‘SovPro Wrestling: Warpath’ PPV Review

That is right my friends we are back with another review of our favourite upstart Manchester-based wrestling promotion Sovereign Pro Wrestling. Warpath was to be the 3rd event put on after a hugely successful First Reign back in March. It’s already clear to see some feuds starting and storylines taking shape as the promotion is finding its way. I missed putting out my review for Heavy is the Head sadly because I’m hella lazy, so as we go I will probably have to recap on some things to tie this all together. Let’s not waste any more time as we dive balls deep into some awesome “Sports Entertainment” at least that’s what all the talk was about!

We open up with a cracking little VT segment outside the venue with young James Roach who has already secured my line of the night as he drops this belter “Do you think Eddie Hearn walks about holding Connor Benn’s contracts? Does he hell!” Smash cut to the Warpath intro. Straight away the level of production improvement between these 3 events is just incredible and my Nostalgia bone is tingling with a feeling of early days RAW or WCW. Lincoln Jack is in the middle of the ring to bring down our first competitors…

MATCH #1: SovPro Wrestling Commonwealth Title Contender Match: Leon Slater ‘The Youngest in Charge’ vs. ‘The Scum of the Earth’ Kenny Williams

Recap: Slater made his SovPro debut at Heavy is the Head and instantly ingratiated himself into the roster with a stunning high flying performance, think Trey Miguel levels.

Both men started out slowly feeling each other out before Williams takes the advantage with a takedown followed by working away on the wrist. Some beautiful reversals going on before Williams smashes Slater to the matt face first. disrespecting the kid by walking over his back and eats a sexy DROP KICK to the face for his troubles as Slater is fired up and follows that with a FLYING FOREARM. It’s not long before Williams has us on the outside showing some more disrespect to the Youngest in Charge. Back in the ring for our first Pinfall attempt after a gnarly Back Rake from Williams who is spending the chunk of this in comfy control with the occasional offense from Slater. The tables are turned though as Slater hits a STANDING FROGSPLASH, a gorgeous MOONSAULT and a SPRINGBOARD ELBOW off the ropes for a 2 count.
More back and forth before Slater hits a pitch perfect SUPER KICK tieing Williams up in the ropes, follows it with a second putting him to the outside. It’s Slater’s turn to run the ring till he goes for a MOONSAULT off the ropes but Williams has it scouted with the KNEES UP, before he nails him with a “Cartwheel Death Valley Driver”. Little bit of controversy when the ref catches Williams using the ropes for a pin as the crowd proceeds to chant “Cheating Bastard” welcome to the indies folks. After a hellacious HEADLOCK DRIVER to the matt Williams looks to be on the way to putting Slater down. An attempted low blow is thwarted and Slater is done with Williams. He hits a “Spinning Blue Thunder Bomb”, ascends to the top rope for a majestic textbook SWANTON 450 like you dream about for the 1..2..3.. Slater proceeds to the next round.

Verdict: A cracking opener, Slater impressed at Heavy is the Head and carries that on. The style difference between these two complimented each other perfectly and you couldn’t ask for a better opener.

My Score: 4/5

Post Match: A cheeky post match interview with Gaston LaBouef, a new addition to SovPro and the poor fucker takes some Black Mist to the face from Kenny, actually pretty funny to be fair.

MATCH #2: SovPro Wrestling Commonwealth title Contender Match: Kelly Sixx w/Bullit & LA Taylor vs. Joe ‘Goth Boy’ Wade

Recap: Kelly Sixx and his Killective made an instant impact at First Reign by being a disruptor while linking up with Leighton Buzzard and Danny Duggan. A Three on Three match at HITH was next and the trio bolstered the ranks by adding LA Taylor and Bullit. Killective is one of the most exciting Stables I’ve seen in any promotion for some time.

