Indie Wrestling | TCW – Final Stand

Sam Preston's Local Indie Wrestling Recap & Review Coverage Series on Tamar Community Wrestling:

1) TCW – The King Of Tamar Tournament

2) TCW – Mid-Season Rumble

3) TCW - Final Stand

Most wrestling shows are purely for profit, but Tamar Community Wrestling was inspired by the wish to support local charities in the Devon & Cornwall area of England. As of these first six shows, any profits earned are being donated to one of three charities: Keep Me Close (dedicated to supporting families with sick newborn babies in hospital), Jeremiah’s Journey (which focuses on children dealing with grief), and Derriford Children’s Ward (dedicated to the helping sick children and young people from the age of 7 days all the way up to 18 years). So far, I’ve attended one show, which I reviewed for this very site. Also, Tamar Community Wrestling have started uploading their matches to their YouTube channel for free and even putting together a playlist, so I have included links for each match, so please watch and if you enjoy it, consider supporting their charity work.

[Ed note: We've published the most recent two of the coverage of TCW shows over the past couple days for two reasons: due to my error the previous one about the Rumble show almost six months ago sat in my inbox quite a while. More importantly, we wanted to catch up our coverage in time for their NEXT big show, TCW Powerbomb Club, tomorrow evening. As of yesterday, there were a few tickets left. If you happen to live in the area, here is a link to their ticket page, well worth checking out and help support some worthy causes. For those of us elsewhere in the world, subnscribe to their YouTube to see the matches as soon as they are up]

One thing I’ve enjoyed is that the show opens with a recap of previous shows, using a music video on a large screen behind the ring to show context from previous shows. This time, it showed Lucky winning the King of Tamar Tournament to earn a title shot for the TCW Title, ‘Country Big’ Josh Knott retaining that title against Eddie Ryan, and the madness of the Mid-Season Rumble, where DB Johnson eliminated his tag team partner Omega Luke, and H Hood stole the win to earn a Briefcase for a title shot any time he wants over the next year. The show kicks off with our usual MC, Joe Obrey, taking three attempts to come out, hyping the crowd up each time as he shouts “You can be louder than that!”, before entertaining the crowd to chants of “Joe Obrey loves a sausage roll” and “put them on” after he gets a pack of socks from the crowd. As the show is about to kick off, “TCW” begins to ring around the room.

H Hood vs Alexander Grey

Boos for Hood as he came out, holding his briefcase aloft, the fans antagonising him as he waits, tapping the top of the microphone, winding the crowd up. The boos transition to accusations of “boring”, refusing to let him speak, until Hood finally proclaims “Who’s your daddy, TCW?” Hood threatens to break a old man’s hip, and says he came back because the crowd makes it worth it. Last time, he was annoyed as they left without allowing him to celebrate his victory, so this time, he’s kicking off “his show”, which incites chants of “not your show!”. As Hood shows off his briefcase, the crowd starts chanting it “It’s a lunchbox” and “Sausage Roll”, bemusing Hood, who brags about how it doesn’t matter if the TCW Heavyweight Champion is Josh Knott, Lucky, Omega Luke, or DB Johnson, and then he gets interrupted by Alexander Grey. Entering to cheers, Grey tears off his tracksuit bottoms, delighting some ladies, and throws t-shirts into the crowd to kids. Grey begins imitating Hood, tapping the microphone, only for Hood to suddenly hit him with the briefcase, citing “self-defence”.

Despite being hurt, Grey demands that the referee ring the bell, with Hood attacking him in the corner with uppercuts, a snapmare and a rolling uppercut to Grey’s back. Cries of “Who you think you are?” by Hood to Grey, who tries to battle back with punches, but Hood cuts him off, Irish Whipping Grey into the corner and covering him with a knee, getting a two count only. Another Irish Whip, but Grey explodes out of the corner with a Clothesline, only for Hood to cut him off in the corner. Chants of “Alex” as Hood hits a Bodyslam, and attempts a Suplex, only for Grey to roll him up in a Small Package, two count only. Roll-up attempt, Hood kicks out at two and then cuts Grey off.

