TheGrappling Times

LOCK UP YOUR SONS: 23 October some sort of character or portray a sick saw 70 minutes of filth being broadcast twisted character from an American by Channel 4 on the subject of rock band, neither had the preparation backyard wrestling. Luckily broadcast in either a costume or an athletic well past the watershed the show physic, although they didn’t have like depicted several 14-19 year olds during to bleed. the school summer holidays. The children shown did not The show started off following come across any better when the some idiots from Wales from ‘No ending of a title match was shown and Limits Wrestling’, after a brief the ‘champion’ was presented with a introduction to some of their ‘roster’ Toys R Us WWE Title belt. The we were treated to a glimpse of some strange thing to me was that people of the most idiotic, dangerous and were going to watch this ugliness. death hungry moves performed on Although of course most where pre- grass, with people taking bumps who teen girls who seemed to get off on the had absolutely no idea who to protect fact that they knew boys that went that their body and fall correctly. For little bit further to make idiots of anyone with any wrestling education (I themselves to be on television. One saw none on this programme) it was a wonders just how many they got horror show of wrestling. before Channel 4 turned up. It was here we had the chance Next we got to go to Essex, to meet ‘Dicky Dynamite’. We then where we had the chance to meet a real had one of the most misinterpreted hardcore legend. No not the one that explanations of some of the ‘secrets of was made famous for being a major pro wrestling’. player in three of the top companies in I am usually not that bothered the United States, the one who bleed, about wrestling getting a hard deal on bumped and put everyone over and yet television, but when you have two still managed to become a superstar. backyard wrestlers telling a reporter But who am I to say ‘Burch’ (16) is how they talk to each other and then better than , everyone on they show the same two in a collar and the internet site UK Backyard elbow tie up which looked more like Wrestling seemed to have said it for they were hugging each other while me. kicking each others feet as if learning Burch was of course a legend to dance it helped no one. because he was able to post his Best was still to come of course matched on the internet, and has done as later in the show we got the chance for the past four years. In an interview to see Welshfest…a treat that was. with the hardcore legend we were told They talked about the wrestling how he had jumped off roofs, had been business like many ‘smarks’ that you driven through tables and of course – may know or read about on internet had dislocated his finger once. wrestling forums, but at least these Possibly the best part of this online loud mouths are fans of ‘documentary’ came when the makers wrestling deep down and know the questioned his father. They sat them difference between pro wrestling and next to each other and talked through playing around in a backyard with a some of the less than glamorous sides steel chair. It is of course no surprise to of backyard wrestling, and of course many of you that none of the wrestlers made him look like the fool he is. from NLW had ever had any training, His dad had obviously just and while all of them seemed to be in thought that he had just been messing

Issue 10 1/14 October 2003 TheGrappling Times around with friends in a garden until hear people say that about ecstasy in one day he came home and found them teenage chat shows. lightbulbs and other ‘toys’ and later There was a lad on the grass was emerged that his soon was being with another doing something that wrapped in barbed wire and bleeding looked like it came straight out a gay like a pig for videos to be put on the porn movie on the top of him, then internet. another lad ran up with a light-bulb to With a slap on the ear and a hit the boy on top, it smashed and like half made promise Burch decided to all good porn movies went in the guy give up this hardcore style to become a on the floor’s face. Worryingly close to more well defined ‘technical’ wrestler his eyes. A few minutes later it was (arm bar please?). Then the revealed he no longer wanted to take documentary taker brought up the part in any more backyard wrestling subject of blading. events. While his father sat their like a Some people I was talking to wet cabbage ‘Burch’ told us how he on the internet at the same time said cuts his forehead to get blood, to add to that the most hardcore thing they saw the atmosphere and that even after the these PCWA guys do was a choke- telling off he had got from his father slam into some stinger nettles. Maybe previously, he was still prepared to do not the most extreme thing, but a pretty this. We then had the opportunity to stupid one if you ask me. hear the knowledgeable comments ‘Burch’ – the legend, was from some other backyard buddies, one aiming to concrete his career by said ‘its just luck’ as to whether you writing his very own autobiography are able to draw blood from your skull and one day was hoping to sell to make by slicing it with a razor blade. some money (if he wrote in the same The father of ‘Burch’ called it way that he spoke I doubt the grammar ‘self mutilation’ and was less than was much better than The Grappling pleased with his son’. Times). ‘XHW’ another promotion There was of course one more from Newcastle was featured, although thing that ‘Burch’ had to do, in order to I really doubt you can call a fat boy preserve his legacy, LEARN TO and a girl wrestling on a council estate WRESTLE! a promotion. The girl seemed to be This is where Rimmer and well out of her depth and before she Scarlo from the much acclaimed met ‘Kyle’ who was kind enough to Dropkix School of Wrestling come in. introduce her to the ‘otherside’ of They showed off their training facility wrestling. Namely CZW. and talked the documentary makers Another two bit promotion was through some of the posters on the PCWA based in Portsmouth who walls including images of McManus, seemed to have erected some sort of Pallo and even a sneaky one of the cage for a crazy kind of match crept onto my involving shitty ass moves and a television screen. willingness to smash as many After watching three minutes of industrial light-bulps over each others high spots and death moves Scarlo backs as humanly possible. Then it admitted that while having good timing went wrong. One young man even there were far too many dangerous pouring salt into the cuts of his moves with little knowledge of opponent. Although he didn’t regret it, bumping or landing correctly. he would never do it again. I’m sure I

