LadySports ::: Maid in Manchester

Maid in Manchester

Saturday 3 March, 2007

By Mark Lockey

A welcome return to the number #1 Ladies Wrestling venue in the UK : Pippa L'Vinn's Wrestling Factory.

With today's show - "Maid in Manchester", there was much anticipation beforehand, with so many girls being featured. We were not disappointed. As always, an absolutely fantastic afternoon of wrestling unfolded before our eyes. There were 9 contests in all, a perfect balance and contrast with the intensity of submission-based matches and spectacular pro-style bouts.

Even though the event was going head to head with 2 very high profile football matches, involving both Manchester teams; Pippa is held in such high esteem that she can still attract a great audience. Some of the attendees had come from all parts of the country and not just Manchester, including, Blackpool, Portsmouth, Cheltenham and London.

Referee : Steven Edwards.

Pro Style Contest - 1 fall:
Stephanie Scope vs Jordan E
Stephanie, from Nottingham, emerged first and confidently made her way to the ring to await her opponent. Coventry's Jordan then entered to face her adversary. Both girls making a welcome reappearance since August Angels. The wrestlers soon locked up after the opening bell. A series of arm locks were applied by both and countered almost immediately. The offences were reversed until Jordan applied a choke hold on Stephanie. Jordan seized her opportunity to take control of the bout with a figure four leg lock. Stephanie, although on the defensive was still able to threaten, even after being on the end of a couple of 2-counts. The match gained momentum and provided a thrilling encounter to start the show. After a potential double count-out, both girls surfaced at 9 to continue their conflict The match was brought to a close with a winning pin. A great opener.

Submission based Match : 15 minute duration:
Sue Scarlet vs Layla
The first of today's submission matches featured 2 girls from Manchester. Sue Scarlett's previous show was at the same time last year, at March Madness. Making her debut was Layla, a recent addition to Pippa's stable of wrestlers. This was a challenging test for Sue. With all of her experience in this style of combat, she was facing an opponent with a superior weight advantage. The audience is always quieter and less animated for theses matches, studying and digesting every move and hold. Sue was cautioned for the use of ropes when Layla threatened to overpower her. A 3-1 victory was claimed over the 15 minute time period.

Pro Style Contest - 1 fall:
Lucy Clayden vs Simone
Lucy from Kent faced Germany's own Baroness Simone next. Although Lucy is more at ease with submission style combat, she proved that she is very able to apply herself to pro-style against the always improving and popular Simone. Simone was able to powerslam her opponent to the canvas. Lucy, undeterred, started to make full use of the ring with spectacular rolls, springing to her feet, with much appreciation from the crowd. A series of moves including a bridge by Simone were reversed. The Baroness also came close to victory with a 2-count. This close match was concluded with a 3-count pinfall.

Pro Style Contest - 1 fall:
Minx vs Skye
Minx was first to show from the locker room, bad-mouthing and mimicking the audience in her usual style. Although the lady from Sunderland does her best to wind up the crowd, I am certain that many have a deep respect and soft spot for her. Skye, from Hertfordshire, was returning to this venue since her last appearance at St. George's Daymes and looked immaculate. She has had recent encounters with a couple of the best girls around - Cheerleader Melissa and Daizee Haize and gave each of them a severe test. Minx launched at her rival and began to use a selection of illegal tactics, including a foot to Skye's throat whilst she was in the corner. A public warning was given to her for this offence, by referee Steven Edwards. Skye, the audience favourite in this match, came close with a 2-count. Minx continued to frustrate her by biting, hair pulling and directing a low blow. A powerful kick by Minx to Skye's rear led to a chase outside of the ring. Upon re-entry, Skye proceeded to gain some control. She showed her flexibility when forced into the splits, then came up smiling !! One of the best matches of the day continued to rock back and forth with both girls applying painful holds to weaken each other, including a camel clutch and half-nelson. This superbly entertaining bout was brought to a close by a submission.

Submission based Match : 15 minute duration:
Shelby Beach vs Layla
Next up, crowd favourite Shelby Beach appeared and greeted everyone at ringside. The ever popular blonde bombshell is equally comfortable in mat based or pro-style wrestling. Her opponent, making her second appearance of the day - Layla. Shelby's experience showed early on but, she was not having things all of her own way with a gallant display from the new girl, Layla. This match was clearly enjoyed by both participants who seemed to feed off each others moves and attempts to pin the other. Although fun and laughter were apparent both girls were very professional. Some brilliant moves were displayed throughout the smiles and deep respect for one another. This match was a joy to watch the 2 girls thoroughly enjoying themselves. Layla is clearly going to be a force to be reckoned with in future shows. A winner was acknowledged on the 15 minute period.

