Here's the deal. The last couple of weeks I've been trying to catch up with the European wrestling scene. So I've read and watched a bunch of stuff. Amidst all of this one promotion really caught my attention: All Star Wrestling. I first heard of ASW several years ago due to a buddy of mine going to one of their shows and then telling me about it (btw, Sakakida, that dude was Nick). All Star is basically a family friendly promotion with lots of kids in attendance at their shows and is probably the top British wrestling promotion right now. They usually run several shows a month but for whatever reason this month they're running...wait for it...wait for it...22 shows! IMO that is absolutely fantastic. It's like an old school territory of sorts and I'm completely marking out just reading about this promotion. Sadly, they don't tape their shows and you could bet your ass that I'd kill to check out some of their shows 'cause they sound like a lot of fun. Here's the results from some of their latest shows:
All Star Wrestling
Cliffs Pavilion
Southend
January 29th 2008
Crowd: 1,500
Julio Torres beat Frankie Sloane
The Metal Master beat Robbie Dynamite
Broady Steele beat Doug Williams
Gangrel beat James Mason
Mikey Whiplash, Kid Cool, Dean 2 Xtreme & Frankie Sloane beat Quebecer Pierre, Rene Dupree, Bryan Danielson & Chad Collyer in an elimination match
Awesome show. Amazing crowd. Best show I've seen this year by far, and best show I've seen in a few months
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All Star Wrestling = British Wrestling at its very BEST!
Company: All Star Wrestling
Date: Friday 1st February 2008
Time: 7:30pm
Attendance: 600 (Sell-Out)
Price: ?12
Location: Oakengates Theatre, Telford, England.
Karl Kramer vs. Zulu Prince
The fans chant ”Zulu, Zulu” as the contest begins. Lock up with Kramer getting the better of it (pushing Prince back into the corner and slapping him), Prince is incensed and chases after Kramer with his fist but at the last second refrains from punching. ”Fatty, Fatty” chants directed at Kramer. A second lock up takes place this time Prince pushes Kramer into the corner and breaks cleanly (Kramer uses this to push Prince) who once again chases Kramer with his fist closed ready to strike, but just like the first occasion he refrains at the last possible second. Kramer picks up his first public warning for a closed fist shot to Prince, Kramer then locks in the sleeper as the ref checks the arm. Prince gets a surge of adrenaline and fights back with clotheslines and a shoulder barge for a two count, Prince finally slams Kramer for another two count. Prince continues the offence with a bulldog and clothesline but gets caught with a boot and a vicious slam by Kramer who finishes the match via a top rope splash.
Match Time: 14 minutes
Winner: Karl Kramer
My Thoughts:
Good long opening match allowing a story to be told. Kramer’s power vs. Prince’s speed and quickness, Kramer’s power allowed him to control long parts of the match but Prince’s speed and quickness meant at any point out of nowhere he could win the match. Fans were fully behind ASW newcomer Zulu Prince and almost led him to victory but on this night Kramer’s power was just too much.
USA vs. England
Bryan Danielson vs. Phil Powers
Handshake is shared by both competitors as the match starts. Lock up with Danielson arm-dragging Powers, the fans respond to Danielson’s ”USA, USA” chant with an ”England, England” chant. Danielson continues the attack with hip-tosses and a slam. Powers fights back with hip-tosses and dropkicks of his own leaving Danielson heading for higher ground. ”England, England” chant starts up once more, Danielson offers Powers handshake (with crossed fingers that the audience can see) Powers falls for it and pays with a kick and an uppercut by Danielson flooring him. Danielson comes off the second rope with a knee drop and quickly applies the Canadian Mapleleaf as the fans chant ”England, England” once again. Powers kicks Danielson off and nails a slam driver for a two count, Powers quickly follows up with a swinging neck breaker but Danielson crotches him as he attempts a high risk move. Powers regains his composure and pushes Danielson off, but misses with the subsequent missile dropkick attempt. Danielson uses his ring smarts and rolls Powers up in a schoolboy pin and with his feet on the ropes picks up the three count.
Match Time: 14 minutes
Winner: Bryan Danielson
USA 1-0 England
My Thoughts:
One of my reasons to attend this show was to see Bryan Danielson in action and he did not disappoint. He and Powers produced a good technical wrestling match,. Danielson started off as a sportsman (via the handshake) but when things weren’t going his way he became sneakier and more of a rule breaker (even picking up a public warning). Powers was resilient in fending off Danielson’s expert picking apart of his leg, Danielson’s change in approach actually worked (wrongly or rightly) when he picked up the pinfall victory.
