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| 14/06/04 - Talking Trash
: History Repeating |
As Explosive
Professional Wrestling continues to grow, as does the legacies
in which we have created. EPW is known nationwide to have a
locker room that is full of respect, of athletes who give 110%
of their bodies and souls to provide an entertaining spectacle
to fans, both local and interstate. The shows that we put on are
designed to entertain, exhilarate and expand people's views on
Australian professional wrestling - but few shows on the EPW
calendar have heralded more dramatic events than Hell or
Highwater. This yearly event has changed more than a few careers
in the two years it's been held - for myself in particular. Fans
attending this year's spectacular can expect nothing less than a
history changing phenomena.
First held in 2002, Hell or Highwater became a turning point for
another EPW wrestler, who is now seen as the most decorated in
our history - F.N. Carnage. I know that this night changed his
career because it came at my expense. Carnage had been one of
the fan's golden boys from day one here in EPW. After being
screwed in the semi finals of the EPW invitational tournament by
the former tandem of Xeriyous Blade and Davis Storm, Carnage put
in impressive efforts in the four way main event of Redemption,
before narrowly being defeated by Storm in EPW's first and only
'Empty Arena Match'. Carnage bounced back at Evolution - chasing
the title with great vigour and along the way - ended the career
of EPW commentator and all-around bunghole Slick Rick Sanders.
Or, so we all thought.
Hell or Highwater came around, with the hatred between EPW's
first champion Davis Storm and Number #1 contender F.N. Carnage
ran thick - so it was no surprise to anyone in the locker room
when I installed myself as the Special Guest Enforcer for their
main event bout during my time as EPW Chairman. I knew Storm
would try anything to keep Carnage away from the EPW gold - but
I certainly didn't see the twist coming. In one of EPW's
greatest battles, referee Brett Corvus was felled by consecutive
Storm and Carnage lariats and I assumed the role of referee.
Carnage had tried everything to pin the resilient champion, but
nothing seemed to able to keep Storm's shoulder's down. In
no-doubt a world of frustration, Carnage uncharacteristically
headed outside to grab a chair. Call it careless, reckless or
stupid - I stood in front of Carnage and stopped him from
destroying the prone Champion - not because I didn't want to see
Storm's melon scattered over the Wanneroo Community Centre - but
I didn't want to see a deserving contender, and friend, lose his
chance to become the EPW Champion after being DQ'ed for the use
of the chair. Unbeknownst to us, Storm had scaled the turnbuckle
and as Carnage and I tussled over the chair, the champion
dropkicked the furniture into Carnage's face - I reluctantly
counted the pin and Storm left as the EPW Champion. The post
match celebrations were short lived, and I could see the pain in
Carnage's eyes as he accused me of costing him the match. I
tried to explain my side of the story, and I turned my back on
the devastated wrestler to thank the fans for their attendance.
The same chair that had cost Carnage the match was then wrapped
around my woolen-hat covered head. I remember blinking up at the
lights, looking up to see F.N. Carnage shaking the hand of Slick
Rick Sanders - history will show this alliance to be the
strongest, and most beneficial to both men in the history of
Perth wrestling.
Carnage left Hell or Highwater without EPW gold, but probably
gained something nearly as valuable and sought after in
professional wrestling ... someone to watch his back.
Hell or Highwater 2003 was one of the most pivotal nights in our
history - for it was the night that the revival began. After
nine months, 1 week and three days, the People's Tramp returned
to cleanse the sins of the Uprising and allow EPW to fire the
first shot in a war that would give birth to events that
continue to shape Explosive Professional Wrestling today. Almost
lost in the dramatic resurgence of team EPW, was another history
making event that shouldn't be overlooked. At Hell or Highwater
2003, a year after narrowly missing gold, a bloody F.N. Carnage
pinned Jimmy Payne to become the EPW Champion. In another
classic bout, Carnage was savaged by Mr Anarchy but with the
help of his Brat Pack compadres, stole the EPW title and
confirmed his ability as our first ever grand-slam champion.
And now a year on as they say, "the more things change, the more
things stay the same."... but we all now know that Hell or
Highwater is the catalyst for change in EPW. Carnage has
remained the EPW Champion, along the way defeating some of EPW
and Australia's best. And on Friday night, he will meet the man
who defeated him at the original Hell or Highwater, a man who
F.N. Carnage has never ever defeated and a man who will have the
entire
Wanneroo Community Centre behind him as he attempts to become
the first ever multiple champion in our history - Davis Storm.
Past results show Storm has an advantage in having never had his
shoulder's pinned by the Champion. However, history and in
particular Hell or Highwater has served F.N. Carnage greatly. In
2002, he gained the trust and help of Slick Rick Sanders which
led to the creation of the Brat Pack. In 2003, Carnage gained
the greatest prize in Perth wrestling... but this Friday night
in 2004, F.N. Carnage may everything to lose... and come Hell or
Highwater, history is sure to repeat itself... |
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