Issue 10 2/14 October 2003 TheGrappling Times

Just a few weeks after taking when Joanne (the girl from XHW) was part in training ‘Burch’ would have his shown on a wrestling show for trainees finest hour. after learning to be a professional He put on a Great Sasuke mask wrestler the proper way. After the and wrestled in a back garden, while show her and her friend Kyle were his friends did commentary in a terrible talking with some other trainees and American accent he was hit in the head the documentary maker brought up with a metal barrel and it cracked his backyard wrestling and totally skull wide open. embarrassed Kyle. After being taken to hospital This shows just how much they and lying to a doctor about how he did know that they shouldn’t be doing it, it it and having some stitches put into his shows just how stupid they know they head it was time for the legend of are being, especially when they have ‘Burch’ to go home and brag on the the chance to do what they are doing internet about his new scar that he properly in a safe environment. ‘would have for life’. Now I am not against This wasn’t the only disgusting horseplay, but when they bring out the injury shown, we also saw a boy weapons and introduce blading it gets getting gut wrench DDTed but went stupid. The only thing that makes it for a flip bump thinking it was a worse is when these immature and was dropped on his head, easily adolescents with a lot of knowledge risking the chance of breaking his about nothing in particular think they neck. The documentary maker brought are above not just other professional up the fact a Canadian practicing wrestlers, but the business itself. moves on his own broke hi neck ******************************* previously this year. FWA BRITISH UPRISING II: On Weslhfest came along and what Saturday 18 October 2003 I was an event it was cracking up to be. running late. I make a daily habit of it. Announced as the biggest ‘backyard But for once it paid off, as I was wrestling event’ of the year it was time walking up to the York Hall in Bethnal for backyard buddies to travel from Green, possibly the most prestigious Essex, Kent and Portsmouth to…South and most recognisable venues that we Wales. have in Great Britain I saw what And the big news was that the seemed to be nearing a thousand legend of ‘Burch’ would be on the people standing outside. show and that it would be his last ever I was told that there was a fire match (still in the mask to cover his alarm going off but later found out that identity). On the show we got to see someone had called in with a bomb ‘The Nature Boy’ (19) who was the scare and that all of the fans, venue oldest wrestler on the show. The match staff and wrestlers had had to be started with a backbody drop, that evacuated while a full sweep of the looked very painful on the grass. building was carried out. The show In a different match later we was then put back an hour. The saw ‘Burch’ dive off a ladder hitting a pressure was on. 450 splash and then nearly seriously Just like in the past the venue injuring his lower back missing a looked great, the stage, monitor and guillotine legdrop off the top of a lighting all looked far more ladder. professional than you would see Apart from the segment with anywhere else including many the dad the only other saving part was American independent promotions.

