Wrestle Ropes' Ready for the Weekend: January 2016 Week 4

We're back with another bumper weekend of British Wrestling events this week. This weekend we shall see Grand Pro Wrestling come 'Back With A Bang', witness an 'Outbreak' at Alpha Omega Wrestling and see what happens when you 'Chat Sh*t' at PROGRESS Wrestling. Let's get Ready For The Weekend!

Kicking off the wrestling weekend on Friday night and Grand Pro Wrestling are at The Rose Club in Hindley, Wigan with 'Back With A Bang 2016', their first show of the year. The event shall see The Island Brothers together as a team for the first time in over a year. Their opponents, The Bad Lads have been growing stronger as a team in the time that The Island Brothers have had other issues to deal with. Now the brothers are back together they will be looking to regain their place in the tag team division but face a big challenge right out the blocks. The GPW Tag Team Champions, Midnight Bin Collection will also be in action on Friday night as they join Joey Hayes to face The Hate League's Dylan Roberts, Danxig & Soner Dursun in a six-man tag team match. Joey Hayes has previous with The Hate League, most notably Soner Dursun who turned on Hayes during the North West League to join Dylan Roberts & Danxig. The Hate League will no doubt have their focus on winning gold in the near future and a win over the current tag team champions would certainly put them in the running for a title match. However, a win won't come easy over s
such a trio of Midnight Bin Collection & Joey Hayes. The main event for January 22nd will see both the GPW Heavyweight & British Championships on the line. At Grand Pro Wrestling's last event, Bubblegum & T-Bone ended up walking out with a different championship from the one they started the night. On Friday night we're going to see both men try to recapture the title they lost and walk away with both championships.

full card

*GPW British Championship Vs GPW Heavyweight Championship*

Bubblegum (c) vs T-Bone (c)

*Six-Man Tag Team*

Hate League (Danxig, Soner Dursun & Dylan Roberts) vs Joey Hayes & Midnight Bin Collection (Ste Bin Mann & Jet Fashion)

‘Magnificent’ Matthew Brooks vs DDL

The Island Brothers (Tabu & Rio) vs The Bad Lads (Drill & Mickey Barnes)

‘One Man Riot’ Craig Kollins vs Ashton Smith

Cyanide vs Noah

Travis Banks vs ‘The Priority’ Chris Ridgeway

Moving on to Saturday and Alpha Omega Wrestling kick off 2016 with 'Outbreak' at the Winter Gardens in Morecambe. After Chris Ridgeway's narrow loss to Stixx for the Alpha Omega Heavyweight Championship at 'Fightmare Before Christmas', Sam Bailey tweeted to Ridgeway to “keep his chin up” and that his “chance to shine would come”. Chris Ridgeway did not appreciate to encouraging words and a war of words was soon being traded on social media. Alpha Omega Wrestling never being a promotion to shy away from letting issues be settled in the ring have therefore scheduled a match for January 23rd between the two. Sam Bailey is one of the most popular men in AOW history, Ridgeway one of the most hated. Bailey will look to make his return to Morecambe a winning one. Chris Ridgeway looks to show Bailey that his time is right now and he's already shining bright. Since their arrival, The Referendum have been in pursuit of championship gold. A pursuit that they thought may soon be over when they were involved in a tag team match with Sexy Kev & Mr Big Shaun Vasey to crown the Alpha Omega Tag Team Champions. However something happened that The Referendum had never experienced before. They lost. When they then lost another chance to win gold, their leader, Laird Grayson (who was suspended) used a steel chair on Big Sexxxy. Tired of the oppression that The Referendum have forced on Alpha Omega Wrestling, Big Sexxxy challenged The Referendum to a street fight which The Referendum accepted on the conditions that the championships were on the line and that Laird Grayson would be reinstated if they won. The champions accepted the conditions. However Alpha Male Stallion added one of his own. If Big Sexxxy win on Saturday, Laird Grayson isn't suspended, he's fired! The main event at 'Outbreak' shall see Stixx defend the Alpha Omega Heavyweight Championship for the first time since his win. A win which he did not get to celebrate after being attacked by 'Local Hero' Joe Hendry just minutes after claiming the prize. Stixx wants revenge for his moment being taken away and he's prepared to put the championship on the line to do so. If Stixx allows his rage to take over then Stixx might not only be the first ever Alpha Omega Heavyweight Champion, he might be the shortest reigning one as well.

