RQW FANZINE EDITION FOUR - 18 Dec 2007 by Stephen Ashfield (www.piledriver-online.co.uk)
THE RQW FANZINE
EDITION FOUR
The Talking Point
Welcome to edition four of the RQW Fanzine as we reach the end of another year. After a few recent computer problems perhaps this edition should be subtitled ‘It’s amazing what you can do on a computer without a mouse.’
We’re just a few days away from the final RQW card of the year and of course this fanzine includes a full preview of ‘Not Just for Christmas.’ It looks very much as if Martin Stone is going to make it through all of 2007 as RQW Heavyweight Champion or is there one big surprise left in Santa Dean’s stocking (not that I’m suggesting Dean Ayass wears stockings of course).
It’s certainly been an interesting year in RQW but what does 2008 hold in store for the promotion? There’s talk of more shows being held which sounds great but only if they can attract larger crowds than have been seen recently. Every RQW show has an impressive line-up so hopefully 2008 will be the year that fans get behind the promotion.
One weekend that’s going to prove interesting is when RQW are at the SENI exhibition in London in April. Eight one-hour shows in two days are going to be held and that should prove fascinating to preview, enjoy and then report on. I get the feeling the size of this fanzine might be a bit larger in April and May.
Of course there’s still talk about the possible WWE developmental territory that Len Davies may or may not be running in 2008. ‘Powerslam’ managed to jump the gun faster than a dodgy 100m runner in announcing that this is definitely going to go ahead but only time will tell but again it makes for an interesting 2008.
Also in this edition we look back at a busy 2007 for RQW, enter the insane world of Mad Man Manson, take a look at The Title Picture in RQW, our guest promotion is ChickFight and there’s news from Around the Halls in the UK.
I hope you have a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The RQW Fanzine will be back in 2008 just before the January show. See you all then. Oh and you'll notice there's no RQW Fan of the month in this edition. Well that's because you've all won (even me), thanks for supporting RQW during 2007,here's to a successful 2008.
CONTENTS
The Talking Point
Preview of Not Just for Christmas
Crash Test Greg makes his Debut
The RQW Quiz
Inside the Insane World of Mad Man Manson
Guest Promotion: ChickFight including interviews with owner Jason Deadrich and MsChif
Christmas with Mad Man Manson
The Title Picture
Upcoming Events
Around The Halls
Full Preview of the Dartford Card
RQW Cruiserweight Title
‘The Heretic’ Red Vinny v Zak Zodiac
So finally like the prodigal son ‘The Heretic’ Red Vinny returns to our shores to defend his RQW Cruiserweight Title. But will he still have the belt to polish on Christmas Day?
It’s a while since we’ve seen Vinny in an RQW ring and hopefully his return will help kick start the cruiserweight division as it has some talented performers available to it. More about that in ‘The Title Picture.’ While Vinny has been away from the RQW ring he’s been enjoying success in Irish Whip Wrestling winning their Zero-Gravity title from Bingo Balance and successfully defending it against the likes of El Generico. Back in RQW however he faces a tough task if he wants to end the year still wearing the cruiserweight title belt.
Zak Zodiac is a youngster with plenty of experience in the ring. The son of Ricky Knight doesn’t quite share the same attitude as his illustrious parent but has certainly inherited a lot of his skill. He’s certainly had to work hard to get this title shot, in fact you could say he’s had to work double time.
At the RQW/WAW show in Great Yarmouth Zak won a four-way match that also included Ross Jordan, Mark Sloan and El Ligero. That victory may have been earned with the help of Mark Sloan but it was a well-deserved one and it made the youngster the number one contender to the cruiserweight title. His celebrations were cut short though when he received the news not only that Red Vinny wouldn’t be in Dartord in October to defend his title but also that Ashley Reed was contesting his number one contenders spot. Having previously won an eliminator to get a title shot Reed demanded a match with Zodiac in Dartford.
Sadly a shoulder injury has forced Reed to retire so again it looked as if it was just a question of Zodiac waiting for his title shot. However the oh so persistent Jimmy Havoc realized that Zak had no opponent in Dartford and after beating Zack Sabre Jr in the dark match, petitioned Len Davies for a chance to take on Zodiac and take his number one contenders spot.
Zodiac got the win over his opponent and finally this week he gets his chance to take the title from Red Vinny. It promises to be a high flying contest and as you can read below, Zodiac is convinced that he’ll be getting an early Christmas present on December 20th
“Red Vinny I was born to wrestle, I am a third generation wrestler, I started training when I was 3 years old, had my first pro match at ten. It’s my destiny to be a champion come December 20th Mick Jagger centre Dartford I will become RQW cruiserweight champion, You are a great wrestler, a great champion I respect you but Destiny calls its Zak Zodiac’s time I will be one of the youngest champions ever and fulfill my calling.”
Recent RQW Results:
Zak Zodiac
October 2007: Beat Jimmy Havoc
September 2007: Beat Mark Sloan, Ross Jordan and El Ligero
Red Vinny
June 2007 Partnered the Damned Nation to beat Kelly Adams, Ippei Ota and Phil Bedwell
April 2007 Beat Sam Slam
March 2007 Beat Declan O’Connor to win RQW Cruiserweight Title
‘Rowdy’ Ricky Knight and The Zebra Kid v Brett ‘The Kraft’ Meadows and Martin Stone
Don’t you just love surprises at Christmas? Well you’ll definitely be getting one in Dartford this week when Brett ‘The Kraft’ Meadows reveals just who his tag partner is when he takes on ‘Rowdy’ Ricky Knight and The Zebra Kid. The exact identity of his tag partner has been revealed on RQW TV and it’s the RQW Heavyweight Champion himself, Martiin Stone.