Greys with knees to the stomach, throws an elbow but misses, both men are now down, Hood recovering first to stomp on Grey, then a Back Suplex for a two count on Grey. Hood gets ready to hit a Jackhammer, first attempt fails, second attempt fails, Grey then cuts underneath and kicks Hood to hit a DDT, both men now down again. Grey with a Clothesline, second Clothesline, Atomic Drop and transition into a Slingshot into the corner, Hood bounces out and Grey with the Rock Bottom, cover, one, two, Hood just kicks out before three. Grey measures up for the Spear, but Hood with a Big Boot to send Grey into the corner. Hood Uppercut in the corner, second Uppercut in the corner, winds up for aa third but Grey reverses with a Spear, cover, one, two, three.

Winner – Alexander Grey by Pinfall.

Interesting choice to have Grey win over the new Briefcase holder, in the long term it could make sense as it sets up a challenger for Hood when he wins the title. There does seem to be a developing story of Hood’s arrogance meaning he doesn’t take advantage quickly enough, similar to last month’s match against Lucky, he allows the opponent to come back. Because of this, the story could demonstrate Hood having to learn to take advantage sooner. Overall, a good fun starter that sets up some fascinating repercussions.

Heath vs ‘Hotshot’ Alex Campbell

Our usual referee Matt is here, as Heath enters menacingly but interestingly, without his usual chain, and possibly slimmed down a bit? A grudge match from the last event after Heath had cost Campbell the Rumble. Chants of “Headshot” as he goes straight for Heath, who pushes him away, Campbell using his pace to duck under and hit a dropkick to the cheers of the crowd. Campbell with the Neckbreaker to further cheers, and Heath bails to the outside.

Back inside, Heath with a huge Forearm to daze Campbell, a massive Sit-Out Powerbomb for a two count on Campbell. Chants of “let’s go Headshot” trying to inspire the young hero, but Heath back in control, forearms to Campbell’s back, and a hard hitting Irish Whip into the corner. Overhead Knee Neckbreaker by Heath, and then a follow-up Powerbomb reversed into a Campbell Roll-Up, one count only and then a Heath elbow to the face to cut him off. Campbell's comeback is cut off by more vicious Heath forearms, and another attempted Knee Neckbreaker, but Campbell impressively lands on his feet and knocks Heath down, hitting a series of Roundhouse Kicks to Heath’s chest. Campbell winds up for the final Roundhouse, Heath avoids it and hits that nasty Overhear Knee Neckbreaker to down Campbell.

Heath starts choking Campbell in frustration, Matt the Ref having to pull him off, the crowd willing Campbell on with chants of “Headshot”. A Heath Powerbomb is reversed into a Campbell Facebuster, Campbell with punches and kicks drives Heath into the corner, a running Elbow to Heath, and a gorgeous Jumping Roundhouse Kick to Heath’s face! With Heath down, Campbell measures up, hits a lovely House Call, Heath is down, Campbell calls for another, and a final elevated Headshot House Call off Heath’s knee to knock him out, Campbell covers, and gets the three count.

Winner – ‘Hotshot’ Alex Campbell by Pinfall.

Another good little battle, Campbell is a growing babyface talent that the crowd is getting invested in, supporting him throughout, while Heath is great at gathering heat, he does the little moments well in-between moves of antagonising the crowd. These two work really well together, and I’d like to see this feud continue to some degrees. If TCW ever decide to do the equivalent of a TV Title or a TNT Title, Campbell could be a big favourite as a champion.

Max Jaguard vs ‘Mullet Madness’ Devon Fulton

Stu the Ref is here this time, as Jaguard enters in a bright 80s Steiner-esque jacket, before stripping it off and posing. A match that follows up on the last event, another great example of matches at each event mattering as it gets built upon. Fulton is applauded by the crowd as he comes out, Jaguard held back as he tries to go for Fulton. Tie-up in the corner, Fulton escaping and hitting a Snapmare into a left arm breaker, smooth transition. A second tie-up, this time Fulton rolls out and into a cover, one count only, headlock and knocks Jaguard down, second headlock transition into a takeover, and Fulton is in full control of this match so far. Jaguard is released and gets annoyed as the crowd cheers for Fulton.