full card

*Alpha Omega Heavyweight Championship*

‘The Heavyweight House Of Pain’ Stixx (c) vs ‘The Local Hero’ Joe Hendry

*Alpha Omega Tag Team Championship: Street Fight (If The Referendum Win, Laird Grayson Is Reinstated, If Big Sexy Win, Laird Grayson Is Fired)*

Big Sexxxy (Sexy Kev & Mr Big Shaun Vasey) (c) vs The Referendum (Liam Thomson & Bobby Roberts)

‘The Priority’ Chris Ridgeway vs Sam Bailey

*Six-Man Tag Team*

RJM, Cyanide & Ryan Hunter vs ‘The Leader’ James Drake, Barricade & ???

‘One Man Riot’ Craig Kollins vs ‘Ultraviolent’ Chris Silvio

Lana Austin & Alexis Rose vs The Referendum (‘The Best In The Galaxy’ Nikki Storm & Carmel Jacob)

The weekend is rounded off with another sold out event from PROGRESS Wrestling who are back at The Electric Ballroom in Camden, London with 'Chapter 25: Chat Sh*t Get Banged'. The main event for January 24th shall see the PROGRESS Champion, 'The Aerial Assassin' Will Ospreay defend the championship against 'The Villain' Marty Scurll. This match came about after Marty Scurll took it upon himself to attack Ospreay after a successful title defense in Manchester. Threatening to break the champion's arm unless he was given a championship match, PROGRESS management were given no choice but to agree. Scurll then showed why he is known as 'The Villain', smashing Will Ospreay's arm with a steel chair anyway. Since then, this match has become personal with Ospreay asking for the match to be no disqualification which was granted. Yes, there is gold up for grabs on Sunday but it's more than that. It's personal. Whoever walks away with the PROGRESS Championship will have the luxury of knowing who their first challenger will be as 'The Star Attraction' Mark Haskins and 'Liverpool's No.1' Zack Gibson will compete to become the number one contender to the PROGRESS Championship on Sunday. Both of these men have an impressive run as of late with neither being defeated in recent months. Both have a valid right to challenge for the gold but only one man's run is continuing past January 24th. For anyone who follows PROGRESS Wrestling and their ENDVR events will know, the women of PROGRESS have been at the forefront. They have main evented shows and delivered show-stealing contests every time. Now they are going to show once again what they can do when Pollyanna, Toni Storm, Jinny & Dahlia Black compete in a fatal four-way match this Sunday at 'Chapter 25: Chat Sh*t Get Banged' in Camden, London.

full card

*PROGRESS Championship: No Disqualification*

‘The Villain’ Marty Scurll vs ‘The Aerial Assassin’ Will Ospreay (c)

*PROGRESS Tag Team Championship*

The Origin (‘The Showstealer’ Nathan Cruz & ‘The Mexican Sensation’ El Ligero) (c) vs FSU (‘White Lightning’ Mark Andrews & ‘The Pride Of Wales’ Eddie Dennis)

*Winner Chooses A Stipulation For The London Riots Vs Sumerian Death Squad On March 27th*

Rob Lynch vs Michael Dante

*PROGRESS Championship Number One Contender*

‘The Star Attraction’ Mark Haskins vs ‘Liverpool’s No.1’ Zack Gibson

*Fatal Four-Way*

Pollyanna vs Toni Storm vs Dahlia Black (w/ TK Cooper) vs Jinny

*Winner Qualifies For The Natural Progression Series Semi-Finals*

Tyler Bate vs Damian Dunne

‘Flash’ Morgan Webster vs Paul Robinson

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, interviews, exclusive columns, reviews, reports and results!

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

     After last weekend had some amazing, huge shows take place, you could be forgiven for thinking this weekend would be a quieter affair. Not a chance of it! Another weekend, another packed calendar of events. Let's get Ready For The Weekend!

