Wrestle Ropes' Ready for the Weekend: November 2015 Week 2

As we fast approach another packed weekend of wrestling, we look forward to what will in fact be a historic weekend not just for British wrestling but for independent wrestling as a whole. But more of that later. For now, let's get Ready For The Weekend!

Up first on Friday night, VII Pro Wrestling return to The Hive in Shrewsbury with Urge To Thrill... Rising! which will feature their inaugural Trifecta Trophy tournament. This tournament shall see trios teams compete with the winner of the one-night tournament being crowned the Trifecta Trophy tournament winner. While we don't know which teams shall face which, we do know that the teams in the tournament include some of the best wrestlers in the UK today. Teams like, The Number One Offenders that includes Damian Dunne, Mike Bird & Flash Morgan Webster. Or The Bruiserweights which includes CJ Banks, Dan Moloney & Pete Dunne. That is only two of the teams competiting so you can see the amount of talent involved. It won't all be tournament matches on November 13th though, as Lana Austin will face Nixon Newell with the spot in the Shropshire Wrestling Alliance's British Lions Championship ladder match on November 28th up for grabs.We will also get to see Dave DelVecchio of The Number One Offenders in action as he competes against a man, who as of yet, is not part of any Trifecta team. That man being Wild Boar. The match itself should be a very hard hitting affair with both men known for their full force offence.

Full Card

*VII Trifecta Trophy Tournament*

Confirmed Teams: 

The Bruiserweights (‘Superbeast’ Dan Moloney, ‘YoungXBitter’ Pete Dunne & ‘The Juice’ CJ Banks), 

The All Day Squad (Drew Parker, Ryan Smile & Ethan Silver), 

Number One Offenders (Mike Bird, ‘Number One’ Damian Dunne & ‘Flash’ Morgan Webster)

Culture Club (Tyler Bate, Chris Brookes & ???)

*VII Trifecta Trophy Tournament Final*

??? vs ???

*VII Trifecta Trophy Tournament Semi-Final*

??? vs ???

*VII Trifecta Trophy Tournament Semi-Final*

??? vs ???

*SWA British Lions Qualifier*

‘The Welsh Destroyer’ Nixon Newell vs Lana Austin

Dave DelVecchio vs Wild Boar

Moving on to Saturday and Wrestlezone will be at the Beach Leisure Centre in Aberdeen with their SOLD OUT Christmas Chaos (Comes Early!) event. There has been a lot of hype surrounding this event since it was announced that WWE Hall Of Famer, Mick Foley would be in attendance. That is not to say that the event is solely based around the WWE Hall Of Famer as the show has a stacked card. One match on the card this Saturday is The Rejected's Chris Archer & Mikkey Vago challenging Mr P & Kaden Garrick for the Wrestlezone Tag Team Championship. These two teams have exchanged wins and losses in tag team and singles action for the past few months in Wrestlezone. The Rejected has been calling for another shot at the gold and thanks to two wins of the champions in singles action, they will get another opportunity against the crowd-favourite duo of Mr P & Kaden Garrick. One man who has been making an impact in Wrestlezone in the past few months is Aspen Faith. Faith has demanded the best competition he can face. A few weeks ago he sent out a challenge to the man who claims to be the Best Young Wrestler, Lewis Girvan. He challenged him to a match on November 14th. However, Lewis Girvan countered the challenge by proposing an intergender tag team match with Aspen Faith & Sammii Jayne facing himself and Debbie Sharpe. The match was agreed with a contest between Sammii Jayne & Debbie Sharpe taking place last week in Huntly. It was Debbie Sharpe who took the win in her Wrestlezone debut contest on that occasion. Whether that is a glimpse of the result we'll see on Saturday, who knows. Either way we're getting to see four of the best wrestlers in one match. The main event for this Saturday will see Scotty Swift defending the Wrestlezone Undisputed Championship against Crusher Craib, Alan Sterling & Bingo Ballance. Swift has had a running feud with Alan Sterling and Sterling Oil from almost the moment he won the championship. Crusher Craib on the otherhand has been on a quest to recapture the champions since losing it earlier this year. The wild card is this match is most definitely Bingo Ballance. While only appearing in Wrestlezone on rare occassions, he has picked up some big wins in the past. Scotty Swift has been battling the odds since winng the championship but this is without doubt his biggest challenge yet.