Jaguard with an attempted kick, Fulton takes him down with a headscissors which Jaguard can’t escape from until he gets to the ropes. A frustrated Jaguard hates that he’s getting showed up, pushes Fulton who pushes him right back and sends Jaguard down. Max tries a shoulder block but Devon reverses into a suplex to get back in control, an elbow in the corner and a lovely Middle Rope Springboard Dropkick to knock Max down! Fulton gets back in control again of an annoyed Max, who tries to escape but Fulton covers for one, and a frustrated Jaguard just loses it, knocking Fulton down with punches and kicks. Fulton is able to reverse Jaguard’s attack into a pinfall, with Max again frustrated.

Max gets a Jawbreaker and throws Fulton’s head against the canvas, to the dismay of the crowd. Jaguard attacks in the corner and stamps on Fulton. Fulton battles back and hits a Knee Drop, followed up with a Clothesline, a Fireman’s Carry Slam and a Rock Bottom, covers, one, two, Jaguard kicks out. Max starts throwing punches, knocking Fulton down, Jaguard jumps up the ropes but Fulton carries him away into an Alabama Slam and transitions into an Anklelock. Max crying out, and suddenly Heath appears outside as a distraction, Jaguard rolls through and propels Fulton into the ropes, and as the ref turns to look at Jaguard, Heath suddenly punches Fulton with his chain! Fulton slumps down, Heath hides, the ref turns back, Max covers, one, two, three.

Winner – Max Jaguard by Pinfall.

Max and Heath instantly attack Fulton, grabbing a pair of scissors and threatening to cut the mullet. Suddenly, Campbell runs out half-dressed and throws his suitcase at Heath and Max as they run out of the ring. A furious Campbell declares that he’s fed up with these two ganging up and attacking, so how about, on 7th June at Powerbomb Club, they have a tag team match, with the crowd cheering wildly.

This was a great method of demonstrating Fulton as the superior wrestler in the early stages, with Max gradually getting more physical and angrier, unable to accept someone better. I have a great soft spot for Jaguard, he’s one of the shorter wrestlers but has this slight level of delusion that he keeps on thinking he’s brilliant and is dangerous, I love it. I was thinking beforehand that Max would be good teamed up with a Wrecking Ball-esque figure, and Heath is a great choice. I was already thinking having Devon and Fulton working as a team would be a great choice, they have enough similarities to match well but also stand out as individuals, so ecstatic to see them together.

Semi-Main Event: NWA / JCP Southeastern Tag Team Titles:

Meat Wagon (Troy Ryan & Anderson Daniels) vs Blockbusters (Toby St John & Jordan Sparkes) w/ Lana Rae (Champions)

Wow, that is some big meat coming out. Ryan has 55 on his back, and Daniels has 15 on his. Kicks off with Daniels and Toby, with Toby posing and proclaiming that Blockbusters put Plymouth on the map. Cheapshot to Ryan and Toy bails to the outside, only for Ryan to follow him and press slam Troy back into the ring. Ryan and Daniels exchange punches to Toby, and Daniels with the hip toss, but Toby cuts Daniels off into his corner, Sparkes grabbing the leg and pulling Daniels out for a double team. The attempt fails though as Daniels interferes and both Meat Wagon clothesline the Blockbusters down.

All four in the ring, double back body drop by Meat Wagon to clear the ring. Daniels waits for Toby but Jordan interferes, Ryan tags in and they double shoulder block Jordan. Slam and Elbow combo twice on both Blockbusters, but Lana Rae grabs Daniels’ leg with Toby and Jordan taking advantage, flapjacking Daniels. The Blockbusters and Lana Rae cut off the ring on Daniels, Jordan gets thrown into Toby’s boot but Toby cuts Daniels off from getting the tag. Daniels with a gorgeous Hurricanrana on Toby, Jordan tries to cut him off with a roll-up for a two count, Daniels is able to escape and nearly gets the tag, but Toby pulls Ryan off to prevent the tag!

Blockbusters grab Daniels to attempt a double suplex, but in an impressive show of strength, Daniels suplexes both men to a huge cheer! Daniels is crawling for his corner, his foot gets grabbed, he kicks away and gets the hot tag, Ryan comes in with fire aplenty, throwing Clotheslines and Slams galore, even showing off a cartwheel at one point to more cheers. Ryan reverses a Sunset Flip by dropping down for a two count, and a headbutt to Jordan gets a strong two count.

