Australian Pro Wrestling Directory
WCIW June 2002
A good vocal crowd gathered at the Fairfield-Cabramatta PCYC, for World Class International Wrestling's (WCIW) "Ringside With The Wrestlers" show. The Fairfield Lions Club were on hand carrying out a much-needed fundraising BBQ on behalf of the PCYC.
The legendary Russ Carew (the original "Mauler") was on hand for ringside commentary. Legendary NWA referee Tony Marino flew in from Melbourne to officiate.
The first match kicked off, between Frank "The Italian Tank" and rookie "Great Dane". Dane is a rangy 190cm youngster being trained by the famous wrestler (and ex-Gladiators star) VULKAN. Frank The Tank, is an experienced (& hairy) wrestler and the two combatants performed with credit. In only his second match young Dane gave a good account of himself against the hard wrestling Italian Tank. Experience finally wore down Great Dane, giving the Tank a win by pinfall.
The next match was for the People's Championship belt, between the highly popular Rocka Billy Rebel and the villainous Lou "The Lebanese Butcher". The butcher was escorted to the ring by his vociferous and sneaky manager Sir Gary Lord, as well as by the gorgeous young valet `Elizabeth'. Rocka Billy came to the ring first, belting out a classic Elvis number, and was in fine voice – having the crowd singing and clapping along with him. Then followed the Lebanese Butcher with his motley escorts – all taunting and working the crowd in fine style. A fine match was on display between Rocka Billy and The Butcher.
Constant interference and distractions by
Sir Gary Lord and Elizabeth took place, with The Butcher leaving the ring a
few
times to abuse the crowd (who responded in kind). The match ebbed and flowed,
and Rocka Billy valiantly struggled to overcome the villainous trio.
In a confused moment, Sir Gary Lord stepped to the ring apron with a chair in an attempt to give it to the Butcher as a weapon, but while referee Marino was distracted, Rocka Billy managed to seize the chair, knock out the Lebanese Butcher with it (and Sir Gary) and dispose of the chair, allowing Tony Marino to give him the 1-2-3 count for a highly popular win.
Rocka Billy regained the title that he lost to The Lebanese Butcher in Campbelltown the previous month. Rocka Billy Rebel is a volunteer at the PCYC and considers the venue his home turf. His popularity is evident by the amount of autographs he was called upon to sign throughout the evening.
The constant interference in Rocka Billy's matches have lead to the belief that someone may be needed in his corner to watch his back and a good mate could make a surprise appearance at the next Cabramatta card to foil Sir Gary Lord and crew.
The Tag Team Titles were up for grabs on the next match with The War Dog & The Mauler defending against the highly talented Steve Swann and the veteran Corporal Hardy (making a comeback to the ring). This was another great match, with the champions again being aided by Sir Gary Lord & Elizabeth. Given the experience of the competitors involved, the matched had some great moments, with the villains working the crowd to effect. Corporal Hardy produced some nice effective dropkicks. While referee Marino was distracted on the side of the apron Sir Gary Lord was able to knock Corporal Hardy out with one of the Title Belts, and he was soon pinned. A great exhibition of wrestling by all concerned.
Next Rocka Billy Rebel entered the ring to tremendous applause, and thanked the manager of the PCYC (Senior Constable Col Irwin) heartily for his support of wrestling and allowing professional wrestling to be held at the Fairfield-Cabramatta PCYC. He also thanked him for have the foresight to help found the Professional Wrestling Academy at the PCYC. On this note, Rocka Billy introduced two of the current trainee wrestlers to the crowd to much applause.
Then, a big surprise took place, the famously popular wrestling legend (and ex-Gladiator) VULKAN entered the arena and sat with Russ Carew to provide colour commentary for the Heavyweight Title Match.
The match for the Southern Hemisphere Heavyweight title was the first time in 30 years that a genuine Heavyweight Title had been contested in Australia (the last time hailing back to Word Championship Wrestling – with Austra-Asian Heavy Weight Champion Ron Miller competing against NWA World Champion Harley Race).
This time the match was between IWF Heavyweight
Champion (the absolute legendary Golden Greek) John Tolios and his highly accomplished
and talented challenger – Greg Stekker. This proved to be a classic match
of great dimensions, with both wrestlers being highly skilled in the science
of wrestling. The match ebbed and flowed brilliantly with hold and counter hold,
move and counter move. The appreciative crowd were captivated by an exhibition
of scientific wrestling moves not seen in
this country for many years.
John Tolios in particular called upon 35 years of experience to pull out many great holds in attempt to fend off his highly worthy opponent. Finally, Stekker was able to get Tolios tied up on the mat and referee Marino counted a pinfall to Stekker without seeing that Tolios had his feet in the ropes.
In a controversial decision Tony Marino
awarded the match to Greg Stekker, fuelling some heated debate between Stekker,
Tolios, VULKAN, Marino and even Rocka Billy. Finally VULKAN stepped to the ring
and stated he would challenge Stekker for the disputed title and the next WCIW
card at Cabramatta in a month's time. Promoter Steve Hardy stepped to
the ring and stated he would get contracts signed between VULKAN & Greg
Stekker for a Heavyweight Championship Title match at Fairfield-Cabramatta PCYC
for the next show.
The whole evening was a great night of performance and excitement, truly reliving the absolute glory days of World Championship Wrestling in Australia. It was worth noting that a number of members of other Sydney-based wrestling promotions were on hand to witness the spectacle.
By the time the evening had concluded, WCIW
had some new talent offering to sign-on. It was great to see so many interested
kids seeking autographs from their new heroes. Anyone interested in wrestling
and/or good family entertainment should make
it their business to see WCIW at Fairfield-Cabramatta PCYC (The Home of Professional
Wrestling).
"That's All There Is – There Isn't Anymore"