Pictures thanks to Tony Knox

Headed into the first weekend of Season Two, The Agenda clearly planned on crushing whatever was left of The Resistance and establishing total control over the FWA. For most of the weekend it looked as though they would do it too, as the three most persistent threats to their dominance were all neutralised.  But just when it seemed as though The Ascension and his cronies had achieved their goal, a new enemy came banging at the door and threw those best laid plans into total chaos… 

Ascension flees rather than face his Phere

It had been a very good weekend for The Ascension, whose divide-and-conquer strategy had proven to be brutally effective in wiping out the Resistance. At the start of New Frontiers, the Agenda interrupted proceedings to announce that one of their nemeses, East Londoner Sha Samuels was “stuck” in the capital and would not be attending the show – a claim which raised more than a few eyebrows among fans familiar with the group’s patchy relationship with the truth. In any case Samuels was indeed absent, but this did not prevent Alex Shane and his allies from demanding that Samuels’ partner Nick Riley emerge for a scheduled tag team match against Iestyn Rees and Joel Redman. For a few moments it seemed as though Riley would have to go it alone and face a certain beating, but then Leroy Kincaide exploded onto the scene, vowing that he would never leave a fellow member of the Resistance to fight alone.

Unfortunately for Kincaide, it was all a trap.  Even though he was able to win the ensuing tag match via disqualification, the Agenda seemed far more concerned with weakening the hip hop sensation prior to his scheduled match later in the day against the “newest member of the Agenda”. Rees and Redman unleashed three big boot-assisted German suplexes on the leader of the Resistance, leaving him with a damaged neck and only two hours to recover before his next match.

When Kincaide emerged for the main event of day one, he declared himself ready to face his mystery opponent – assumed to be royal footman and apprentice to the Ascension, David Deville. But the obnoxious newcomer emerged at ringside wearing a suit and a smug grin, having pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes: Kincaide would not be facing him at all, but a brand new recruit: a monster of a man called Colossus.

By the time the 6-foot-8, 25-stone behemoth had entered the ring it was clear that Leroy was in for an uphill battle. Colossus battered his popular opponent for much of the next few minutes, ruthlessly honing in on his victim’s injured neck. But showing the never-say-die attitude that has kept the Resistance cause alive for the past year, Kincaide fought back and took out his assailant with a spectacular spear.  The force of the impact was clearly jarring, and by the time Kincaide was able to make the pin his opponent had found enough wherewithal to grab the ring rope and force a break. Undeterred, the Resistance leader lined up another spear – but this time Colossus countered with a choke slam, knocking the final ounces of energy from his enemy’s body.  A few moments later, Kincaide had been locked in a tortuous neck vice, and soon passed out under its force.  On his debut match, Colossus had taken apart the Resistance’s most powerful weapon.

Still basking in the glory of a victory that seemed set to finally break what was left of the Resistance, Deville was more self-satisfied than ever when he emerged to defend the FWA World Heavyweight Championship on behalf of the group in Sunday’s main event. Ignoring the farcical fact that he had been crowned as “champion” despite having never wrestled a single match in the FWA, the Queen’s footman brought his Agenda pals to ringside for his battle against Nick Riley. This was clearly intended as the moment when the plucky final member of the Resistance was finally wiped out, clearing the way for Season Two to be conducted within the confines of the faction’s iron grip.  Riley was attacked before the bell by both Colossus and Shane, leaving him as easy pickings for the debuting apprentice.  Riley still mounted a brief fightback, but eventually succumbed to a top-rope frog splash and lay prone after the bell as Deville stood over him with one foot perched victoriously on his chest.  It was a final humiliation, and the apparent death knell for a rebellion that had been utterly overpowered.

Then all hell broke loose.

After a sudden commotion by a nearby fire exit, a deranged man forced his way into the Birmingham NEC and tried to leap over the crowd barrier at ringside.  After a few moments of confusion it quickly became clear who this was – Johnny Phere. The Psychotic Warrior, who has been embroiled in a bitter feud with Shane at the XWA in Morecambe, had promised on a YouTube video earlier in the week that he was going to confront his rival at the NEC.  Clearly, the Ascension had other plans and made a swift exit while Phere was still battling his way to the ring. With Deville and Colossus, he quickly left the building and was rushed away in a waiting car. Upon hearing this, Phere flew into a rage and assaulted numerous stewards and officials who tried to calm him down. In a final message before storming out of the venue by the same door through which he had broken in, Phere declared that he had arrived in the FWA – not to side with the Resistance nor the Agenda, but with a sole purpose: to destroy the Ascension. Regardless of his apparent intention to go it alone, this could hardly have been better news for fans around the country: just when it seemed as though the Agenda had decisively won the war for British wrestling’s soul, a man had arrived with such irresistible force that their destructive plan for our industry had been thrown from certainty to jeopardy in the blink of an eye…

Still no champion as Storm and Spud brawl through NEC

Whatever speculation there was in the build-up to New Frontiers about whether or not Rockstar Spud would be able to compete in the decisive match of the Flyweight Title Round Robin, it seems a fair bet that Jonny Storm had planned on adding to the fire.  After being dropped on his head by his nemesis at Hotwired in November 2009, Spud had suffered a year of neck problems and was eventually forced to pull out of the pair’s highly anticipated ladder match at European Uprising, in which Spud was due to try and win the rights to Storm’s “Wonderkid” moniker.