The story behind this match lies not just in WAW where there’s been rivalry for a fair while but to the RQW show in Colchester in June. Knight and Meadows were on the same team that night but barely on the same page. They got the win over Team NOAH but the antagonism between the two tag partners was clearly evident and last month the bad feeling between the pair finally erupted in an RQW ring when the pair met in what was supposed to be a singles match.
The British veteran Ricky Knight was in his usual rule-breaking mood as he took on the current WAW British Heavyweight Champion in a non-title contest. The bout didn’t stay in the ring for long and when it did go to the outside, Knight not only tore out a seat from the front row, and he also managed to break my headphones, thanks Ricky!
The match reached an unsatisfactory conclusion when The Zebra Kid made an unwelcome intervention attacking Meadows leading to a victory for Ricky Knight. Incensed at what had just happened, the challenge for a tag match in December was set.
The Kraft certainly has friends in high places as it’ll be the RQW Heavyweight Champion Martin Stone who partners him. That must put fear and joy into the hearts of Ricky Knight and The Zebra Kid. Fear in that they have the champ to deal with and joy in the knowledge that a win this week could lead to a title shot in the future.
Then again could there be a twist in the tale to 2007? Martin Stone enters the ring with three WAW wrestlers, what if there’s a secret pact we don’t know about and what if Martin Stone has an ulterior motive for tagging with The Kraft? An interesting end to the year lies in store.
Recent RQW Results
Martin Stone
September 2007 Beat Andy Boy Simmonz
August 2007 Beat James Tighe in Worthing
August 2007 Beat Drew Galloway in Dartford
June 2007 DQ win over Takeshi Rikio
April 2007 Lost tag match (partner Jody Fleisch) to Hade Vansen and Jon Ryan
March 2007 Beat Jody Fleisch
February 2007 Beat Ricky Knight
January 2007 Lost to The Great Muta
Rowdy’ Ricky Knight
October 2007 Beat The Kraft
June 2007: Teamed up with The Kraft to beat Atsushi Aoki and Makoto Hashi
February 2007: Lost RQW Title match to Martin Stone
Brett The Kraft’ Meadows
October 2007 Lost to Ricky Knight
September 2007: Lost WAW World Title match to Erik Isaksen
August 2007: Beat Dark Angel Ashe
June 2007: See Above
The Zebra Kid
October 2007 Lost by DQ to Darren Burridge
The Iron Lions v Maximum Head
With Team Charming not present at ‘Not Just for Christmas’ these two teams have an excellent chance to put themselves in line for a title shot in the New Year.
Maximum Head of course had their chance to dethrone Team Charming on the last show in Dartford and put up a great effort before finally going down in defeat. The team of Max Voltage and Dan Head know that they had their chances to win that match and take the title and if given a rematch might just manage to win the gold next time around. A loss here though would put them further down the pecking order in the RQW tag team rankings.
They certainly have tough opponents in Dartford this week as The Iron Lions make their RQW debuts. Andy Boy Simmonz and James Tighe have the talent to become one of the best tag teams in the country that’s for sure and below Simmonz explains how they got together.
Some might be surprised to see Simmonz tagging with Tighe in an RQW ring after his previous appearances alongside fellow Hated Heroes Aviv Maayan and LT Summers. However, there’s been plenty of tension between Simmonz and Summers in the past few months. Simmonz blamed Summers for both their loss in the final of the RQW tag team tournament and his loss to Martin Stone when he challenged for the RQW Heavyweight Title in Great Yarmouth. Could LT be in Dartford this Thursday and perhaps interfere in a match he perhaps feels he should be part of?
Here’s what Andy Boy Simmonz has to say about the new tag partnership with James Tighe.
“Me and James have been friends for 7 years now. In and out of wrestling. He was at my first ever training session and we have been good mates ever since. I’ve always been a huge fan of tag team wrestling. Whether it be the British Bulldogs, Steiners, Rockers, Hart Foundation all of whom are great teams. Something I always wanted to do is be in a proper tag team with matching gear, double team moves and who better than your best friend and I’m really looking forward to wrestling together. We’re also debuting a brand new look, which is pretty edgy I think but I think will go down well. You’re going to see a whole different side to us as well. Much more aggressive and wrestling based rather than the routine I’ve been doing for the past 2 years now.”
Recent RQW Results
The Iron Lions: Debut in RQW
Maximum Head
October 2007: Lost tag title match to Team Charming
Stixx v Mark Sloan
Stixx made an impressive debut on the last show in Dartford and his victory over JP Monroe was so decisive his opponent literally doesn’t know what year it is! Accompanied by Stephanie Scope he certainly showed the crowd that he has what it takes to be a force in RQW.
On the same show Mark Sloan had an impressive win over Ross Jordan though he has a lot to thank Spud for. Even though he wasn’t in Dartford the playing of his entrance music convinced Jordan that he was and that loss of concentration cost him the match. Sloan may be facing a heavier opponent but he’s a master technician and an upset win might just be on the cards
Recent RQW Results
Stixx
October 2007 Beat JP Monroe
Mark Sloan
October 2007 Beat Ross Jordan
September 2007 Lost four-way match to Zak Zodiac, El Ligero and Ross Jordan
El Ligero v Jimmy Havoc
While Red Vinny and Zak Zodiac battle it out for the RQW Cruiserweight title, two potential title challengers face each other one-on-one. Whoever wins this match has a chance of a future crack at the belt that’s for sure.
