the Brummie accent. No matter what a Brummie says, they always sound really miserable.

This was the case with the K-Star boys, Joe Max and Rob Hunter. Complete with blue and red flag, Max and Hunter celebrated the fact that their local football team defeated our local football team in the play-off finals. Yeah, rub it in boys.

Things changed for everyone as the Essex Boys, Paul Tyrell and Phil Powers, along with the lovely Kharisma, came down to the ring, and immediately clicked with the fans.

At first site, it looked like both teams were evenly matched. There were some good exchanges between the two, and Powers’s Benoit-like suplex combo was again a very good move. It was this sort of action that made me realise that I’m fast becoming a fan of this Essex combo.

The ending was excellent. Powers came off the top rope, and caught both K-Star boys with a cross body-block. This wasn’t enough to take them down though, so Tyrell drop-kicked his partner in the back, getting the pin and victory for his team.

CHRIS FURY v MR. TOTAL EXTREME
If I can describe this contest in one word, I would have to say that it was disappointing. I had never seen these two wrestle before, and I had originally had high hopes for this contest, having heard a great deal about these two.

There were some good moves, but this contest hardly inspired me to pick up my pen and make notes. Indeed, as I look down at my notepad, I find that for this match, I had written very little.

The one notable good move in this contest was at the end, which was Fury’s Death Valley Driver-like move on MTX. Fury then used the ropes to gain the pin.

There was just something about this match that didn’t inspire me. But before everyone criticises me and tells me that I can’t judge these two on just one outing, please keep this in mind - when I saw my first Zebra Kid match, I wasn’t impressed with that one either!

BASH v HADE VANSON
Having seen a great deal of Bash over the past six months, and it was with great anticipation that I watched this match, particularly as I had heard so much recently about Vanson.

Some have described Vanson recently as a Jodie Fleisch wanna-be, and their styles are similar, but Vanson really impressed me in this outing, as did the baseball bat wielding maniac. Bash would have put it an even more impressive showing had he been able to win the match on his own. However, his fellow WAW cohort Ricky Knight came down to the ring to serve as a distraction. Moments later, following a Home Run, Bash had the victory.

SWEET SARAYA v ANGEL
To the cries of “We Want Chicken”, Saraya made her North Norfolk debut against the ever improving Angel. Saraya looked really annoyed at the abuse she was getting. However, isn’t this what the heel is really for?

Saraya dominated early on, her experience once again proving too much for Angel. Using every trick in the book, Saraya literally kicked the crap out of Angel.

Again, Angel showed that she is improving all the time. Whereas before, while executing some of her moves, Angel looked a little nervous, her confidence seems to be growing with each match.

But the night belonged to Saraya. A powerbomb, followed by a roll-up, secured the victory for the English Rose.

ROWDY RICKY KNIGHT v DETROIT
Another chant the seemed to go throughout the crowd, as the Rowdy One came down the aisle with “Rowdy Rick Sucks Dick” rang through his ears. And before you ask, yes, Ricky did wallop me in the head. The chant soon changed to one of “USA, USA” as the promising Detroit came to the ring. The rookie seemed a little embarrassed by his home country chant.

Before the match began, Ricky made Detroit an offer - to leave the ring with his health intact. Detroit respectfully declined the offer, and then put in another impressive performance. Despite the vast gap in experience, Detroit once again showed that he is one to watch in the future.

But Ricky Knight’s experience paid off in the end. The canny veteran avoided Detroit’s top-rope assault, and the American crashed down to the mat, shoulder first. Seconds later, Knight applied the arm bar, and soon had the submission victory. Knight wouldn’t let it lie though, and continued the attack after the bell.

BRAWL Tag-Team Championship
THE U.K. PITBULLS (c) v THE COALMINERS
A first for me - seeing the Pitbulls as faces. But considering they were wrestling in their hometown, they couldn’t be anything else.

Before the match began, the Pitbulls put forward the idea of changing the match to a no DQ encounter. The Coalminers, despite being annoyed with this, agreed to the stipulation, as the two teams proceeded to kick the crap out of each other.

The Pitbulls, more or less, seemed to dominate this match with their size and power advantage. A good use of MY CHAIR led to some passionate ECW-like chants from the hometown faithful.

There was never any doubt that the Pitbulls were going to win. The Coalminers were good, but against the Pitbulls in their own backyard, they never stood a chance, and the Pitbulls powerbomb is one of the most dangerous moves in wrestling today.

10 MAN RUMBLE
I have made it known before that I often find these sort of contests difficult to report on. Normal battle royals are a bitch to report on, and these ones are only slightly easier!

A mixture of more established stars and WAW trainees put on a very good show, and it was with a small amount of pleasure when the last two men in the ring were Bash and “The Guv’nor” Matt Jones.

With the referee distracted by outside happenings, Jones and Bash went at it. However, Ricky Knight once again made his presence known at ringside. Knight threw Bash his trusty bat, which he levelled Jones with, before throwing him out of the ring.

However, it was soon the turn of the Pitbulls to return to the arena and to right what was put wrong. Attacking Bash from behind, they rolled Jones into the ring, who then in turn threw Bash out just as the referee returned to gain the victory.

This wasn’t the end of things though. A heated verbal exchange between Ricky Knight and the U.K. Pitbulls led to a challenge being made, and being accepted. At the upcoming Sheringham Carnival show in August, the Pitbulls will be putting all of their tag-team titles on the line against Bash and Knight.

In conclusion - a first show for a new promotion is always difficult to pull off, and DAM Promotions, with a helping hand from WAW, put on a good show for an extremely passionate Sheringham crowd. This is by far the most passionate crowd I have ever seen.

And now, I know the WAW wrestlers have been waiting for this -the J-Rad Award for Match of the Night. This one goes to Bash v Hade Vanson. Both men put up impressive performances. Bash started off the evening as a heel, but by the end, he had the fans eating out of the palm of his hand. I hope to see these two go at it again, perhaps at the next Sheringham show.

  COMMENTS

FROM THE WAW MESSAGEBOARD

Posted by Ben on September 28, 2002, 9:54 pm
195.93.50.9

Well done on a great show the other night, it was the first i've been to(the one in holt) and i shall be going again soon. To be honest i was expecting it to be a bit crap with the wrestler's abilty's not being up to much but i was very wrong. I really had a great time, it's great to see british wrestler's again i'm sick and tired of all the false crap u see on t.v these days and it was a relief to finally see something not over exagerated(like wwe for once), these americans are only popular cuz the've got the bundles of money to screen twice a week, it's just gotten a bit stupid over the last 5 years or so. The hardcore match was ace, and so too was the 10 man survivor series, the zebra kid had some real impressive moves(discarding the hair, no offence) and the pitbull's kicked ass, hopefully be seeing you again in Norwich, all the best in the future

BACK TO HOMEPAGE