Issue 10 3/14 October 2003 TheGrappling Times

After a brief introduction and a Mikey Whipreck then poured lighter far to brief appearance by Jodie Fleisch fuel onto the back of Travell and he the show was officially started. was set on fire legitimately. Ulf Jack beat in a finished it with a superplex. match that showed Xavier was feeling then turned on Ulf the pressure. While many on the Herman. internet do not agree it seems that Zebra Kid was announced to FWA are intend on trying to put a false have failed to turn up to the show (it impressionist focus on the talented was later revealed his transport broke Xavier by saying he will become the down) and Hade Vansen turns up and next Jodie. Homicide worked his usual the vacant title is announced. self, being aggressive but capably Hade Vansen beat Flash Barker sound when needed and he executed a for the All England Title after Flash picture perfect . seriously injuries his leg while Nikita beat Mark Sloan in a attempting a . The match had classic bad boy/blue eye match which gone well up until that point. To most saw Sloan dominate with Nikita it looked like Flash went for a coming back when Sloan would take a and was unable to get the elevation, series of quick bumps and then cut her most did not think that he was hurt off again. Sloan used some stiff because Hade then went onto continue looking kicks made Nikita bump until attack Flash. she was able to hit modified DDT to Burchill beat Hampton Court in go over. an amusing squash match. They got CM Punk beat Colt Cobana in some great heat with Simmonz and the best match of the show and a Buttercip but Burchill was able to be possibly the best match that FWA have continued to be pushed as he destroyed promoted in recent months. A fast everyone. Simmonz was the most over paced match saw Cobana and Punk use person on the show, nothing strange a combination of crisply executed there though. power moves with some great aerial Jonny Storm beat Justin moves. Punk won after a suplex type Credible after a roll up. Jonny Storm move off the top rope. had no hair, I couldn’t believe it, he and Mikey looked very young. Credible stayed the Whipreck beat The Family. Alex distance in a fairly lengthy math. Not Shane was unable to wrestle so Mikey what you would usually see from takes his place. A very violent match Jonny Storm, it was mainly a good takes place which had some great heat brawl around the ringside area. Jonny in places, none in others and some of is still XPW European Champion. the most brutal wrestling you are going Doug Williams beat James to see outside of garbage promotions in Tighe for the FWA title. What was a America and Japan. Whipreck took a good match from the youngest and just right beating from all of the members showed how much of a talent we have of The Family before Herman was able in Doug Williams. Doug Williams to make a series of saves with every made Tighe look a £1million and the typical big man move. Thumbtacks fans ate it all up. Williams hit some of were brought into play and things got a the best you are going to see bit too extreme for me. Travell was outside of a suplex factory working covered in tacks. A flaming table was overtime for Santa with Williams then erected at ringside. Travell hit the hitting a Full Nelson to take the third table which didn’t burn well until and final fall.

Issue 10 4/14 October 2003 TheGrappling Times

They finished The Family/ workers and championships. There was Shane and Hermen feud in style and of course plenty of wrestling to go brought two good workers over in Colt down for this to happen and at its time and Punk. Williams proved a lot and it was one of the strongest wrestling Tighe will need to be used in a great circuits in the world. way like this again, I am not sure who The NWA was far more callous Burchill will beat next, but I think it in the way it used and abused workers will be a name like Storm or even from around the world with the only Shane. attempt at drawing money being in ******************************* patens of money grabbing bickering. ARGUING, ALLIANCES AND The political infighting within the PROMOTERS: World of Sport died NWA was what initially created and in 1988. destroyed the NWA and still has it in a About that time on the other stranglehold in many ways to this very side of the world wrestling was riding day. high and it had done for the past four One of the men that made the years thanks to Vince McMahon Jnr NWA into a recognisable organisation and his World Wrestling Federation was Lou Thesz, the first and only which he had taken national earlier that Unified Heavyweight Champion of the year. Their competition was the once world who was brought over to great National Wrestling Alliance, the England for several title defences. forerunning top promotion in the Although with so many United States whose reputation spread organisations recognising the NWA worldwide. World Heavyweight Championship it Within the UK there was Joint allowed one man (said champion) to be Promotions who were set up in a the hardest working man in wrestling. similar way to the NWA. And during The Japanese had the money to entices the 30 years Joint Promotions were on the champion to big money matches in television some of the biggest draws which tens of thousands were drawn to were from the other side of the watch. Joint Promotions however did Atlantic. If however there had been a not have the same backing (not without link between the NWA and Joint the direct money of ITV anyway) to Promotions it would have meant that bring a Heavyweight Champion over. there would have been a far easier After a failed attempt to route for foreign talent to come into the recognise the WWWF Heavyweight country and visa versa. Champion of the World (Bruno The NWA was the most Sammartino) Joint Promotions created powerful force in wrestling, it did their own version of the championship however have a reputation that was title. In the early 1980’s a said twist of known to contrive against talent, keep irony saw the World Heavyweight certain workers down, push others (not Champion leave Joint Promotions and always depending on talent) and join All Star (who were still several keeping wages at the same, often years away from getting the lucrative pitifully low. This was, of course like television deal). Joint Promotions business style. Joint Promotions did claim that The one thing that the NWA Was still the World Heavyweight would have loved about the British Champion but this was not allowed circuit was the television, having Joint onto television as ITV would not have Promotions on board would have it, as the Mighty John Quinn had won added an increased viewer rating to its