El Ligero doesn’t exactly have the best win-loss record in RQW that’s for sure but he’s never been humiliated by anyone and is a match for anyone on his day. In recent months he’s had some title success winning the XWA British Flyweight Title from Ross Jordan. Now he faces local boy Jimmy Havoc knowing he has to get a win if he’s ever to progress in RQW’s Cruiserweight division.
For Jimmy Havoc this could have been the biggest night of his life. After two dark match victories in his home town Havoc challenged Zak Zodiac for his number one contender’s position in the cruiserweight division. He couldn’t pull off what would have been a shock victory and rather than challenging for the title this week he faces El Ligero. Havoc must know that a win over the masked man will again make his name one to be reckoned with in the division, a loss means he starts 2008 down at the bottom of the ladder. High stakes indeed.
Recent RQW Results
El Ligero
September 2007: Lost four-way match to Ross Jordan, Zak Zodiac and Mark Sloan
June 2007: Lost to Ross Jordan
February 2007: Teamed with Bubblegum to lose to Team Charming in RQW Tag title tournament
Jimmy Havoc
October 2007: Beat Zack Sabre Jr in dark match and then lost to Zak Zodiac
August 2007: Teamed with Zack Sabre Jr to beat Paul Tracey and Phil Boyd in dark match
Mad Man Manson v Omer Ibrahim
If you read our interview with Mad Man Manson elsewhere in this latest edition of the RQW Fanzine you’ll know that this is a man who is definitely a sandwich short of a picnic and a treble short of a school choir. Like El Ligero he doesn’t have a win-loss record in RQW that can raise a smile but when he’s in the ring it’s most definitely the fans who are smiling. This week he faces a newcomer to RQW and I sincerely hope he knows what he’s let himself in for.
Omer isn’t exactly a fan of Christmas you see (join the club mate) but Manson loves it, though as you’ll read in his interview I’m not quite sure his Christmas is anything like any we know. Can Manson beat Scrooge, sorry Ibrahim or will there be a distinct lack of Christmas spirit in Dartford this Thursday? One thing is certain and that is the fact we’ve got some great laughs in store.
Here’s what Mad Man Manson has to say about the match:
“I shall be spreading the joy of Chanukah and the pain and misery of Easter in equal measure. Christmas is like a house, standing alone on a street, but the street doesn't have any cars on it. It may be pedestrianised but there are no signs, and certainly no public toilets. Omer Ibrahim is someone who I have wanted to bump uglies with for some time - He is a strange mix of attractive young girls and shaven headed thugs. not unlike Ross Kemp but very unlike Kate Lawler.”
Recent RQW Results
Mad Man Manson
August 2007: Lost to Ross Jordan but did pin the referee Chris Hatch
April 2007: With JP Monroe lost to Damned Nation
March 2007: With JP Monroe lost to The Hated Heroes in the RQW Tag Title tournament
Omer Ibrahim: RQW Debut
The Jon Ryan £10,000 challenge
Jon Ryan continues to be one of the most dangerous men in RQW. I find it surprising that he still hasn’t received a shot at the RQW Heavyweight Title in 2007 but as his manager Greg ‘The Truth’ Lambert told Martin Stone at the York Hall in April, the pair will meet in the ring when he decides.
Someone could be in for a major cash bonus just a week before Christmas if they can last five minutes with Ryan without being forced to submit. No one has passed the challenge to date and we have no idea just who will be taking the challenge this Thursday.
Recent RQW Results
Jon Ryan
August 2007: Beat James Tighe
June 2007: Beat eXodus
April 2007: Tagged with Hade Vansen to beat Martin Stone and Jody Fleisch
March 2007: Beat Tom DeMorey in submission challenge
Sam Slam also in action
One man definitely on a roll in RQW at the moment is Sam Slam. He followed up his September win over Martin Kirby with a destruction of Paul Malen the following month. Whoever faces Slam this Thursday might just recover by Christmas, but whether that’s 2007 or 2008 I’m not sure.
Real Quality Wrestling at the Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2JZ
This event is in aid of a children’s charity.
Advance prices
Ringside tickets £15
General Admission £10
Child Ticket £6.50
Family Ticket £28 (2 adults, 2 Children)
Available from the venue 01322 291100
or
www.realqualitywrestling.com
On The Door prices
Ringside tickets £18
General Admission £13
Child Ticket £9.50
Family Ticket £35 (2 adults, 2 Children)
Crash Test Greg makes his pro debut
It’s been an important year for RQW Forum member ‘Crash Test Greg’ as he’s resumed training with EWF and recently started making appearances in the ring on BWE and EWF cards participating in Rumble matches. Here he talks about the day he made his in-ring debut on a BWE card in Verwood.
How did you feel when you found out you'd be appearing on the BWE card in Verwood?
Well, I was one of the 4 trainee's who were chosen for the rumble, So I felt privileged, and rather proud of myself, then the realisation hit and I was a little nervous. Which leads onto the next question.
How nervous did you get before the match?
At first not very, but every second it got closer, and I got really nervous, Backstage was worst, it was, Oh My God, there’s a crowd, what If I mess up, what if I get hurt, of course it was all ridiculous and I was fine but, nerves and all that.
What was it like coming out for the match?
It was great, and very surreal, I ran out and the first thing that crossed through my mind is "Slap everyone’s hands and slide in the ring" then my thoughts were "Oh Crap, there’s more people than I thought...." It was great though, and an experience I will never forget.
How did the match go?