Bullit joins commentary to let us know what Killective is all about and make sure Sixx is represented fairly… Apparently.
This matchup gets off to a quick pace with Sixx getting the best of it. He can’t capitalize though as Gothboy takes him out with some CHOPS, KICKS, a SWEEPING TAKEDOWN and a tidy DROP KICK to the chin. With Kelly on the outside Gothboy is showing his daring mentality with a big knee from the apron. LA Taylor comes in to play a little Defense. While distracted Sixx slams Gothboy into the barriers before rolling him back to the ring. Sixx is making light work in the ring for a spell but honestly Joe Wade is hardly phased by any of it as he rises back to his feet and returns a few kicks to the back of the head. Trading blows in the middle of the Matt these two seem pretty evenly matched with CHOPS, KICKS and REVERSALS till Wade hits a beautiful GERMAN SUPLEX which even Bullit can appreciate. Sixx is back on the ball though and goes up top for a MOONSAULT which he misses and face plants the canvas leaving himself open to a twat of a KNEE STRIKE and a 2 count.

Both men up on the second rope trading strikes before Sixx somehow pulls off a CORKSCREW SUPLEX, Wade is barely able to get to his feet in the corner, takes DOUBLE KNEES to the back of the head. But there is no quit In Joe Wade as he unleashes some MACHINE GUN KICKS to the chest and drops Sixx with a BRAINBUSTER. Time for shenanigans though as Bullit has left the announce table with his chair. Wade, to the top rope for a FOOTSTOMP, misses as Sixx rolls to the corner where Bullit has laid the chair, swings it at Wade but misses and eats a SUPERKICK for his efforts as Wade looks to put him away with a MICHINOKU DRIVER for the Pin fall BUT LA Taylor has the Ref distracted.. Wade, back up on the top rope as the chair comes back into the ring for Sixx but the Ref spots it and tussles with Sixx. Wade takes flight as Bullit gets in the ring and plucks him out of the air for a monster CHOKESLAM meaning Sixx can get the 1..2..3.. to progress

Verdict: A decent showing for Kelly Sixx and solidifies the Killective as a strong heel team. Solid debut for Gothboy Joe Wade if a touch reserved. The match itself was pretty standard but hit all the beats it needed too.

My Score: 3/5

MATCH #3: Aurora Teves vs. Ivy

Recap: Teves returning after her match against Lucia Lee at First Reign and a debut for the Steel City Siren Ivy who comes out to some instant heat.

Her theme hasn’t even finished, the bell is yet to ring and Ivy is hammering on the back of Teves head In the corner as the crowd start their “Ivy sucks” chants and at this point I have to agree. Ivy is relentless in the opening stages really setting a tone for the match but Teves is able to get back into it with a saucy HURRICANRANA. Sadly this doesn’t last long as Ivy face plants her to the matt and hits a BIG ELBOW DROP. Ivy is back up and feeding off the crowd as they tell her “Sheffield sucks” again I find myself having to agree. Teves keeps looking to get back into fight but every time it seems like she may, Ivy uses her height and power to push through the attacks. Teves makes the top rope for a CROSSBODY for a 2 count. Back on their feet and Teves is working the kicks to the midsection and face before unloading a GERMAN SUPLEX into a bridge Pin for the 2. Couple of reversals and Ivy goes for the BOSTON CRAB but can’t lock it in. Teves, back up and dishes out a SLING BLADE using the ropes for momentum. Once Ivy is back up the power advantage begins to show until as she slams Teves to the matt and finally locks in a BOSTON CRAB, Teves is in agony and barely Manages the Rope Break. The action is back to the outside with Teves eating the ring post from an IRISH WHIP. Teves, back in the ring as she just beats the 10 count. As much as she keeps trying to mount an offense Ivy just keeps brushing it off before she executes a BUTTERFLY DDT but somehow Teves kicks on 2. Ivy now fuming goes looking for the BOSTON again but In doing so gives Aurora Teves an opening for a ROLL UP for the 1..2..3..

Verdict: I have to be honest and say this match was a tad lackluster. It just felt like neither woman was feeling the chemistry. Ivy does have a definite Piper Niven vibe which will absolutely go well in this promotion. I have liked both of Teves performances to date but I feel like she is yet to show us the best side of her. The finish seemed fairly rushed too.

My Score: 2/5

Post Match: The Easter Bunny is coming to the ring as Teves celebrates.. It’s not long before she takes an Easter egg to the face. As she goes for the bunny, Ivy is on her back as the two beat down on Ivy and the bunny reveals itself to be Lana Austin who takes the mic to announce themselves as the newest tag team “The Decibelles”.

Little Backstage interview with Mobeena Baig and Kelly Sixx. Baig is swiftly removed by Bullit who asks Sixx a softball question and we get a typical Sixx answer. I won’t lie… I love the charisma of the Killective, need to get me a tee!!!

