Sunday the 10th of February, I visited Aspire Wrestling Alliance at St Martins church in Allenton for 'This Means War.' With what was set to be one of Aspires biggest shows to date, I was looking forward to seeing the show.
Match #1
Roarke VS 'Diamond' Dave Andrews
In last months match between Roarke and DDA, Roarke ended the match in just under two minutes with his 'Big Ending.' Leaving the fans wondering was Raorke just unstoppable? Had DDA lost his touch? Well in this match these questions were answered. In just 13 seconds. Yes you read that right. 13 seconds, DDA hit his Diamond cutter and took the pin for a 3 count. I feel like this may be a record breaking match time. Although it answered some questions, it raised a few new ones. Will this be the end of Roarke VS DDA? Can the 13 seconds match time be beaten? Was this DDA proving that the previous match was just a glitch. I personally can not wait to find out.
Match #2
Arthur Cain VS Anonymous
These 2 men have crossed paths many times since stepping into Aspire. And in my opinion both men are equally matched, and both prove exactly why they deserve to be here. This match was no exception. The match started with a lock up, and Anonymous pushing Arthur back into a corner. After the ref instructed Anonymous to get out the corner, he backed off, and gave a cheeky 'I bested you' tap to Arthur. As the two collided for a second lock up, it was Arthur this time that pushed Anonymous into a corner. The ref this time telling Arthur to get out the corner, Arthur did so and returned the cheeky tap to Anonymous. This seemed to trigger Anonymous as he went in for a third lock up where he pushed Arthur back to the corner and a fight for the advantage began. A strike exchange started with Anonymous and his hard hitting forearms and Arthur with his uppercuts. Arthur took the first lead with an uppercut that left Anonymous falling to the outside of the ring. Arthur gave the chase and after a tussle on the outside, threw Anonymous back into the ring. As Arthur followed, Anonymous took a cheap shot on him. Raked his eyes and as he was down, stomped on his face showing just how brutal he can be. Anonymous then did a hand spring elbow, which was cut short by a back elbow from Arthur. A second hand spring elbow from Anonymous was then caught mid air, he was then slammed and Arthur made the pin for a 2 count. Arthur then hit a series of his powerful uppercuts , and made a pin on Anonymous who turned the pin into a submission and Arthur turned it back to a pin. A pin battle then took place with each man making a pin for a 2 count, each time for it to be reversed.
With Arthur down Anonymous then climbed to the top rope and did a frog splash onto Arthur, who seemed to be out for the count until he managed to fight his way up and suplex Anonymous into the corner of the ring. Then in a fight to their feet, strikes were exchanged until anonymous hit a spinning back hand followed by a big boot to the face to Arthur and made yet another pin for a two count. After a battle Arthur gained some momentum and finally hit with a fierce uppercut and managed to take the pin for the three count and took the win. Before Anonymous left the ring he approached Arthur, and as it looked like he was about to attack him, he shook his hand. I have mutual respect for both these guys and I hope to see them face off against each other again soon.
Match #3 - Gauntlet Tag Team Match
The Steel Brothers VS The Teenage Trailblazers
This match started off with Jamie flash from The Teenage Trailblazers and Michael Steel. As both guys are pretty speedy, neither gained the first advantage. They matched each other with holds and moves. Michael then got Jamie into a submission who broke free. And an exchange of hip tosses started. With neither man managing to take control both made tags to their partners. With Xander Palmer and Christopher Steel now in the ring, they shook hands showing how much respect they had for each other.
Again both men looked equally matched until Xander broke through with a shoulder tackle and then reversed a hip toss from Christopher. However Christopher reversed that into a backside pin for a 2 count. Then tagging in his brother, the Steel brothers dished out some double team moves. As The Teenage Trailblazers looked down, Xander fought back and with a back elbow from the top rope, and took back the control. It was enough as The Teenage Trailblazers took the pin for win and moved onto the next round of the tag team gauntlet.
Match #4 - Gauntlet Tag Team Match
The Teenage Trailblazers VS The Fallen
Stryker and Jamie Flash started the match and with Jamie beating Stryker to the out side of the ring, the young Trailblazer went in for a dive. Unfortunately Evelyn felt the need to interfere and jumped in to stop him. As Jamie was distracted, Stryker took the chance to attack him from behind. Stryker then tagging in his team mate Azrael, who choked Jamie on the ropes. The Fallen in a strong position, hit Jamie with a series of strikes keeping him down. No matter what The Trailblazers tried, The Fallen were there to cheat always assisted by Evelyn. With the punishment from the previous match the Teenage Trailblazers couldn't quite get on top and The Fallen took the win and moved on to the next round.
Match #5 - Gauntlet Tag Team Match
The Fallen VS Boarder Patrol
As soon as Boarder Patrol were in the ring, The Fallen attacked the duo from behind. Boarder Patrol not being easily taken down reversed the attack and threw in a couple of hip tosses to boot. As the match properly started it was a battle between Michael Rothrock and Stryker. Rothrock got Stryker into an arm bar and as quickly as the match had started, Stryker was tapping out and Boarder Patrol moved to the next round.
