Guest Article: Scotland's Ones to Watch in 2016 (Billy Strachan)

Last year I kicked off my Across the Pond Wrestling blogging with a One To Watch article , talking about who to look out for in 2015. I think my picks did quite well and as we're beginning another year, I thought I would share with you my ones to watch for the upcoming 12 months.

aaron echo

PBW Academy standout Aaron Echo is one that I've had an eye on in 2015. He's big, deceptively quick and charismatic which are all fantastic traits to have in wrestling. The Premier British Wrestling Academy has a knack of training great all rounders and Echo is no different, he also has an incredible aura around him that carries forward and makes him look like a star. I think he will be a staple in Scotland sooner rather than later.


Aaron Echo on Facebook

ljt

A veteran in many ways, having been around for a few years now, 2015 was really a year that LJT will remember. Winning both titles in Scottish Wrestling Entertainment, including matches against Juventud Guerrera and Brian Kendrick, a blistering match with Lewis Girvan at Reckless Intent, winning the RI Super B.O.W.L. earlier in the year. It's looking good for "The Rebel With A Cause", I would love to see him appearing for other promotions like Discovery or Pride Wrestling in 2016, maybe a turn at Scottish Wrestling Alliance as I think he and Ryan Griffin would have a belter of a match over the Junior Heavyweight Title.


LJT on Facebook

theo doros

From The West Lothian Pro Wrestling School, this young man has been making quite an impression down in Reckless Intent. Regularly putting in big, gutsy performances against larger opponents in size and reputation. Having held the Sunday Slam Wrestling Championship for most of the year, he's faced the likes of Massimo Italiano and Lewis GIrvan which has seen him hold onto the title through determination and hard work. The fans have really taken to the Cypriot and are very vocal in supporting him. He's got a good look and certainly has the skill to go far.


Theo Doros on Facebook

lucy cole

Another PBW Academy graduate makes the list. Towards the end of 2015, Lucy Cole was just starting to get hold of a character and starting to cement a persona to get the crowd to get involved and give give her a reaction. 2016, I'm sure, will see that evolve further. The blonde bombshell faced some tough opponents in 2015, including former TNA Knockout's Champion Angelina Love and while she didn't pick up the win she displayed a lot of fight and toughness. In a climate where women's wrestling is at an all time high, I can see Lucy Cole pushing her way up the rankings but she will have a lot of work to do.


Lucy Cole on Facebook 

aspen faith

I have wrote about Aspen Faith in depth earlier on here but with 2015 marking the rise of Faith, 2016 will be the year that he breaks that glass ceiling. Having already competed in WrestleZone, Pride Wrestling, Discovery Wrestling, Rock N Wrestle and Insane Championship Wrestling it is only a matter of time before he's given that opportunity to really shine and make a name for himself around the country. He's got all the tools, he just needs the material to work with. If you want to read me gush about Aspen Faith, check out The Faith Is Strong With This One.


Aspen Faith on Facebook 


So there you have it. Five picks and five very talented individuals that I hope have a big year. Of course I am only scratching the surface of the talent pool Scotland has. With highly respected training schools around the country we could see a multitude of breakouts from anywhere. It's an exciting time and it can only get better.


Want to see more of these guys? Check out our Youtube playlist below.

Did I miss anyone? Contact me at VoiceOfOSW@gmail.com


Billy
oswtv.wordpress.com