Pro Wrestling Innovation are set to host their second show tomorrow evening, live from the Larkhall Community Centre. This is set to be a cracking show by the looks of things, with a huge Triple Threat Match scheduled to take place between Lucha DS, BT Gunn, and Stevie Xavier. Ooft. In amongst all that though, this event will also mark the start of the Young Lions Tournament. This is an eight man single-elimination tournament featuring eight of the brightest up and comers from the PBW Academy, which has produced some top quality talent over the years. From Kay Lee Ray to Noam Dar to Kenny Williams, the list goes on. Perhaps one of these eight men will solidfy their status within the British wrestling scene as the years go by, and become household names. For now though, let’s take a closer look at these four first round matches!
John Trettan vs Darren Vice
The first of two quarterfinals set for tomorrow’s show sees John Trettan taking on Darren Vice. I’ve heard plenty of good things about Trettan in the last few months, particularly back in the spring months when he had loads of people talking about his work. A recent debut for British Championship Wrestling back in June would see him on the unsuccessful side of things, but luck could very well be on his side here if he’s able to connect with one of those signature kicks he likes to utilise. Standing across from him is Darren Vice. The man who calls himself Limited Edition also made his debut for BCW just last month, losing out to Kid Fite and Krieger while teaming with Dylan Angel. These two were actually on the same team back in March on a Premier British Wrestling show in March as they teamed with Ray Berani to defeat the team of Hank Harrison, Prince Asad, and Dean Ford. Working alongside each other on that show in Greenock means that they had the opportunity to study one another, which comes in handy for this quarterfinal bout. Using those deadly kicks though, it could be John Trettan moving forward into the semifinals.
Prediction: John Trettan
Alex Parker vs Danny Edwards
With Logan Smith having suffered a serious leg injury, it ruled him out of the Young Lions Tournament. Replacing him in the opening round though will be Alex Parker. Now, as far as I’m aware at least, The Weekend Anarchist hasn’t competed in that many matches since his debut on a PBW Academy Attack show last December. Despite that however, he appears to be quite a talented lad – after all, he must be before being handpicked as the replacement for this tournament. A tough test for him in the quarterfinals though as he comes up against Danny Edwards. Since his in-ring debut a few years ago, The Proof of Perfection has gone on to wrestle for numerous promotions, including Respect Pro Wrestling, Scottish Wrestling Alliance, and Shield Pro Wrestling down in England. Danny is certainly full of himself, claiming to have had a belter of a year in 2018. With an ego like his, how can he go out in the opening round?
Prediction: Danny Edwards
Brian Frank vs Hal Rayner
At the last Pro Wrestling Innovation show back in May, Brian Frank wandered into the Viewpark Community Centre as he defeated PBW Academy coach TJ Rage as part of TJ’s open challenge. The Wanderer made his debut in May of 2018 as part of a PBW Academy event, since going on to perform for Pro Wrestling Scotland, World Wide Wrestling League, and of course Pro Wrestling Innovation, making himself one of the ones to watch in the Scottish wrestling scene. Much like in his PWI debut, Frank finds himself once again facing off with a larger foe in the form of “The Bulldozer” Hal Rayner. Rayner was also on the winning side of things at the debut PWI show as he teamed with Hank Harrison, JD Bravo, and Frank X. Cross as they were victorious over the team of Lou King Sharp, Ian Skinner, Ewan O’Raw, and John Trettan. He’s been on the go slightly longer, having debuted in 2016, and has been seen further down south for the likes of Upbrawl Championship Wrestling. Frank has a hell of a tough fight waiting ahead of him at a future Pro Wrestling Innovation but if he’s able to find his way past TJ Rage, then I’m certain he can find his way past Hal Rayner.
Prediction: Brian Frank
Daz Black vs Hank Harrison
The final quarterfinal bout will see one of the fastest rising stars in Scotland today Daz Black going toe to toe with Hank Harrison. Daz debuted in 2016, but has only recently set the Scottish wrestling scene on fire with his incredible abilities. He opened the show on the first PWI show as he was defeated by Kid Fite but even in defeat, The Shooting Star had everyone talking about him. A recent victory over current ICW World Heavyweight Champion Stevie Xavier in the main event of the recent Pro Wrestling Scotland show in Newmains once again left the audience talking about him. Like with Brian Frank, he faces a tough task in the opening round as he comes up against Hank “The Tank” Harrison. Hank debuted just last year, and has gone on to wrestle for All Star Wrestling, World Wide Wrestling League, and 4th Generation Wrestling. It’s another tantalising first round contest but if recent events are anything to go by, expect to see The Shooting Star heading through to the semifinal stage.
Prediction: Daz Black
Who’s your pick to win the PWI Young Lions Tournament?
The tournament kicks off at tomorrow night’s show at the Larkhall Community Centre, with tickets available from Ringside World. Currently announced for that show;
- Young Lions Tournament Quarterfinals: John Trettan vs Darren Vice
- Young Lions Tournament Quarterfinals: Alex Parker vs Danny Edwards
- Triple Threat Match: Lucha DS vs BT Gunn vs Stevie Xavier
- Davey Blaze vs Dylan Angel
- Daz Black vs Liam Thomson
- Kid Fite vs Ray Berani
SCOTTISH WRESTLING NETWORK | SWN 