Match #6 - Gauntlet Tag Team Match
Boarder Patrol VS Elliot Jordan & Jack Sparda
As no one had seen Elliot Jordan before, there was some question as to why he was there. Where was Jacob? Was this a tactical move by Sparda?
The match started and Elliot Jordan was quick to attack Rothrock with a drop kick. From there he tagged in Sparda and the pair attempted a double team attack. Rothrock managed to reverse this and hit Sparda and Rothrock with a double clothes lines taking them both out. Rothrock then tagging in El Desvalido. He did what he likes to do best and climbed to the top rope and gave a double drop kick to Sparda and Jordan. Then throwing Sparda to ringside leaving Jordan in the ring. With Rothrock then tagged in, Jordan gained some momentum and set to beating on Rothrock. Rothrock then caught his way to his corner and tagged in El Desvalido, who with some hard hitting corner splashes and a jump off the top rope, took the three count and Boarder Patrol moved to the next round.
Match #7 - Gauntlet Tag Team Match
Boarder Patrol VS Martial Law
Martial Law started the match proving why they are the Tag Team Champions and just how ruthless they can be. With Bam Bam bringing the fight to El Desvalido, keeping him off his feet. Marcus Hood then tagged in he did everything to keep the high flyer down. Even knocking Rothrock from the ring side any opportunity he got. A power bomb from Marcus who then made a pin for a two count. Tagging Bam Bam back in, it looked like Boarder Patrol were fighting a losing battle. As any time Rothrock made his way back to his corner, a member of Martial Law was right there to kick him back down. With no help El Desvalido looked beat. Bam Bam giving everything had, put El Desvalido into a submission. Still El Desvalido refused to give up. With Marcus tagged back in he hit a leg drop and made another pin for a 2 count. This time it was broken up by Michael Rothrock. With Rothrock now tagged in, there was a glimmer of hope for Boarder Patrol. Until he was hit with the famous 'Judge Rinder'. Luckily Rothrock kicked out, made a tag to El Desvalido who had a chance to catch his breath and did what he does best. Fly. In the end he made the pin for the three count and Boarder Patrol became Aspires new Tag Team Champions.
After the match, the celebrations were interrupted by none other than United In Violence. They demanded a match in the gauntlet as they are also part of Aspires tag teams and they made their way to the ring.
Match #8 - Gauntlet Tag Team Match
Boarder Patrol VS United In Violence
As soon as United In violence made their way to the ring, they attacked the already tired Boarder Patrol. Having already competed in three successful matches, how much more could they take? El Desvalido was hit to the outside of the ring where he was slammed to the hard floor leaving him in a heap. With El Desvalido out U.I.V focused on Rothrock who took the brunt of the fight. U.I.V made short work of the exhausted Boarder Patrol and took the pin for the win to become the new Aspire Tag Team Champions. Never have I been so shocked.
Match #9
Jordan Lee VS Lightning Lewis
This was not a normal match, it was a match between friends. Best friends. The match started, and if I'm honest it was a complete blur. Both of these guys are incredibly speedy, and they matched each other perfectly with holds, both reversing into holds of their own. Jordan made the first advance with a series of quick pins on Lewis, none managing a three count. From here another technical battle started, again each matching each other perfectly. This time Lewis making a pin for a two count and then a pin war started. Each guy making a pin for a two count. Jordan was then thrown out of the ring by Lewis and as he jumped in tried put a submission on Lewis who rolled out the way and out of the ring. Lewis jumping back in the ring the technical battle began again only to be broken by Lewis dishing out a side walk slam to Jordan and getting a pin for a 2 count. Lewis then following with a drop kick and as he charged at Jordan again, he was hit with a shoulder tackle and a sleeper hold from Jordan. However he broke free and put his own submission on Jordan who crawled to the ropes to break it. Lewis then slammed Jordan, did a sunset flip pin, which was reversed by Jordan, only for it too be reversed again by Lewis who managed to get the pin for a three count. This was a massive win for Lightning Lewis and I'm pretty proud of the kid. I hope to see these two face off against each other soon.
Match #10 (2 out of 3 falls)
Paul Malen VS Ronon
The build up for this match has been incredible. The last time these two collided for the Championship, Paul Malen beat Ronon fair and square. Only for the match official to say that it wasn't a legitimate win as he was not the one who made the count. Just so you are aware, he was knocked out on the outside of the ring. When he came round he declared that it was not an official win, restarted the match where Ronon took a cheap shot, pinned Malen and retained his title. Since then the two haven't been able to be in the same building as each other without Ronon going on the attack.
This match was set as a two out of three falls with a sixty minute time limit.
