Pro Wrestling International Impresses

The newly revived PWI promotion which has a 13 year history in San Antonio held a show in the heart of the city at S.P.L.A.C.H. Sports Bar on 905 Nogalitos Saturday night, presenting a 7 match card featuring a good mix of veteran and young competitors. The roster includes cruiserweights as well as true heavyweights and features several wrestlers who are not regulars in any other local promotions.

Ring Announcer Jonathan Kramer introduced referee Terry Sleaze and called out the wrestlers for the first match. The team of Berry and Raiden, collectively known as the Neon World Order made their way through the crowd and to the ring, but were surprised to learn that they were not going to participate in a tag match this evening. Instead, they were scheduled in a singles match against each other. Despite the surprise, the two cruiserweights wasted no time in getting the action started. As is common when tag partners square off, these two were well familiar with each other so the parrying for advantage went back and forth for much of the match until Raiden was able to gain the final advantage and the victory. Afterwards, the pair shook hands and left the ring in the same manner in which they arrived; as a team.

In the second match, fans were treated to a continuation of the feud between local favorites Virus and Dragon X. Once again, the larger Virus showed his contempt for the young masked man from the orient, dominating for much of the match and begging for stronger competition. As Virus refused to seriously cover his opponent, Dragon X waited for his opportunity to make the arrogant Virus pay. However, when Dragon X began mounting his comeback, Virus became serious and halted the offense, quickly grabbing the pin.

At this point, Kramer introduced PWI owner Danny Vasquez who in turn introduced the new PWI commissioner Rick the Stick from "Jammin' 94.1 FM." Rick is probably the most vocal supporter of professional wrestling among San Antonio's main stream media and time will tell if his position helps PWI gain public awareness, but for the evening, he made an immediate affect. Vasquez made the mistake of giving Rick full control over the promotion to make any changes necessary to make PWI the best wrestling show in the city. Rick's first act as commissioner was to fire the owner, citing the work conditions and the pay inequity between Vasquez and the boys in the back. Outraged, Vasquez was unceremoniously sent on his way, and the show was set to continue. Before the next match could start however, the Hustler made his way to the ring offering his services to the commissioner as the new promoter. Rick did not give an answer to this offer, but show his disdain to the flamboyant manager by informing him that he would not be allowed to bring his custom cue stick "Suzy-Q" to ringside for his stable's matches.

The third match was set to begin as Blue Angel came out to challenge for the PWI US Title held by Ricky Rhodes accompanied to the ring by The Hustler who, despite the new commissioner's mandate, carried "Suzy-Q" with him. As the night began to fall and the skies darkened, Blue Angle and Ricky Rhodes faced off. Referee Terry Sleaze had his hands full with this match as The Hustler interjected himself in the match often on behalf of his man. Perhaps justly so the darkness that helped Rhodes for most of the match ended up costing him as he failed to see the belt tossed into the ring by his manager. Blue Angel took advantage of the moment of confusion slamming Rhodes head first onto the belt and winning the match and the US Championship.

The next match was a triple threat Lucha Libre match featuring Lemus 2, el Muerte and el Cristamo. The Rudos (Muerte and Cristamo) began by teaming up against Lemus 2, the only technico in the match, but the alliance did not last long as Muerte and Cristamo could not work together, much to the delight of Lemus 2. This was a very entertaining match which thrilled the crowd tremendously. Each man took the advantage at some point during the match, but it was Cristamo who gained the pinfall over Muerto. After the match, Lemus 2 and Muerte exchanged words until Muerte called for 5 minutes in the ring one on one with Lemus 2. Of course Lemus 2 agreed and the two got back into the ring. But with no referee, the conflict did not last even a minute as rulebreaker Muerte kicked Lemus 2 in the crotch, leaving the technico writhing in pain, setting up a probable match for the next PWI show on August 12th.

Match #5 was for the International Title and featured the Japanese wrestler The Great Ryu with The Hustler (and Suzy-Q) challenging for the belt held by Brazilian star Mojo. These two big men seemed evenly matched, exchanging an array of moves and strikes until Mojo brought a chair into the ring. In the confusion that followed, it appeared that The Hustler actually cost his own man the match as he distracted the referee at the wrong time, allowing Mojo to avoid a pin and reverse the momentum and keep his title by pinning Ryu. After the match Ryu was clearly upset with his manager, but eventually calmed down enough to accept his apologies, but one suspects that this might be a case of "forgive but don't forget."

The next match was for the PWI Heavyweight title held by "Mad Dog"who came to the ring with his friend Skunk. The challenger for this match was Dusty Wolfe who came to the ring with The Hustler (& Suzy-Q.) The action in the ring for this match was almost overshadowed by the action outside the ring as The Hustler and Skunk tore into one another for most of the match. The veterans in the ring battled viciously as well, with Dusty claiming that Mad Dog had a chain, but in the dark neither the referee nor the fans could see. At one point all four men were in the ring when Mad Dog punched the referee, knocking him to the mat. When the ref regained his composure he called for the bell, declaring a double disqualification. This battle is far from over however as all four men are set to match up in a tag match at the next show. (August 12 S.P.L.A.C.H. Sports Bar 905 Nogalitos 8PM bell time)

The main event was truly an outstanding match for the PWI Tag Titles. The challengers from Sydney Australia was the team of the Hooligans - Crazy Jimmy and Bull Harley. The champions were the team of Vega and J.J. Wakefield. The Hooligans are a big team with the type of ring presence that excites the fans such that while most were booing the rule breakers from down under, a significant portion of the crowd where cheering them. The champions are two of the best young wrestlers in the area, continuing to improve every match. Although the Hustler did accompany the Hooligans to the ring, he seemed content to be more of an observer in this match than in those earlier. The Hooligans controlled the pace for most of the match with their rulebreaking tactics. Both Champions showed impressive offense, but were eventually beaten down by the double-teams from the Hooligans. Eventually the more experienced team of the Hooligans prevailed and won the match along with the Tag Titles. Before they had time to celebrate, two men ran into the ring. Manny Villalobos and Bobby Garrett had seen enough. They challenged the new champions who refused to get back into the ring, preferring to wait until another day.

This was a good show which pleased the crowd. At least 3 matches are set for the show next month and fans have been assured that the lighting will be improved by August 12. Come check it out.

Pro Wrestling International
Saturday July 15
S.P.L.A.C.H. Sports Bar

Match # 1 - Berry vs. Raiden (win)
Match # 2 - Virus (win) vs. Dragon X
Match # 3 - US Title Match
Challenger Blue Angel (win & new champion) vs. Champion Ricky Rhodes w/ the Hustler
Match # 4 - Triple Threat Lucha Libre Match
Lemus 2 vs. el Muerte vs. el Cristamo (win)
Match # 5 - International Title Match
Challenger Great Ryu w/ the Hustler vs. Champion Mojo (win & retains title)
Match # 6 - PWI Heavyweight Title
Challenger Dusty Wolfe w/ the Hustler vs. Champion Mad Dog w/ Skunk (double disqualification)
Match # 7 - Main Event - PWI Tag Team Titles
Challengers The Hooligans - Crazy Jimmy & Bull Harley w/ the Hustler (win and new champions) vs. Champions J.J. Wakefield & Vega