Full Card

*Wrestlezone Undisputed Championship Fatal Fourway*

Alan Sterling vs Scotty Swift (c) vs Crusher Craib vs Bingo Ballance

*Wrestlezone Tag Team Championship*

The Rejected (Chris Archer & Mikkey Vago) vs Mr P & Kaden Garrick (c)

*Former Champions Showcase: Wrestlezone Undisputed Championship Number One Contender's Three Way*

Johnny Lions vs Damien vs Bryan Tucker

*Intergender Tag Team*

Aspen Faith & Sammii Jayne vs Lewis Girvan & Debbie Sharpe

*Christmas Brawl*

Blue Thunder vs William Sterling

Shawn Johnson vs Lord Mr Malice

WWE Hall Of Famer, Mick Foley Confirmed To Appear

Finishing the weekend off and there was really only one show that we could talk about. The SOLD OUT, Insane Championship Wrestling Fear & Loathing VIII event at the SECC in Glasgow. Now, ICW are no strangers to sold out shows in big venues. However, this event is actually historic and record-breaking. This event is the highest-grossing since Big Daddy vs Giant Haystacks in Wembley in 1981. This show will also have a larger crowd that any US independent promotion (excluding ECW) EVER. And do you know why? Because it is stacked from bell to bell with incredible matches and talent. Every championship will be on the line during the event, including the ICW Women's Championship which will be presented to the winner of Nikki Storm vs Kay Lee Ray. Both of these women have progressed through a series of tournament matches in the run up to this event. Nobody can say they know the definitive winner of this match as both wrestlers are so equal in talent and desire to be champion. Fear & Loathing has been known as a place to end rivalries and one of the biggest rivalry in ICW in recent memory has been between Legion and the New Age Kliq. This feud started many months ago and has gotten more intense and violent as time has went on. The hatred between Legion's Mikey Whiplash, Tommy End & Michael Dante and the NAK's Chris Renfrew, BT Gunn & Wolfgang has now gotten so big that this match will be contested in a Steel Cage. Violence is nothing new in ICW but this match may well set a standard in violence that might never be surpassed. With Fear & Loathing VIII being the biggest show in British Wrestling history it is only fitting that the biggest prize in ICW, the ICW World Heavyweight Championship is on the line. The challenger to Drew Galloway's title? Probably the most recognisable face in British Wrestling today, Grado. Back in August, Grado announced that he would challenge for the ICW World Heavyweight Championship. An announcement that brought Grado into the sights of Drew Galloway, Jack Jester & Red Lightning who have attacked Grado at every opportunity. Others such as Chris Renfrew has also questioned Grado being in the main event. Something that has light a fire in Grado that has never been seen. Grado is looking to prove to the the detractors that he deserves to be where he is. While The Black Label's attacks on Grado may have been a way to make him change his mind, they have only focused him more. The time for fun, laughs and jokes is over. Grado is now looking to prove to anyone who said he shouldn't be in the main event that he deserves his place and he'll look to do that by becoming the ICW World Heavyweight Champion this Sunday in front of 4,000 fans.

