Opinion: Discovery Wrestling Goes Lucha (Billy Strachan)

Discovery Wrestling are back again for their second show in as many months as they prepare to go Lucha! Lucha Underground stars Angelico, Shane "Kill Shot" Strickland and "Prince Puma" Ricochet make their way to Edinburgh as 'Jam's House' has another party. With the news of the Superkick Party Volume 2 being halted in April, Discovery Wrestling announced that current Ring of Honor World Champion Jay Lethal would be coming to the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on April 10th and would be defending his ROH Title. So there's a lot going on and this event would be the last chance for many of the Discovery Wrestling stars to make their case to face Lethal.

Discovery have a knack of bringing in some huge names in the world of independent wrestling, from The Young Bucks to Tommy Dreamer, Chris Sabin (their current Y Division Champion) to Mike Mondo, Chris Hero and Crime Time. The sky is certainly the limit for the Edinburgh based promotion. Their recent inclusion in 5 Star Wrestling: ReGenesis on the PlayStation 4, there are more and more eyes on the promotion. They mix the big names from across the pond with the best and brightest the UK has to offer. 

Run by Alan Smith (former pro wrestler Mr News) and Alex Fowlis, they have a great ethic when it comes to giving the fans a show for all ages. They upload their full shows onto YouTube where we get to hear the commentary team of Randy Valentine and Darren T. Goss give their insight, with a Jerry Lawler- Jim Ross quality in bantering but able to also put all focus in the action happening in the ring. As a relatively new company they have put together not only a wrestling show but an experience to those that attend. March 10th will be no different and they've already announced several marquee matches including several debuts and battles that will take place for the first time ever. 

The biggest news coming into this show is the debut of Ricochet, the (literally) bigger news was his opponent…"The Beast of Belfast" Damian O'Connor. Damo has been on the best run of his career, putting on great match after great match against the biggest, the fastest, the strongest and has stood on them all. He's developed a reputation of not only being a great trainer but as a fantastic wrestler who can do things that no man his size should be able to do. Hot off the heels from a TNA UK Tour (that is currently being televised this month) and an ICW World Heavyweight Championship win in his hometown of Belfast, Damo is a man in demand and to see him face the best high flyer in the world will be a special sight. The Jam House will have to go through some renovation work after this match as the roof will be blown off the building.

 The Y Division four way elimination match has become a staple in Discovery Wrestling as it allows debutants to show their stuff. It's also seen some of the best in the UK compete with Aspen Faith, Ian Ambrose and BT Gunn being just a few names. This time there is an international feel with Lucha DS (Mexican?), a graduate of the PBW Academy debuts on the right night as Discovery Wrestling Goes Lucha so it seems a right fit for the mask man, the Cypriot Theo Doros (one of my Ones To Watch this year), the Italian Massimo and the Bollocks Kenny Williams (okay the Bollocks isn't a nationality…). You have the high flyers in Lucha and Kenny, the power of Massimo and the scrappiness of Doros to make one hell of a combination. These matches always have the potential of being showstealers so this could be just that, a showstealer.

One half of BAE Club is in action when Sammii Jayne takes on the debuting Lucy Cole. Cole, another graduate of the PBW Academy (and another of my Ones To Watch) takes on 
a product of the SWA Source Wrestling School. A nice little bit of school rivalry which won't be part of the match. BAE Club are undefeated in Discovery Wrestling and boy, they aren't shy about telling people. Picking up wins over Viper, Nikki Storm, Kay Lee Ray and Bete Noire which is a who's who of Women's wrestling in Scotland. It would be a safe bet to assume that Debbie Sharpe will be getting involved to help her BAE.

Joe Coffey has beaten everyone, bar a double count out to Deviation, so Discovery Wrestling have brought in another challenge in Angelico. If Joe Coffey plans on taking on the Y Division then a win against the high flying Angelico will put another feather in his cap. Coffey has had a remarkable time in Discovery Wrestling facing the likes of Mike Mondo, Chris Hero and Mark Andrews and seeing victory each time.