USA vs. England
Gangrel vs. Doug Williams
”Doug, Doug” chant starts up causing Gangrel to start jawing with the crowd, who respond with a ”Who are ya?, Who are ya?” chant. Lock up which Gangrel gets the best of pushing Williams back into the corner. Gangrel misses with follow up forearms allowing Williams to hip-toss and dropkick Gangrel until he hastily leaves the ring. Williams continues the attack with a basement dropkick and then forcefully brings Gangrel back into the ring. Gangrel applies the sleeper with his feet on the ropes (unbeknownst to the referee), Williams manages to fight out and returns with a European uppercut. Gangrel blocks Williams’s punches and replies with a back elbow, but the follow up roll up pin only gets a two count. Williams fights back once more with his high knee strikes and an uppercut for a two count of his own, a back drop follows but as Williams attempts a sunset flip Gangrel grabs hold of the ropes and picks up the win.
Match Time: 13 minutes
Winner: Gangrel
USA 2-0 England
My Thoughts:
Good match. Williams was a surprise announcement for me and a welcomed one! Gangrel with his cheating and rule breaking was the perfect foil for Williams’s technical wrestling prowess and these two elements created a good solid wrestling match. Once again Gangrel could not put Williams away and had to cheat in the end to do so. England might have lost 2-0 on this night, but they can dispute both losses and will win the series somewhere down the road I believe!
INTERMISSION
Robbie Dynamite vs. Metal Master
”Get them spikes off” barks Dynamite, the ASW fans clap and stamp as the match gets underway. Lock up Dynamite pushes Master off, leg trips are traded producing an ECW like stand off. Neither competitor can get a clear advantage with their opponent slipping out of moves, the mirroring continues as headlock takeovers are reversed out of by both men. Dynamite applies the wristlock but Master just as quickly flips out and applies a hand twist. Dynamite crotches Master on the top rope, but Master punches back knocking Dynamite off, and connects with a flying shoulder tackle. Chops and Forearms are traded as the contest becomes hot and heavy, Master hit’s a perfect float over DDT and leg lariat to continue the attack. Master connects with an Asai moon-sault but gets caught when attempting a suplex, which Dynamite skilfully reverses into a DDT. Master is able to regain his composure and finishes the match with the Jackhammer, causing the ASW fans to go insane!
Match Time: 14 minutes
Winner: Metal Master
My Thoughts:
That was a great match! Mixing both technical wrestling and high flying which produced a breathtaking experience for the ASW fans. Master and Dynamite meshed well together, and once again with the time given both were able to give their very best for the fans. With Master picking up the win against the Middleweight Champion the ASW fans could well see a Title match between the two down the road and I for one would love to be present if/when that takes place!
A list of Birthday’s are run through (with each kid introducing themselves), a raffle and finally plugs for shops where All Star Wrestling posters are displayed.
Main Event
Canada vs. England
Rene Dupree & Quebecer Pierre vs. UK Dream Team (Kid Cool & Deano)
Inaudible French Canadian promo, followed by ”You have no respect for 3 Time Tag Team Champions!”. The Canadian national anthem then plays, interrupted by UK Dream Team’s entrance music. ”Who are ya?” chants directed at Dupree and Pierre, Dupree wants the females to stop looking at his bottom. ”England, England” chant starts up as Deano applies the headlock to Pierre, ”Deano, Deano” chant starts as Deano bounces off Pierre (after attempting a shoulder block). Pierre’s shoulder knocks Deano down again but with the help of Cool and a pair of double dropkicks the UK Dream Team take the advantage and clear the ring. Dupree gets his first public warning for double teaming Cool for too long, Deano angry at the refereeing gives the ref an earful which only helps Dupree & Pierre in double teaming Cool. Cool fights back with an elbow to Dupree and then finally makes the tag to Deano! Who quickly takes over with a Superkick to Dupree and a 6-1-9 on Pierre, Deano covers Dupree (Pierre accidentally splashes Dupree trying to break up the cover) allowing Deano to connect with his patented second rope moon-sault for the three count.