Match Card

*ICW World Heavyweight Championship*

Grado vs Drew Galloway (c)

*ICW Zero-G Championship*

Davey Boy (w/ The Wee Man) vs Stevie Boy (c)

*ICW Women’s Championship Tournament Final*

‘The Best In The Galaxy’ Nikki Storm vs Kay Lee Ray

*ICW Tag Team Championship*

The 55 (Kid Fite & ‘The East End Butcher’ Sha Samuels) (w/ James R Kennedy) vs Polo Promotions (Jackie Polo & ‘The Real Deal’ Mark Coffey) (c) (w/ Coach Trip)

*Steel Cage Six Man Tag Team*

Legion (Tommy End, Mikey Whiplash & Michael Dante) vs New Age Kliq (Chris Renfrew, BT Gunn & Wolfgang)

‘The Man-Beast’ Rhyno vs ‘Iron Man’ Joe Coffey

‘The Beast Of Belfast’ Damo vs ‘The Hardcore Icon’ Jack Jester

*Six-Man Tag Team*

Lionheart, ‘Bad Boy’ Liam Thomson & Doug Williams vs Kenny Williams, Noam Dar & ‘Global Hero’ Joe Hendry

‘Hardcore Legend’ Mick Foley As Commissioner For The Evening

That wraps up this week's preview of the weekend's wrestling schedule. Of course, there are many more events taking place over the three days. To find out more about the shows we've highlighted here as well as all the others, check us out at www.wrestleropesuk.wordpress.com for the latest show and match announcements, British Wrestling event list and more

Guest Article: Ain't No Party Like A BAE Club Party (Billy Strachan)

Women's wrestling in Scotland is at an all time high with talent bursting from all over, so in this spotlight of the Scottish scene I'm going to focus on two of my favourites that I've seen grow into two fantastic wrestlers whether they team up or fight individually.

SAMMII JAYNE

Making her start with Scottish Wrestling Entertainment back in 2012, Sammii started as a shy and quite vanilla in character. Being one of the only females on the SWE roster at the time she would face both men and women, being the scrappy underdog in most bouts. She would evolve, thanks in large part to Source Wrestling School and her association with "The Hashtag Scumbag" Ian Ambrose, into one of the best wrestlers on the SWE roster. Having blistering matches on a regular basis with the likes of Nikki Storm, Viper and Debbie Sharpe. Sammii was one of only two female wrestlers to hold the SWE Future Division Championship, she did so by beating the first, Viper, in a triple threat match also involving Debbie Sharpe.



Her SWE chapter was only the beginning, laying the ground work for bigger things. It was her Fierce Females journey that really got all eyes on Sammii Jayne. An incredible match against Fierce Female's Scottish Champion Kay Lee Ray saw people take notice of Sammii, she may've come up short in a match that took to the streets but she left a lasting impression on the Fierce Females fans that night.

Now you can see Sammii Jayne all over the country, from Discovery Wrestling in the capital, ICW in Glasgow, PBW, SWA, to up North for Rock N Wrestle and WrestleZone. I would even go as far to say that Sammii Jayne is, right now, one of the Top Five women wrestlers in the country in my opinion. Up there with Nikki Storm, Viper and Kay Lee Ray.



I'm like a broken record when I say that I saw Sammii right near the start when she faced Nikki Storm way back in August 2012 but to see someone evolve so much in so little time it's hard not to harp on about it. You wouldn't believe that it was the same person now. It was in stark contrast to the confident demeanour that fans should expect when seeing Sammii in action now. Confident, devious and hungry.

DEBBIE SHARPE

Starting with SWE as a referee, Debbie soon saw herself right in the action with the likes of Viper and Sammii Jayne. In SWE she was the polar opposite of Sammii's more serious, by any means nessacery, no nonsense approach, Debbie was the fun and bubbly side and the SWE fans took to her immediately. Debbie Sharpe vs Sammii Jayne was one of SWE's biggest feuds, tradiing wins back and forth with each match better than the last. It's a rivalry that has seen them face each other all over the country from WrestleZone in Aberdeen to Fierce Females in Glasgow.



Debbie has been unfortunate to suffer from several injuries early on in her career but with bad luck, Debbie saw opportunity and with that the #PrayForDebbie social media campaign was born. Her natural charisma is infectious whether she wants you cheer or boo her, she has the ability to make you react.



