On Saturday, October 19, James "High Octane" Lanham and his crew of ICW Central West wrestlers and supporting staff will descend on Cowra Showground to give show-goers a taste of their unique form of sports entertainment.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Indeed, they will be going all out over three half-hour shows with a variety of wrestlers and wrestling styles on show.
Both James (also the local promoter) and the Cowra Show's head secretary, Graham Eddy, have been working hard organising the set-up and other details that will give patrons the best possible experience.
Lanham was excited to announce the matches that are in store, with the 12pm show featuring former ICW Central West champion Mike Kelly taking on the Wagga Wagga high-flyer, Adrian Axton.
''Axton's the current ICW world heavyweight champion and is tough as nails, he's got the biggest heart, and will do all he can to survive his bigger opponent and hit one of his patented top-rope moves to claim the victory'', Lanham explained.
Also at 12pm, perennial Cowra favourite, the "Birdman" Phil Picasso, will also take on Cootamundra's current ICW Australian champion, the "Notorious" Addicus Slain, in what will be the first time the two men have met in a match.
The 2:30pm progresses the spectactle further with a triple-threat match (three wrestlers in the ring, one fall to a finish) that will pit veteran Canberra wrestler John Raymond against enthusiastic yet cocky upstart John Crossfire and Adrian Axton.''
Following that, an all star six-man tag team match (three-on-three, one fall) will have Addicus Slain, Mike Kelly and 20-plus year veteran and all around bad-guy Rob Mezzenger against Picasso, Lanham and his protégé - also from Cowra - Barry Blake.
"This will lead in nicely by giving the winners some much needed momentum and likely leaving some unsettled grudges for our 5pm battles when Australian wrestling`s most recognisable figure, the "Birdman", takes on Rob Mezzenger in a clash of the old-school icons,'' Lanham said, adding that he'll be personally involved in the final match of the day.
"Lastly, I will be defending my ICW Central West championship against Addicus Slain.
"We've met on four occasions in Cowra, Oberon and Canberra with the record remaining at 2 wins each, so we'll both be looking to score the tie breaking victory and leave as champion."
With referee Nigel Pearson coming all the way from Bondi, and local M&D society member Craig Drayton handling announcing and commentary duties, Lanham promises that it will be quite the spectacle.
As with the Western Warfare events the ICW Central West has held at the Cowra Civic Centre and the matches they held at this year's Festival, the action on hand, while exciting, is suitable for all ages with the focus being on making sure the audience members leave with a smile on their faces and eagerly anticipating the next show.
"After each show we encourage fans to stick around and meet the wrestlers and get photos and autographs, this is our way of saying thank you and giving back," Lanham said.
"In my childhood it was me hanging around for autographs and making connections with the likes of 'the Birdman'."
"I've never forgotten where I came from and that's why I'm so passionate about making sure the fans share that connection with us and leave having been entertained, inspired and empowered." says James.
The wrestling ring will be set up behind the grandstand in the betting ring and the shows are a free attraction with show admission.
READ ALSO:
