By Nathan P Hunt
Southside Wrestling Entertainment returned to one of their regular stomping grounds on Saturday 30th May for a double dose of live shows in a single day, starting with Day Of Reckoning in the afternoon and then delivering their annual 'Speed King' cruiserweight tournament that same evening. Showcasing their usual mix of some of the best homegrown UK talent alongside some big international names, the shows featured some dream matches as well as some pleasant surprises.
The audience was a diverse mix of fans, most of whom were there to enjoy the action regardless of anything else. The boisterous and vocal nature of the crowd made for some comedic moments, including turning on Will Ospreay's girlfriend, Lauren (who was acting ring announcer for the evening) after a disagreeable finish to Ospreay's match with Martin Kirby. Despite Kirby being heel, the finish translated to an opportunistic win for Ospreay, for which he was heavily booed. Kirby is an effective heel but he is universally beloved whichever role he may occupy at a given time, so it is little surprise that given any excuse a crowd will turn in his favour. Anyway, this playful hatred was then translated onto poor Lauren for the remainder of the evening, with fans pointedly disagreeing with her every word, even booing things they had cheered only seconds before. To her credit, she took it in stride and was able to play off the impromptu change in dynamic.
It was a distinctly cruiserweight/X-Division style theme that ran through both shows, which resulted in high flying and ferociously paced action throughout much of the day. This was broken up with some welcome variety from the likes of Stixx, ODB and The Righteous Army faction (Jimmy Havoc, Kay Lee Ray, Joseph Conners & The Pledge). ODB's match on the second show against Queen Of Southside Champion Kay Lee Ray was a particular highlight as they presented a good, strong match which seamlessly blended hard-hitting action with sports-entertainment storytelling in a well rounded outing. As the only women's match on the two shows it was undoubtedly one of the main draws of the day, as on would expect with Kay Lee Ray taking on an internationally renowned female talent. Having an opponent with the name value and reputation of ODB added up to a very promising encounter and the two definitely delivered. With palpable chemistry and a simple, but well executed story, the two could conceivably work together in a more long-term capacity quite comfortably.
Meanwhile the handicap match pitting Stixx & El Ligero against the Righteous Army (who had attacked the babyfaces' scheduled partner Nixon Newell before the match could begin) was a dramatic and well performed underdog story. While the Heavyweight championship match between Stixx and Joseph Conners did not actually happen, the two entered an impassioned and well-performed promo segment to further build their feud for a later date and still managed to make the segment exciting & interesting. This speaks volumes about the product that Southside deliver; they build storylines and meaningful feuds that the faithful audience can sink their teeth into and this makes them care about the product and the performers. It is not simply a collection of matches which have been thrown together for a quick payoff, but an emotional investment which builds stars and results in genuinely interested fans. Even when something is not immediately delivered which the fans may want, Southside cleverly program their output so that some satisfaction can be gained in the short term while promising something even more substantial down the road.
International imports for the shows (in addition to the aformentioned ODB) were PJ Black (the former Justin Gabriel), Amazing Red, Kenny King and Matt Sydal (aka Evan Bourne), making a very impressive lineup for an X-Division style tournament. The UK was represented by some of our very best in El Ligero, Martin Kirby, Ryan Smile, Marty Scurll, Flash Morgan Webster, Will Ospreay, Mark Haskins, Robbie X and Pete & Damien Dunne. Anyone unfamiliar with the work of any of those UK talents should certainly check out their matches on YouTube as they are all outstanding performers who deserve the largest platform possible to showcase their abilities.
It is impossible to pick out particular highlights of the daytime show (Day Of Reckoning), because the whole card was excellent. Opening with a highly entertaining bout between Kenny King and Ryan Smile, which started with a fantastic promo from Smile, the All Day Star Vs the King Of The Night started the show off on a strong note and the show grew from there. Featuring a blisteringly rapid-paced match between Will Ospreay & Robbie X, Marty Scurll's eclectic battle with Amazing Red, a brilliant four way between the Dunne brothers, Tyler Bate and El Ligero and an excellent outing between Mark Haskins and Flash Morgan Webster, the show was a complete package of exciting matches and entertaining segments.
The evening's highlights included the aforementioned match between Ospreay & Kirby, PJ Black's belated arrival to the venue (having been initially supposed to be on both cards) to face the always surprising Robbie X and the ultra-villainous Marty Scurll against a suitable foil in the deservedly beloved Flash Morgan Webster. Due to Kirby's elimination from the Speed King tournament he had beaten up referree Joel Allen and then came out at the start of the 6-way Final to insist he be put into the match. This led to the reappearance of Joel, who attacked Kirby in a fun and adrenaline-fueled pull-apart fight to set up a street fight between the two at SWE's next event at the venue. This was really well received by the crowd and was a really entertaining segment to start the incredible tournament finale.
The finale itself was a true spectacle and an incredible display of athleticism, which anyone would expect from the participants involved. Even with high expectations the six participants blew the crowd away with their high-flying feats and this match will certainly be highly recommended when the show is released on DVD. A crowd-pleasing conclusion which long-time fans and newly interested parties alike will enjoy and appreciate, this serves as a fitting reward for the winner's years of service and was deserving main event for a fantastic card.
The event was a truly enjoyable experience from start to finish and high praise is deserved by the staff for the promotion and the venue alike. Helpful, friendly and efficient, everyone worked hard to ensure a smooth and enjoyable show for all. The level of talent used by Southside always ensures some excellent shows, but the consistent quality throughout both of these shows made this a particularly enjoyable double bill, which didn't seem to lull or falter at any stage. If the promotion tour anywhere near you, or even if you have to travel to the shows, they come highly recommended for all. Family orientated but with a high octane intensity level and a smattering of universal humour, the show was a complete package of entertainment which anyone would thoroughly enjoy.
Southside Wrestling - Day Of Reckoning & Speed King 2015 - Live Review
(30th May, Rushcliffe Arena, Nottingham)
(30th May, Rushcliffe Arena, Nottingham)
Southside Wrestling Entertainment returned to one of their regular stomping grounds on Saturday 30th May for a double dose of live shows in a single day, starting with Day Of Reckoning in the afternoon and then delivering their annual 'Speed King' cruiserweight tournament that same evening. Showcasing their usual mix of some of the best homegrown UK talent alongside some big international names, the shows featured some dream matches as well as some pleasant surprises.
The audience was a diverse mix of fans, most of whom were there to enjoy the action regardless of anything else. The boisterous and vocal nature of the crowd made for some comedic moments, including turning on Will Ospreay's girlfriend, Lauren (who was acting ring announcer for the evening) after a disagreeable finish to Ospreay's match with Martin Kirby. Despite Kirby being heel, the finish translated to an opportunistic win for Ospreay, for which he was heavily booed. Kirby is an effective heel but he is universally beloved whichever role he may occupy at a given time, so it is little surprise that given any excuse a crowd will turn in his favour. Anyway, this playful hatred was then translated onto poor Lauren for the remainder of the evening, with fans pointedly disagreeing with her every word, even booing things they had cheered only seconds before. To her credit, she took it in stride and was able to play off the impromptu change in dynamic.
It was a distinctly cruiserweight/X-Division style theme that ran through both shows, which resulted in high flying and ferociously paced action throughout much of the day. This was broken up with some welcome variety from the likes of Stixx, ODB and The Righteous Army faction (Jimmy Havoc, Kay Lee Ray, Joseph Conners & The Pledge). ODB's match on the second show against Queen Of Southside Champion Kay Lee Ray was a particular highlight as they presented a good, strong match which seamlessly blended hard-hitting action with sports-entertainment storytelling in a well rounded outing. As the only women's match on the two shows it was undoubtedly one of the main draws of the day, as on would expect with Kay Lee Ray taking on an internationally renowned female talent. Having an opponent with the name value and reputation of ODB added up to a very promising encounter and the two definitely delivered. With palpable chemistry and a simple, but well executed story, the two could conceivably work together in a more long-term capacity quite comfortably.