On Friday night, Insane Championship Wrestling shall be in Newcastle for the second night (the first taking place tonight in Dundee) of their UK tour with One Fall Brawl. One match which may have implications on the main event of Fear & Loathing VIII shall be the contest between Grado and Jack Jester. Grado is scheduled to challenge Drew Galloway for the ICW World Heavyweight Championship on November 15th, however his opponent, Jack Jester shall be looking to cause damage to Grado's chances in favour of his Black Label comrade. Grado will be looking to his main event match on November 15th but he can't take Jack Jester likely. Friday will also see the return of Johnny Moss to ICW when he faces the New Age Kliq's BT Gunn. Moss is one of the most dominating heavyweights in Europe whose speed matches his strength. His opponent is part of the one of the most dangerous factions in wrestling today. Moss has run through almost everyone in ICW but he returns now to a company that is vastly different from the last time he competed. BT Gunn is probably now more dangerous and ruthless than he has ever been. Gunn will look to make a statement against Moss and 'The Vigilante' shall want to make his return a winning one. Since The Black Label and ICW GM, Red Lightning have become a powerforce in ICW, they have done all in their power to suppress 'The Beast Of Belfast' Big Damo. Even going as far as joining forces with The 55 who have attacked Damo on numerous occasions. But the latter has refused to back down and now he's looking to take apart both groups on his road to the ICW World Heavyweight Championship. On October 9th, Damo turns his focus to 'The East End Butcher' Sha Samuels. Samuels is unforgiving, plain and simple. But Damo has a fire within him that few have ever seen. Without a doubt, Damo faces a big challenge in Sha Samuels but Damo has never ever been as dangerous as he is now. The Road to Fear and Loathing VIII Tour continues on Saturday and Sunday in Southampton and London respectively.

Moving on to Saturday and Southside Wrestling make their return to Sheffield with a double show event taking place at the Corporation. We're going to focus of the second show for this article but the afternoon show is of equal quality and we'd recommend attending both if you can. The Righteous Army are undoubtedly the power in Southisde Wrestling right now. One man that the leader of The Righteous Army and current Heavyweight champion, Joseph Conners has an issue with is Stixx. He has focused on the former champion since he returned earlier this year. On Saturday, both men will meet once again, this time in a tag team match. While Joseph Conners will team with The Pledge, Stixx has called on the assistance of former WWE star, JTG. The Righteous Army are a formidable team but Stixx has a partner who is a specialist in tag team matches, in particular with a heavyweight team-mate such as Stixx. This match could be the beginning of a turn in the tide for Stixx or it may be a continuation of The Righteous Army's oppression in Southside. Speaking of The Righteous Army, the main event this Saturday will see 'The Mexican Sensation' El Ligero continue his war with the faction, this time with the current Speed King champion, Jimmy Havoc. This match would be hate-filled anyway but this match will be a street fight. The Righteous Army have made it their aim to attack and embarrass El Ligero but now there are no rules and El Ligero will want to send a message to Havoc that he will not be a victim of theirs. 'Flash' Morgan Webster has been a on great run in Southside Wrestling recently with a win over Will Ospreay and a great match with Tommy End to name a few. He wants to face the best that Southside can provide and on October 10th he's going to have that chance when he faces Tommaso Ciampa in singles competition. Ciampa has had great matches in Southside as well as competing all over the world. Morgan has a thirst for great competition and the tools and talent to achieve it. This Saturday we could see a match that might just steal the show and Webster may possibly get a win over another word-class talent.