When Chris Sabin was unable to compete due to injury, his handpicked challenger Lewis Girvan defeated the number one contender Christopher Saynt in November to be crowned the Interim Y Division Champion until Chris Sabin returned. The main event sees Lewis Girvan defend the Interim Y Division Championship against BT Gunn and Shane Strickland. Christopher Saynt cost BT Gunn the title when he attacked Lewis Girvan during Discovery's last visit to the Jam House in February. 'The Scottish Sinner' will no doubt be watching this match very closely as he believes that being champion is his right. 

Ringside tickets have sold out for this event but there is a limited number of general tickets on shop.discoverywrestling.com as of writing. If you're in the Edinburgh area on Thursday, why not go and discover wrestling at The Jam House.

matches announced

Ricochet vs Damian O'Connor

Aspen Faith vs Michael Chase

Joe Coffey vs Angelico

Sammii Jayne w/Debbie Sharpe vs Lucy Cole

*Y Division Four Way*
Lucha DS vs Kenny Williams vs Theo Doros vs Massimo

*Interim Y Division Championship*
Lewis Girvan © vs BT Gunn vs Shane Strickland

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www.OSWtv.wordpress.com 

Time to Make a New Discovery (Billy Strachan)

Discovery Wrestling

No Fear No Mercy

Preview

 

 

On October 11^th Scottish wrestling has a new kid on the block and it plans to launch wrestling into a new stratosphere. Huge names, big matches, all killer, no filler and it all started over a cup of tea.

The original special guests announced for this event were former WWE World Tag Team Champion Mike Mondo and former WWE Tag Team, European and Hardcore Champion Al Snow. Al Snow was set to face Scottish sensation Grado in a showdown for the ages.

After TNA announced that TNA would be holding their Bound for Glory event in Japan, Al Snow could no longer attend (Al Snow being a road agent for TNA.). Not to be deterred by this set back Discovery Wrestling then quickly secured the services of TNA Triple Crown winner Chris Sabin.

They topped off that addition with Crime Time not long after JTG was released by WWE after an 8 year spell.

With the card already stacked and still matches to be announced, it could be the biggest debut show in Scottish wrestling history.

Damian O'Connor vs Rampage Brown

The first official match announced for this huge event. Two big guys with a big reputations. Both will be looking to make an immediate impact in Edinburgh. The roof may have to be replaced after these two fight in the Meadowbank Sports Centre.

Wild Lions vs The Traditionalists

The new team of Andy Wild and Johnny Lions against The Traditionalists will be an interesting one. Both Wild and Lions have won titles everywhere they've been. Johnny Lions currently holds the WrestleZone Tag Team Championships with fellow Discovery wrestler Damien Daniels. Could the Tenacious One find the same success with Andy Wild?

Mike Mondo vs Joe Coffey

A match requested by Mike Mondo, he chose to face the Iron Man of Scottish professional wrestling. This will be hard hitting, technical, brawling and just a masterpiece to watch. This could be the show stealer and rightly so. This isn't Mikey from the Spirit Squad, this is a seasoned veteran from Ring of Honor ready to face the best in Scotland.

Crime Time  and ??? vs “Global Hero” Joe Hendry, ??? and ???

 

After Al Snow had to pull out of the event, Discovery Wrestling had Grado without an opponent. They chose to team Grado with Crime Time to face any three opponents in an open challenge. The Edinburgh native and “Global Hero” Joe Hendry answered the challenge and will lead a team against the Americans and the Chubby Wee Chancer from the Tap End of Stevenson.

Grado was removed from the event due to filming commitments for the BBC. Discovery Wrestling will be announcing how this will affect this match shortly on their Facebook page.