It was awesome, I loved it, I slid in the ring and got stomped on a lot, chopped, punched raked etc. Then eliminated , well, it was great fun and a really awesome experience unlike anything else, and all the nerves turned into a great feeling of Elation, and for the next week, although in Pain, I was loving every bit of saying to people "I wrestled in a match on Sunday". All in all I think I did well, and everyone else said so, so I was happy with my performance, so I'm going to stick to training and maybe, just maybe go further...
THE RQW QUIZ
All Mixed Up
Identify the RQW Stars from these anagrams of their names
1 Baked Zither
2 A Gazing Monk
3 Kicking Dry Who Try
4 It Opens Peaches
5 Baron Loin Pus
Guess the Match
Identify the RQW match from 2007 from the clue given
1 After this match I’m off to the States
2 A debut showing plenty of scope for the future?
3 Taking the champ to the time limit
4 Look under the canvas Mr J
5 Missed this tag? Get the King of Europe Cup DVD then!
Identify the RQW wrestler from the clue given
1 I defended my British title but it wasn’t RQW’s
2 My title shot took place on German soil
3 Triple M?
4 If you’re sent to Coventry pop into my shop.
5 A Premier representative who failed to grab the gold.
Inside the Insane World of Mad Man Manson Part One
When RQW boss Len Davies suggested I interview Mad Man Manson little did I know what I was letting myself in for. Believe me there are few signs of sanity in this interview but when you’re dealing with someone who later that evening was to lose a match after submitting to a hold he placed on himself, what do you expect! Time to find out just how Mad Man Manson began his wrestling career. As you can imagine it’s not quite the orthodox way.
When did you first become interested in professional wrestling?
I first became interested in pro wrestling while stranded on a desert island with the members of ABBA and a couple of them were very into pro wrestling and I got into it through them.
Which two members, blonde or brunette?
Both of them, all of them.
I’ve heard Agnetha is a big wrestling fan
She is a huge wrestling fan to this day. Is she dead?
No
Well she’s huge into it, crazy about it.
You haven’t been in touch with her then?
Well, we had a falling out. For legal reasons I can’t go into why I fell out with her but let’s just say she wouldn’t put her shoulders down for me if you know what I mean. That’s not sexual.
She did get divorced though didn’t she?
I did get divorced several times, yes.
OK, so while on this desert island, somehow they had TV.
Yes they did.
And who were the wrestlers who really impressed you?
Myself for one. I watched some of my old stuff, that was good, a couple of fake wrestlers you may never have heard of.
Who were they?
Me dressed up as famous wrestlers.
Such as?
Well me dressed as Mad Man Manson the most famous wrestler to have ever come out of Ireland for a start and also I was quite impressed with (Charles) Manson, he was good, an extremely good wrestler.
Not one to invite to parties?
He doesn’t get out much now he’s been pregnant for a couple of years. He’s going to be a hell of a wrestler.
So how did you get off the desert island?
Obviously I swam while dragging the bodies of ABBA with me as a flotation device, only one survived?
Who?
Guess
Agnetha?
No you have to guess
Benny?
Wrong
Frida?
Wrong, the 5th member of ABBA survived, Manson survived.
So you must do well off the royalties of ABBA?
I am possibly the greatest human in history so yes I do very well. I am a member of the Royal Family, yes.
So you became interested in professional wrestling whilst watching recordings of your career which apparently started before you got interested in professional wrestling.
My career was going for seven and a half years before I ever stepped in the ring. It’s not your standard way of getting into wrestling. Most people watch it as kids, join a training school, get trained up and become wrestlers. Not for Manson. Manson travels the road less traveled. He can also walk on water.
If you can walk on water, why didn’t you just walk away from the island instead of swimming?
Cardio. I needed cardio, a big part of wrestling.
I didn’t know that was in the rule book
It’s in the book, about page 7 or 8 I’m not really sure. It’s something to do with turnbuckles, it’s a technical thing.
Ok. So what’s your ring style like?
Amazing in every single way. It’s sixteen foot by sixteen foot, that’s my style. It’s got turnbuckles, ropes, a canvas and some steel underneath. That’s my ring style, it’s also square.
What do your opponents make of your sixteen foot by sixteen foot ringstyle?
They sometimes make wrestling matches, occasionally they make cups out of pottery and sometimes they even make amends.
Like Blue Peter then
Very much like Blue Peter but without the badges, though I do give every opponent a badge after I’ve worked with them.
What do they say?
It’s blank. They can put on their own message to themselves from themselves. I think it’s fair that way.
If they’re still able to write of course?
Well this is the 90s, everyone has the ability to do a lot of things.
So what opponents would you like to meet?
I once knew a woman with a twisted knee and the more she twists the more I see. I’d like to work her more than anything.
Was it Agnetha?
No, her name was Jenny, she’s probably the girl I’d like to wrestle most. Apart from her I’d like to wrestle Senator Bob Dwyer of the US Senate. I would enjoy wrestling him one day, sadly he killed himself several years ago.
That would make it easier
Easier and more difficult. It’s one of the mysteries of pro wrestling
A twist in the coffin match perhaps?
It would be a twist on a coffin match. I would also twist his body into several submission holds and then tap out myself out as a mark of respect.
Or you could wrestle other men to get him out of the coffin?
I like it, I like your style, you’re hired.
What is the most mad thing that has happened during Mad Man Manson’s career?
The maddest thing that’s ever happened to me during my wrestling career was sitting in a chair in a room with nothing else in it. I couldn’t handle it, eventually I left the room through the door. I’ll never forget it, it haunts me to this day.
So you must be lying awake at night thinking of that chair?
I sometimes lie in my bed asleep at night and then wake up and go about my daily business. That is my answer to your question.
So perhaps the way to beat you in a match is t have a chair match and actually bring that Chair into the ring and you’ll run away scared.