Lana jumps up for the distraction and Jordan hits the Claymore on Ryan, followed up with a Brainbuster / Superkick combo on Ryan, both men cover Ryan, and he still kicks out at two! Ryan escapes and gets the tag to Daniels, Electric Chair Splash by Ryan on Jordan, Ryan with the Spear to Toby as Daniels covers Jordan, one, two, t-Jordan kicks out! Ryan climbs up top, but Jordan grabs him and Matt the Ref, and Lana blows some smoke into Daniels’ eyes, Toby rolls him up and gets the sneaky three count.

Winners and Still Champions – Blockbusters by Pinfall.

That was a great match, tremendously fast paced throughout with some amazing physicality on display, and for my first time seeing both teams, I was massively impressed, I would gladly see both teams come back to appear at TCW. This is the sort of thing I love to see at local shows, random wrestlers you don’t know about that come out of nowhere and end up impressing. It’s especially impressive that a charity show, where they make no profit, is able to put together a surprise match that fans can enjoy. Speaking of which, during the interval that followed this match, the General Manager Ethan did announce that at the June show, TCW PowerBomb Club, they will feature in his debut, Rob Drake from Progress Wrestling (unfortunately, before the next show, it was announced that he would have to postpone his appearance, but I still love these names you wouldn’t think of that are brought in to add to the current storylines, not take them over).

Grudge Match:

DB Johnson vs Omega Luke

Before the match, MC Obrey admits to the crowd that it’s sad it has come to this, and you can feel the sense of dread in the crowd. DB comes out first to new music, wearing a pink leotard and shouting “F*** you Mum and Dad” to Omega Dad and Omega Mum, even doing the Triple-H Water Spit moment with two fingers up at the crowd, before an agile roll through the ropes for his entrance. In contrast, Omega Luke started with the Viral Connection music, before cutting to a new theme, entering topless with green and black tights, completely calm and confident in the face of DB’s fury.

DB starts off by blaming Luke, throwing out insults, calling Omega a “gaslighting son of a b****”, “a fraud”, “a manipulator”, before rolling out and then running from a chasing Luke around the ring. DB gets inside and stomps on Luke as he enters, but bounces off the ropes straight into a Fireman’s Carry, DB escapes and uses an Irish Whip only for Luke to hit a Shoulder Block to knock DB down. DB in the corner and Luke hits two running elbows in a row, DB reversing the third attempt only for Luke to hit a gorgeous Spinebuster. Kidney punches by DB are cut off by Luke, who follows up with a Middle Rope Elbow Drop to the back of DB’s body.

The two men fight to the outside and up the stairs, DB scrabbling in the top row among the audience before they make their way back down, DB crying out “he’s kicking my a**!” At one point, Luke grabs DB and gets a mate in the crowd to hit a hard chop to DB’s chest! As they get to the bottom of the stairs, DB throws Luke’s head into the ringpost, throwing him back inside as he tells Luke “come on Jannetty!” Some hard chops from DB in revenge, a reversal by Luke into an Oklahoma Roll for a two count, followed by a suplex for another two count on DB, who retaliates with an Enziguri, smug smile on his face. Luke clears DB’s smugness by hitting a Uranage and a Senton for a two count.

DB fakes a middle rope dive, Luke ducking to escape and DB transitioning into a DDT, and this moment encompasses this story wonderfully, the level of knowledge the two men have about one another and how they’re using it against one another. DB climbs up and Luke follows him up, to hit an Over-The-Head Falcon Arrow?! Huge reaction as somehow Luke only gets the two count. As they both struggle, DB starts to attack with reckless fury, Stu the Ref tries to pull DB off, Luke kicks DB off and into Stu, tries to follow up with a Diving Elbow and accidentally lands on Stu! The referee is wiped out.

Luke hits an Emerald Fusion, covers, and there is a visual six count as the crowd cry out, but Stu is still down. DB rolls out of the ring and grabs a chair, now the crowd is shouting as Luke checks on the ref, and he turns around slowly to catch DB in time. Almost resigned to his fate, Luke puts his hands behind his back, and tells DB to do it. DB has hold of the chair, grips it, and then throws it down, before the two former partners start throwing fists! DB hits a beautiful Claymore Dropkick to Luke, the referee is stirring, he drags himself over, DB covers, one, two, th-Omega Luke kicks out!