4 Way Elimination Match

Ian Ambrose vs Lewis Girvan vs Damien Daniels vs Chris Sabin

 

With so many great superstars that are being signed for the Y Division, what better way to kick off the Y Division than to have a 4 way elimination match that includes one of the pioneers of the X Division Chris Sabin. All four men in this match will be looking to impress, and more importantly, will be looking to win. All three of Chris Sabin's opponents have won titles in Scotland with Ian Ambrose and Damien Daniels having won the top titles in SWE and WrestleZone respectively.

Viper vs Sammii Jayne vs Shanna

 

Three of the premier women wrestlers in Europe with Viper, Sammii and “Portugal's Perfect Athlete” Shanna. This will be a fantastic match with the power in Viper, the speed in Shanna and craftiness in Sammii. Three styles that will be mesh nicely. This is the first ladies match in Discovery wrestling history and what an amazing match to start with.

Five matches announced so far and with more to come and the event not far away, now is the time to grab a ticket. There are a limited number of Meet and Greet tickets remaining so better get a ticket while you can!

Get your tickets now at https://shop.ticketwolf.co.uk/

Roster Announced So Far (In Order Of Reveal)

 

Mike Mondo

Rampage Brown

Lewis Girvan

Sammii Jayne

Damien Daniels

“Party” Marty Scurll

Damian O'Connor

Ian Ambrose

Shanna

The Traditionalists

Wild Lions

Viper

Joe Hendry

Noam Dar

Chris Sabin

Crime Time

Deviation

Find out more about Discovery Wrestling through their Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/DiscoveryWrestling

Discovery Wrestling Interview with the Piston Broke Podcast (WARNING: Some Bad Language)

SWE Hell for Lycra XI: Oh, What A Rush Preview by Billy Strachan

 

SWE hold their eleventh Hell for Lycra event on August 30th and for the second year in a row it is being held at the Bonar Hall. This will be my third Hell for Lycra and once again SWE have pulled out all the stops to make sure this is the premier event on their calender.

The week before, August 23rd, they host Hellbound at Kirkton Community Centre which will include Grado vs Colt Cabana and the contract signing between Chaz Phoenix and Steven Magners. It is also the final stop to Hell for Lycra and with so many wrestlers still to make it to the event like the Future Division Champion, Christopher Saynt, or the Sirens, this will be their last chance to get onto an already huge event.

The first name announced for Hell for Lycra XI was Terry Funk, however, due to him securing a TV pilot he had to pull out. Dennis Stamp was announced not long afterwards before the big one, Road Warrior Animal is coming to Dundee.

So without further ado, let’s look at the event.

The Beast vs The Animal

Damian O'Connor vs Road Warrior Animal

The Beast of Belfast faces Road Warrior Animal in a battle of the behemoths. Both men are big, hairy, hard-hitting dudes. This isn't for titles; this is just to prove who the King of the Jungle is, the Beast or the Animal.

Global Hero vs Global Wrestler

Joe Hendry vs Doug Williams

Doug Williams returns after last years loss to Claymore, 12 months ago he was Ted Dibiase's hired gun but this year he is on his own against mmmmm Joe Hendry…Global Hero. Joe Hendry is collecting titles everywhere at the moment and one big win against a former TNA X-Division, Tag Team and Television Champion will propel him back into the SWE Heavyweight Title picture. It won't be easy as Doug Williams is a well travelled veteran who has faced, and beaten, the best.

The Trident Try to Take Down the Foundations

Scott Renwick, Darren Bliers, MBK & Steven "Air" Myles vs Claymore, Mr News, LJT & ???

The Trident and Scott Renwick have been running riot over SWE, taking out anyone and everyone that has got in their way. Kevin Williams was due to be on the SWE Originals team but parted company with SWE at the end of July. Will a forth member be announced at Hellbound or will we have to wait for Hell for Lycra to find out the last member? The Trident team have youth and power on their side but you can never count out the wiliness that comes from experience.

