2017 has been another great year for Scottish wrestling, with many new names rising through the ranks. The Asylum Invitational Tournament back in May showcased what the future of wrestling in this country looks like, and I think you will all agree that it’s in safe hands. Let’s take a look at some names that you should keep your eye on in 2018!
Honourable mentions;
Nathan North
Bradley Evans
Shawn Johnson
Joe Hendry
The Kings of Catch (Aspen Faith & Lewis Girvan)
Debbie Sharpe
Lucy Cole
The Rejected (Chris Archer & Mikkey Vago)
Lucha DS
Steven ‘Air’ Myles
Lou King Sharp
Krieger
Scotty Swift
Jonathan Richards
10. The Purge (Stevie James & Krobar)
Kicking us off are one of the breakout teams of the year in The Purge. The team of Stevie James and Krobar have become staples of the ICW tag team division with a fantastic series of matches against their rivals in The Fite Network. After bursting onto the scene when GPWA put on their first show, the two have aligned themselves with Wolfgang to form Bad Company. With a shot at the ICW Tag Team Championships coming up some time in 2018, expect big things from The Purge in the new year.
9. Kieran Kelly
Kieran Kelly has been one of the breakout talents of 2017. Since graduating from the Source Wrestling School, Kelly, then known as Kieran McColm, broke onto the scene as part of The Underdogs alongside Scott McManus but he really came out on his own as part of The Asylum Invitational back in May. After making it to the semifinals of the 16-man field before being eliminated by The Sam Barbour Experience, the wrestling world became fully aware of young Kieran Kelly. Could see him doing wonders for a promotion such as WrestleZone or Discovery Wrestling.
8. Luke Aldridge
Since ditching the persona of Lucian Maynard Smith earlier this year, the newly rechristened Luke Aldridge has been fantastic. The Aldridge Odyssey has been making a name for himself up and down the country with appearances in Reckless Intent Wrestling, United Pro Wrestling and World Wide Wrestling League. As a member of High Society, Aldridge has proven that even the toughest of brawlers can have a touch of class. Let’s get Aldridge booked all over Scotland next year!
7. Aaron Echo
Aaron Echo has been one of the breakout stars of the last 12 months. Since ditching The Rich Kids of Instagram at the end of 2016, Echo went on to win May’s Asylum Invitational Tournament, outlasting 15 other entrants. Since then, Echo has debuted for Defiant Wrestling with a loss to fellow PBW Academy graduate Kenny Williams at Fight Back, debuted for WrestleZone in a failed attempt at the Tri-Counties Championship against Aspen Faith at Proving Grounds and has also started The Echo Bible to give fans an insight to his life. Where do you hope to see The Echo Bible land in 2018?
6. Zach Dynamite
After being out for two years with an injury, “Fully Loaded” Zach Dynamite returned in the summer of 2016. 2017 has seen Dynamite become a major player in the WrestleZone Tri-Counties division, finally winning a championship after 7 long hard years of trying. His running knee strike is one of my favourite finishers in Scottish wrestling, with Dynamite able to connect from anywhere. Zach could do some fantastic work in a promotion such as Discovery Wrestling, perhaps starting with next month’s Disco Derby…
5. Crusher Craib
Ever since making his return at Aberdeen Anarchy earlier this year, “The Creator of Carnage” Crusher Craib made his intentions clear as he joined Sterling Oil to cost Scotty Swift his Undisputed Championship. Making his in-ring return at September’s Battle of the Nations event, he put Swift on the shelf with a severe concussion. With his brute force and destructive in-ring style, Craib could do wonders for himself if he went to the likes of Discovery Wrestling or back up to Rock N Wrestle.
4. The Upstarts (Logan Smith & Owen Jakks)
Two of the hardest working graduates from the PBW Academy form a duo known as The Upstarts. Logan Smith and Owen Jakks have caught my eye since seeing them on PBW’s Academy Attack 5. Everything from their look to their charisma to their in-ring style, The Upstarts have everything it takes to make a good tag team. With a recent journey over to Denmark, these two youngsters are going to be something special down the line. Look out for them!
3. Damien
Damien has been leading a one-man revolution for the past few years now up in WrestleZone, with previous appearances for Discovery Wrestling and SWE. Ever since September’s Battle of the Nations, Damien has won over the hearts of the fans after superkicking Shawn Johnson. After winning the Undisputed Championship from his now former stablemate, The Revolutionary is one of the most beloved members on the WrestleZone roster. Even though he’s said he doesn’t want to travel due to having a young family, you’d have to imagine Damien will be all over the British wrestling scene next year.
2. Andy Wild
“Unstoppable” Andy Wild rejuvenated himself in 2016, further improving this year. With returns to both BCW and ICW, the Englishman also took part in a WWE tryout back in November. Wild started off as Undisputed Champion in WrestleZone, going on to have fantastic matches against the likes of Scotty Swift, Lewis Girvan and Mr P. With the rate Andy Wild is improving, every promotion will be chomping at the bit to get him on their shows.
1. Sammii Jayne
The Queen of Catch has been on a tear in 2017, winning titles wherever she goes. Whether it’s the prestigious Pro Wrestling: EVE Championship or being the first ever Discovery Women’s Champion, Sammii Jayne is perhaps one of the best wrestlers of this generation of talent. A WWE tryout back in November showcased that, and surely it’s only a matter of time before she’s signed to a contract. Keep an eye on her next year, even if it’s just for her beautiful baseball slide German suplex.
What names are you looking forward to seeing more of in 2018?
SCOTTISH WRESTLING NETWORK | SWN 