ACW debut a smash
By JOHN POWELL -- SLAM!
Wrestling
Jacques Labardeau, Lars Phoenix, Bobby Clancey and Sid Sommers aren't
household names in Canada but with enough support they just might be one
day.
The superstars of the All Canadian Wrestling federation (formerly known as
ICW) got their big break this Saturday as their first nation-wide broadcast
aired on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. And what a show it was.
Sure, the promos weren't exactly up there with The Rock and Mick Foley.
There were a few audio glitches and some of the talent looked a bit nervous
but surprisingly enough, it was an entertaining and well-polished
presentation. Much better than one ever thought it would be for an indie
promotion based out of Cambridge, Ontario.
Joe Frocklage and Waldo von Erich's wrestling talent and production staff
really came through. The show itself looked good and the matches themselves
were proficiently worked and booked. Also, it didn't hurt that Canadian
wrestling legend, Billy "Red" Lyons, was part of the broadcasting team. It
was great to see and hear the Maple Leaf Wrestling regular back behind the
mike once again.
The British Commonwealth Championship and a purse of $2000 was up for grabs
in the opening bout. The Phantom, Don Koyote, Jacques Labarden, Terry Two
Rivers, Lars Phoenix, Lance Malibou, The Renegade (Not WCW's Renegade, he
passed away) and Vince Valentino vied for the prizes in a battle royal
format. The quick-thinking Terry Two Rivers dumped out both Lars Phoenix
and The Renegade as they struggled in the ropes to come out on top.
Next up it was outstanding tag team action with the high-flying tag team
champions - Brian Ireland and "Sweet" Steve Lee - against the powerhouse
twosome of Elvis Elliot and Scott Stone. Though Elliot and Stone came away
as winners, the victory was shrouded in controversy with a double pin
ending. Ireland and Lee have demanded a rematch.
ACW's version of Spike Dudley (well, sort of) Bobby Clancey took on
strongman Otis Apollo in a refreshing back-to-basics bout. Clancey, the fan
favourite, pinned Apollo with his Ecstasy Crash (Dudley's Acid Drop, sort
of) despite the interference of Apollo's glowering partner Car Wreck.
In the main event, ACW Champion - Sid Sommers - slugged it out with
challenger Gaza "Dog" Kolman. Endearing himself to yours truly, Sommers
pulled the ropes down on Kolman putting him through a table at ringside
then beat him with a steel pipe taken from the ring supports. Both men were
counted out so Sommers retained the title.
Saturday's broadcast was termed as a "pilot episode". It is not known
whether future editions will air on APTN.
