ICW returned to Edinburgh for the second show of their Fringe Festival run. ICW: And Now For Something Completely Different witnessed nothing different from Red Lightning as he continued to ensure that the members of the ICW locker room that are not with him are punished, a wrestling clinic between Jack Gallagher and Mikey Whiplash, an intensely emotional promo by Joe Coffey and the return of fan favourites, IRN JEW. All in all, the night provided something for everyone as the Scottish indie continues to go from strength to strength.
The night began, though, with the return of Dickie Divers- a man who has experienced his fair share of turmoil recently.
Dickie Divers vs Damo
Fresh off a devastating loss in a ladder match for the Square Go contract against former N.A.K. ally, Chris Renfrew, Dickie Divers arrives tonight after no showing his scheduled match last week. Not many could have predicted the ire and derision of the fans that Divers' seemingly produces as of late as chants of "we're having a party when Divers dies" follow him to the ring. Unfortunately for Divers, things don't get any easier as he comes up against a man who for the past few months has been determined to prove a point to everyone at ICW. Just two weeks ago, Damo was almost vindicated as he pinned the ICW World Heavyweight Champion, Drew Galloway, before Red Lightning over ruled the decision in a typical act of nepotism.
As the two face off in the ring, Divers slaps the much bigger man- an unwise decision as Damo, infuriated by Divers lack of respect, tosses Divers into the turnbuckle. Damo unloads several fierce chops in the corner before Divers lands an enziguri that successfully sends Damo to the outside. Divers looks to capitalise with a drop kick followed by and axe handle to the outside but Divers' offence is ineffective on the much bigger man, who gets straight back to his feet. Damo delivers a huge lariat in the centre of the ring...1...2... Damo toys with Divers, pulling Divers' shoulders from the mat. Again, Damo toys with his prey after connecting with a second lariat. Damo, pulling Divers' lifeless body to his feet, delivers a third devastating lariat and this time covers him for the three count.
After the match, Damo quoted the old adage that, to be the man, you must first beat the man. Two weeks ago, Damo beat the man and now claims to be the true ICW World Heavyweight Champion. Before leaving, Damo swore retribution on Red Lightning, Jack Jester and Drew Galloway.
Winner: Damo
Jack Gallagher vs Mikey Whiplash
After months of battling the N.A.K up and down the country in crimson warfare, Mikey Whiplash got the opportunity to exhibit a different element of his style against the Gentleman Grappler, Jack Gallagher. A handshake, something Whiplash is very much unaccustomed to as late, begins proceedings as a waist lock by Whiplash is reversed into a wrist lock by Gallagher before Whiplash reverses into a wrist lock of his own. Gallagher, finally, escapes the hold and wrenches the elbow of Whiplash after a drop toe hold take down. Again, Whiplash reverses the hold before wrenching the arm of Gallagher, who stands on his head in order to escape the hold.
Both men have wrestled all over the world with Jack Gallagher quickly gaining a reputation as one of the finest grapplers around the UK- Whiplash, on the other hand, is not often granted the opportunity to demonstrate his technical acumen and has become synonymous with hardcore macthes. Whiplash and Gallagher lock up again before Whiplash, using his size and strength advantage, momentarily grounds Gallagher with a side headlock before Gallagher applies a head scissor lock to break the hold. Whiplash, taking a leaf out of Gallagher's book, escapes after a head stand. Gallagher, not allowing Whiplash time to catch his breath, continues to work the left arm of the former ICW Heavyweight Champion, Whiplash- Whiplash manages to free his arm before a roll up attempt, Gallagher kicks out and rolls up Whiplash before the two trade roll ups around the ring. After several circles around the ring, Whiplash breaks the hold and sends Gallagher to the outside. Gallagher dodges a boot before returning to work on the left arm.
After rolling Whiplash back in the ring, Gallagher lifts the heavier man into a vertical suplex- Gallagher holds Whiplash above his head for 20 seconds before dropping him to the mat. Gallagher locks in the arm bar but Whiplash manages to lock his arms together to ensure it is not applied with maximum leverage- Whiplash powers out lifting Gallagher up with one arm to deliver a single arm powerbomb. Whiplash successfully hits The Zombie Maker before Stevie Boy, member of the N.A.K., causes a distraction in the crowd. Chris Renfrew, also of the N.A.K., briefcase in hand, stands behind Whiplash in the ring and connects with a ferocious shot that breaks the briefcase as well as Whiplash. Renfrew drags Gallagher over Whiplash to pick up the victory- not in the way he would have hoped. Chants of "both these guys" break out as Whiplash and Gallagher shake hands in the ring after demonstrating why they are two of the best technicians around.