That’s pretty much what would happen, I can see it happening. Get onto every contact you know and book the silver chair in the middle of a room match.
That and the casket
And the casket. Get the bodies of Bjorn Again and ABBA members and throw them in and lets get a part on, it’s Christmas soon.
And of course Santa is an anagram of Satan
Santa is an anagram of God that is correct. Your spelling once again amazes me.
Mr Manson also told me how he’d once fought the legendary Hulk Hogan, what was that like?
Wet
Why?
It was under the sea.
Was it during the escape from the island?
Several years before and after, it was a long match. It was in rounds. After the first round I went to the island, learnt to be a wrestler, got off the island, second round was in Atlantis if I remember correctly which I almost certainly do. Eventually I got tired and let him pin me.
On a EuCW show in Sunderland you appeared as 'Marilyn Manson' in a dress.
Which do you find more comfortable, a dress or a straitjacket?
Why must you lie? I find lying on a bed of rusty nails with a broken glass glazing more comfortable than anything. Also, Ligero is a fake. Also, Daryse Coffee makes me physically sick. So to answer your question - Dagenham and Redbridge.
What exactly happened at that birthday party that caused you to be sent to the asylum?
There were insults exchanged, party favours soiled, men made men,
At the last show in Dartford JP Monroe seemed to believe he was back in 1944
and on his way to the Queen's Garden Party. Is this just an attempt by him
to become even Madder Than You and do you think he'll take you to the garden
party?
I believe that JP Monroe is Lou Diamond Phillips and as such, Mutya Buena. I think it's quite obvious that myself and JP will be playing top trumps at the M25 services again soon. It is something I shall look back on fondly when dead. The doppelganger is an imaginatively designed card but take note top trump makers, attaching the prefix 'Mad' to an occupation (butcher, teacher, reverend) does not a trump card make.
What have been your personal highlights of 2007?
The fall of the Berlin wall. The attacks on the indigenous people by men with clubs. The chart success of my album. The start and end of the Crimean war. It's been a crazy year, possibly one of the low points in the decade. Wrestling is poor.
What was it like presenting RQW TV?
It was kinda like presenting a wrestling based television show on a wrestling oriented television channel however I would say it was more like 6 or 7 well dressed men asking for more bread.
Is it really a good move to put the boss of the company in a straitjacket?
Peter Andre did it and look at him now.
What are your hopes for 2008?
I hope I don't make it that far.
If there's anything else you'd like to add (God Help us), please feel free to do so.
Ungate me Vic, I've met a gnu.
There’s more from Mad Man Manson later in this edition as he talks about Christmas Day in the asylum and gives out some Christmas presents to RQW wrestlers. At this point I’d like to apologise to Jetta for the mental torture that awaits her.
RQW Quiz Answers
All Mixed Up
1 The Zebra Kid
2 Amazing Kong
3 Rowdy Ricky Knight
4 Stephanie Scope
5 Paul Robinson
Guess the Match
1 Drew Galloway’s title challenge against Martin Stone in Dartford just before he left to join WWE.
2 Stixx (with Stephanie Scope) against JP Monroe on the last Dartford show.
3 The fifteen minute time limit draw at the York Hall between Jezebel and Allison Danger.
4 The four-way cruiserweight match in Great Yarmouth between Mark Sloan, El Ligero, Ross Jordan and Zak Zodiac.
5 The York Hall clash between the teams of Go Shiozaki and Doug Williams against Davey Richards and Atsushi Aoki.
Identify the RQW wrestler from the clue given
1 Brett ‘The Kraft’ Meadows who defended his WAW Title in Dartford against Dark Angel Ashe.
2 Blue Nikita who lost a Women’s title match to Wesna at the weekend
3 Mad Man Manson of course
4 Majik who recently opened a wrestling shop in Coventry
5 James Tighe who represented Premier against Martin Stone in Worthing
So how did you do?
1-5 It’s called RQW, did you type the wrong website address in again!
6-10 Getting there but more work needed for sure
11-15 Oh a right clever clogs aren’t you!
The Guest Promotion
CHICKFIGHT
Why Women’s Wrestling is about a lot more than Eye Candy
ChickFight Special : Interviews with Jason Deadrich and MsChif
Jason Deadrich
Can you tell my readers about your background in professional wrestling?
I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah a huge fan of pro wrestling. I remember watching AWA each week on television and forcing my mom to take me to the matches once a month. I loved everything about the sport, from the wrestlers to the production to the way the ring announcers would pump up the fans before the show. I was hooked at a young age. After college, I moved to San Francisco, California and started work at LucasArts. As a huge Star Wars fan, this was a dream come true and working with George Lucas and the team was a tremendous honor, but I still loved wrestling and followed it religiously. While the other employees all had Star Wars action figures on their desks, I had wrestling figures… One day at work, a fellow wrestling fan mentioned he heard of a small independent promotion in the area and invited me to check it out. That night changed my life. I sat in the front row of APW’s Gym Wars completely in shock of what I saw. Never before had I had the opportunity to get that close to live action. I saw guys like Michael Modest and Erin O’Grady (Crash Holly) putting on a more entertaining and exciting show than I had ever seen in my life. I knew then that I had to get involved in some way. After the show, I introduced myself to APW’s Owner, Roland Alexander and offered my assistance helping with the website and production. Roland welcomed me on board and the next thing I knew, I was enrolled in APW Boot Camp, attempting to learn the ropes and become the next superstar to come out of the camp.