MATCH #4: The Wright Way (Thatcher Wright & Charles Douglas) vs. Banter Bus (Tom Thelwell & Danny Proper w/Uncle Ryan)

Chants of Fuck the Tories ring around the arena as the Wright Way enter. Thatcher takes to the mic to announce it’s the 10th anniversary of Maggie’s death and the crowd erupts In Cheers which is pretty hilarious.

The bell hasn’t even rang yet and Thatcher is going at Danny Proper to the back of the head like a dastardly heel (love it). Danny is Proper raging (see what I did there) he reverses an IRISH WHIP to hit the BIG SHOULDER. Thatcher retreats to the corner for the tag to Douglas, who stands nose to nose with Proper in the middle of the ring. After a SLAP to the chest that could be heard up the top of Scotland from Douglas, Thelwell calls for the Tag and Proper obliges. The Mancunian Stallion is in the ring and nearly breaks his wrist with a CHOP to Douglas massive chest. The CHOP is returned in kind and fuck me it looked sore. The tag is made and Thatcher is back in. Thelwell looks to be hurt but turns out he was feigning and gets the drop on Thatcher as he heads to the corner and Banter Bus perform a sexy Double Team of DOUBLE BACK ELBOWS “Choo Choo” DOUBLE ELBOW DROP and Proper goes for the pin for 2. The Wright Way have the right idea here for sure with numerous Tags and big man Douglas doing the bulk of the graft raining down HUGE MEATY CHOPS to the chest of Danny Proper.
Proper does start to mount a counter though with a SLAP of his own and a BIG BOOT followed by an attempt to lift Douglas off the ground to no success as Douglas reverses this into a SCOOP SLAM to the matt. After some Goading, Proper is back on his feet as he attempts the SCOOP SLAM again and would you believe it, he hits it!!! Both teams make the tag and Thelwell comes in HOT with a FLYING ELBOW to knock Douglas off the Apron. CLOTHESLINE to Thatcher, and another, BIG DROPKICK to the head, ducks an attack from DOUGLAS hits an INZAGUIRE putting Douglas in the corner IRISH WHIPS Thatcher into the same corner BIG SPLASH. Throws Thatcher to the ground as Douglas stumbles dazed an drops to the matt HEADBUTTING Thatcher in the balls. Thelwell goes for a high flyer off the Apron but Douglas catches him on the outside, Proper comes diving through the middle rope to aid his team mate. Thatcher and Thelwell are back in the ring as Thatcher looks to set about his opponent but from nowhere Proper is in the ring and Banter Bus pull off a pinpoint 3D for the 1..2..Kickout Thatcher Wright has somehow kicked out of this. The Tag is made to Danny Proper as Banter Bus look to finish Thatcher. On the outside Douglas is pushing Uncle Ryan up the ramp which distracts the Ref, Thelwell runs for assist. in the ring Thatcher clocks Proper across the head with Maggies Memoirs for the 1..2..3… The Wright Way have won.

My Verdict: Solid match all round, I think the crowd were into this bout more than I was but this is one of the few storylines I’m not really feeling right now. Banter Bus are clearly over with the crowd and The Wright Way play the part well, I guess I maybe just need more time with this feud

My Score: 2.5/5

Another cheeky backstage segment where Bullit and Sixx beat the shite out of one of the crew members like a pair of absolute Dick Bags. To be fair the lad takes it like a champ.

Match #5: SovPro Wrestling Womens Championship: Lucia Lee vs. LA Taylor (c) w/Bullit

Recap: If you want to talk about the foundations of a company, Lucia Lee is right there. Great performance at First Reign and undeniably the workhorse of the 6 Women Scramble for the title at HITH sadly coming up short as her opponent tonight LA Taylor would run out as the Inaugural champ before aligning herself with the Killective later that night.