As DB tries to prepare for the kill, Luke hits a lovely Judas Elbow, taking DB down and covering, one, two, t-now DB kicks out! The crowd is cheering and clapping for Luke, who goes for his finisher, the Springboard Shining Wizard, but DB lifts the nearby chair up and Luke’s knee smacks painfully into the chair. Luke is on the floor in agony, DB hits a dropkick to the same knee and a running Cutter, one, two, Luke kicks out again! DB takes the chair, sets it up, and to the audience’s surprise, sits down, staring at Luke, who struggles to stand up. Suddenly, DB grabs Luke and transitions into a Single Leg Boston Crab, cranking on the injured knee and ragging Luke into the middle of the ring, the crowd willing Omega to survive, but the pain is too much, and Luke has to tap.

Winner – DB Johnson by Submission.

There is a brief moment after the match where Hood suddenly came out and attacked Luke, grabbing the microphone after and telling Omega he will see him at the next event, to prove H Hood runs the place. A wounded Luke afterwards painfully tells Ethan to make the match.

DB finally defeats his former partner, finally gets the victory he’s wanted, almost by accident as the chair originally backfired, but the question now is, victory at what cost? DB even leaves instantly, as if he can’t even enjoy the victory, that he’s disgusted with himself, and it makes sense, because despite grabbing the chair, he couldn’t go through with it. DB could only use the chair when it was an instinctive reaction to survive the match, but not when Luke was staring him in the face, the shame of Luke staring at him was too much to use it. The feeling of anger and almost hatred from DB was palpable, shockingly vitriolic and vicious, and had the crowd feeling slightly shaken at the unexpected fury. Before and during the match, DB’s trash talk is top class, selling either the beating he’s getting or the anger he feels, making every moment feel important to the story.

It’s going to sound like a small thing, but the storytelling just in their entrances was fantastic. Firstly, DB enters to completely new music as if making a statement, but his attire is reminiscent not just of when he was partners with Luke, but also like an Owen-Hart-esque outfit. DB’s attire is reflective of his loud, vocal cutting of ties undercut slightly by still wearing a VC style attire, as if he’s trying to convince himself he’s made the right decision but still struggles to move on. In comparison, Luke starts off with the VC music and then has it cut to something new, a subtle suggestion that the splitting of the team was not his decision, but by wearing the different attire that have the classic green and black of VC, he’s demonstrating that he’s willing to accept the situation and move on. One needs to believe he made the right decision by destroying their relationship, and the other has shrugged off any uncertainties and reluctance to stand tall. This is an example of the brilliance of utilising music, entrances and attire to enhance an already engrossing story.

The story has become DB being consumed by his need to prove he isn’t the weak link of the team, but in the process, has destroyed the relationship with the brother he’d achieved so much with. Yes, DB has finally proven he was just as good as Luke, at least in terms of beating him, but now it becomes a case of, what will the repercussions be? In just three events, DB Johnson and Omega Luke have put together an amazing story that feels multi-faceted and could potentially develop anywhere from here, but I for one am fascinated to see where it goes from here, and seeing the reactions from the crowd around me, I know I’m not the only one.

Hot Jock (Kai Parker & Joey Seven) vs RomCom (Luca Romeo & Tony Wright)

Hot Jock enters in bright green bungie smugglers, Parker with a cowboy hat and boots, Seven with a baseball cap with cans attached to the sides to drink from, ala a 1990’s Dad from an American Sitcom. Shouts of “put some clothes on” from the crowd. RomCom come out and are the ultimate metrosexual excellence, Romeo kicking his legs up and out as he dances up the stairs (in the process, accidentally grazing my elbow and apologising, saying he’s going to kick Seven and Parke instead!) Romeo is in pink pants and a ponytail, while Com has a mullet and black tights. Slight note, my original notes were describing Romeo as Rom and Tony as Com, and I ended up enjoying this image so much that I am going to repeat it below, but please know it’s not intended as an insult or detrimental, it’s purely as a bit of fun.