Match Time: 13 minutes
Winner: UK Dream Team (Kid Cool & Deano)
My Thoughts:
A good heated way to end the show. The fans were fully behind the English team whilst despising everything that the Canadians did (underhanded or otherwise). Power vs. Quickness was the theme for this match also, with Dupree & Pierre providing the power and Deano & Cool providing the quickness. The two teams worked well together to produce a good old school tag match, with England winning their first match of the evening.
Canada 0-1 England
Overall Thoughts:
Kramer vs. Prince was a good opening match. Danielson vs. Powers was a good technical match. Williams and Gangrel meshed well together to have a good match, Master vs. Dynamite was high paced, excellently wrestled and just a great match! Pierre & Dupree vs. UK Dream Team was a good old school tag match and a good way to end the show. ASW once again proved why it’s the best British Wrestling promotion with a fantastic card of wrestling (with each match give ample time to entertain the fans) and a sell out crowd, they do the easy things right and the fans respond in their droves by continuing to support the product.
Match of the Night:
Robbie Dynamite vs. Metal Master
Results from Southampton.
Phil Powers over Ricky Hype with a top rope leg drop. Generic stuff, pretty good but very long for an opener.
Mikey Whiplash pins Frankie Sloan after hitting a top rope knee drop. Lots of gay jokes.
Metal Master and American Dragon (with his mask) beat Rene Dupree and Quebecer Pierre. Master pinned Dupree after a mistimed shot from the Canadian flag of Oulett. Really fun, with the Frenchies being awesome dastardly heels and AmDrag and MM doing the high-flying masked team brilliantly.
Doug Williams over Chris The Bambi Killer with a school boy counter to a cross arm breaker. Really solid technical match.
Robbie Brookside beat Gangrel by countout. Lots of shenanigans with the ref getting knocked out and evil Rene Dupree taking his place, until Frankie Sloan makes the save the baddies bail.
Colchester 8/2/08 - about 850 in attendance
Chris Bambi beat Gangrel via DQ
Martin Berry beat Marty Scurll
Doug Williams and Robbie Brookside beat Rene Dupree and Pierre Lafitte
Papa Don beat Nick Aldis
American Dragon beat Robbie Dynamite
Sunderland 9/2/08 - Just over 1000 in attendance
Deano and Chris Bambi beat Rene Dupree and Pierre Lafitte
Doug Williams beat Gangrel
American Dragon beat Phil Powers and Bad Bones in a Triple Threat Match
Iceman beat Lance Thunder
Tony Spitfire beat Robbie Dynamite
First up it was local boy Tony Spitfire going up against Robbie ‘the Body’ Dynamite. In what was an uncharacteristic high flying ASW match, Tony Spitfire came home with the win after a cross body block.
The next match saw the dreaded Iceman take on Lance Thunder. Iceman made his size advantage count and got the three after a spine-shuddering lariat.
The third match was a brilliant triple threat match. Phil Powers, Germany’s Bad Bones and the incredible American Dragon locked horns. Powers was eliminated first by Bad Bones who villainously used his German flag on Powers nether regions to snatch the pinfall. American Dragon though battled on and with the support of Powers at ringside picked up the victory with a gravity-defying splash.
The next match saw Gangrel take on Doug Williams. Gangrel was disqualified for continuous cheating and the match went to Williams.
The final match saw a Canada vs. England tag team match. Representing Canada was former two time WWE tag champion Rene Dupree teaming with former three time WWE tag champ Pierre LaFitte. They ran down the crowd, their opponents and British wrestling in general. Chris Bambi and Xtreme Dean though had heard enough and hit the ring, and their opponents, hard. After a solid match, the British team shocked the odds with the victory they’ll tell their Grandkids about.
Results from Leamington, 12 Feb.
In front of a full house they even put extra seat in.
Dean Allmark beat American Dragon.
Pierre Lafitte beat Robbie Dynamite.
Rene Dupree vs James Mason when to a double count out.
"Greek God" Pappa Don beat Cougar Kid.
Robbie Brookside and Nick Aldis beat Broady Steele and Gangrel.
A really good night of wrestling. Dupree still looks jacked.
------------------------------------------
Awesome show tonight in Leamington, like other shows on the tour all matches were fantastic.