“Stay Hydrated.. Stay Hydrated”

it has to be said LA Taylor is a beast. Bullit standing on the Apron has Lee a distracted as Taylor gets started throwing her opponent around the ring. An IRISH WHIP and a BIG SHOULDER TACKLE later and Lee takes the chance to roll out of the ring for a breather. Taylor says no to this though and follows her out with numerous blows to the back of the head and an IRISH WHIP to the ring post. Lee fights back a little with a FOREARM STRIKE and proceeds to spray Taylor with water to keep her hydrated presumably. Taylor is furious and takes the action back in the ring. Lee try’s to mount an offense but Taylor just pushes her away. Couple of IRISH WHIPS into the corners and Taylor drops Lee with a SIDEWALK SLAM for a 2 count. Taylor is working on the neck a lot but Lee doesn’t know how to quit. The neck is hurt though as Lee try’s to evade Taylor, Taylor is relentless with the WHIPS to the corners and FLYING BACK ELBOWS. The comeback is on for Lee but no matter how many CLOTHESLINES she hits Taylor will not drop. Misses with an INZGUIRE as Taylor goes looking for the water. prepping to spit it in Lee’s face she takes an INZAGUIRE to the head and the water sprays like some sort of Rocky 3 fight montage.
Lee is back on it with some BIG BOOTS but can’t quite lock in the SUPLEX. Taylor is down and eats a SHINING WIZARD for a 2 count. Both women trading punches in the middle of the ring now as Taylor comes a cropper and DIVES into the ring post as Lee moves at the last moment and capitalizes with a ROUNDHOUSE and finally nails the SUPLEX she is done and can’t make the cover quick enough giving Taylor recovery time for a kick out on 2. Lee goes for the ROUNDHOUSE but Taylor ducks and is back to her feet in no time, lifting Lee 12 feet in the air for a CHOKEBOMB and that’s a 3 count.. Taylor retains.

Verdict: Outstanding, Taylor is an absolute machine and comes out of this looking so damn strong. This match didn’t hurt Lucia Lee at all though with that all go no quit attitude. She helped make this match better than it could have been and a great story was told here that I can see potential in going forward.

My Score: 4/5

Post Match: Taylor has Lee by the neck but gives her to Bullit for a CHOKESLAM.. However in come Hudzilla and Joey Hayes to make the save. It’s a LEFT RIGHT GOODNIGHT for Taylor and a CHAIR SHOT to the dome for Bullit. Are we looking at a future mixed tag match. I’m in!!!

Mobeena is backstage with Leon Slater she hasn’t even asked a question when Man Like Dereiss interrupts to congratulate the Youngest and tease a Commonwealth final as he is up next.

MATCH #6: SovPro Wrestling Commonwealth Title Contender Match: Man Like Dereiss vs. Tallon Jnr

Loving MLDs entrance coming out and rapping the shit out of the mic. Both men are making their SovPro debut here.

The two competitors lock arms in the middle of the ring to get us started. It’s Dereiss who breaks it up and launches Tallon across the ring. The crowd want to see it “One More Time” and MLD is keen to oblige but Tallon reverses and the Technical wrestling begins with REVERSALS, LEAP FROOGS, ARM DRAGS attempted CROSSBODY and school boy pins before Tallon Jnr takes to the top rope, tightrope walks to the other corner and pulls off a… Christ I have no idea what that was but it was beautiful (potential spot of the night so far). MLD escapes to the outside.
Tallon takes to the air over the top but MLD catches him (sort of) for a painful APRON POWERBOMB. Back In The ring and Dereiss has Tallon in the corner for some STOMPS. MLD is all over Tallon in the ring. Tallon makes it to the second rope for a CROSSBODY but Dereiss catches him AGAIN for a FALL AWAY SLAM followed by a SUPLEX and a 2 count. Tallon blocks a couple of SUPLEXES to Dereiss frustration, Clubbing away at the back of his head before Tallon counters into a saucy SUPLEX. Tallon is getting the run of the mat for a bit and hits a powerful FLYING FOREARM before connecting with a SPINNING WHEELKICK and slams Dereis to the mat with a hybrid CARTWHEEL MCHINOKU DRIVER for a 2. The Start of this bout the crowd we’re all behind Dereiss, at this point it’s a definite 50/50 split. Trading offense In The middle till MLD hits an unbelievable CUTTER from hell and follows with not one but two POWERBOMBS as he gets the 3 to progress.

Ninja Mack, Leon Slater, Kelly Sixx and Man Like Dereiss all progress to the Fatal 4-Way for the Commonwealth Championship at BOILING POINT in June.

My Verdict: what a match, this division within SovPro is insane and I could see so many variations for these guys to all flourish and have classic matches. Loved the Show of Respect after the match too.

My Score: 5/5

Next up Rory Coyle cuts a promo with one hell of VT casting for his Video Nasty. Man this guy can deliver a promo for sure

MATCH #7: HT Drake w/Rory Coyle vs. Alton Thorne

Recap: Coyle showed up at HITH and cut an amazing promo about how he was bringing the Hardcore Video Nasty Sickboy Wrestling to SovPro and I’m here for it.

Drake and Thorne stand In the centre with Kendo Sticks.. Thorne throws his and drops to his knees, offering himself to HT Drake who is more than happy to oblige and gets to work on Thorne till the Kendo snaps. Coyle hands Drake a chair but before he gets the chance Thorne hits him with a CROSSBODY lays the chair on Drake and sets about him with the second Kendo before handing out a MICHINOKU DRIVER onto the chair.
Drake escapes to ring as Coyle looks for more weapons and finds a bag of NETTLES. Yes stingy nettles, Thorne proceeds to eat them which is weird, he winds up to take flight to outside when Drake comes up with a lollipop stop sign which Thorne actually stops for. Drake is back in the ring and clubbing Thorne with the sign. Coyle is away looking for another weapon and comes back with an actual Kitchen sink. Drake goes for Thorne with it who counters and smashes Drake with it. Thorne runs at Drake in the corner but he gets the legs up, knocking him down, jumps to the second rope and DOUBLE STOMPS onto the sink into Thornes chest and gets a 2.
Lucia Lee would be proud as Drake gets a bottle of water to keep Thorne hydrated (sort of). Next up Coyle hands HT Drake a bin which he promptly smashes over his opponents head before lifting him to the top rope and sticking the bin on his head and goes to the other side of the ring to perform a COAST 2 COAST with absolute perfection (this is my spot of the night).. Thorne kicks out on 2. “RORY… GET THE TABLE”. The tables and doors are out. Drake goes up top but Thorne jams the NETTLES into his eyes and launches Drake across the ring and through the table but can only muster a 2 count. Coyle and Thorne are wrestling with the door and Coyle is flung into the barricade for his efforts as Thorne sets up the door in the corner. Thorne has Drake on his shoulders but Coyle is in the ring to hit him with the VIDEO NASTY (a VHS to the head) giving Drake an opening for a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER into the door for the 1..2..3

My Verdict: Hardcore Video Nasty wrestling is here in SovPro and it’s Biblically Violent in all the best ways. This was a decent change of pace for the event and Coyle is naturally captivating so it’s easy to see how the crowd are able to vibe with him. Drake and Throne are sick puppies and I love it. We have a new trio and it’s name is Snuff.

My Score: 4/5

Ian Skinner is on his way to the ring in a pretty snazzy jumper.. he’s been given a mic and some time to talk. #JusticeForSkinner is alive as he looks to be calling out Simon Miller. Of course Miller comes out to answer the call. This could be a decent little feud for both of these guys. Skinner and his new Muscle Big T leave Miller beaten in the ring. Got to say Skinner’s theme is quality.

Mobeena Baig is backstage with Skinner and Big T. He hissed her away literally, not gonna lie Baig has had a nice easy night.

Match 8: Main Event – Number 1 Contender Match: Sam Gradwell vs. Nathan Cruz vs. Will Kroos

It’s main event time and we have our poster boy Gradwell Vs 2 debutants with severe credentials as big meat slappy men, slap big manly meat (you see, this is why mainstream websites wouldn’t entertain me haha).

All 3 men are scoping each other out before Nathan Cruz takes the initiative and lays into Gradwell before turning to Kroos.
All 3 are tangled up in the middle of the ring trading some nice stiff punches to each other, Gradwell splits the pack as he goes for Kroos and eats a SHORTARM CLOTHESLINE for daring to dream. Kroos Repeats the process on Cruz. Cruz and Gradwell are to their feet and play some human tennis SMASHING Kroos back and forth before turning their attention to each other again. Gradwell taking control with MULTIPLE FOREARMS an IRISH WHIP to the corner and a HUUUUGE BACK BODY DROP (somewhere in the back Joseph Connors just shit his pants) as Gradwell climbs to the second rope and hits Cruz with a FLYING FOREARM.