The Evil Scotsman Will Fight The Goblin of The Skies

Bravehart vs Euan G Mackie

This has been a personal feud stemming from Euan G Mackie no showing a main event back in January at Season’s Beatings. Bravehart has made it his personal mission to rid, not only SWE but, all wrestling of The Very Good one. Bravehart himself has said he isn't 100% after taking a break from the ring after numerous injuries, including a concussion, but will relish the chance to beat Mackie once and for all. This won't be a wrestling match, this will be a fight.

World of Sport Legends Collide

Johnny Saint & Felix Fortune vs No.1 Marty Jones & The Jackal

Two World of Sport Legends will be in the ring on August 30^th. This will be a tough one to call as Felix Fortune has just started his career with SWE and The Jackal is as hungry as ever to make a name for himself. It’ll also be interesting to see Saint and Jones work with younger opponents.

Career vs Career - Cage Match

Chaz Phoenix vs Steven Magners

 

Now, if you want to talk personal. Steven Magners left SWE while SWE Tag Team Champion and member of The Syndicate with his tag team partner being, Chaz Phoenix. Magners didn't like the way that Chaz was siding with Authority, and namely, Bravehart. When Mr News needed a partner to defeat The Syndicate and win his job back, there was one man that had his own personal vendetta against them and Chaz Phoenix. After Magners and News won, and with the implosion of The Syndicate, Chaz became more vicious than ever and took out all his frustration on Magners. Magners was only too happy to get a little crazy. From kendo sticks, steel chairs, hammers, plastic bags, tables, steel guard rails and even going through the entrance way at Uprising. These guys have been trying to kill each other. At Hell for Lycra XI, it's career vs career. Those were the cliff notes. Here is a video to illustrate the upcoming match.

SWE Heavyweight Championship Match

Scumbag vs Stallyon

#Scumbag Ian Ambrose vs Martyn Stallyon

Ian Ambrose enters his 7th month as SWE Champion and he'll be facing his long time rival Martyn Stallyon. At last years Hell for Lycra Ian Ambrose lost to Rob Cage in the SWE European Championship finals, the year before he won the Tag Team Championships with Sam Ross, only to have that moment taken away from him due to a reversal by previous owner Ted Dibiase. Ambrose will be looking to pick up a win and hold onto his championship while Stallyon looks to put on another 5 star match and take home the big one. The former Future Division Champion will expect nothing less that to walk out with the gold. I think this will be match of the night judging by their previous matches with each other and both of them always kicking into another gear at Hell for Lycra. 

There are only a few physical tickets remaining over at www.sweonline.co.uk/shop

Also on the 29^th August at the Queen’s Hotel in Dundee, there will be a special Q&A with some of the Legends that will be at the event. It’s £10 to enter but tickets are limited, The Queen’s Hotel is literally across the road from the Bonar Hall. You’ll have a chance to meet Road Warrior Animal, Dennis Stamp, Marty Jones and Johnny Saint.

I, for one, have been looking forward to this all year. It's a night where anything can happen and the venue will be packed. If you haven't got a ticket, best hurry, as they won’t be around for much longer. It always promises to have moments that you won’t forget like last years Nursery Krymes Match or the cage match one year prior. If you want to get into the Hell for Lycra mood, last years event is here

All graphics by Desire Lines Graphic Design

All videos from www.youtube.com/sweonlinetv

SWE Uprising Presents Seasons Beatings VI Review - Craig Hermit

The show kicked off with a great reception from fans, eager to see more from this organisation that has been growing in there fanbase from the past year's events.

The first match to kick off the show was a Handicap match seeing Johnny Lions vs Euan G Mackie & Jam O’Malley,   those who were excited to see Lions weren't disappointed by the display as he was in control of the match until Mackie blasted him with the ring hammer to the knee and then a following shot to the head from O’Malley with his cane took out Lions again leaving him defenceless, he was forced to submit as O'Malley executed the leglock.