Whiplash challenges Gallagher to a rematch the next time he wrestles for ICW. I don't think anyone would have any complaints about that. This was a high calibre match that showcased both men's mat wrestling ability.
Mikey Whiplash continues to encounter problems with the N.A.K. Next week, Whiplash will have the opportunity to exact his revenge pitting Legion (Whiplash, Tommy End and Michael Dante) against the N.A.K in a three on three tag match at the third show in ICW Edinburgh Festival run.
Winner: Jack Gallagher
DCT vs Michael Chase
Chants of "O O O O O O O" followed the award winning, head board banging, scoop slamming International Sex Hero DCT to the ring. Accompanied by Coach, polo mallet in hand, DCT faces a man making his debut in ICW tonight. Michael Chase enters the match knowing a victory over DCT will elevate his status in ICW as the two men lock up to get things under way. DCT asks "who bad?" before Michael Chase slaps the new Mr Viper in the face. DCT drives Chase into the corner with several forearm shots followed by a big back body drop. Coach's continual tooting of his whistle annoys Michael Chase, who heads to the outside to make him stop. Chase's preoccupation with Coach allows DCT to sneak up behind him, tap him on the shoulder before landing a few forearms shots before rolling Chase back into the ring.
Chase, encouraged by the support of the crowd, lands a couple of knee drops to the face of the International Sex Hero. Showing increased aggression, Chase lands a suplex followed up by several forearm shots in the corner. DCT ducks a forearm before delivering four consecutive scoop slams to the débutante- kick out at 2. Michael Chase, after dodging an attempted penalty kick by DCT lands the Cut to the Chase- DCT kicks out at 2. Chase, sensing his opportunity to deliver a surprise victory, attempts a springboard splash to find nobody home! DCT locks in the Pillow Talk Sleeper submission, or The Rohypnol as Billy Kirkwood aptly named it, as Michael Chase begins to fade allowing DCT to pick up the victory via submission. I'm certain we will see Michael Chase return to an ICW ring in the near future after an impressive debut.
After the match, DCT swears to get revenge on Bram for piledriving his wife through the wedding cake on the day of his wedding.
Winner: DCT
And Now For Something Completely Different witnessed he return of one of the most popular tag teams in professional wrestling all over the world. IRN JEW, comprised of American indie icon Colt Cabana and Grado, meet a team with somewhat of a point to prove in a match to determine the #1 contenders to Polo Promotions ICW Tag Team Championships. The Rodgers Brothers make their way to the ring sensing a fantastic opportunity to pull a huge upset over IRN JEW. Weighing in at approximately fourteen Ronda Rouseys, IRN JEW make their way to the ring to the loudest ovation of the night. Grado and Colt Cabana soak up the party atmosphere before heading back behind the curtain believing nothing can top that entrance.
The Rodgers Brothers prowl the ring incensed by the perceived lack of respect by IRN JEW. Chants of "Colt Cabana, it's your sel" convince IRN JEW to return to the ring as the two teams square up for the first time. Confusion ensues when Cabana can't understand Grado's accent until he feigns an American one- IRN JEW, literally, begin the feeling out process in a very physical way. As the match finally gets under way, The Rodgers Brothers gain the initial advantage before attempting two in sync German suplexes- unfortunately, The Rodgers Brothers can not lift the two heavier men despite their best encouragement. IRN JEW simultaneously escape the hold before delivering concurrent headbutts which appears to do more damage to Grado who falls in a heap on the mat. Colt Cabana encourages his partner and friend to his feet before a double belly bash by IRN JEW. Chants of easy echo around the arena as Grado delivers a big back body drop followed by a double elbow by Cabana and Grado.
Lost in translation again, Cabana mistakes Grado's call of double elbow for kick. This time, Cabana calls kick but Grado delivers an elbow before Cabana begins to work over Danny Rodgers in the corner. Cabana tags in Grado who picks up where Cabana left off immediately connecting with a flurry of chops before hurting his hand in the process. After Cabana tends to Grado's injury with a towel, a drop toe hold sends Danny Rodgers into the turnbuckle. Grado looks for the Roll 'n' slice before a huge lariat by Rory Rodgers prevents it. Rory delivers a scoop slam before a series of double team moves by The Rodgers Brothers. Danny makes the tag to Rory who delivers a drop kick to Grado. An attempted pinfall is broken by Colt Cabana. Another tag is made as Danny Rodgers applies a rear chin lock- chants of "you're just a shite Ron Weasley" distract Danny giving Grado a chance to power out to make the tag to Colt Cabana. Cabana bursts into the ring delivering a series of devastating chops to both brothers before delivering consecutive elbows- after connecting with the Roll 'n' Slice, Grado calls for the Get Tae Bed but an elbow blindsides Cabana before The Rodgers Brothers connect with a double team spine buster sending Cabana to the outside.