As the match started you could tell how much Malen wanted to settle this score, straight in on the attack to Ronan and it didn't take long for him to get the advantage. Ronan rolling to the outside of the ring, Malen was quick to follow and proceeded to hand out some chops to Ronon, even dragging him round by his beard and threatening to chop that off too. Throwing Ronan back into the ring he gave him a jumping drop kick into the corner. Unfortunately Malen was cut off, as he went to grab Ronon, he tripped Malen into the ropes and proceeded to choke him several times. Ronon then taking control of Malen, gave back the chops he had received earlier in the match and beat him all around the ring, ignoring the referees instructions to get back in the ring. Malen then reversed the attack in the most unusual way, by giving the Pirate a wedgie. Back in the ring Malen was threatening to wrench the legs of Ronan and did so with accidental help from referee Neil. He was attempting to stop it. Clearly didn't work. Ronon looked down for the count, however a series of unsuccessful pins from Malen suggested maybe not. Fighting to his feet he managed a pin for a two count of his own. Again Ronon using cheap shots and cheating tactics to try and gain some advantage. Ronon then getting Malen into a submission. Malen fighting to win, worked his way to his feet with Ronon on his back and reversed him into the ring post. After a series of pins Malen took the first pin. Malen 1 - Ronon 0.
60 second rest.
The match restarted with equally as much aggression as when if first started, with both men chopping the life out of each other. It was Ronon who got the first hold as he got Malen into a head lock, Malen broke free and started throwing Ronon around by his hair. Again it wasn't long before the fight was taken to the outside of the ring where it was just becoming brutal. With hard strikes being exchanged this was any ones match. Back in the ring and Ronon had Malen in a submission, where he was using the ropes to assist him. Luckily the referee saw and broke up the hold. Malen then reversed it into a submission of his own. Ronon made it to the ropes for a rope break. Once again the fight spiralled to the outside of the ring where Malen was looking dominant, his determination never sliding. Fighting his way back into the ring, Ronon cut Malen off and took the lead where he threw Malen into the corner post hurting his ribs. Malen down, Ronon climbed to the top rope landing a splash and pinning Malen for the three count. Malen 1 - Ronon 1.
60 second rest.
Ronon eager to continue this war jumped Malen before the 60 second rest period was even over. As Malen was down Ronon attempted a second splash only for Malen to block it with his knees. Malen then took control with some hard hits to Ronon. It was clear the two were exhausted yet neither backed down. Ronon getting Malen into a bear hug, you could see the wind being taken out of him. The crowd behind Malen and cheering him on, he fought his way out and continued with the hard strikes. This wasn't enough as Ronon managed to Knock Malen off his feet and climbed to the top rope yet again for a third splash. This time Ronon underestimated Malen as he got to his feet and pulled Ronon off the top throwing him into the centre of the ring, followed by not one, not two, but three of Malen's back sentons. Then putting a submission onto Ronon, Ronon tried to reverse it into a pin but ended up back in the submission hold. Ronon crawled to the ropes and made a rope break. Ronon then got Malen into a submission who then reversed it into a pin. As he kicked out Ronon threw Malen into referee Neil, who ended up on the out side of the ring knocked out. Malen however got a pin on the pirate and made a three count, unfortunately there was no official to see it. Ronon fighting his way up fetched his Championship belt from ringside and hit Malen with it twice. Making a cover for a pin, a second referee came to the ring he started the count and Malen kicked out at two. Frustration brewing in Ronon he grabbed the mic and yelled at Malen that he should just stay down. As the pair collide in the ring hitting each other with some forearm strikes, Malen backed off and as he charged at Ronon, he pulled referee Sean in the path to take the hit from Malen. With no referee chaos broke out as more strikes were being exchanged. Malen then took off his back support belt and lashed Ronon with it. Malen then making the cover, the only remaining referee came to the ring. As he made the count to two, referee Steven started rolling around holding his head as someone had hit him. Malen concerned went to check on him where Ronon came from no where and rolled Malen up for a pin and Steven made the quickest three count ever, giving Ronon the win and he retains his title. Malen was yet again robbed of a Championship that should have been his. The actions of referee Steven left so many unanswered questions. Since when did the Pirate have friends? How long have the pair been working together? Are they going to be joining forces in the future? I don't know about you but I'm intrigued! (That ones for you Gerry)
After the match I bumped into Ronan, so I thought I would ask how he thought it went. And what his deal was with referee Steven Walker. Unfortunately he just growled at me and walked away, so I guess we may never know. I also tried to get a comment from Steven, he also refused to comment. What ever these two are up to they are keeping it under wraps.
After my failed attempt at getting information from Ronan and Steven, I thought I would catch up with Paul Malen to see what he thought about what had happened. Here is what he had to say.
"Now I know Ronon has chosen to not comment on the match this past Sunday. I'll say it how it is.. I was robbed. After 52 gruelling minutes. Again everyone saw me win the Aspire Wrestling Championship. Only for Ronon to have bribed a referee to do his dirty work for him. Stopping on 2 for me, and then the second he had the chance fast counting me out. I am disgusted and now not only do I have one enemy that needs punishing. But now two as Steven Walker, be warned. I'm coming to get you too!"
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