All-Star Wrestling Report: Monday 11th February 2008
The Royal Empire Theatre, Liverpool, United Kingdom
On my travels yet again. This time I found myself in Liverpool watching the All-Star wrestling group. The touring All-Star promotion runs throughout the year at various UK sites. I always take it in when it comes to my hometown (Chester) but decided to take a quick trip up to Liverpool to see it on a bit of a bigger scale. The roster for February was stacked and some of the stars in attendance last night were 'American Dragon' Bryan Danielson, Doug Williams, Robbie Brookside, Rene Dupree, Pierre Lafitte and Gangrel. I couldn't miss this. The Empire Theatre holds 1,800 and I think 1,600 was the attendance figure that was announced so a good crowd was in. Sitting down in the upper circle of the theatre, I pictured and compared it to the setting of Monday Night Raw in early 1993. As the curtain came up and the sparklers alighted in a way similar to the entrance of Chris Masters, the All-Star dancers started the night off with a dance number which was a much tamer version of Extreme Expose. Well it had to be really, as the event was very family orientated with the audience made up of mostly kids and families. With the ring setup on a small stage directly below me, we were ready to start. The show started on time at 7:30pm and finished at 9:45pm. There was a 15 minute intermission halfway through and the crowd were hot all night. Five matches were scheduled with each match having a 20 minute time limit. Here we go.
1)"Filthy" Phil Powers vs Frankie Sloan
From the first bout it was obviously more of a carnaval type show as anyone that wasn't from the UK or carried a British flag got booed. Both Powers and Sloan were from the UK but Powers came out with a black flag which got him instant heat. This one had lots of stalling at the start. Powers constantly chanted 'Chelsea's Number 1' to get heat. (Chelsea is a place in London). Sloan countered with a 'Liverpool' chant to get the inevitable face pop. Basic opener with Sloan getting the advantage then Powers reversing the tide. Sloan eventually won it with a top rope cross body. Little to no selling from both in a sloppy match. Here is Your Winner: FRANKIE SLOAN.
2)James Mason vs Gangrel
This one was billed as an 'International Heavyweight Challenge'. Apparently these two have fought a lot on this circuit. Mason had control for the most part as Gangrel played the part of chickenshit heel brilliantly while constantly jawjacking with the crowd. Gangrel refrained from using profanities. However, Gangrel did receive a public warning for a blatant kick in the balls. I don't know why it wasn't an instant DQ. The finish came when Mason Irish whipped Gangrel then missed a charge allowing Gangrel to roll Mason up and get the win with his feet on the ropes. Mason protested after the match and led the crowd in a cheat chant but Gangrel didn't come back out. The referee didn't reverse the decision either. Here is Your Winner: GANGREL.
3)American Dragon, Metal Master, Rene Dupree & Pierre Lafitte vs Doug Williams, Ben Levy, Robbie Dynamite
& Deano (Xtreme Dean Allmark)
This match was dubbed as an 8 man International tag team match where the only way to win was to throw your opponents over the top rope. Basic tag match rules apply though. It was the USA/Canada combo vs The Great Britain All-Stars. Master and Dragon both came out in masks. Dupree played the cocky heel, trying it on and posing with the ring girls. Dragon cut a heel promo to start. He told us to shut up and show respect as he comes from the greatest country in the world (USA). Dragon then proceeded to sing the U.S national anthem but kept stopping as the boos were putting him off. Master ended up putting his hands over Dragon's ears allowing him to sing the anthem in full. Lafitte then started to sing the French-Canadian anthem but stopped before saying we didn't deserve it. The Brits came out to a massive pop and they were all wearing red All-Star wrestling shirts. It was noted that Levy was voted best British newcomer for 2007 while Deano was being touted as a kickboxing champion. The Brits started off well landing double dropkicks, double hiptosses and a four way Irish whip to their foreign counterparts. Deano then hit Dragon with a 619. Dragon sure wasn't working an ROH type match as he stayed pure sports entertainment. Still, Dragon was inexplicably the first man out. After a top rope backflip over Dynamite, Dragon missed a lunge and Dynamite threw him out. Enraged, Dragon tried to get back in only to be sent back over the top rope by a Dynamite dropkick. Master levelled things up by depositing Levy. Lafitte then caught Dynamite in a sky high/sitdown powerbomb before tossing him out. Deano levelled things up once again after landing sweet chin music and a second rope moonsault to Master. This left Master ripe for inevitable elimination. Dupree then got rid of Williams to leave Deano at the mercy of the Canadians. After a brief double team, Lafitte sent Deano to the corner then Irish whipped Dupree but Deano managed to backdrop Dupree out. It was down to Deano and Lafitte. After eliminations, the Brits stayed out whereas the heels went to the back but Dupree stayed out and hid on the floor. After hooking Deano's leg, Dupree held him for an open shot on the apron. Deano avoided Lafitte's charge and Dupree was sent flying again. Deano then pushed Lafitte out to win. This was the best match of the night. Here is Your Winner: DEANO.