Seeing Debbie wrestle it's clear she puts everything into her craft and is entertaining. Whether she's the cowardly baddie, the feisty fan favourite or just Debbie Sharpe, she is one of the finest that Scotland has to offer.

VERSUS

As mentioned, Debbie and Sammii have faced each other numerous times in SWE, SWA, ICW and WrestleZone. Tag team matches, battle royals, triple threats, these two are very familiar foes that know each other very well which has the danger of getting stale but I, personally, have seen them face off many times and they find a way to keep their matches fresh. One that stands out is a triple threat ladder match between the two, plus another name that has been mentioned a lot in this article, Viper. A hard-hitting encounter with high risks that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

TEAM BAE

Debbie Sharpe and Sammii Jayne are the Ying to the others Yang. They are destined to be together whether as a team or fighting on opposite sides of the ring. With a chemistry that works in both scenarios, they have a natural rapore that extends from not only the in ring work but onto promo videos, like this latest one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mjLeb8J4lI


If you want to find out more about Sammii Jayne or Debbie Sharpe, you can find them on Facebook and Twitter by following the links below.


Sammii Jayne Facebook 
Debbie Sharpe Facebook 
Sammii Jayne Twitter 
Debbie Sharpe Twitter 



'Til next time…



- Billy



If you would like me to feature any wrestlers in particular in future articles, contact me on Twitter @VoiceOfOSW or email VoiceOfOSW@gmail.com

Wrestle Ropes Ready for the Weekend: October 2015 Week 5

This weekend sees promotions across the country celebrating anniversaries, holding new tournaments as well as the return of established ones. Add in the usual dash of rivalries and new encounters and we have another packed set of three days. Let's get Ready For The Weekend!

On Friday night, Fierce Females are back at Walkabout in Glasgow. This show will mark Fierce Females' third anniversary and it's looking to be one of their best events ever. At the last event which featured a championship rumble, there were a number of talking points. One was Leah Owens eliminating her own sister, Kasey Owens during the rumble. There is evidently some tension between the twins and the most obvious way to get rid of that is to let them go at each other on October 30th. It won't be the first time they've faced each other but it may be their first encounter were competition isn't the only thing that is driving them. From the bad blood between twins to the bad blood between baes. Sammii Jayne & Debbie Sharpe have been beside each other for months in Fierce Females. They have been inseparable. That was until 'Rumble In The Jungle' when Debbie eliminated Sammii from the rumble match. Understandably, Sammii Jayne is not best pleased with her bae, Debbie Sharpe. Debbie claims that Sammii would have done the same to her if the tables were turned but Sammii Jayne disputes that. While Sammii Jayne claims to have forgiven Debbie Sharpe for her actions, we'll find out if that is true this Friday when they meet in singles action. In Fierce Females there are twins, there are baes but nothing compared to the friendship between Bete Noire and Viper. That was until 'Rumble In The Jungle'. After Viper won the rumble match and become only the second Fierce Females Champion in it's history, Bete Noire came to the ring to celebrate with her long time friend. And that is when it changed. Without warning, Bete Noire laid out the new champion with the championship she had just won. Since then, Bete Noire has said little on the subject, Viper has said even less. That was until a few weeks ago when Bete Noire finally spoke. She told Viper that she was sick of living in her shadow and that this was the new Bete Noire, the real Bete Noire. Fierce Females have now announced that Viper will defend the Fierce Females Championship against Bete Noire in Glasgow in a Last Woman Standing match. Both of these women competed in the very first Fierce Females event. Now on October 30th, they will fight for the biggest prize in the promotion. But this is more than just about a championship. Viper has now reached the top in Fierce Females and will give her everything to stay there. However, the Bete Noire that now stands across from her, no longer cares how far she has to go. She refuses to be in anyone's shadow any more. These former friends meet this Friday and only can be left standing.

