Competitor announcements have started for this year’s Drew Galloway Invitational Tournament. The first three entrants have already been revealed, with last year’s winner Aaron Echo, wildcard pick Theo Doros and GPWA representative Soldato set to enter the tournament. But who could make up the rest of the field? Let’s take a look!
The tournament bracket will consist of;
6 representatives from GPWA
3 representatives from PBW Academy
3 representatives from Source Wrestling School
3 wildcard representatives from around Scotland
Last year’s winner Aaron Echo
1. Thatcher Wright (GPWA)
My first pick to join the field is GPWA’s Thatcher Wright. Margaret Thatcher’s not-so-secret admirer has been delivering his manifesto in GPWA for some time now, even bringing it to ICW and Reckless Intent Wrestling when given the opportunity. Wright caught my eye when I first saw him, taking being British to the next level. With Margaret Thatcher’s face embroidered on his gear, Wright has been a joy to watch. It’s hard to imagine why he wouldn’t be a participant in this year’s tournament.
2. Cousin Zander (GPWA)
Cousin Zander is a fan favourite among wrestling fans, most known for teaming with Ravie Davie as The Govan Team. Zander has recently started getting his name out there a bit more, with appearances for ICW and an upcoming debut for Reckless Intent Wrestling this coming Saturday. The Drew Galloway Invitational Tournament could be a huge stepping stone for launching his career and making him into a bigger name.
3. Paxxo (GPWA)
Coming all the way from Italy, Paxxo is as vicious as they come. Although some fans might see him as a joke since he’s a clown, the Italian certainly knows how to get the job done in the ring. Having made appearances for promotions like PBW and BCW, Paxxo splits his time wrestling here in Scotland and in his native land. Should the opportunity arise for him to enter this tournament, Paxxo could be getting more and more bookings up and down the UK.
4. Mayhem X (GPWA)
Mayhem X is a man I don’t know too much about, but he seems like he keeps the crowd on the feet with his daredevil abilities. Not being afraid to leave his feet, X could put on a potential match of the tournament contender with the likes of Soldato if he were to enter. He may not be well known as some other names on this list, so this tournament could help put his name on the map.
5. Austin Osiris (GPWA)
My last GPWA pick is Austin Osiris. After debuting as a self-proclaimed Rich Kid of Instagram alongside Kyle Khaos, Osiris has found himself on an extended undefeated streak spanning over 400 days. Surely that qualifies him for a spot in the field of 16? Everyone else would be looking to not only win the entire tournament but also put an end that streak.
6. Logan Smith (PBW Academy)
If you’ve read my 2018 Ones to Watch list, then you’ll know my thoughts on these next two entrants. Ever since seeing Logan Smith and Owen Jakks at PBW’s Academy Attack 5 event, I’ve seen them grow with their wrestling style and their charisma. With the two also appearing for companies like Rock N Wrestle and even over in Denmark for Copenhagen Championship Wrestling, it’s clear they have a future on the British wrestling scene. They would be perfect fits in a tournament like this, so why not put them in the field of 16?
7. Owen Jakks (PBW Academy)
Read above.
8. Jonathan Richards (PBW Academy)
My third pick from the PBW Academy is “The Fabulous One” Jonathan Richards. Richards caught me eye from the moment I saw him, not shying away from showing off his charisma. He’s starting to get his name out there a bit more, having wrestled for the likes of United Pro Wrestling, Caithness Pro Wrestling and Rock N Wrestle. With plenty of the other names on this list being hard-hitters and more technically-based, Richards could find himself in the tournament as a more comedic character, but he’s still able to get it done within the ring.
9. Shaun Walker (Source Wrestling School)
On to the Source Wrestling School picks now and first is “The Hero Killer” Shaun Walker. From the small amount that I’ve seen of Walker, he’s terrific. From cutting a promo to getting the job done in the ring, Shaun has what it takes to be a big name in the UK. This tournament could be the launching point for a much bigger career for him.
10. Luke Matthews (Source Wrestling School)
Luke Matthews is a man I’m not too familiar with. All I really know about him is he’s part a group known as The Violence Institute. Like that name suggests, he seems like he appears to be a vicious man inside the squared circle and would make for a very interesting addition to the tournament.
11. Grant McIvor (Source Wrestling School)
The last pick for the Source Wrestling School is Grant McIvor. The Gazelle is a charismatic youngster that has all the potential to make it in the world of wrestling. Unfortunately for him, he’s never really been given the right opportunities. The Drew Galloway Invitational Tournament could be the launching point of Grant’s career.
12. Ken Kaiden (Scottish Wrestling Entertainment)
With Theo Doros announced as a wildcard entrant, representing Reckless Intent Wrestling, that leaves two more to join the field. My first pick is the recently rechristened Ken Kaiden from Scottish Wrestling Entertainment. Kaiden has impressed me every time he’s laced up his boots. Having recently returned from Australia last year and now adopting a new name, Ken could make a lasting impression on the Scottish wrestling scene with his participation in the tournament.
13. Zach Dynamite (WrestleZone)
Last but not least is Zach Dynamite, representing WrestleZone. Fully Loaded made his return from a near career-threatening injury in the summer of 2016 and has made an impact since, winning his first taste of gold last November. Although he’s been wrestling for around 8 years, Dynamite has all the potential to get far in the UK wrestling scene. Perhaps one of the more experienced names on this list considering how long he’s been going for, Zach’s new attitude could help him with getting his name around.
This year’s tournament will once again be a two-night event, taking place from The Asylum in Glasgow over May 11th and 12th. Tickets can be bought from www.eventbrite.co.uk, priced at;
£20 for Weekend Seated tickets
£18 for Weekend Standing tickets
£11 for Single Night Seated tickets
£10 for Single Night Standing tickets
Will Aaron Echo win the tournament for the second year running or will a new champion emerge?
SCOTTISH WRESTLING NETWORK | SWN 