Rom and Kai start, ending up in the corner, Kai avoids an Irish Whip and poses, Rom hitting him with a lovely Clothesline. Rom with a Diving Hip Smash to the face of Kai, Com tags in and double team punches, Com with the chop in the corner and then bounces Parker on the top rope, nether regions first. Seven gets brought in, another Com chop and then both members of Hot Jock get bounced on the top rope. Double Atomic Drop on Hot Jock, Seven sent to the outside, and then a Slam / Elbow / Leg Drop combo by Rom / Com / Rom. Seven comes back in, Double Hip Toss by Rom Com and Seven ends up in the opposite corner. Quick tag between Rom Com and a clever Wheelbarrow Pin by Rom on Seven. Seven back in his corner, Rom runs but hits the beer can hat, Parker distracting Matt the Ref as Seven hits Rom with the hat again, and now the Jocks are on top.

Seven hits a running Forearm into Rom in the corner, while Parker chokes Rom on the middle rope, smugly checking the crowd didn’t see him. Seven with a back elbow for two, Parker suplex for two, and the Jocks double team Rom in the corner. Parker hits Rom with a Gutbuster, then Irish Whips Rom into a Seven Clothesline for a two count, and a running ground Uppercut for another two count by Seven. Rom starts to escape from Seven, but Parker rushes to tackle Com, Seven hitting a Spinebuster on Rom for two. Rom roll-up for two but he’s cut off by Seven, Parker hits a Double Axe Handle on Rom for another two count.

Rom goes for a Full Nelson but Parker dances his way out, and then drops on Rom to hurt him. Rom pulls Parker’s legs to drop on him, then steals the cowboy hat (that Parker had been wearing all this time) and riders Parker like a cowboy, Seven looking away in horror. Matt the Ref gets convinced to put the hat on and then starts riding Parker as well, the crowd cheering along. Rom back in the corner, Seven tags in, Rom battling back and drop toe holds Seven, to finally get a huge hot tag! Com in with Clotheslines and back elbows galore, Dropkick to Parker who accidentally DDTs Seven at the same time. Parker rolls out, Com with the Fireman’s Carry on Seven, but Parker gets the blind tag and cuts Com off at knee, a lovely Claymore / Russian Leg Sweep combo by Parker / Seven for a two count.

Stunner by Seven and then a Parker Cutter to Com, another two count. A slightly ugly 3-D on Com, Rom breaks the pin just in time. A double Pedigree attempt by Hot Jock is reversed into a double back body drop, Rom with the tag, Com hits a Superkick and Rom with the Pedigree on Seven, cover by Rom, one, two, th-Parker pushes Com to break the pin! Parker gets thrown out and Com with the baseball slide to knock him away, Rom tags Com in, Uranage and Slam combo on Seven, one, two, three!

Winners – RomCom (Luca Romeo & Tony Wright)by Pinfall

That might have been the perfect match to follow the Viral Connection Collision, as they paced it tremendously to pull the crowd in. I enjoyed the fact that both teams on the surface look like goofballs, but they planned the match to show that Rom Com are very capable wrestlers and shouldn’t be underestimated based on their appearances. In response, Parker and Seven start demonstrating why they’re highly talented, and take control. The first third, RomCom impressed, then the second third, Hot Jock get serious. By the time we get to the final third, we have a highly competitive tag team match.

A surprisingly good match that was probably the biggest sleeper hit of the card, it combined fun, good heat, and a majorly competitive and back-and-forth tag battle. These four performers deserve credit for taking what could have been a dead match and turned it into one of the surprises of the night. As a well-deserved reward, GM Ethan announces that at the next event, RomCom will challenge GL2 for the TCW Tag Team Titles. For the final breather, we get a raffle by GM Ethan and Tik-Tok favourite Aaron Hunt.

Main Event: TCW Heavyweight Title

Lucky vs ‘Country Big’ Josh Knott (champion)

The ‘King of Tamar’ Lucky enters first with his crowd, forgoing his usual baggie quarter lengths for what look to be tighter quarter length shorts, possibly to allow for better movement? Huge cheers for Lucky, boos for the champion as he enters, Knott on the middle rope passing his belt to Matt the Ref whilst barely looking at him. Nice shot where Knott throws his jacket on top of the cameraman’s camera. This match has a proper main event feel, Knott tapping his title as Obrey announces the competitor, the champion, and the TCW Heavyweight Title. Chants for Lucky as the bell rings, Knott nonplussed. Tie up and Knott overpowers Lucky twice, first pushing him away, second time pushing in the corner, and the third time throwing him down with relative ease.

