Epic Encounter was indeed just that, EPIC! After the last minute changes due to Jeff Cobb’s injury and Will Ospreay’s kidney infection, there was an odd feeling heading into the show. But that was quickly proved wrong after the first match.
Michael Oku (c) Vs Connor Mills – Undisputed British Cruiserweight Championship – 4⭐
As openers go, this was near perfect. The combination of the long term story being told, and the last match in York Hall was Oku Vs Ospreay, there was a big match feel to this.
The two began slow, showing respect for each other, with Oku having slight arrogant moments. This boiled over into a fun fast paced match. I think Connor showed alot of people (including me) that he can go up against main event guys and not look out of place. The highlight for me, catching Oku’s springboard on the outside, then using the apron to hit a massive TKO.
As the match came to an end, Mills had a massive kick out at 1, there was a false finish for Mills, picking up a visual win while Oku had his leg under the ropes. This allowed Oku to pick up the win of the distraction with a roll up Frankensteiner.
The post match saw Mills walking out on Oku, and a promo where Michael Oku calls out Suzuki setting up the new Main Event. Oku is proving he is one of the best in British wrestling.
Yota Tsuji, Shota Umino & Sunshine Machine Vs Smokin’ Aces and Lykos Gym – 3.5⭐
These 8 men put on a show! Organised chaos is the best way to describe it, and a welcomed debut for the Smokin’ Aces.
Lykos Gym continue to grow on me, with a horrific looking spot, stretching an exercise band from the ropes to the second row. Pinging back and slapping Mambo in the face with a huge sound.
Multiple big dives from almost everyone later, another exercise band to TK blinded him enough to headbutt Yota. This caused the team to implode, with Umino and Tsuji walking to the back. Sunshine Machine fought hard but the Smokin’ Aces picked up the win.
RKJ Vs Aaron Henare – 3⭐
The first late change of the night, and it did not disappoint. Henare came out in full blade cosplay and looked awesome. The match started with a bang, as the two brawled around the ring and crashed through the ringside fences, and the wall of York hall.
Once back in the ring it was a lot of back and fourth power moves, including the two trading punt kicks to the back. As it was heading towards the end, RKJ won with a quick roll up. It was very out of nowhere and I personally would’ve preferred seeing RKJ winning strong building up to Ospreay.
After the match, Ricky called out Ospreay. I would love to see this be the start of RKJ having to beat multiple or all the United Empire members just to get to Ospreay.
Robbie X Vs Luke Jacobs – 3.5⭐
I love Robbie X’s move set, he moves so fast around the ring. Luke Jacobs came out with his tag mate Ethan Allen.
The match started with a ridiculous bump for Robbie X, has Jacobs hit a snake eyes like move into the crowd. What followed were some good sequences of Jacobs strong style against Robbie’s high flying speed.
Jacobs hit a huge lariat and pined Robbie X. A fun match but I felt it lacked stakes compared to the other matches on the card.
Dan Moloney Vs Gabriel Kidd – 3.5⭐
Gabriel Kidd is BACK! Both he and Moloney showed off their new hair which was lovely. Moloney cut a promo to be answered by a returning Kidd.
These two men slapped the crap out of each other, and I bloody loved it. Moloney is one of my favourite heels and I think it’s a matter of time before he becomes more well known outside the UK.
After trading big moves, Kidd hit the corkscrew tombstone and got the win. The two traded one more slap each and shook hands to show respect. Kidd gestures for the belt, placing another target on Ospreays back.
Alex Windsor (c) Vs Kylie Rae – Undisputed British Women’s Championship – 3.5⭐
Alex Windsor keeps getting better, I’ve really enjoyed her matches recently and her move set looks great. Up against a big name like Kylie made her look like a proper star. But after a while, I found myself getting annoyed at the smiley gimmick, it’s just not for me.
The match began with a good slow build, both women in a feeling out process. It gradually built with moves getting bigger and some lovely transitions into submissions.
After Windsor survived the cross face multiple times, she locked in the sharpshooter and picked up the win. Windsor’s reign has been great and continues to get better. This will really put over whoever ends up taking the belt off her.
Aussie Open Vs The Velocities – 5⭐
Go watch this match, and watch it again. This was awesome and one of my favourite tag matches ever. Both teams came out to huge pops and it felt like the show hit that main event period.
The show started in 3rd gear with both members of velocities hitting avalanche Frankensteiners on both Kyle and Mark. From there it just continued to get faster, harder and bigger. With multiple dives, and a gruesome spot with Davis throwing one of the Velocities boys into the ring post head first.
The final 5 mins had multiple false finishes and near falls, I bought a few of them. The end came after Aussie Open hit their finisher from the middle rope, and a standing ovation for both teams.
Minoru Suzuki Vs Michael Oku – 4⭐
Seeing Suzuki live was freaking awesome, hearing 1,500 people singing KAZE NI NARE gave me goosebumps. The two faced off and both ripped off their hoods simultaneously to a huge pop.
The match began with Oku doing his test of strength, switch hands before Suzuki could take hold. This led to a brutal chop exchange which Suzuki definitely won.
Suzuki continued to take most of the offence with Oku brilliantly selling everything. He managed to attack Suzuki’s knee which played into a few spots, including Minoru trying to run on it and pulling up short.
The end came with a combination of power moves from Suzuki, and picking up the victory after hitting the Gotch piledriver. A great main event, made better knowing how last minute this match would’ve been put together.
Afterwards Suzuki called out Ospreay, and Connor Mills came out to embrace Oku, setting them up for the British Tag League.
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