Sunday shall see the first out of Alpha Omega Wrestling since it was born from Paid Promotions in Morecambe. And they're not getting off to a slow start with two new champions guaranteed to be crowned at the event in Morecambe. One championship that will be unveiled and awarded shall be the Alpha Omega Women's Championship which will be up for grabs in a gauntlet match. The gauntlet match will consist of seven competitors, Lana Austin, Felony, Sammii Jayne, Viper, Debbie Sharpe, Jenna & Alexis Rose. Sometimes a favourite can be chosen in a match but that is eliminated with this match type as the order in which the competitors enter could play as big a factor as the wrestlers themselves. While there are competitors such as Viper & Lana Austin who have competed in Alpha Omega Wrestling (formerly Paid Promotions) before, there are a number of débuts such as Felony & Alexis Rose to name a few. This adds another unknown elements to the match. Really anyone could walk away the inaugural Alpha Omega Women's champion this Sunday. Another champion that will be decided will be the new Alpha Omega Tag Team Championship. Former opponents now turned allies, Sexy Kev & Shaun Vasey will face a team which couldn't be more bonded as a unit, The Referendum. That being said, Sexy Kev & Shaun Vasey or Big Sexxxy as they are now known, present an unknown in the fact that The Referendum don't know how they interact as a team. However, The Referendum are THE power faction in Alpha Omega with countless wins over opponents. The Referendum say they are destined for the gold. Big Sexxxy are out to prove otherwise. The main event on October 11th will see two men who hate each other so much that a meeting between the two was inevitable even if the powers that be tried everything to prevent it from happening. As the hatred between Johnny Phere and Craig Kollins is so great, a normal match would not be enough to settle this so that contest will be held under no holds barred rules. If either man is going to move on then this has to be settled on Sunday in Morecambe and it will without doubt be done so in the most violent was possible.


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 

Interview: ICW's Bobby Roberts

It's a pleasure to welcome Craig Hermit back to atpw.co.uk. This time Craig's back as interviewer!

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This heavyweight competitor is incredibly agile for his size and able to out-power some of the most dominant opponents. With his ever-growing ability in the ring and his strength and tenacity, Roberts aims to make waves as he stands alone as a singles competitor like he has done in Insane Championship Wrestling, Scottish Wrestling Alliance, Pride Wrestling, Caithness Pro Wrestling, Alpha Omega Wrestling and many others.

ATPW - The obvious opening question then, did you get into the wrestling industry and when did the interest develop?


Bobby Roberts - I’ve always been a fan for years and years. Obviously, growing up with (Hulk) Hogan, (The Ultimate) Warrior and Macho Man, all the way through the cartoon period kinda thing, then growing up, the teenage years, WWE had the Attitude Era, so that got me right into it, I was rebellious and that fitted in.


Then I watched the documentary, Beyond the Mat, famous documentary, it opened my eyes to the world of wrestling, being backstage, the politics, the drama, the production and everything about it. I just said to myself, I wanna do this, unfortunately at the time I had no money to train and where SWA was originally based, I was unable to get to via public transport on a Sunday cause I stayed in Ayrshire, and travel was equivalent to using a horse and cart. Turning 18, I went to the army, met my wife, started playing football for a while, got bored of it, wasn't a passionate thing as I was still into wrestling so I thought, right bugger it. If I didn't do it now, I never would. So, 30th April 2011 came around, I stepped into Source Wrestling School, my first training session was with Paul Tracey which was brutal and ever since then I've never looked back.


I débuted on 18th November 2011 and the same year, I won trainee of the year award. I was going 4 days a week, sometimes constantly, just applied everything I could to get to training. I mean, I'm married so, I didn't get to see a lot of my family. I was borrowing money to get to training constantly off my wife, my parents and everything I done was wrestling related. I lived and slept wrestling through that period of time, still do, just at that period of time I wanted it, went for it and I'm still here.


When you started your training, within Source Wrestling School, how did you find it and was there anyone who has been influential in your training?


Damian O’Connor and Mikey Whiplash by far, Damo trains you hard but it’s worth it, he sees the potential in people, exact same as Whiplash. He just sees the potential oozing out of some people and pushes you that much harder because if you've got it, he wants to see you come through, Damo as well. I had a lot of personal problems, spoke to him face to face and he gave good advice on it. Whiplash is constantly pushing me as much as he can, always helping me on wrestling. Both have a completely different way of telling you the same thing but both make so much sense. One piece of advice that always stuck with me, “Just because you can do it doesn't mean you should!”, I’ll always remember that.


You have been part of Reckless Intent Wrestling, what are your thoughts on the progression that has made in the last few years?