Pro Style Contest - 1 fall:
Roxi vs Pippa L'Vinn
Roxi was making her first appearance of the day. What a prospect facing up to Manchester's own Pippa L'Vinn ! Fresh from her richly deserved award of : PGWA Most Promising Wrestler 2006, Roxi seemed unconcerned at the difficult battle that she was about to participate in. Pippa entered the ring and looked absolutely stunning in her blue one piece costume. Almost immediately, Pippa began to taunt her smaller opponent. Initially, however, Pippa did not have things all her own way. Roxi surprised her with some holds to show her that she meant business. As always, Pippa was able to dig deep into her vast catalogue of manoeuvres and holds. Her witty one-liners and banter with the crowd make her such a pleasure to watch. She applied a couple of low-blows into the mix and had Roxi in trouble. A tombstone/piledriver to Roxi looked to be the finish of her......Roxi somehow recovered from this explosive move reigned on her and continued to take the fight to Pippa. A relentless display by both was bought to a conclusion with a most spectacular winning move. A Brilliant match from 2 ladies at the very top of their game.

Pro-Style Tag Team Match:
Shelby & Jordan E vs Roxi & Skye
A tag match next with the powerful Shelby & Jordan combining to take on Roxi & Skye. The contest started to develop a pattern whereby Shelby and Jordan cleverly tagged each other in regularly, to weaken Skye. Skye more than counteracted these tactics with some slick moves of her own. A full nelson was put on Jordan before tagging in Roxi. Shelby threatened to overpower the more petite Roxi, but, Roxi hung in there. A succession of holds such as a powerslam, boston crab and surfboard were all being used to full effect. The match concluded with a spectacular roll-up.

Submission based Match : 15 minute duration:
Pippa L'Vinn vs Lucy Clayden

Pippa switched from Pro-Style to mat based in her next match. Lucy opposed her and we witnessed a most intense battle between the two. A lot of respect for each other was shown during this intriguing contest. There was no let up in this encounter and both girls showed such strength, power and immense agility throughout this fascinating bout. As with the other mat-based matches, the audience were mesmerized by the sheer professionalism and efforts displayed. A tremendous match.....

Money in the Bag Elimination Match:
The finale of today's show was an 8 girl elimination match. There was a purse suspended above the ring containing money for the last remaining girl. The only way to eliminate an opponent was to throw her over the ropes. No pins and no submissions. No friends or allies in this one.... it is was every girl for herself !! Jordan E pitched up against Minx to start off. At regular intervals a further wrestler would enter the ring. This was a brilliantly entertaining match to conclude the day. At times, there were 3 separate battles taking place. On one occasion a 3 way strangle-hold was being applied. Although one girl emerged, apparently victorious, a "late entry" appeared .......... Who took part in this most thrilling and exciting match and who was ultimately left clutching the funds ?

SUMMARY :

Judging by the evidence witnessed today, Ladies wrestling in this country is in a very healthy state with some outstanding performances displayed.

British sport has taken a bit of a battering on the International front of late. How refreshing then that we have someone in Pippa that we can rightly look up to and feel proud of. She puts UK Ladies wrestling firmly at the top of the global map. Pippa not only fights her corner for herself but, for all other ladies in the sport as well and, she does so with passion and a heart of gold. Her tireless effort and enthusiasm never ceases. If championship belts were handed out for determination and dedication, she would have acquired enough to cover the entire floor of her venue.

A Special Thank You to all of the girls who participated today and to Pippa and her team / Production Company who work so hard to bring us such fantastic entertainment.

An extra special mention for Dave who was ringside yesterday. He is a cherished and valued friend of Pippa and has been instrumental throughout her career. Dave, it's great to see you again. Welcome back from all of us !!!

The DVD / and individual match downloads from this show will be released very soon. Please visit Pippa's website : pippalvinn.co.uk for news and details of her many DVD's / downloads and forthcoming show announcements. Next Show Saturday 2 June.