Tag Archives: Dan Maloney

Purpose Wrestling – March of the Dogs 08/07/22 – 2.5⭐

Back in the library! This was a fun show with multiple comedy moments, a title unveiling and one of my new favourite wrestlers in Bullit.

The 87 Vs East City Sovereigns – 2.5⭐

The opening match was a great way to get the crowd involved and set the pace for the night. The East City Sovereigns came out to a lot of boos and worked them from then on.

The two teams had a good tag match, sharing the offence nearly 50/50. ECS had some good heel comedy moments with the 87 looking the stronger and more dominant team. The highlight of the match for me was a huge jumping knee from Banks!

The finish came after some chasing and a distraction for ECS to hit water mist and a roll up for the win.

Rob Lias Vs David Francisco – 2⭐

Lias cut a promo before the match, giving it some heat, calling Francisco out for being selfish about his promotion.

The match was mainly David getting worked over and Rob taking the majority of the offence, sandwich with some power strikes Francisco gave out at the start and end of the match.

Francisco locked in a submission and Rob taped out, a good match that kept the crowd into the show.

The Super Chapman Bros. Vs The 0121 – 2.5⭐

After Deriss’ entrance rap, there was a good comedy bit where mad Kurt insisted on rapping better. To his credit, Mad Kurt wasn’t awful at it.

The match began and it was heavy on comedy spots, the 0121 took most the offence and no sold a lot of the Chapman’s soft strikes. At one point Deriss was chased off leaving Moloney to take them both on, and doing so. Deriss returned with water and a sandwich.

Towards the end Mad Kurt hit a flurry of attacks which was followed up by a huge Drilla from Dan Moloney to get the win. A fun match, but in my opinion one that went maybe 5 mins too long. Also, I love Dan Moloney, but think he works much better as a heel, but that’s just me.

Oli Peace & Bullit Vs Alexander & Taylor – 3⭐

This was my first time seeing everyone in this match, and it was my personal match of the night. I love Bullit! Alexander and Taylor I think were both great babyfaces in peril, and Peace was a fun Heel hiding behind his monster.

This for me put over Peace as a new heel force to be reckoned with, behind the muscle of Bullit. Alexander and Taylor both played their part great, with some nice comeback moments and fight backs.

But Bullit was too strong, and frequently threw one of the faces into the corner, asking for the other to be tagged in. Then when I couldn’t love him more, he hit a huge spine buster. Bullit got the win with a big powerbomb.

Ava White Vs Amira – 2.5⭐

Amira finally got booked, and she was great. In full Alex Windsor cosplay, she got the whole crowd behind her. For White to attack straight away and get a very very close pinfall (which I fully bought).

Ava White worked the majority of the match, working slowly and methodically. Amira had a good comeback moment, hitting some good moves on the outside and getting pumped up.

The end came very quickly though, White just pinned her all of a sudden. I think this could have been a great match if there was more of a 3rd act to it, especially after the hot start.

Destination Everywhere Vs Breaks & Bryant – 3⭐

The main event was great, and everyone came out better than going in, with the offence being shared pretty evenly throughout the match.

With multiple high spots throughout the match, one including a suicide dive into the recycling bin, it was mainly the final few minutes that had the main story beat.

Mills and Breaks will challenge for the first Purpose Championship next month, and Mills couldn’t pin Breaks. They wiped Nino out after a tombstone on the outside with Oku’s top rope dive.

When it was practically 2 on 1, Breaks was hit with move after move, and kept kicking out. Until he managed to roll Connor Mills up, Nino held Oku and the babyfaces won.

After the match, the handsome bastards tag team ran down to attack the faces, Connor unveiled the new belt and posed with it. The attack continued for the locker room to empty and save Breaks and Nino.

Rev Pro – Epic Encounter 2022 22/05/22 – 4⭐

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.

Rev Pro – Day of Reckoning 3 09/04/22 – 3⭐

The evening show from Huntingdon had lots of story going into it set up earlier in the day, and it did not disappoint. A combination of great in-ring work and fan interaction resulted in a good night.

Gideon Grey Vs David Francisco – 2.5⭐

Starting the show with Gideon got the crowd involved straight away. He came out to thunderous boos and continued to get heat throughout the match.

Once again, David was a great baby face to get behind and had another close count out spot (more of this please David).

A simple match of heel works face built to Gideon getting his comeuppance. However Gideon hit a low blow behind the refs back to get the cheated win.

Alex Windsor Vs La Taylor – 2.5⭐

La Taylor came out to a quiet reaction but managed to get more and more boos as the night went on. Her debut Rev Pro match allowed her to show she can go toe to toe with the champ and not look out of place.

The two had some good back and forth, Windsor showing why she is currently to top women in the company.

Windsor got the win, and left Taylor to walk to the back after. This gave her a chance to get some more heat on exit.

Luke Jacobs Vs Dan Maloney – 3.5⭐

The start of this match had Maloney working the crowd and avoiding to start the match. This was followed by hard hitting action and more heel shenanigans from Maloney.

Jacobs showed off his strength throughout the match, and had everyone in the room behind him to win.

After a series of multiple near falls, fast paced action and Maloney insulting the fans some more, he managed to pick up the huge win in a great match.

Shota Umino Vs Connor Mills – 3⭐

This was a match that had Connors high flying skill take on the technical strong style of Shota. And the match clicked at several points.