Since that night at the end of Season One, Storm has been adamant that his would-be successor as the nation’s number one flyweight is a “bottle job” who was using his alleged injury as an excuse not to compete in a match he knew he could not win. This all seemed to be part of a psychological assault on Spud from the wily veteran, and many fans thought it was having the desired effect: Spud did not wrestle for any promotion for the rest of 2010, nor during the first two months of 2011. Sensing he was onto a winner, Storm emerged in front of the NEC at the start of New Frontiers to challenge Spud to an instant fight, rather than waiting for their scheduled match the following day.  He received no response, and was instead interrupted by the Agenda.

It is therefore reasonable to say that there was some degree of doubt about Spud’s participation on Sunday too, when Storm again came to the ring and suggested that the two postpone their tournament match in favour of a brawl to settle their personal differences.  But the self-proclaimed “baby Jesus of British wrestling” soon arrived, and the fight was on.  The next few moments were chaotic, as the two men brawled on both sides of the steel barriers around the ring, fighting through the crowd and utilising anything they could grab as weapons to inflict pain on each other.  Eventually, with the NEC looking as though it had been struck by a tornado, the referee called for the bell and threw out the contest.  Still they didn’t care: another brawl broke out in the ring, and it took around a dozen officials to finally separate the two men.  Nothing had been resolved, but it was obvious to all who saw it that the flyweight title decider, whenever it does finally happen, will be one of the most intense matches in FWA history.

Cruz steals show with back-to-back flyweight victories

There’s an old saying that fortune favours the bold – and at New Frontiers it certainly seemed as though Nathan Cruz had taken that mantra to heart.  On day one, the brash youngster interrupted the opening moments of a grudge match between El Ligero and RJ Singh to declare himself as the nation’s premier flyweight, and to goad both men into allowing him entry into the match.  His plan worked, and soon enough Cruz was engaged in a high-tempo triple threat contest that many fans described as the highlight of the day.  In the closing moments El Ligero hit Singh with his trademark C4L finishing manoeuvre, but the opportunistic Cruz kicked both his opponents in the head before covering the “Bollywood Dream” for the 1-2-3.

Sensing he was on a roll, Cruz made another unannounced appearance in the ring the following day, this time demanding a one-on-one match with El Ligero so he could pin him too.  Incensed, Singh stormed into the arena to protest at being shoved aside so unceremoniously, but before he could make his case El Ligero hit the ring and accepted Cruz’s challenge.  The match was on, and Cruz again held his own – people were now sitting up and taking notice, fully aware that a second consecutive win must surely put him in line for a flyweight title shot once a new champion is crowned.  Eventually Singh could not resist the chance to distract his Mexican rival, but El Ligero retaliated moments later by diving onto him outside the ring.  It was a mistake – he had taken his eye off Cruz, and when he tried to re-enter the ring he suffered another kick in the head.  The high-flying luchador was counted out, and Cruz had stunned the world twice in two days.  Given the circumstances, it was hard or anyone to disagree with his analysis as he stole the microphone from the ring announcer after his arm had been raised: “Show Stolen.”

Adrenaline stars burn brighter than ever

The re-launched FWA Adrenaline division debuted at the NEC, with several of the most promising talents from the British Wrestling Coalition system wowing fans with their skills.  Under the new rules of the division, all competitors must be under 24 years of age, and all matches have a 10-minute time limit.  With such a short time to claim victory, offence is clearly the best form of defence, and so it proved in two exhilarating matches to start each day’s proceedings.  On day one, Axl Rage and BWC Scarlo Scholarship holder Xander Cooper defeated Shane Oldham and Zack “Diamond” Gibson in tag team action, courtesy of a Cooper roll-up on Oldham.  Fortunately for the former Daredevil Dragon, he was more fortunate the following day, as he was able to beat fellow Nottingham native “Textbook” Dave Breaks in singles competition.