Rory Rodgers throws a big lariat at a returning Colt Cabana- Cabana ducks out of the way before Grado finally connects with the Ayrshire Dream Elbow. Grado, stalking his opponent, lands the Rock Bottom of Stevenson sending Rory to the outside. Colt Cabana lifts Danny on his shoulders to deliver the Get Tae Bed followed by a Wee Boot from Grado to pick up the victory much to the delight of the audience in attendance.
IRN JEW are the new #1 contenders to the ICW Tag Team Championships after a victory here and will go on to meet the winners of Polo Promotions and Sumerian Death Squad in two weeks time.
Winner: IRN JEW
Joe Coffey makes his way to the ring despite not being scheduled to appear
As Noam Dar was being announced for his match, Joe Coffey solemnly made his way to the ring wearing a rain coat and carrying his wrestling boots. Not scheduled in a match tonight, Coffey announces how he is sick of his potential constantly being limited by Red Lightning. Coffey asks where is the ICW World Heavyweight Champion, Drew Galloway, and why he is being protected so much. Chants of "fuck the champ" break out before Coffey, raw emotion spilling from him, states Galloway is nothing but a paper champion. Tears streaming down his face, to the shock of the crowd, Joe Coffey announces he will be retiring from wrestling due to the continual road blocks Red Lightning & Co keep resurrecting.
Red Lightning arrives to inform Coffey that he needs Coffey on his show and is just testing him to make him better. Coffey, all fired up, demands that Drew Galloway defends his ICW World Heavyweight Championship next week before imploring "Andy" to do the right thing. Red Lightning agrees to Coffey's request before leaving only to return moments later to inform the audience that he was joking. Red Lightning notifies Coffey he will be facing Galloway next week but in a non title match- Red Lightning states if you can beat the champion you can have your shot at his title. Joe Coffey agrees to Red Lightning stipulation before exiting through the crowd. Red Lightning remains ringside to watch Noam Dar's match, a man the ICW General Manager has taken a disliking to as of late.
Noam Dar vs Jack Jester
The Jew-di Master, Noam Dar, is the first to the ring and tonight faces one of the toughest challenges in his young, yet impressive, career. After an introduction by ICW's General manager, Red Lightning, Jack Jester arrives to the ring sunglasses on, can of beer in the hand. Jester prowls around the ring in no rush to begin the match casually sipping his beer. Jester, former fan favourite, spits a mouthful of beer in the face of a member of the crowd as cries of disgust break out. After multiple more walks around the ring, the bell finally rings as Jester, with the size and strength advantage, faces Noam Dar, with the speed and agility advantage, as the two lock up for the first time. Jester grounds Dar with a series of forearm shots before connecting with a leg drop. Dar is able to land a brief flurry of offence before Jester, once again, continues the mind games by heading out of the ring. Jester asks for the bell to ring-Red Lightning accedes in a demonstration of his power.
Chants of "Noam Dar" are replaced by chants of "fuck you, Jester" as the match gets under way for a second time. Jester flips of the crowd whilst applying an arm wrench to the left arm of Dar, who reverses the hold before connecting with a clothesline that sends the former ICW Heavyweight Champion to the side. As Dar and Jester brawl ringside, Dar is temporarily distracted by Red Lightning, a man who has consistently gone out of his way to interfere with Dar's business over the past few months. A rake to the eye allows Jester to gain the advantage before heading to the outside again- this time, Dar connects with a suicide dive that sends Jester crashing into the barricade. Again, Red Lightning proves too much of a distraction for Dar- Jester, using his experience, takes advantage with a cheap shot from behind. After rolling Dar back into the ring, Jester delivers a piledriver...1...2... Dar kicks out at 2! Jester, angered by the audacity of the kick out, slaps Dar to his feet before trading forearms in the centre of the ring. Two drop kicks by Dar allow him to connect with a bridging northern lights suplex- kick out at 2. This time, Red Lighting stands on the apron to cause the distraction- Jester picks up Dar looking for the Tombstone but Dar reverses into a leg lock! Desperately clawing for the ropes, Jester is assisted by Red Lightning who pushes the rope in the direction of Jester- who gratefully grabs the ropes. Noam Dar, incensed by Red Lightning's continual assistance of Jester, picks up a steel chair before threatening the ICW General Manager. Jester delivers a lariat from behind before rolling Dar back into the ring. Jester, to the sound of vehement boos, delivers the Tombstone Piledriver to pick up the victory.