Issue 10 5/14 October 2003 TheGrappling Times the strap previously and was still Last year we did our first recognised the champion. attempt at an end of year awards. Joint Promotions then billed a While at the time we were surprised by World Heavyweight Championship the amount of interest that we got from match between Otto Wanz and Ray the awards we felt that we really Steele in London in 1984, and then should have put a little bit more effort followed the CWA title. into our part of the bargain. It was at this time that one of So to try and entice even more the most successful wrestlers of all of you into voting this year I am going time was touring the United States in to run down the categories and what , whose charisma and very you are likely to see from us in the solid wrestling ability would have January issue when the results are matches some of the strong characters announced (last year we had the results and mat technicians that we have in in the December issue but this meant Britain. we were unable to include the big I think it is not hard to doubt FWA show that they have in that the wrestlers both in America and December). Britain would have liked the ideas, I am therefore making a big giving a far greater areas to work for push to get more votes this and will be and of course new promoters to promoting these awards on our web impress and get pushed. Wrestlers are site as well as on others, hopefully fickle like that, they want their careers people will believe this is an End of to be the best and would relish the Year Awards not just for The chance of working on the other side the Grappling Times but for British Atlantic. wrestling at a whole, I believe that the The problem was that at the support is there, I just want to show same time the British circuit was that the will is here from us at The falling through so was that of the Grappling Times. NWA territories in the United States. The Wrestling Alliance won Apart from the territories ran by Jim best promotion for 2002 after a series Crockett Promotions, the WWF of strong tours which saw then national expansion put great financial promoter and now restaurateur Scott pressure on the other regional based Conway put some real money into his promotions who were shutting up shop events bringing over several left right and centre. Americans and grasping a fine talent at There is also the likelihood that booking exciting events on the South Crockett and Max Crabtree would not Coast. There is, of course, very little have got on anyway with Max having chance that they will win again after some very strong views about Conway left the United Kingdom for a American wrestlers, their size, shape new life in the Far East. In second and ability inside the right, however place was Hammerlock followed much they drew for him. remarkable close by FWA. ******************************* Judging from the public’s THE CHOICE IS YOURS SO PUT appetite and reasonable quietness of YOUR THINKING CAPS ON:: Hammerlock I think that FWA could Everyone moans that it comes quickly steal this one with a solid in October each year, well they are right. The truth involving many of the top independent is that Christmas is right round the workers available to Alex Shane and corner and after that is New Year his peers big budget. What could have which means only one thing! been a solid year for All Star has been

Issue 10 6/14 October 2003 TheGrappling Times a rocky ride, with Brian Dixon back at Robbie Brookside who has been a the helm they seemed all set to member of the All Japan Pro Wrestling continue their success of the last period tour once again. To be honest we have of last year by brining over Bryan less then 8 top tier wrestlers in this Danielson aka The American Dragon country and with one out injured for for an exciting championship the past 6 months and one not being in tournament. But with the attendances the ring since the summer of 2002 I stuck in the same place they usually think that the fans will show their are and a lacklustre approach to trying support for a retiring member of the to persuade the mainstream wrestling FWA and one of the finest media that they are a credible cause I ambassadors for wrestling, Jodie am doubting that they will get as many Fleisch. votes as they would like, any most This year I will also be likely deserve. including a few more questions in the Because of the hype that FWA ballot, these are not awards but I think give their shows it means that the it would be interesting to analyse the internet can preserve many of their statistics of peoples: sex, age and matches in history. I am however, not location in order to get a better view of saying this was the case last year as where wrestling is at going out of 2003 they did have the benefit of a television as well as looking at some of our fine show to get the message across. But performers. with many fine matches happening I really do hope that you will most weekends it depends on the join me and the other staff at The people that are likely to vote and the Grappling Times in making this a big regions within the UK they are voting occasion for us. We really want this to from. This is going to be a good be an annual event that is looked indication of the sort of people that go forward to and talked about. t shows and where they are from (more Voting will start now and end on 31 on this later). December. You can only vote once and I think that this year will be a of course this only applies to British closer run for of the Year. wrestling, I am allowing non UK The UK Pitbulls have, as ever done voters but obviously I will expect well on their travels but as of late The common sense in voting for people Family in FWA (while not being a that you have seen and not read about. conventional team) get so much heat at Here is the ballot paper:- shows and really do have a lot of steam behind them from FWA that [1] What is your Sex? they are most likely to do well. Seek [2] What is your Age? and Destroy have remerged earlier this [3] Please name the region or year and we are seeing the likes of the county (and country if none Coalminers still on the circuit UK) where you live? somewhere. [4] Who do you think was the best Doug Williams was pleased to promoter of 2003? win the Wrestler of the Year for 2002 [5] Who do you think was the best and he has also had a good year this tag team of 2003? time round with a career first in touring [6] What do you think was the best Japan that would obviously make him match of 2003? feel that this could have been the best [7] Who do you think was the best year of his career yet. James Tighe has wrestler of 2003? impressed throughout as well as

Issue 10 7/14 October 2003 TheGrappling Times

Please then send this to work, you are going to be needing [email protected] and your about 1,500 to 2,000. vote will be counted. We have of course seen these ******************************* numbers in British wrestling in the last X WRESTLING – A few years with All Star putting on the REVOLUTION OR A odd when they have got their WRESTLEXPRESS by Douglas act together, Hammerlock have Stokes: Anyone that has visited any of boarded on it at various venues and the number of British wrestling web FWA seem to be able to hit around that sites or forums in the past month will mark a few times a year, when it really have obviously seen Philip Lowe counts. Although that just makes you shamelessly plugging his new think, do you need to bring over 15 company X Wrestling announcing a Americans then? steady stream of well known American There are, however, no big free agents as well as some less than boasts that we saw with Wrestlexpress, well known independent wrestlers about television and big arena venues. from the states being announced as Although unlike Hewson, Lowe does appearing on his show that is schedule have a little experience in promoting to take place April 2004. and after having this misfortune to ruin The first big names announced his name in the circuit once before, one were Animal and the late Hawk really has to believe that he has got the collectively known as The Road money to run this show. Warriors, also currently scheduled to A concern I do have is that appear are Ted DiBiase, Big Vito, Lowe says that when it comes to Gangrel, Luna, Reckless Youth, Shark Showtime, he will be working on this Boy, Blue Meanie, Jasmin St Claire, venture fulltime. I do not like that. For Lollipop, Nick Berk, Z Barr, The UK the reasons that he will have no other Pitbulls, Matt Stryka and The German income coming in, should he not be Sturmfieger. able to pay off certain debts, and With only two British wrestlers because there is no need in hell to schedule to appear on the which spend all day, every day planning a seems to only leave room for a show, unless you are going to have a maximum of two more wrestlers to be 101 angles, interviews and guest added in order for this card not to appearances on it. I guess some people become over packed and sadly just cant keep things simple. unrealistic financially to bring these But hopefully the continued names over. energy and maybe a tad bit of realism To most people this seems like will allow it to be a great event (in the a mix and match of names, taking a North?) and will do well. I am sure you selection of free-lance workers from will read a great deal more in future America and randomly putting them on issues about this. a card with a hope that they will draw. ******************************* Unfortunately I don’t think that these FWA – WHAT NOW by Stephen names are going to be able to draw the Ashfield: Uprising II was a great show numbers that Mr Lowe is going to that's for sure, but where does it leave need. I believe that because of the costs the FWA now? Time to look into the that are going to be needed to bring crystal ball and see what might lie in these people over, put them up for a store for the company. night or maybe two and pay them to Let's start by looking at the FWA Title situation. Doug Williams is

Issue 10 8/14 October 2003 TheGrappling Times still champ but who are his However I'd prefer this to be the first challengers? Rumour is that Seasons belt Burchill gets round his waist. Beatings will revolve around another The Alex v Ulf feud looks to be three man Round-Robin tournament a hot one but reports suggest Ulf will with possibly AJ Styles and Low-Ki be out injured for a few months. coming over to perhaps meet James Hopefully the big match will take place Tighe. If that happen it'll be a great end at New Frontiers, a show which is to the year but who would be the ideal already looking to be a classic. challenger for Doug at New Frontiers? Jonny Storm continues to be a I wouldn't mind it being one of the great heel and does deserve a long Americans. They could then win the standing feud with a classic finale. title and assuming Frontiers of Honour Whatever he says in the ring he must II takes place next June, we could see a have been disappointed when Jodie FWA star trying to get the title back Fleisch retired robbing him of a great and get revenge for this years defeat. match at Uprising. The XPW Title Who else are the challengers for the means nothing and the sooner it goes belt? In the long run it has to be the better unless that company rises Burchill who I believe will main-event from the ashes. Storm should be in at Uprising III. Then there's Jonny title contention sometime next year. Storm once he gets rid of the worthless Simmonz must turn on the XPW belt. Throw in a heel Alex Duke sometime soon. He's the most Shane, James Tighe and numerous popular heel I've ever known and American challengers and the title could be one heck of a face in 2003. chase looks very promising. The Nikita bounty hunt has The same can't be said about promise. I'd love it to be Alex Shane the tag titles. This year has been who's put the money up. Turning on dominated by the feud between The his best mate is one thing, trying to Family and Alex Shane/Ulf run your girlfriend out of the company Hermann/Nikita and Stevie Knight. is hotter. In time FWA will have a With Alex turning heel that looks to be women's division, I'd still love to see over but who are the next challengers? Nikita up against Sweet Saraya rather Tag teams are pretty scarce at the than continually wrestling men. moment particularly face tag teams. The FWA has a lot of promise Why not use wrestlers such as James at the moment. Production levels are Tighe and Jack Xavier or move up good, the matches are excellent and the some wrestlers from the Academy? booking impressive. Wrestlers like This is definitely a problem area. Solid Gold Scott Parker (once a main Perhaps Mark Sloan can be used in this eventer) need to be used more. The area? end of 2003 looks interesting, 2004 The All-England Title is a looks even better. really controversial one with Hade ******************************* Vansen as champ getting heat from CHRIS PEACOCK INTERVIEW: both the fans and the company. With Along with Jem ‘MTX’ Brown, Chris Flash Barker out injured, The Zebra runs Northampton based BRAWL. Kid should be number one challenger They are one of those companies that for the title he never lost in the ring. do well at putting on solid shows and Trouble is he's been a heel in FWA maintaining a steady number of fans, recently so a character adjustment is yet seem to fail to get that they really definitely needed. Elsewhere perhaps do deserver. Tighe or Xavier can be challengers.