Six months and several bruises and much pain later, I realized in-ring performing was not for me. I stepped backstage and spent the next several years educating myself on the business, doing everything I could to learn from Roland and others. Roland has a saying, “close your mouth and absorb like a sponge” and that’s just what I did. I would still get involved occasionally, doing things like managing Dalip Singh (Great Khali) as he was training and working shows, but for the most part, I was happy just being part of the team that would make the shows a success. My goal was to learn every position backstage and become an expert at running a professional wrestling show. I always felt that the only way to understand what it takes, is to do it yourself. I spent many years doing everything from ring crew, camera operator, music guy, video post-production, merchandise sales, security, booker, promoter and everything in between.
We promoted men’s shows throughout California during the 90’s and into the early years of 2000. In 2004, I was inspired to promote the first ChickFight tournament and the rest was history. ChickFight took off faster than ever expected and now we are doing our best to keep up with the excitement and demand.
It was in APW that you saw female wrestlers such as Cheerleader Melissa and Sara Del Rey, what was it about them that so impressed you?
I was first exposed to Cheerleader Melissa in 1999. At the time, the Ballard Brothers were a regular tag-team we used on our shows. The Ballards would bring Melissa as their valet. At first, Melissa’s involvement in shows would be minimal, but over time she would start to do more and more crazy things that people did not expect from just a valet. I remember tag match between the Ballards and the team of Frankie Kazarian and Samoa Joe where Melissa climbed to the top rope and dove to the concrete onto Samoa Joe who was down on the outside. This got a huge reaction from the fans, but not from Joe. Joe just stood up and nailed Melissa with one of the most brutal punches I had ever seen. Melissa flew a good 5 feet and did not get back up for the rest of that match. I remember attending to Melissa after the match, apologizing for Joe’s actions. Melissa looked up at me with an icepack on her face and just smiled with an evil grin. Melissa assured me she was fine and wanted to know when the next show was.
Right then, I realized this was not your ordinary valet or manager. Melissa had something special. Not long after that, Melissa joined APW Boot Camp and quickly made a name for herself wrestling men of all shapes and sizes. I have never seen Melissa back down from a match no matter who is on the other side of the ring. And yes, I do hope to book the Cheerleader Melissa vs. Samoa Joe rematch in the future. Sara Del Rey first gained my attention as she was finishing her semi-pro training at APW Boot Camp. At the time, Bryan Danielson (American Dragon) was our head trainer. Bryan took a liking to Sara and was able to take her under his wing and teach her many valuable things that gave her an edge over the other students. We were eager to get Sara in the ring with Melissa, as we did not have female opponents for her. I remember some of those early matches as being some greats and knowing that they were only going to get better. Anytime you get to see a Sara vs. Melissa match, you know you are in for a treat.
When did you decide to create the ChickFight promotion?
The idea for ChickFight came to us at the Cauliflower Alley Club (CAC) convention in early 2004. At the time, CAC was showcasing independent wrestlers as part of a showcase for the older wrestlers and promoters attending. Melissa always took part in these shows and was usually considered the best wrestler on the show. I remember Melissa, Sara Del Ray and Ms. Natural having an outstanding three-way match one year. I wanted to find a way to do a complete show with this type of talent and thought of doing a “Queen of Indies” playing off the concept Roland had when we did “King of Indies” in 2000-2001. I knew marketing and DVD/online sales would play a big part in what we were doing and when we talked to retail store buyers, the name Queen of Indies did not seem appealing, so we went back to the drawing board and came back with “ChickFight” that was universally loved.
Was it a difficult task creating an all-woman promotion, particularly one that didn’t rely at all on the Diva’s attitude towards women’s wrestling?
Yes, in the early stages it was very difficult. Even today, there is still a misconception with mainstream fans about what female pro wrestling is. Having a good look will always be important if you are wrestler, male or female, but at ChickFight, we want talent and ability first and foremost. We want females that can entertain and put on a show. WWE has a Diva division; we are not competing with that. We want to show fans there is an alternative, another unique product out there. Give it a chance, you won’t be let down.
Mariko Yoshida has won two of the tournaments to date, is she likely to return to the promotion in the near future?
Yes, Mariko is an important part of our team. Mariko was responsible for training Melissa during her time in Japan in 2002 and has always been involved in what we have done with ChickFight. Currently, Mariko is very busy with her own promotion, but we expect to see her back soon.
Which event for you has been the most impressive?
I am always impressed with our shows in one way or another. We push ourselves to make sure each show in an improvement over the previous. I am currently very impressed with the UK shows and how the product has grown internationally.
ChickFight debuted in the UK earlier this year, what do you think of the way ChickFight has been received in the UK?
I am very excited about the UK shows and think we have a great deal of potential there. From fan reports, they have all been very impressed and many going so far as to say it was the best show they have ever seen. That’s a pretty big compliment and raises the bar for all of us. I have high hopes for the UK and look forward to a long and successful relationship with the wrestlers and fans there.
Which UK female wrestlers have impressed you the most?
Without a doubt, the standouts so far have been Sweet Saraya, Jez and Wesna. I also love seeing all the up and coming talent that is being produced there.
How do you see ChickFight developing in the years to come?
We have some pretty lofty long-term goals that we hope to hit. I don’t make any claims yet, but we are currently in negotiations with a cable network to bring our TV show to homes across the US and into the UK. In addition to the TV show, we have many more live events scheduled and are in the process of doing some other very big, very exciting things in the months and years to come.
How important do you see the Transatlantic Women’s Wrestling Title becoming?