Jester and Red lightning enter the ring to continue the beat down- Red Lightning stomps on Dar in the centre of the ring. Damo comes rushing out to make the save before Drew Galloway appears on the big screen- Galloway reminds everyone it was he that made ICW's Heavyweight Championship a World Heavyweight Championship. Galloway states he is coming to the ring- Damo welcomes the prospect before Galloway reappears on the screen, informing Damo that he turns up whenever he likes because he is the champion. Damo, transfixed on the big screen, doesn't notice Jester sneaking up behind him, steel chair in hand, before delivering a cheap shot from behind. Three chair shots ground Damo before Jester and Lightning untie the second rope proceeding to choke Damo out in the centre of the ring.
Winner: Jack Jester
Nikki Storm vs Debbie Sharpe
An eight way elimination tournament will determine who is the first ever ICW Women's Champion to be crowned at Fear and Loathing VIII. Nikki Storm, the self proclaimed "best in the universe", is accompanied to the ring by her protege and "second best in the universe", Sammi Jayne. Tonight, Storm faces Debbie Sharpe in the first match of the tournament for the ICW Women's Championship.
A distraction by Sammi Jayne allows Nikki Storm to gain the initial advantage before a drop kick by Debbie Sharpe sends Storm to the outside. Another distraction by Sammi Jayne provides Storm a chance to recover, Storm hits a snap suplex followed by an inverted neck breaker for a close fall. Sharpe, after a reversal, sends Storm to the outside as an argument ensues between the first and second best in the universe. Debbie Sharpe knocks both their heads together followed by two clotheslines and a neck breaker- Storm kicks out at 2. Debbie Sharpe lands a guillotine elbow as the referee breaks up the count due to a distraction by Sammi Jayne on the apron. Storm takes advantage of the confusion by delivering the Eye of the Storm to pick up the victory and advance to the semi finals of the tournament.
Winner: Nikki Storm
Sumerian Death Squad vs Polo Promotions (c) for the ICW Tag Team Championships
Polo Promotions, since defeating the international dream team of The Brian Kendrick and Paul London at the Barrowlands, have defeated all comers in their reign as tag champions but have never faced a team as devastatingly brutal as the Sumerian Death Squad. After defeating the N.A.K. last week, the Sumerian Death Squad, comprised of Tommy End and Michael Dante, face the ICW Tag Team Champions, Polo Promotions, with the championships on the line.
Mark Coffey and Tommy End get things under way- both men jockey for position early on before Tommy End offers his hand, End holds on and rolls Mark Coffey up for a two count. End tags in Michael Dante who immediately grounds Mark Coffey with a shoulder block take down. A drop kick by Mark Coffey gives Polo Promotions the momentum as Coffey tags in his partner, Jackie Polo.
Polo Promotions prove why they have been so successful as champions by cornering the much larger Michael Dante to keep him as far away from his partner as possible. Dante manages to escape the corner by delivering several stiff shots to Jackie Polo's chest- Dante tags in End as a hip toss is punctuated with a kick by End. After several uppercuts, End lands a snap suplex. A series of quick tags allow the Sumerian Death Squad to remain in control before a standing double foot stomp to the chest of Mark Coffey. Dante delivers a scoop slam- Jackie Polo, infuriated by the temerity, enters the ring to break up the count granting Coffey an opportunity to catch his breath. Coffey, encouraged by the crowd, attempts to make the tag but Tommy End stops him by dragging him back to the centre of the ring. A cross body by Mark Coffey finally grants him the opportunity to tag in Jackie Polo- which he does. A fired up Jackie Polo delivers four scoop slams to Tommy End before Michael Dante attempts to put an end to the carnage- Jackie Polo scoop slams Dante too!
Jackie Polo tags in Mark Coffey before Polo Promotions hit some of their signature offence- Polo Promotions connect with the Black Hole for a close fall. After going to work on Dante, Polo Promotions neglect the presence of Tommy End who connects with a yakuza kick. Chris Renfrew of the N.A.K appears in the crowd to cause the distraction to the Sumerian Death Squad- Jackie Polo rolls Tommy End up, kick out at 2! A jumping knee by End followed by a lariat by Dante allows Sumerian Death Squad to set up the High Man's Death but Renfrew pulls Michael Dante to the outside before it connects. Tommy End, torn between two battles, in confusion, is on the receiving end of Polo Promotion's double team bridging German suplex as Jackie Polo makes the cover to pick up the win and retain the ICW Tag Team Championships thanks to the interference of the N.A.K.
Mikey Whiplash rushes down to the ring to chase away Stevie Boy and Chris Renfrew but the damage has already been done. The battle will continue next week when Legion face the N.A.K.
It is Polo Promotions that go on to face IRN JEW in two weeks time for the ICW Tag Team Championships.
Winner: Polo Promotions
No comments:
Post a Comment