FWA heads to the nation’s thrill capital this Easter

The next time the FWA is live will be at the nation’s thrill capital, THORPE PARK in Surrey, for a four-day extravaganza of wrestling action over Easter weekend, 22nd to 25th April.  For more information and all of the fallout from New Frontiers, be sure to keep checking back to www.fwauk.com…

BEHIND THE MIC

Play-by-play commentator Dave Bradshaw begins his blog of FWA Season Two by looking ahead to a potentially turbulent weekend at the Birmingham NEC…

The Rockstar Spud was quick to get under the skin of “The Wonderkid” Jonny Storm when the FWA relaunched in the Summer of 2009. Right from the start of the Season one, Spud become the talk of the British Wrestling, impressing crowds with his rock concerts as well as his in-ring performances, and in the process picking up a spot in the FWA Flyweight Title Round Robin Tournament. A spot that he gained at the expense of Storm, the man he would go on to become bitter rivals. As well as wanting to be The Rockstar of the FWA, Spud also began claiming that he was now “The New Wonderkid” of the FWA. It was obvious that this was not going to sit well with the Harlow Veteran, who has made the name famous around the globe for over a decade. Spud, on the other hand, continued his verbal assaults at on the FWA's Youtube Channle, making it clear that he saw the world-renowned Storm as a has-been who should not be trying to dominate the Flyweight division ten years past his prime.

FWA management have attempted to get Storm and Spud inside the same ring a number of time, so the paid can decide between themselves once and for all who really is The Wonderkid. Unfortunately The Rockstar has been in and out of action since November 2009 due to a serious neck injury, ironically suffered at the hands of Storm. This is not to say that Spud has not wanted the match to get out of the match – most notably at Memorabilia back in November 2010 when it was clear that a lack of medical clearance to compete in his scheduled Ladder Match for the Wonderkid name, that stopped the FWA from allowing him to do so. One thing that Spud did make sure of was that his selected replacement, Axl Rage, was entered in to the match on his behalf. When Storm climbed to the top of the ladder and retained one of the most famous names in British Wrestling, Spud vowed that he would be ready to return to the ring soon and got nose to nose with his foe of close to two years.

That time is now and Spud has claimed that getting his medical clearance for New Frontiers will NOT be an issue and on March 27th he and Jonny Storm and will finally lock horns. Not to see who is the new Wonderkid of the FWA but for something that is possibly even more important to both men, including Storm. The FWA Flyweight Title. This match is the Official Finals of a Tournament that began on FWA New Frontiers at the start of Season One. How fitting that the two men who began it, will be the two to end it nearly two years later. After this date, the man who stands victorious will have all the bragging rights in the World and a brand new Title to back up their claims.

Our next New Frontiers 2011 announcement will be tomorrow, so don't forget to check back then!

The FWA Flyweight division has been dominated by the heated situation between Rockstar Spud and "The Wonderkid" Jonny Storm. Rockstar Spud claims that he is "The NEW Wonderkid" and that Jonny Storm is a has-been. Fans have been waiting for these two to meet in the ring for over 12 months since Spud has been in & out of action due to a serious spine injury at the hands of Storm in November 2009. Hopefully this time the FWA doctor will sign-off Rockstar Spud as fit for action so the two can finally answer the question - Who really is The Wonderkid of the FWA?

More announcements and videos coming this week!!

It already features such huge sporting names as Joe Calzaghe, Glenn Hoddle and Andy Cole. Its media section already promises appearances from Bond girls, A-Team members and stars of classic British TV. But this past week, the Memorabilia Expo at Birmingham’s NEC on 26th and 27th March became even more unmissable with the announcement of a fascinating double dose of British royalty.

Last November, the Memorabilia debut of top British wrestling promotion the Frontier Wrestling Alliance featured a shocking appearance by a young man known to grappling fans around the country. David DeVille, considered to be one of the most promising young athletes on the British scene, first made national headlines when he won his first professional championship in 2009, thanks to his extraordinary double life. By day, DeVille lives at Buckingham Palace and is a footman for Her Majesty The Queen.

The young Oxfordshire star had always been considered a fan favourite, which made it all the more shocking when he was announced at November's show as the new apprentice of arch-villain The Ascension. The reigning FWA World Heavyweight Champion is believed by many wrestling insiders to have real-life links with some of the most sinister elements of society. For those in the know, the notion that a man who is privy to the royal inner circle could also be dabbling in such a dark World threw up a bevy of mind-boggling possibilities.

The torrent of speculation only increased further this past week with the announcement that Memorabilia will also include an exhibit featuring the original materials used in the wedding dress of Diana, Princess of Wales. To many, this has raised an intriguing question: how did the event organisers manage to secure the appearance of such a rare piece of royal history?

