No scale can measure the entertainment or spectacle of the show.
Also read: https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2020/10/22/champions-pro-wrestling-eyeing-strong-finish-to-2020/
With more neutral eyes fixed on the ring than any other tent and more high fives, fist bumps and autographs signed than any other performer on show, Champions Pro Wrestling (CPW) stole the stage at the Arnold Classic Africa 2022 on June 4 and 5. For two days, the CPW locker room engaged the fans with interviews and arm-wrestling while even taking a few talented rookies through their paces.
Saturday’s card featured matches between Matthew Hammer and Super Dragon; Ananzi versus Jerome Middoux; The Loudmouth up against The Mastodon Wiese; as well as a triple-threat encounter between Alex Desire, Xterminator and Kilimanjaro. All were eye-popping bouts, with the highlight being The Loudmouth shedding some crimson out of his busted-up nose in his win over the big-hitting Wiese.
The Sunday card began with Wiese returning to the ring to take on Hammer. An enraged Wiese began by berating the referee who he believed cost him his previous match before channeling that frustration through his limbs and into the body of Hammer. Although beaten ragged by Wiese throughout the match, Hammer had just enough left between his ears as when Wiese came to finish him off, he tangled Wiese in the ropes before dropping him on his head and getting the 1-2-3 count.
Next up was The Lion of Africa, Ananzi, against the CPW Performance Champion, Alex Desire. In a showcase of outstanding wrestling, Ananzi’s power looked as if it would be enough to dethrone the acrobatic champ but Alex endured the physical barrage laid on by the evergreen veteran. With each coming centimetres from earning the pinfall, it would take a cheeky grab of Ananzi’s tights to pull the wool off the gormless referee’s eyes as Alex emerged victorious.
Man mountain Kilimanjaro had the unfortunate honour of having to tie up with young French annoyance, Jerome Middoux, with his legendary father Terri Middoux in his corner. The eldest of the French connection was highly derogatory of the crowd and his son’s opponent as his antics led to another woeful display by the referee. Causing mass confusion, Jerome tricked Kilimanjaro into being counted-out, much to the crowd’s displeasure who deservedly booed the blatant cheaters.
The main event was between the equally disliked CPW All Africa Champion and a masked fan favourite. The Loudmouth and Super Dragon have had a lengthy feud in recent months and the match began with plenty of lip from the champ. Putting his body on the line, Super Dragon could not overcome the bluster of his opponent, who, with the aid of a Samoan drop, squashed the life out the masked crusader’s challenge.
