I wasn’t sure what to think when I heard WoS was returning for a one off special/pilot. It was previously an institution, but I was a tad worried that this was just one of the major networks trying to cash in on the Renaissance we have seen in UK wrestling over the last few year. Nevertheless I was excited to see it.
Mastiff Grado
The first match was a championship match, which seemed a little odd, but in reality it was there to set up the narrative of the night, something that was important in the context of the show. The put on a solid but short match. Their larger than life characters were sold well and it set up.the story well.
The crowd felt forced or even canned at time’s, this was true all through the show, and I couldn’t work outo why as there was clearly wrestling fans there.
CJ Banks, Kenny Williams, Sam Bailey, Danny Hope
Nice to see Danny with a Trav black armband on. Sam Bailey showing shades of McGuiness with certain moves. 4 talented workers showcasing skills in a short match
Viper v Alexis Rose
Solid match from two talented women. Viper playing heel well. I’d only seen her play face before.I was surprised to hear that WoS had never had an all female match in its previous run.
Coffey Brothers vs Ashton Smith and Rampage Brown
Great match. Worked well. Nice to see all 4 shine. I’ve not seen Ashton and Rampage tag together before buthe they looked to have a decent chemistry about them. Rampage looks good as a heel but I prefer him face.
Ligero vs Gibson
Great match, super skills on show from both combatants. Gibson always impresses me and is one of the best technical wrestlers we have in the UK. El Ligero is my favourite comedy wrestler, but unlike some comedy wrestlers, he’s much more than that. And in this match he was showing his more serious side, which combines a great technical moves with some high flying antics. Great match, probably match of the night for me.
Battle Royal
Nice battle royal well booked. Seemed odd that all but 1 started in the ring. Was good to see Harry Smith put in an appearance. I’ve not seen him for age and I’m glad he game in and have a homage to his dad with the moves. I’d have quite liked him to win as I reckon he’d work a great match with big Dave.
Mastiff Grado again.
Not bad again, very short and the finish made Mastiff look weak but it finished off the narrative that had been built throughout the night.
Overall views
It looked an felt more like a TV show than a wrestling show. The lighting was weird and the crowd were weird. There were enough t shirts on show to convince me the majority if them were actually wrestling fans, but it felt like they were being stage managed as opposed to being allowed to be fans. The cheering and booing felt forced in places and the chanting did too. The signs were obviously planted and seemed daft and the choreographed foam finger waving was annoying.
The way they booked the show to set up a nara time was good, must have taken a lot if thinking about how they could build for the payoff at the end of 2 hours when most promotions would do it over a few months.
Grado as the main face seemed a choice made out of the idea that he’d be most well.know from his TNA profile. Which I guess is understandable.
I enjoyed the show, and I think it may be a way to bring in more people to watching wrestling, which I’m all for. But I don’t think it was as good as PROGRESS or ICW or others, however that may be because it’s aimed at a different sort of fan.
I hope it gets picked up a’s. I’d like to see wheresults they go with it.
Atlas Wrestling 