Issue 10 9/14 October 2003 TheGrappling Times

“BRAWL first came into out for a night in Northampton with us! existence after myself and fellow He put on a great show, was very down doorman Jem Brown worked together to earth and even helped us out at in Northampton. I had been wrestling training the day before he left. I really for years and tried to persuade him to can't say enough good things about train with me in Leicester at Jack both CW and Chilly Willy.” Taylor’s wrestling school. Jem's a big The reason that they were guy and there's a huge lack of big booked was for a special show that was wrestlers working in this country. He t be taped and aired on ‘Northampton never had the time, but eventually TV’ a small station in the Northampton came up with the idea of starting a area that is available. This is a similar school in Northampton. With his style television channel that FWA martial arts knowledge and my broadcast on in Portsmouth. wrestling knowledge we made a good “I didn't like the way NTV team and the BRAWL training school handled the event. Their production was a huge success. We soon after wasn't really what we had in mind and began promoting show's to give our they insisted on having one of their trainee's show experience.” own announcers work the show. They They are known within the did their best but had no experience business for owning a 20x20 ring, with wrestling at all and had no interest bought over from America which in changing the formats they had used BRAWL not only use but rent out to on previous sporting events,. As a people as well, which adds an extra result it kind of made us look bad so element to allowing BRAWL to we decided not to go back to them.” operate as a company that actually BRAWL use regular weekly brings in money. training sessions to train youngsters “We had been hiring rings for but also bring in the likes of the UK show's for about a year. It was hard to Pitbulls for training seminars, which find a decent ring and you always had attract not only BRAWL trainees but to fit in with other people’s bookings. already active workers. We had looked to get a ring made in “The training school is the life this country but nobody seemed to blood of BRAWL. We have had some have any idea of how to put one great wrestlers train here in the past together. We found Hoss rings on the and have a lot of very promising internet and decided to go all the way wrestlers working through the system and get a ring built by a professional right now. Although we do hire in company. It was pricey but it has been some wrestlers at least half of every a god send for us. We now hire it out card is made up of local talent that all over the country and has led us to train at BRAWL.” contacts with many great UK based Birmingham based Future promotions.” Championship Wrestling was formally After ECW stopped trading, known as BRAWL-Midlands although BRAWL brought two of their stars we are asked not to read too much into over to compete on a show in that. Northampton. “We never really had much of a “CW (Anderson) was our first working relationship with BRAWL attempt at booking overseas talent and midlands to begin with. Keith Massey we couldn't have picked a better liked the BRAWL name and asked if wrestler. He was the ultimate pro, a he could use it. We are all on the same good laugh, him a Chilly even went insurance policy so I agreed. I

