Ipswich was treated to another exhilarating night of wrestling at the Corn Exchange on Friday night.
The two-hour Superslam Wrestling extravaganza, put together by the All Star Wrestling (ASW) promotion, featured a traditional and pulsating blend of high-flying action, excruciating submission moves, questionable put-downs from villains which were tremendously eclipsed by young and old spectators (“Oi, fatty!” and “You’re pathetic” were personal favourites) and thrilling finales.
There were five matches in total, featuring some inventive characters: ‘Savvy’ Sid Scala, a wrestler whose gimmick is based entirely on Del Boy from Only Fools and Horses. Even his entrance music was Hooky Street, the BBC show’s iconic theme.
The final encounter was won by ‘The Trashman’, who used his kitchen mop to intimidate and ultimately defeat Robbie Dynamite.
But the best match of the night was the ASW title being defended in a ladder match. It featured Dean Allmark, the champion who has previously appeared in TNA, and his challenger, Fabian Aichner.
Aichner competed in the WWE’s superb inaugural Cruiserweight Classic during the summer. The WWE Network exclusive tournament featured 32 of the best independent wrestlers from around the world. Aichner impressed with his strength and agility despite losing in the first round to Jack Gallagher.
It could be argued easily that he was the standout wrestler at the Corn Exchange. He was in the best shape and demonstrated a technical flair and unrivalled strength. Dean was not disgraced and more than deserved to share the spotlight with him. They took their fight out into the crowd of 200-300 fans and it was a real joy to see top-class wrestling moves very close up.
Dean, the fan favourite, ultimately out-lasted his opponent and scaled the ladder to claim his belt and retain the championship.
In a family-orientated show, it was refreshing and reassuring to see the full-blooded wrestling speak for itself rather than child-friendly gimmicks, although they have their place at this level.
Aichner has bookings for other promotions coming up, including one today in Prestwich, and it would be interesting to see if he returns to a WWE ring.
But for Ipswich fans, they got their money’s worth yet again. ASW have been visiting Ipswich twice a year in recent years and we look forward to their return, hopefully next spring.
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