Once again, plenty of near falls and false finishes all built up to Shota gaining the win. This lead into the post match as Gideon Grey and Lucian Phillips came out to offer Umino a place in Legion.

Umino declined which led to Lucian and Grey beating down Mills. Yota was first to come out for the save, then Oku came out to attack Yota in some miss-communication.

Shota came back for the save and led Yota to the back whilst Legion continued the beat down, which led into the next match.

Michael Oku Vs Lee Hunter (British Cruiserweight Championship) – 3.5⭐

Oku, still laid out in the ring, Hunter slowly came out with the stolen belt, and gave a huge belt shot to Oku’s head.

After a few minutes Oku gave the thumbs up and the match began, and Hunter hit big move after big move at the start which resulted in multiple late kick outs.

The longer the match went, the more offence Oku managed to get in. Failing to lock in the half crab throughout, he got Hunter in it at the end, forcing the tap out.

Sunshine Machine Vs Robbie X & RKJ – 3.5⭐

This was my most anticipated match of the day, and it did not disappoint. All 4 of these guys started the match at a quick pace and didn’t let up.

The highlight of the match when Robbie X and Mambo were both holding the other team members stood in the middle of the top rope, and all 4 men started a hockey fight.

This fast paced match included high spots and false finishes, until Maloney, Hunter, and Pure Beef ran down to the interference. This resulted in a no contest and a stare down with RKJ offering an 8 man tag. The heels declined and the show ended.

The no contest allowed for the story to progress but hindered the match for me.

Rev Pro – Live in Huntingdon 4 09/04/22 – 3⭐

The show that started the blog! Sat in the front row in the Commentation Hall was great fun. It’s a small venue allowing for the wrestlers to really interact with the crowd and us fans to feel the impact of every bump.

This was the first of two shows on Saturday, allowing for lots of story telling between matches to set up the evening show nicely.

Dan Maloney Vs Robbie X – 3.5⭐

Two guys that make me more of a fan each time I see them wrestle. Maloney’s heel work improves each time, the hall was a perfect venue for him to chat to the crowd and build heat easily. Up against one of the best baby faces in Rev Pro created a fantastic clash of characters.

These two gelled well, from Maloney’s hard chops and crowd work to Robbie’s high flying move set this was entertaining throughout.

The end came after a back and forth, Robbie began building momentum, climbing to the top rope until Maloney shoved the ref into the ropes. Losing balance, Robbie fell and Maloney hit him with the Drilla.

Lee Hunter Vs RKJ – 3⭐

Ricky Knight Jr is a great ‘tough guy’ face, verging on the tweener side at times. Up against the arrogant Hunter made for some great moments in this match.

It was fast paced and involved some very good sequences throughout, including lots of believable near falls towards the end.

The finish involved Dan Maloney saving Hunter, followed by a beat down on RKJ. This brought Robbie X out for the save, as the faces then chased the heels out the room and onto the streets. The no contest helped the story progress, but sadly left a great match unfinished.

Lucian Phillips Vs David Francisco – 2.5⭐

First things first, the legions music is awesome! Lucian is a great monster heel, with big power moves, an awesome chop, and able to work the crowd well responding to the chants.

David plays the part of the baby face in peril perfectly. I became a big fan of his in Southampton during his match against Dan Moloney. I hope every match he has includes a close count out spot!

This was essentially a squash match but both men got good offence in and included some great false finishes for David that I bought.

Luke Jacobs Vs Yota Tsuji – 2.5⭐

This was a shift in match style, as both men began the opening sequence showing off their technical side.

Throughout the match, Yota would seem conflicted about using heelish tactics, playing into the Legion storyline and finish of the match. Jacobs showcased his stiff chops and power moves, including a huge spine buster.

After multiple near falls, they were both on the top rope, until Gideon Grey interfered instructing Yota to get down. This distraction caused Jacobs to get the upper hand and tap out Yota.

Pure Beef Vs Destination Everywhere – 2.5⭐

This was my first time seeing Pure Beef, and they are exactly that, BEEFY! Fighting the quick paced Oku and Mills, this match was truly David Vs Goliath.

Oku continues to connect with the crowd and get everyone in the room to root for him. After being worn down, he gave Mills the hot tag and the match didn’t slow down from this point. Even Blake and Kroos showed they aren’t just big guys but can keep up with the Cruiserweight division.

This match was used to showcase Pure Beef and set up the championship match for the evening show. When Hunter came out to steal Oku’s Title and was chased off by the champion. Leaving Mills to be hit by a wicked Top Rope tag finisher and take the pin.

Pure Beef continued the beat down, which left the tag champs Sunshine Machine running down for the save, building to their inevitable match in the future.

Alex Windsor Vs Lana Austin

Sadly the main event was finished early due to a shoot injury Lana picked up.

Before this, Lana was showing good heel work, from interactions with the crowd and in between the ropes. Windsor remains awesome, easily getting cheers and people behind her.

The match started with a slow build, Austin working Windsor over. Then just as Alex started to get her comeback and put some offence in, she connected with a huge stiff knee to Austin’s face.

The ref threw up the X and medics came over straight away, Windsor knelt next to her and helped her to the back. A sad way to end a fun show but hopefully Lana is back in the ring soon.