The key to the success of the TransAtlantic Title will be the locations and the opportunities it’s defended at. Sadly, many promotions claim to have “World Titles” that never get defended out of their backyard. We waited on announcing our title until we were sure it would be defended in multiple locations, not just California. As I am writing this, Melissa had just won the belt at ChickFight 8. Knowing Melissa’s busy travel schedule, we can be sure the belt will log plenty of travel miles and gain much exposure.
Do you think WWE and TNA will ever see the light and use women for high calibre matches rather than just as eye-candy?
It seems to me WWE and TNA are happy with the Diva product, who knows if that will change. We are very happy with the ChickFight product and will continue to showcase female wrestlers as athletes and fighters. These women are tough, mean and ready to rumble!
For more information about Chickfight go to
www.chickfight.tv
Screaming her way to Success
The RQW Fanzine interviews MsChif
When did you first become interested in professional wrestling and when did that interest develop into a desire to actually become a wrestler?
I've always watched wrestling, but it wasn't until my college days that I decided to find a school and actually become a wrestler.
How difficult did you find the training?
I had a very good trainer. I didn't find training very difficult, it seemed to come pretty naturally. The ring I trained in was one of the stiffest rings I've ever been in. So yes, it really hurt until your body adjusted and got more use to it. I'm actually really glad I trained in such a stiff ring. It's prepared me well.
The only other female trainee there was Christine, was it tough being in a male-orientated atmosphere and did it put more pressure on you?
Not at all. The guys were great there and treated me like the rest.
What do you remember of your pro debut?
How crappy it was. Seriously. The promoter put me on a show after only 8 training sessions. He needed a women's match and Christine had already been training for about 6 months. So it went decent, but that’s all I can say for it.
When did the now legendary scream begin and what was the reaction the first time you did that?
It began with my 1st match in July 2001. I'm not sure anyone knew what to think of it.
You're on record as saying the WWE Diva's product is "disgraceful' do you find it irritating that the biggest company in the world has to treat women's wrestling that way?
It's very irritating. They've had some talented women in the past, and it's sad to see their talent go to waste because WWE would rather showboat them sexually instead of showing their athletic talent in the ring.
With ChickFight and Shimmer now, do you think that people's perception of women's wrestling will change?
For the fans that follow Indy wrestling, definitely. SHIMMER and Chickfight have done awesome in showing the best of women wrestlers and letting them wrestle good length matches instead of short 6 - 8- minute matches. Unfortunately many of the WWE fans don't even seem to know about Indy wrestling, and they are seriously missing out!
You've feuded across the country with Daizee Haze, what have been the highlights and what's it like to work with her?
Daizee is fantastic to work with. She is excellent with her technical abilities. I always learn something when I work with her. Some people think, "but she's so small". She may be, but she's packing some explosive power. She's one of the hardest hitters I've been in the ring with and I've wrestled quite a few. I wouldn't want it any different either. As great as it is to work singles matches with her, many highlights come from intergender tag team matches we've done. Delirious and I vs. Daizee and Matt Sydal were always great matches to do.
I was watching a match you had in IWA-MS at the Ted Petty Invitational, what are your memories of that six-way elimination match?
The 2004 TPI 6 way elimination was a hard fought battle. Especially considering I had just severed my left ACL in a match only two weeks earlier which remains severed today, hence the knee brace. I recall the knee hurting like hell at one point in the match, but hey, the show must go on. At the time I didn't yet know what was wrong with it. I was still waiting on test results. I recall being impressed with the strength of Mercedes Martinez. As I set her up for the desecrater, she countered me by picking me up above her with only one arm.
Last year you travelled to Japan for the first time, how did you find that and how different was it from wrestling in the States?
Japan was unbelievable. I was so glad I got the chance to go. I didn't really find the wrestling itself that much different than what we do in SHIMMER or Chickfights. Communication was near impossible though, they hardly spoke a word of English and I don't speak Japanese. The fans were very vocal. Also very appreciative. It was cool to see women wrestlers respected over there.
I saw you wrestle at the York Hall recently against Cheerleader Melissa and Eden Black, how did you enjoy your visit to the UK.
The UK was awesome. I loved being over there and really look forward to being back towards the end of April.
For more information about MsChif go to
www.mschif.net
Christmas with Mad Man Manson
What's Christmas Day like in the Asylum?
Same as every other day to be honest - 33% Sodium Benzoate, 3% Beta Carotene (sweetener). A pretty fully fledged member of a youth organisation. There may be some breaded chicken available but on the other side of the coin, there may not. It's all up in the air given the forces of gravity. Especially when it's dark.
Christmas is a time for giving, so what presents would you give to the
following RQW wrestlers :
Jetta - A signed picture of me but signed with her name and address.
Ross Jordan - A signed picture of Jetta but with my name and his
address.
Ricky Knight - A gun. Filled with love. Also, some Alpen Groove bars
(lemon)
JP Monroe - Paraphenalia.
Martin Stone - A rock.
Stixx - A hairpiece, some glue, a stick, a dog, Dean Ayass, a gnu.
The Title Picture
The RQW Heavyweight Title
Current Champion: Martin Stone
The domination of the RQW Heavyweight division by Martin Stone looks almost certain to stretch into 2008. Barring the sudden announcement of a title match at Dartford this week he will almost certainly be eating his Christmas dinner as RQW Heavyweight Champion. One day that will surely come to an end but who is there who can take the title and end his year-long reign?
Could 2008 be the year of Jon Ryan? His impressive run during 2007 should really have earned him a title shot by now but as his manager Greg ‘The Truth’ Lambert told Martin Stone at the York Hall in April, he’ll decide when Ryan gets to meet Stone in the ring one-on-one. Lambert hasn’t been seen in an RQW ring for some time, he’s probably busy watching his beloved Morecambe or busy planning the future for XWA. Perhaps he’s still crying over the closure of the FWA, who knows?
