Local wrestler and promoter James ‘’High Octane’’ Lanham has defeated Mike Kelly and defending champion Rex in an impromptu triple-threat match to win his third ICW Central West championship at Cowra Civic Centre.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
James paid a heavy physical price as a result though, being hospitalised on the Monday after the event with a fairly serious concussion.
“The day after the show I thought I was okay even though I was a little spaced out and forgetful,’’ says James.
“Then I woke up on Monday in a far worse state, zoning in and out constantly and at times forgetting my own name or what I was doing at that moment.”
James, who took several hard strikes and kicks to the head, as well as trash can lid shots and a DDT (head drop move) says that the dreaded “R” word (retirement) was suggested by doctors and friends and while he appreciates the concern it is just not an option.
The ICW Central West crew were all welcomed by the 239 strong crowd at the Western Warfare event who were loud and appreciative all night.
In particular they were over the moon when Birdman Phil Picasso defeated the retiring due to injury Nick Maltino for the 2018 Alan Lanham memorial trophy, as well as when the debuting Barry ‘’the Swooper’’ Blake scored an upset but well-earned victory over veteran Mike Kelly after involvement from Addicus Slain and High Octane, and intervention from referee Jessica Hitchens.
Speaking of Addicus Slain he scored a surprisingly decisive victory over the local boy High Octane after drilling him with a knee strike to the head in Octane`s first bout of the evening.
After recovering backstage Octane/Lanham returned to the ring to challenge champion Rex and last-minute addition to the title match main event Mike Kelly.
After an absolute war that saw Kelly dominating both of the scheduled participants who, due to their friendship were reluctant to lock up, Octane was sent crashing through a ringside table. After back and forth action Kelly was able to neutralise the hall of famer Rex before a recovering High Octane caught him with his finisher ‘’the Vortex’’ to score the pinfall and the belt.
As the locker room emptied an emotional Octane thanked everyone present including his opponents, his family and friends, his fans (including his biggest fan Connor) and Mayor Bill West.
As a thank you for her selfless efforts, head referee Jessica Hitchens was presented with the 2018 ICW Central West Inmate of the year award to passionate applause from fans and wrestlers alike.
Post show fans were treated to a special meet and greet with the wrestlers as a thank you.
RDA Cowra raised some much-needed funds for their organisation and the show was heavily patronised by local disability services.
Western Warfare 4 was filmed for release for DVD as well as a documentary about James ‘’High Octane’’ Lanham who assures us there will be a Western Warfare 5!
“It`s a matter of when, not if,” James said.
“It all depends on if I need surgery on my wrists and when that will happen but no matter what, we will be back in either 2019 or 2020.
“The support Cowra has given us has left us with no choice in the matter, we will be back.
“For full results from the event and for updates on future wrestling shows in Cowra and Canberra be sure to like ICW Central West on Facebook!