Nikki Storm vs Debbie Sharp was up next. Storm seemed to channelling her inner Trish Stratus in this match, as the fans were clearly on the side side of Sharp. The fans worked hard to fire Sharp up and encourage her to go that extra mile, but it was Storm who was able to get the win after Debbie's high cross body off the top turnbuckle failed to connect, allowing Storm to hit her with the spinning neckbreaker. A credible match.

Braveheart arrived to the scorn of the fans and announced that every winner from tonight will compete in a soul survivor elimination match in the main event. A great addition to an already good card, the fans loved the idea knowing that the heels where 2-0 up already!

The cheers turned to boos again as Braveheart brought out his new security team, The Trident, the fans looked displeased as this new team looked like a copy of the WWE's The Shield. However, this new team under Bravehearts orders attacked Scotty Riccio, but one thing  to take from this angle was one of the members of the Trident performing an amazing 360 shooting star press on Riccio. A good angle, but more needs to be shown to fans that the Trident aren't just a carbon copy.

Chaz Phoenix vs Joe Hendry was next up, and it was clear that Phoenix was here to show dominance over Hendry, despite Hendry's agility in the ring. Phoenix was all business throughout the match to show why he should be a contender for the Heavyweight title, and a point proven when he made Hendry tap to the Texas Cloverleaf.

The SWE Heavyweight Championship match was next, 
Champion Damian O’Connor defending against Ian Ambrose, O'Connor was clearly the champion of the fans as well, as they rained cheers on him and scorn on Ambrose. Ambrose pulled all the stops to show why he was a threat to the Champion, the climax of the good match came when O'Connor accidentally hit the referee with his Brogue Kick and gave Ambrose the chance to hit him with the title belt, fans were in uproar as they couldn't bare to see there Champion defeated this way, but after a near fall O'Connor rallied to connect the Brogue Kick on Ambrose to get the pin and retain the SWE Heavyweight Championship.

Then it was Jason Costello vs Claymore. Costello did everything he could in this match to get under the skin of Claymore but the fans recognising this, repaid in kind by doing the same to him, and it showed as Claymore was in control of the match until after a nearfall. Claymore saw red, arguing with the referee, Costello got the pinfall by rollup.

Next was the Future Division Championship, (champion)Viper vs Sammii Jayne, a competitive match, with women proved why this division is one to watch for great wrestling. Viper showed the fans why she is their Champion by making Sammie Jay tap with the Boston Crab to retain the SWE Future Division Championship, and they were delighted to see their Champion win.

Martyn Stallyon vs Jackie Polo was next, Polo let the fans listen to his singing before the match, and they weren't impressed, both showed great skills and storytelling in the ring, Stallyon was able to get the pin on Polo after Polo connected with the exposed turnbuckle pad he tried to force Stallyon into, falling victim to the frog splash and the fans overjoyed he got the win.

Next was the Elimination match, based on the results before hand it would be 3 vs 4 Survivor Series rules,  Damian O’Connor, Viper & Martyn Stallyon vs Jam O’Malley, Nikki Storm, Jason Costello & Chaz Pheonix. Some great matches and feuds were made to tease the fans, as Costello and Stallyon started the battle, as the match continued, Phoenix pinned Stallyon then Viper pinned O'Malley and O'Connor beat Costello, the fans erupted as Viper battled Storm and on this occasion Viper got the pin, then Pheonix entered and showed no mercy to Viper, almost ready to tap to Pheonix in the boston crab, O'Connor hit Phoenix with the Brogue Kick for Viper to get the pin, leaving the Heavyweight and Future Champion the sole survivors.

As expected, Mr News appeared to picked his tag team partner, despite the threats from Braveheart, Mr News picked Steve Magners as his partner to face The Syndicate on January 25th at ‘Uprising’ much to the fans celebration that Magners returned

This was a great event, and the fans clearly enjoyed, and based on this night showing that this is one organisation to watch for the future.