Meanwhile the handicap match pitting Stixx & El Ligero against the Righteous Army (who had attacked the babyfaces' scheduled partner Nixon Newell before the match could begin) was a dramatic and well performed underdog story. While the Heavyweight championship match between Stixx and Joseph Conners did not actually happen, the two entered an impassioned and well-performed promo segment to further build their feud for a later date and still managed to make the segment exciting & interesting. This speaks volumes about the product that Southside deliver; they build storylines and meaningful feuds that the faithful audience can sink their teeth into and this makes them care about the product and the performers. It is not simply a collection of matches which have been thrown together for a quick payoff, but an emotional investment which builds stars and results in genuinely interested fans. Even when something is not immediately delivered which the fans may want, Southside cleverly program their output so that some satisfaction can be gained in the short term while promising something even more substantial down the road.
International imports for the shows (in addition to the aformentioned ODB) were PJ Black (the former Justin Gabriel), Amazing Red, Kenny King and Matt Sydal (aka Evan Bourne), making a very impressive lineup for an X-Division style tournament. The UK was represented by some of our very best in El Ligero, Martin Kirby, Ryan Smile, Marty Scurll, Flash Morgan Webster, Will Ospreay, Mark Haskins, Robbie X and Pete & Damien Dunne. Anyone unfamiliar with the work of any of those UK talents should certainly check out their matches on YouTube as they are all outstanding performers who deserve the largest platform possible to showcase their abilities.
It is impossible to pick out particular highlights of the daytime show (Day Of Reckoning), because the whole card was excellent. Opening with a highly entertaining bout between Kenny King and Ryan Smile, which started with a fantastic promo from Smile, the All Day Star Vs the King Of The Night started the show off on a strong note and the show grew from there. Featuring a blisteringly rapid-paced match between Will Ospreay & Robbie X, Marty Scurll's eclectic battle with Amazing Red, a brilliant four way between the Dunne brothers, Tyler Bate and El Ligero and an excellent outing between Mark Haskins and Flash Morgan Webster, the show was a complete package of exciting matches and entertaining segments.
The evening's highlights included the aforementioned match between Ospreay & Kirby, PJ Black's belated arrival to the venue (having been initially supposed to be on both cards) to face the always surprising Robbie X and the ultra-villainous Marty Scurll against a suitable foil in the deservedly beloved Flash Morgan Webster. Due to Kirby's elimination from the Speed King tournament he had beaten up referree Joel Allen and then came out at the start of the 6-way Final to insist he be put into the match. This led to the reappearance of Joel, who attacked Kirby in a fun and adrenaline-fueled pull-apart fight to set up a street fight between the two at SWE's next event at the venue. This was really well received by the crowd and was a really entertaining segment to start the incredible tournament finale.
The finale itself was a true spectacle and an incredible display of athleticism, which anyone would expect from the participants involved. Even with high expectations the six participants blew the crowd away with their high-flying feats and this match will certainly be highly recommended when the show is released on DVD. A crowd-pleasing conclusion which long-time fans and newly interested parties alike will enjoy and appreciate, this serves as a fitting reward for the winner's years of service and was deserving main event for a fantastic card.
The event was a truly enjoyable experience from start to finish and high praise is deserved by the staff for the promotion and the venue alike. Helpful, friendly and efficient, everyone worked hard to ensure a smooth and enjoyable show for all. The level of talent used by Southside always ensures some excellent shows, but the consistent quality throughout both of these shows made this a particularly enjoyable double bill, which didn't seem to lull or falter at any stage. If the promotion tour anywhere near you, or even if you have to travel to the shows, they come highly recommended for all. Family orientated but with a high octane intensity level and a smattering of universal humour, the show was a complete package of entertainment which anyone would thoroughly enjoy.
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