Issue 10 10/14 October 2003 TheGrappling Times appeared on their first card and didn't someone hot on the indy scene, Ron enjoy the show. It didn't use any of our Killings. A lot of great guy's have story line's and very few of our already worked over here like wrestlers. Eventually they just dropped , I think he's a the name. There are no hard feelings great worker.” between the groups.” Like many on the circuit the BRAWL has at the moment long whispers about the British only been promoting at a few venues Wrestling Channel have got louder and but with the crowds growing at them louder and with Spring 2004 being and the wrestling shows becoming ever pencilled in Chris is happy that so more entertaining there are some BRAWL could possibly be included or bigger things just round the corner. if not be a forerunner with some of “We are preparing for a short their talent appearing on broadcasts. tour of the UK beginning in February “It’s a great idea. I hope it goes next year. We have interested venues well. It will be a benchmark for so I just have to work out the logistics successful Brit wrestling companies. If of the whole thing.” you make it onto the channel it will be With only two newsstand great exposure. Many wrestling fan's in magazines on sale in the UK regarding this country don't see us as real wrestling it is important that they are wrestlers because we aren’t on TV. used in order to gain the attention of BRAWL is very story driven and local wrestling fans. would work very well on TV. I'd need “You really have to build up a to trim the roster a little but I think we relationship with the press to get good could put together a very entertaining coverage and we just haven’t done product.” that. I'm impressed with both the big BRAWL can be found in the mags though and hope to spend more Northampton region as well as other time with press etc beginning next places, why not check out their web year.” site which is featured in this months Chris envisions that his time in editors links wrestling will extend far past that of a ******************************* wrestler putting on shows and hopes HERE AND THERE: WWE RAW that one day can earn a living from it on 19/9 featuring and with the help of his ever so impressive Goldberg got a 0.20, WWE RAW on roster, booking and good use of venues 26/9 featuring Goldberg and Chris and finances. Jericho in the main event got a 0.23, “I'd like to get to the position WWE RAW on 3/10 featuring Rob where wrestling for BRAWL is a full Van Dam and Christian in the main time job. To be able to pay wrestlers a event got a 0.22…Results from the fair wage for the damn hard work they World Association of Wrestling do. This mean's a lot more show's, "October Outrage V" show held at The more press coverage etc.” Talk, Norwich, 24/10: Sweet Saraya & After the success of brining Nikki Best defeated Destiny & over Anderson and Willy, Peacock Kharisma, Cruiserweight Champion hopes that sometime in the future Steve Quintain defeated Crash, Phil (maybe the tour?) some more Lea defeated Zak Zodiac to win the Americans can be tempted to the vacant Youth Championship, Paul BRAWL fold. Tyrell & Ashe defeated the U.K. “properly a respected legend Pitbulls to win the Tag-Team like Bam Bam Bigelo or maybe Championship, Thunder defeated

Issue 10 11/14 October 2003 TheGrappling Times

British Champion the Zebra Kid by announcement on 6 October by UFC disqualification, Jake "The Snake" Dana White who has also struck a deal Roberts v Jimmy Ocean was declared a with the Odeon Cinema to try and get no-contest after Ricky Knight UFC back into England after the interfered on behalf of Ocean, Hot success of UFC 38…. Stuff defeated Ricky Knight 2-1 to win was backstage at a recent WWE event, the Eastern Area title and The Kraft he is off the heavy medication and has won the battle royal. began working out again, with a little WAW will be returning to Norwich on work in the ring. He still does not 14/2/04, for "St. Valentine's Day know when or if ever he will be set for Massacre II", the main event being an in ring return… is & The Zebra Kid v The currently in the UK with All Star Superflys in a builders cage match. although we are unable to give precise WAW also announced the following dates… Cage Rage 4 from Caesars dates; 21/11 - Hunstanton Town Hall Night Club, London 12/10: Chris and 29/11 - Waveney Sports & Leisure Hipkess beat Wayne Dart, Chin Centre, Lowestoft... NWA Ireland was Weakasingh beat John Waite, Mark featured on National Irish Television Smith beat Leon Dickens, Kassin on 11/10 on 'Sattitude' and showed a Hipkess beat Henrique Santana, Ricky recent match between Ross Browne Andrews beat Phil Gilder, Lance King and Beautiful Benny B…Paul Tracey, beat Johnnie Mitchell, Ross Pettfer Fergal Devitt and Muscles Mansfield beat Rob Evans, Dave Elliot beat Paul were amoung those that were part of Sutherland, Paul Jenkins beat Ian the NWA Anniversary show in Pyatt, Will Elworthy beat Jeremy Parkersburg, West Virginia, USA. Bailey, Peter Tisats beat Ricky Moore, Devitt wrestled Spyder for the British Jean Silva beat Andy Cooper, Mark Commonwealth Championship, which Weir beat Jean Francois...MTV’s Dirty Spyder won, Tracey wrestled Spyder Sanchez is now on Channel 4, the last year for the same title. On the show regularly features the UK same show Paul Tracey beat Muscles Pitbulls…One third owner of Mansfield in a Ireland v UK match. On Revolution British Wrestling and long another show (15/10) during the same time British wrestling promoter Gerry trip Devitt and Tracey wrestled Norton suffered a heart attack during a Muscles Mansfield and the Vinnie trip to Spain, he was flown back to the Viagra…FCW from Haden Hill UK to receive treatment…Doug Leisure Centre in Halesowen 18/10: Williams is amount the foreign The British Connection beat The workers announced for the NOAH Coalminers, Dragon Phoenix beat Celt November/December tour starting on Kennedy, The Bouncer beat Marc 14/11…On 12/10 All Star’s Brian Hogan, Devils Advocate beat Laken Dixon and Chic Cullen were guests of Xander and Spud, Sam Green beat A- Dave ‘Fit’ Finlay at the WWE show in Star Athlete and Morales beat Rob Manchester, funny when you think Hunter…UFC 45 will be shown live how much trouble Dixon has come so on pay per view on Sky Digital and close to getting into using WWE cable via Setanta Sport distribution. gimmicks over the years…RBW and This is UFC's 10th anniversary show UKWA have announced the following on 21 November and will headline first round tournament matches for Matt Hughes taking on Frank Trigg their British Heavyweight and Tank Abbot taking on 'Cabbage' Championship tournament: Cameron Correira, this comes after an Knite vs Jorge Castano, James Mason