Kroos is back in the ring and looking for Gradwell who is back up on the second rope for another dive but Kroos plucks him out of the air for a thunderous POWERSLAM. Cruz and Kroos are in the middle swapping reversals back and forth before Kroos is sent out of the ring via a DROPKICK. Cruz decides it’s time to go high over the top rope and is caught mid air for his efforts as we head towards the ring post (these ring posts have done more graft than Mobenna Baig tonight) which Cruz escapes smashing Kroos head first into it. All 3 men are back in the ring as Cruz heads up top and no one is home as he faceplants the mat with a FROG SPLASH. Gradwell takes both opponents down with an STO but can only muster a 2 count. The crowd is behind him and he is fully fired up now, sizing up Nathan Cruz for a BUTTERFLY SUPLEX, launches him across the ring, turns to Kroos to attempt the same but can’t get it, Kroos has Gradwell up for the slam, Gradwell escapes and locks in a SLEEPER HOLD.

It’s looking good for a moment there till Kroos regains and uses Gradwell on his back to land a gnarly CANNONBALL into Nathan Cruz at the corner. Goes for the cover, it’s a 2. Picks up Cruz and is taking his sweet time looking for a POWERSLAM as Cruz wiggles out and slaps a CROSSFACE onto Will Kroos. But the submission is broken as Gradwell takes flight for a FLYING FOREARM and wipes out both men. All 3 men are down and out trying to gain momentum as they trade strikes from their knees. We have an alliance of sorts as Gradwell and Cruz begin clubbing away at Kroos, somehow though Kroos breaks out and carnage ensues. our 3 competitors are throwing themselves at each other ‘LITERALLY’ .

It’s looking good for Will Kroos at this point. He gets cocky though as he picks up both men and is looking for some sort of DOUBLE DDT, it’s reversed into a DOUBLE BACK BREAKER from hell followed by a DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE removing Kroos from the ring. Cruz goes for a cheeky SCHOOLBOY PIN on Gradwell it’s 1.. it’s 2.. it’s.. a kick out. Sam Gradwell and Nathan Cruz turn things up to 11 as they just start unloading on each other STRIKES, REVERSALS, WHIPS all comes to a head when Cruz drops Gradwell to the mat with a SLINGSHOT BACK BREAKER for a 2. Kroos is back in the ring looking for Gradwell who is able to slip his man and lock in the SLEEPER, we are looking at another CANNONBALL to the corner but Cruz counters that and locks in the CROSSFACE on both men.

Gradwell breaks it and we are back to our feet with a POWERSLAM to Cruz, Gradwell eats a CROSSBODY from Kroos then he is POWERBOMBED on to Cruz body as Will Kroos goes for the pin. Kick out on 2 again. Cruz is out the ring as Gradwell and Kroos face off in the middle with Gradwell hitting a SLAM and in an unbelievable show of strength lifts Kroos onto his shoulders for a DRIVING SLAM and it’s a 3 count… Sam Gradwell faces Joseph Conners at Boiling Point for the SovPro heavyweight title.

Verdict: Holy shit, this was as bout as old school wrestling as you can get. All 3 men look like absolute giants an I don’t think Connors would of been happy with any of these 3 winning. Gradwell is obviously destined to hold this belt and his run will be glorious for sure. Do I think this happens at Boiling Point? No I don’t think I do but what a match we have on our hands.

My Score: 5/5

Post Match: Gradwell takes to the Mic to let Connors know he is coming for him as we are played out with Gradwells theme which is deffo a contender for best theme.

Cheeky end credits scene of Ian Skinner having Big T assault a defenceless wet floor sign and I think he does some sort of Donald Duck impression or at least whatever he is doing sounds like Donald Duck.

The first Warpath is in the books and it was superb from start to finish, you would be hard-pushed to name another Indy Wrestling Promotion with this level of production value after just 3 events. Everything is slick and seamless with the emphasis being put on the talent. I love that we are building the Titles as we go, making them seem all the more important instead of just putting belts on people right away. This means I can get invested in whatever tournament we are having and the talent involved. This roster is insane and unbelievably talented across all divisions. I can already see potential matchups I would like to see booked and a faction like Killective is something a dirty sweaty mark like me can get behind.

Next up Boiling Point… June 11th…