Aside from a brief appearance at a wrestling event in London last month, nothing has been seen or heard of DeVille and his new master since the last Memorabilia show in November, but it has just been confirmed that both men will be appearing at the NEC this March. The exact nature of the relationship between The Ascension, DeVille, the FWA and the Memorabilia Expo has remained shrouded in secrecy until now – perhaps with their appearance at the NEC this March, the veil might finally be lifted and some of the questions being whispered in our nation's corridors of power may be answered…

The main event for New Frontiers 2011 day 2 will be announced tomorrow, so don't forget to check back then!

Tonight we here at www.FWAUK.com can confirm that David Deville, "The Ascension" Alex Shane's protege, will be making his in-ring competitive debut at New Frontiers at the Birmingham NEC.

It has not been confirmed yet who Deville will face, but this could all well be part of Shane's master plan, which means whoever he does step in the ring with will need to be exceptionally well prepared.

A full preview will be posted tomorrow.

It was with great surprise that FWA Management were informed by The Agenda that they would grant Leroy Kincaide a match against one of their number. Kincaide was left seething at the end of European Uprising when Alex Shane revealed himself as the mastermind behind The Agenda, and made it clear at BritWres-Fest that he would go through any man put in front of him to get his hands on The Ascension.  It seemed unlikely that he would be given the opportunity to get back at The Agenda this quickly, so it was surprising when he was announced to face an Agenda member at New Frontiers 2011... but it was never going to be as simple as that.

Alex Shane has let FWA Management know that it will be the newest member of The Agenda who will face Kincaide at the Birmingham NEC. This doesn't give Kincaide the chance to prepare for his opponent, and leaves everyone, including FWA Managing Director Tony Simpson, wondering exactly who The Agenda will be putting in the ring. One possibility is that they will give the Queen's footman David Deville his in-ring debut against Kincaide, although you have to wonder whether this would be too simple a move for The Agenda. There must also be speculation whether The Agenda have managed to recruit another member from the FWA roster, or even The FWA Resistance directly. Already we have seen many men seemingly on the side of The Resistance switch sides to cause more anguish to those trying to defend the FWA, but nobody would be able to work out who The Agenda have got inside the mind of now.

So Leroy Kincaide must head in to New Frontiers 2011 knowing that a victory will get him a step closer to revenge on Alex Shane and gaining the FWA World Heavyweight Championship. But as usual The Agenda seem to hold the cards, and Kincaide will have to wait and see who emerges through the curtain to take him on. Whether it's a former friend or someone he's expecting, he will have to be prepared to defeat them at all costs - and keep his eyes open for the rest of The Agenda.

Our next announcement for New Frontiers 2011 will be this Sunday!

It has just been announced that the leader of The Resistance, Leroy Kincaide, will main event day one of New Frontiers 2011 against a "mystery opponent" from The Agenda group.

The Agenda have added that the opponent is the "newest member of The Agenda", which, to this reporter, suggests Queen Elizabeth the Second's Royal Footmen, David Deville. However, The Agenda have offered no further confirmation or denial. Hopefully there will be more information for tomorrow's New Frontiers Insight, so be sure to check back then.

Our next announcement for New Frontiers 2011 will be this Sunday!

Many people wondered how much The FWA Resistance would be able to stand up for themselves once The Agenda, and in particular "The Ascension" Alex Shane, took what could almost be seen as a share of the control over the Frontier Wrestling Alliance. Very few members of the roster have backed down so far, and possibly the most fired-up man on the roster is Sha Samuels. He took The Ascension’s actions at European Uprising very personally, and has been gunning for revenge ever since.

One attempt to gain the revenge was made at BritWres-Fest when Samuels teamed with Nick Riley to take on two of The Agenda, Joel Redman and Iestyn Rees. Redman and Rees could easily be seen as the henchmen, or the heavies, of The Agenda, and Samuels and Riley spared nothing in their attempts to pick up a victory and get some much-deserved revenge. Instead, as always seems the case with The Agenda, there was a backup plan, and they once again managed to walk away with a victory, very much like the six-man tag match at European Uprising. Samuels did manage to even things up a bit in a tag match alongside Leroy Kincaide, but even that came after Samuels had picked up a hollow victory via disqualification in singles action against Redman.

Nick Riley was quick to agree with Samuels that they should tag again and get the inaugural victory as a team which they deserve. So the match has been set for the Saturday of FWA New Frontiers 2011, as Joel Redman and Iestyn Rees will once again have to step in the ring with Nick Riley and an extremely fired up Sha Samuels.

Check back here on Thursday for our Main Event Match Announcement for day 1 of New Frontiers 2011!

The war between The Agenda and The Resistance continues as Sha Samuels & Nick Riley demand another BritWres-Fest rematch!

Check back here on Thursday for our Main Event Match Announcement for day 1 of New Frontiers 2011!