The WAW influence in RQW continues to grow and they have three wrestlers who can all mount a challenge for Martin Stone’s title. ‘Rowdy’ Ricky Knight has already had one unsuccessful title challenge this year but with a win over The Kraft on the last RQW show his ranking must surely be on the rise (and I’m pleased I spelt ranking right). Another victory this week and he’d have a good reason to ask for another title shot especially if he happened to pin Martin Stone
The Zebra Kid is a formidable foe on his day and despite that DQ loss to Darren Burridge when he got a low blow right in the furry dice, The Zebra Kid is someone who Martin Stone must keep an eye on that’s for sure and that begins on Thursday.
The Kraft has impressed many in RQW and once he gets his feud with Ricky Knight and The Zebra Kid out of the way he must surely be just one good win away from a title shot at some point in 2008.
Who else deserves a title shot? James Tighe and Andy Boy Simmonz may be tagging together this week but both are excellent wrestlers who have had title shots already and will remain in contention. Remember this fact, James Tighe pinned Martin Stone during that title match in Premier and who else has pinned Martin Stone in an RQW match this year? Andy Boy Simmonz continues to be a threat in whatever promotion he appears and despite that loss in Great Yarmouth there’s no love lost between him and Martin Stone so something is bound to erupt sooner or later in 2008.
Darren Burridge continues to impress and a Stone v Burridge match would be a great main event. A rematch with The Zebra Kid will probably come first though. Stixx made an impressive debut in Dartford with a win over JP Monroe. He can’t stand Martin Stone so watch out champ. The same applies for Sam Slam, sure he’s not been up against the highest ranked wrestlers yet but he’s a man Martin Stone must fear in 2008.
RQW Cruiserweight Division
Current Holder: Red Vinny
So finally The Invisible Man makes his return to an RQW ring this week and faces the number one contender in Zak Zodiac. It promises to be a great match and I wouldn’t be surprised if we had a masked wrestler as our cruiserweight champion by the end of the week. What lies in wait for whoever leaves Dartford as champion this Thursday?
The winner of the El Ligero v Jimmy Havoc match must have some chance of staking a claim for a title match sometime in 2008. Then there’s Ross Jordan who may well be more interested in dealing with Spud at the moment after their argument on the August show and the fact Spud’s music caused Jordan to lose concentration and his match against Mark Sloan in October. Both Jordan and Spud have great credentials but have to sort their personal matters out first.
Mark Sloan must surely be close to being the number one contender for the title at the moment once this week’s title match is out of the way. His win over Ross Jordan establishes him as a leading contender. Bubblegum is a former champion and hasn’t been seen in an RQW ring since he teamed up with El Ligero in the tag title tournament. He never lost the title in the ring and when he does return surely deserves a chance to regain his title.
RQW Tag Division
Current Champions: Team Charming
Team Charming may not be in Dartford this week but when they receive their Christmas cards, will they get one from Damned Nation simply saying “One day we’ll be champions” Damned Nation haven’t appeared together on the past two shows but even if Team Charming must be praying that there’s some kind of unrest in the DN camp, I doubt that’s the truth. One day in 2008 they will receive the title shot they deserve and it promises to be one of the matches of 2008. A series of matches between the pair of teams would really get the tag division going.
Maximum Head put up a great show against Team Charming on the last Dartford show but came up short in the end. This week they face The Iron Lions (Tighe/Simmonz) and whoever wins that match will again put themselves in line for a title shot. The team of Simmonz and Tighe looks an interesting one for sure and they could well have a big part to play in the tag division in 2008.
RQW Women’s Title
Current Champion; Wesna
Wesna will end 2007 as the RQW Women’s Champion after a successful defence of her title against Blue Nikita in Germany last weekend. So just who poses a threat to her belt in 2008?
Jetta and ‘The Jezebel’ Eden Black are obviously top contenders but with their personal feud still unsettled after that great match in Dartford in October, a bout against Wesna seems out of the question at the moment. Whoever emerges victorious from that feud must be the number one contender.
One name that must be mentioned is that of Sweet Saraya. Saraya has made an amazing comeback from the injury she suffered in Colchester and has already made one appearance on a WAW Academy show and is due to be on the WAWW card this weekend. Obviously Saraya has serious issues with Cheerleader Melissa and if those two clash again in 2008 as surely they must it could well be the women’s match of the year. Saraya must also be interested in winning the RQW title and a Wesna v Saraya match could also be a classic.
Stephanie Scope has in-ring experience so look out for her in 2008, well you can hardly miss her really can you! Then of course there’s the overseas contingent to think of. Wrestlers such as Melissa, MsChif, Allison Danger and even Amazing Kong are all worthy challengers and having just conducted an interview with SHIMMER Champion Sara Del Rey, she’s very keen to return to the UK so come on Dean make the match.
UPCOMING RQW EVENTS
2007
December 20th: Not Just for Christmas 2007 at the Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford
2008
January 13th: No Pain No Gain 2008 at the Fleet Leisure and Sports Club in Northfleet, Kent
February 16th Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford
March 9th: Fleet Leisure and Sports Club in Northfleet
March 29th Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford
April 26th and 27th Live TV tapings at SENI 2008 at the Excel Centre in London
May 11th Fleet Leisure and Sports Centre, Northfleet
May 24th Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford
June 8th Fleet Leisure and Sports Club in Northfleet
June 21st Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford
August 1st Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford
More information at
www.realqualitywrestling.com
Stephen Ashfield (www.piledriver-online.co.uk)