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Sold-out crowd enjoy first event in a regular series for the city
THE first in a new series of wrestling shows in Cardiff has been hailed as a huge success.
Independent wrestling promotion Creation Pro Wrestling held their inaugural event in front of a sold-out crowd and are planning to bring more events to the city as a result.
The Cardiff-based company put on a stacked eight-match card on Friday including British wrestling legend Jody Fleisch, high-flying tag team Lykos Gym and fast-rising Neath-born superstar Nico Angelo.
Fans descended on Castle Street’s Angel Hotel from across the country to see the new show in the hope of experiencing something special.
Among them was James Dunn who has been following the sport since 2005.
“I’m not here for any particular wrestler, I’ve barely looked at the card, I like the surprise of not knowing what’s going to happen,” said James, 29, from Newport.
“In British wrestling, it is always the same faces, so you know you are going to get a great show regardless of who is on it.
“The independent wrestling scene is a different beast altogether as unlike the major shows you actually get to meet the wrestlers and that connection with the fans is unlike anything in sports entertainment.”
The card kicked off with a singles match between ELIJAH and Mark Trew which had fans on the edge of their seats throughout.
At one point, ELIJAH climbed onto the top rope to set up a suplex (slam) only to be reversed and stamped headfirst into the canvas.
The connection was sickening, but ELIJAH had been through worse.
“Some people think that wrestling is fake, but this stuff really hurts, and it is extremely dangerous,” said Matt Boyd, 31, from Cardiff, who wrestles under the name ELIJAH.
“There was one show when I was supposed to break up a pin by sliding underneath the ropes and catching the referee’s hand before he could complete the three count.
“So, during the match, I’m peeping through the curtains waiting for my moment and then it comes. I begin rushing to the ring and come under the ropes, but my body stops before I can get to the pin — as I look down, I realise a massive splint of wood from the boards underneath the mat had penetrated my torso at full speed.
“The pain was agonising.”
As the card went on, each match built up to the main event between Nico Angelo and Connor Mills.
Both men had built up a reputation on the circuit for performing death-defying stunts and this match would be no different.
After 20 minutes of wrestling, the match spilt out into the crowd as Mills speared Angelo into the ringside seating.
For a moment Mills disappeared into the back before reappearing on the balcony and within seconds he was flying through the air as he landed a moonsault on his opponent.
Chants of “Holy s***, holy s***” rang around the room as Mills performed a 450 splash from the top rope before a dramatic jackknife pin reversal awarded Angelo the victory.
For promoter Billy Clarke, 21, from Cardiff, it was the perfect end to an incredible night.
“The show exceeded all expectations,” said Billy.
“There is a massive gap in the market for a Cardiff-based wrestling promotion and I think we filled that tonight.
“The aim is to hold bi-monthly events in Cardiff and then go from there, but we’ve got to get better every show, which is no easy task especially after that main event.”
Billy Clarke who wrestles under the name Billy Haze quit his job as an electrician in 2020 and moved to Cardiff to pursue his dream of becoming a professional wrestler.
Originally from Sidcup, Billy’s main aim in wrestling is to inspire others to follow their dreams and never give up.
He said: “I did not want to look back and say, ‘I wish I did that’, I want to be able to tell my kids that I followed my dreams and this is where it went. There is no shame in doing what you love.
“Creating my own promotion was the next logical step in the journey and I am so glad I took that jump.”
- Creation Pro Wrestling’s next show is expected to be in June. The venue has not yet been confirmed. Further information can be found on their website.