Absolutely fantastic, they have just grown, any company has to start from somewhere and they have just grown and grown. Some of the people they have brought in, myself, Chris Renfrew, DCT, Damian O’Connor and Colt Cabana. Last year Cabana was there and that was a sell out show. It went from the Reckless Intent Unit to Morrisson Scout Hall and it’s been selling out every time we are there. 


You are not just part of Caithness Pro Wrestling in the North of Scotland, but you are the CPW Heavyweight Champion, what are your thoughts on the progression of CPW and the next step? 

Photo Credit - Ferguson Studios

Well, the next step is for it to continually grow, the promotion is bringing in new people, myself, Viper, Solar and the potential of the main roster itself is absolutely phenomenal. Look at them, Kitty Trouble, who has embraced a new image change, Big Bob, I've already said how much of a powerhouse he is, you still have former Champion Solomon and even as we spoke about before The Abandoned who are a completely new faction in CPW, who may be targeting me but that's only at the moment, everyone show watch out for them. I've only mentioned a few of the CPW roster there, so it's clear to see the CPW is growing as a company at more and drawing more attention from fans all over Scotland & down in England.


Staying with CPW, you have had issues with the faction known as The Abandoned who have made you their next target?


The Abandoned are a strange one,  I've wrestled Eric before, I've fought the Son's of Solomon before both in hard fought matches at CPW Ransoms something has just appeared to click in his head and they have made me their target for some reason. The thing is though, he's playing a very dangerous game if he's coming for me, like I said at the last show, I'm the CPW Champion, your welcome to TRY and take this Championship away from me.


Recently at CPW's last event, ' Pride of the Highlands, Big Bob won a fantastic tournament to be granted a title shot anytime of his choosing, your thoughts?

That will certainly be one hell of a match, he's legit 6 foot 8, he's built like a bear and there's very few people not just in CPW but in the UK with his frame and his ability. He's a man I will concerned about when he cashes in that Title shot and if I'm still the Champion when he does, but he will realise the I'll do everything I can to keep this Championship.


In Alpha Omega Wrestling in Morecambe, you are part of the Referendum, the Scottish representatives who are on a continuous winning streak at the moment since last year, what do you feel about the reactions you get from the fans?

It is a kinda typical English reaction to Scotland winning, isn't it? They can't handle the fantastic Scottish talent we have, it is as simple as that. Everyone mentions the British Wrestling scene, there wouldn't be a British Wrestling scene if it wasn't for the Scottish talent in Scotland. Scottish talent is the best, we, The Referendum, showcase that Scottish talent every single time we are at Morecambe in Alpha Omega Wrestling. I mean look, we have Viper, the most dominant female in Britain never-mind Scotland, there's Davey Boy who has yet to unleash just how crazy he can get, you've got Lewis Girvan, just an amazing talent and you've got me, the Enforcer of the Referendum.


ICW fans are continually taking about the partnership you have with Joe Hendry, your unique entrances especially? How did the idea come about?

I say Joe comes up with the ideas for the entrances and he thinks I've got real comedic timing, I'll agree to that, but Joe has a great comedic mind and we do have great chemistry. I feel comfortable with him for the things we do at the entrances but we'll see if there's more to come.


You have wrestled for numerous promotions across the UK, what ones would you love to wrestle for?


PCW is certainly one I would love to wrestle for along with my tag team partner Lewis Girvan, the fans down there are superb and fantastic range of talent they have is phenomenonal. PROGRESS as well, just amazing what that promotion has been able to achieve but honestly any promotion that I'm a part of I make sure the fans will always be entertained.


Lastly, where can fans see you next?

Reckless Intent in Livingston on the 3rd, Alpha Omega Wrestling in Morecambe on the 11th and I'll be making my début for Heritage Wrestling in Sunderland on 30th October. Also buy my range of T-shirts and Hoodies available from:

http://www.shopping.mickmickdesigns.co.uk/bobby-roberts--wrestler-376-c.asp

You can also keep up-to-date with Bobby Roberts on Facebook and Twitter at - 
Bobby Roberts

@BobbyRobertsAGC

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A big thanks to Bobby Roberts for taking part in the interview, as well as Craig Hermit for conducting it. You can find Craig on Twitter here.