Issue 10 12/14 October 2003 TheGrappling Times vs Keith Myatt and Stixx vs Domino. Would you rather see us They are to be held (along with another teenagers hanging around street match) in Killamarsh on 22/11…NWA corners? This country has always had (UK) Hammerlock from Andover 1/11: something against people our age, and Kurupt beat Bryon Black, Stephan this is just another example of that. Walloski beat David De Ville, Kurupt Red Devil beat Stephan Walloski for the UK Heavyweight Championship, Paul DB: Athletes you are not, stupid you Tracey and Fergal Devitt beat Danny are. I have never seen anything that Mills and Dru Onyx, Skull Duggary resembles the word good displayed beat Tank, KFK beat Majik and Kurupt in a backyard wrestling matches and won the rumble. while I hope I never see another one ******************************* again! GRAPPLINGTIMES.CO.UK: Please visit our web site for more Dean, information about past issues as well Congratulations to Hammerlock for 10 as information about this publication. years that have really made British And feel free to leave feedback. wrestling a force in the world again. ******************************* Let’s hope that this once sleeping giant LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: continues to feed from just how Please feel free to email us with your popular it can get. thoughts, feedback and comments to Paula Peake [email protected]:- ******************************* Mr Baker, VACANCIES: The Grappling Times BYW is possibly the most horrible is always on the look out for talented thing I have seen in recent years, I persons to ensure that The Grappling have of course read about it in Times is the leading publication magazines and known of it’s existence regarding British professional selling video tapes now even in high wrestling. In particular we are looking street shops, I cannot believe that for the following: Channel 4 showed such a lengthy piece on it. Wrestling Journalist - Someone to An Old Man. write a monthly article regarding British . I am guessing that you have wrote an article trashing backyard wrestling, just Mixed Martial Arts Editor - Due to as you did many months ago. the new MMAUK section we are I would like to question the including in the Grappling Times we authenticity of the documentary and are looking for someone to be in believe that just like many things it is charge of this section taking on the editing of such a programme that editorial responsibilities. distinguishes it between educational, informative and then the utter crap. Mixed Martial Arts Journalist - I have met many of the people Someone to write a monthly article shown in that documentary and can say regarding British MMA in the UK that they are all hard working athletes that deserve their time of fame. I can Please contact easily name many workers who are not [email protected] if you are as fit or as good at wrestling has some interested in any of the above. of those featured on that show. *******************************

Issue 10 13/14 October 2003 TheGrappling Times

THANKS TO: Dave Meltzer, Fin Martin, David Mantell, Phil Barker, Andre Baker, Julian Radbourne, Marlon White, WrestleUK and especially the 1stopwrestling team. ******************************* EDITOR’S LINKS: http://www.1stopwrestling.co.uk http://www.pwbts.com http://www.grapplingtimes.co.uk http://www.wrestlingobserver.com http://www.brawl.tk http://www.sfuk.net ******************************* If you would like to send us news, show reports, interview requests, guest editorials, letters or general feedback please write to [email protected]. Also if you would like to read the past archives of the Grappling Times they are all available on our web site that can be found at http://www.grapplingtimes.co.uk this site you can also sign up for our mailing list and you will hear all the latest news regarding the Grappling Times before anyone else. Please note that this publication is considered copyright of the editor and individual writer and no portion of the Grappling Times may be copied or republished without the expressed consent of Dean Baker. Due to this being a free newsletter any reprinting of this publication should be in a non profit form and if payment is received should only be for materials.

Issue 10 14/14 October 2003