Moving on to Saturday and Shropshire Wrestling Alliance are back at the Dawley Town Hall with their British Lions tournament. In a change to this year's tournament, the winners of the qualifying matches will go on to a five-way elimination match with the British Lions Champion, Tyler Bate on November 28th. Speaking Tyler Bate, he joins forces with the SWA Champion, Ryan Smile in the main event to face The Dunne Brothers. While this match is not for any championships, it is all about pride. The champions will be looking to take the win to showcase their own championship reigns while The Dunne Brothers will be aware that a win over the champions will give them a legitimate claim to a future championship match. In a special attraction, non-tournament match, 'The Welsh Destroyer' Nixon Newell will face NXT's 'Blue Pants' Leva Bates. Nixon is one the of the gems in the Shropshire Wrestling Alliance crown, facing almost everyone in the promotion in some form or another. Leva Bates on the other hand has being tearing it up in WWE NXT as well as across the independent scene in North America. This will be a great first encounter between these two young wrestlers. The British Lions tournament itself features it's usual plethora skilled athlete such as Mike Bird, Wild Boar, Ethan Silver and Chris Brookes to just name a few. One match that does stand out from the crowd is 'The Priority' Chris Ridgeway vs 'White Lightning' Mark Andrews. While Mark Andrews has been tearing it up in Impact Wrestling as the winner of British Boot Camp 2, Chris Ridgeway has being making a name for himself in the UK. Ridgeway has gone against some of the best the UK has to offer. This Saturday he gets to go against another and a man he has openly admitted to admiring and respecting. Mark Andrews is already known for putting on stellar performances every time he enter the ring. Ridgeway is fast becoming know for doing the same. This match will be one not to be missed on October 31st!

Sunday night in Huntingdon will see Southside Wrestling hold their inaugural Young Tigers Cup at the Commemoration Hall. The Young Tigers Cup will see some of the UK's best young wrestlers compete in a one-night tournament to win the eponymous Cup. One of the tournament quarter-final matches will see former Speed King Champion, 'The Aerial Assassin' Will Ospreay face The Pledge of The Righteous Army. Ospreay has face some amazing talent in Southside Wrestling on previous occasions. The Pledge is a young man who is so eager to prove himself that he has rejected his own name in pursuit of the approval of The Righteous Army. Ospreay has proven himself time after time. The Pledge is a man who is quickly catching the eye of the Southside Wrestling fans. However, The Righteous Army are known for using their number their advantage. Ospreay will be looking to add another accolade to his resume but The Pledge will be looking to prove himself further to his fellow Righteous members. Another tournament quarter-final that will take place on November 1st will have an international element to it when Trevor Lee compete against 'SuperBeast' Dan Moloney. Trevor Lee is well known to fans who have seen him in PWG & TNA, holding gold while with both companies. Dan Moloney is a hungry young man whose strength is only matched by his talent. In recent months, Dan Moloney has competed against a number of well-known names and has matched them every time. Trevor Lee will be looking to add more silverware to his collection. But he'll have a very tough challenge in the form of Dan Moloney to overcome first. As for Moloney, well he'll be looking to showcase further why he is the 'SuperBeast' on Southside Wrestling. The night will not only showcase the young tigers of Southside though as the leader of 'The Righteous Army', 'The Righteous' Joseph Conners will be in action as he defends the Southside Heavyweight Championship against the number one contender, Martin Kirby. Joseph Conners has defeated many during his reign as champion, a reign he will want to continue. His opponent however is one of the most decorated men in the UK today. Martin Kirby has held both the Southside Speed King & Tag Team Championship in the past. A win on Sunday would make him a Triple Crown Champion in Southside, an accomplishment that only few hold. Kirby became the number one contender due to his incredible drive to win. Joseph Conners desire to keep the Southside Heavyweight Championship may be the only thing to equal Kirby's drive.


That wraps up this week's preview of the weekend's wrestling schedule. Of course, there are many more events taking place over the three days. To find out more about the shows we've highlighted here as well as all the others, check us out at www.wrestleropesuk.wordpress.comfor the latest show and match announcements, British Wrestling event list and more