Lucky decides to change tactic, kicking out at the left knee, before dropping the top rope for Knott to fall over. Lucky on the apron aims to kick at Knott, but he grabs and throws him down, picking Lucky back in and hitting some vicious elbows, before a violent Irish Whip into the corner, covering Lucky for a one count. Knott antagonises the crowd by proclaiming Exeter as the best in Devon to a chorus of boos (rival town to Plymouth, for those unaware). Lucky escapes and knocks Knott down for a cover, but one Forearm from Knott and Lucky is down again. Knott is using the moments inbetween for some brilliant heat segments, riling the crowd up with ease, before a Bodyslam and Elbow Drop for a two count for Knott, choking Lucky with one hand.

Lucky gets chucked onto the apron, who retaliates with a Slingshot Side Kick and an attempted Crossbody, only for Knott to catch him with relative ease, hitting a Fallaway Slam for two. Suplex on Lucky, followed with a punch to floor the challenger, but Lucky hits a desperate sudden Jumping Roundhouse Kick to the head that sends Knott to the outside. With the champion on the outside, Matt the Ref gets to seven, but Lucky stops him, only for Knott to drop Lucky back first onto the apron. A huge Knott Elbow Drop on Lucky for a nearfall, and the crowd is starting to plead with Lucky to get up, kids are standing up out of their seats calling for him. Full Nelson on Lucky, who rolls out, hits a Dropkick and a follow-up Roundhouse Kick, then a float over Sliced Bread, cover, one, two, the champion kicks out.

Lucky returns to the Roundhouse Kick but Knott has learned and avoids it, hitting a massive German Suplex, a second, and then lifts Lucky to attempt a third, only for Lucky to battle and back into the corner. Lucky attempts a Monkey Flip, follows up with a jump off the middle rope but Knott hits a huge Spinebuster, cover, one, two, t-Lucky just kicks out. Knott climbs up top, Lucky follows him up, and hits a huge Suplex off the top rope! Slight worry as not sure if Lucky rotated all the way through, but looks like everyone is okay. Hood suddenly appears with his briefcase, Lucky reacts and goes to hit him, Knott takes advantage and hits a Full Nelson Slam, Knott covers, one, two, thre-Lucky just gets the rope in time! Knott can’t believe it, he grabs the belt but Lucky drop toe holds him, Knott lands headfirst on the belt, he’s knocked loopy, Lucky rolls him up, one, two, three!

Winner, and NEW TCW Heavyweight Champion – Lucky by Pinfall

This match is a fantastic example of how easily you can book a challenger to make them seem a credible threat, Lucky’s recent hard fought victories in the ‘King of Tamar’ tournament meant he earned momentum and crowd support, while Knott’s recent victory over Eddie Ryan proved that he wasn’t a paper champion, instead a credible champion, having a wide-range of skills and intelligent enough to outwit his opponent. Have to say, the poise and timing by Knott throughout may be the best I’ve ever seen from him, even his entrance had no wasted moment, and he carried himself throughout as a daunting champion to overcome.

Knott began with the power advantage, forcing Lucky to try and utilise his pace and agility to offset the champion, yet even that was not always enough, as Knott’s brawling ability and low centre of gravity allowed him to use Lucky’s momentum against him. Lucky’s main form of attack was the strikes to the head and attacking Knott’s balance, building up to the ending where he outsmarts the stronger, bigger man, utilising his agility to unbalance Knott and hit his head once again, finally damaging the champion long enough to get the win, using Knott’s own frustration to cost him. Pristine and simple but character-based match that had both come out looking fantastic.

Afterwards, Alexander Grey, Omega Luke, Devon Fulton, Alex Campbell, Meat Wagon and Romeo came out to celebrate with the new champion, Meat Wagon lifting Lucky on their shoulders as the crowd celebrate with him. Both Grey and Luke hug their friend, handshakes galore from the babyfaces, all of this helps sell what a big moment this is, a great rub for the new champion, and cleverly preventing Hood from being able to cash-in his Briefcase for the title.

Normally, I would write anything up to a thousand words collating my thoughts, but with such a wonderful moment to end the show, I don’t want to negate it. Instead, I’m going to finish with this simple final line: As the show ended, and I sat watching the crowd leave, I found myself impressed at how there wasn’t a single weak match, and rejoiced at the amazing card I had just witnessed.