Intermission was followed by another dance number from the All-Star dancers.
4)(Mr USA) Brody Steele vs Robbie Brookside
(All-Star Heavyweight Title Match)
This was the announced Main Event. Steele's enjoying a 1+ year reign as champ. Steele got on the mic saying he initially refused to come to this filthy city. When he found out he'd be facing local hero Robbie Brookside he reconsidered. Steele said there's nothing better than beating a filthy, slimy scouser. After winning, Steele boasted he'd walk through the crowd then Liverpool and kick the crap out of everyone. Good promo. Brookside came out to a big pop. This was the only match which had no time limit. Brookside controlled the early going with solid matwork. Steele hung Brookside up on the top rope to turn the tide. Steele used power moves, a sidewalk slam and a chinlock to wear down Brookside. Brookside recovered to hit a tree of woe dropkick. Steele countered a cross body to hit a Mark Henry esque world's strongest slam for a close nearfall. The fight then spilled outside for a while. Back inside, Brookside managed to catch Steele on the top rope and fling him off with both arms to pick up the win. After the match a small pile of confetti went off in celebration. Crowd loved the finish. Good match. Here is Your Winner & New All-Star Heavyweight Champion: ROBBIE BROOKSIDE.
5)The Bambi Killer vs The Fearless Flatliner
This was a comedy match which was designed for the kids. Think Eugene but on a funnier scale. Bambi Killer is an Austrain heel on his first tour. Flatliner is a big bald Johnny B. Badd type character who was very popular with the kids. Flatliner got on the mic and started a 'Whassup' chant. Flatliner then trapped himself in his own tights then de-pantsed the referee and Bambi. Flatliner stalked Bambi with a mock nazi salute then turned a test of strength spot into a merry dance around the ring. Flatliner goaded Bambi with many chicken chants which riled him up. Bambi finally got some offense with a couple of clotheslines then wore Flatliner down with several nerveholds. Flatliner escaped the third nervehold with a stunner. Flatliner gave Bambi a stinkface in the corner then delivered a rolling fireman carry drop (ala Mr Kennedy's steam roller) then a big splash to get the win and send everyone home happy. Here is Your Winner: THE FEARLESS FLATLINER.
There was a massive queue to go backstage after the event and get autographs. When I made it through I just missed Gangrel and Rene Dupree was finishing up and looked a bit agitated at everyone crowding him. I briefly spoke to Doug Williams and American Dragon before getting their autographs and a picture with Dragon. I then spoke with Robbie Brookside for a bit about the mentions Chris Jericho gives him in his book. Brookside seemed surprised he'd included them so I said I'd show the book to him when he comes to Chester next month. Brookside was very outgoing, pleasant and very easy to talk to. After getting a picture with him, I left feeling fulfilled after watching a good night of wrestling. All-Star Wrestling comes to Chester in March then Birkenhead (near Liverpool) in April so I'll be attending both shows and will post reports. In the meantime, if an indy show comes to a town near you, check it out. Support the Indies.
I don't know about you but to me all of this sounds absolutely awesome. A legit UK promotion running lots of shows, drawing great crowds and by all accounts putting on entertaining matches brings a huge smile to my face. I'm such a mark for promotions other than WWE having success in this bussiness it's not even funny. Plus, there's quite a few wrestlers that I like on those shows. Dupree (who I always thought had great potential to be a tremendous arrogant heel) and PCO (Pierre-Carl Ouelette aka Jean-Pierre Lafitte aka Quebecer Pierre aka TNA's X) sounds like a very fun tag team combination. Then you have Danielson (using his old masked gimmick at that), Collyer, Williams, Brookside, Gangrel, Steele from the Wrestling Reality tv series, etc. A pretty good bunch of guys IMO. Kudos to ASW and hopefully they keep up the good work.
And finally, here's some pics:
Feb 13 2008, 01:33 PM
