5 Star Wrestling had their debut shows in the UK as part of their ReGenesis Tour. With a talented roster headlined by the likes of Rey Mysterio, AJ Styles and John Morrison, the tour entertained crowds in Newcastle, Sheffield and Liverpool.
For the first shows in Newcastle and Sheffield there were timing issues, fan complaints and some mindless booking.
But it seems as though the final date was the coming of age, with more of a story and a purpose in the show.
To kick things off, John Morrison, recently crowned the inaugural 5 star wrestling champion, opened the show and cut a promo about how he was prepared to defend the title any time, any place against any opponent.
PJ Black, formerly Justin Gabriel in WWE, interrupted and the two opened the show with an entertaining match. You could tell both were having plenty of fun in the ring. Morrison retained with Starship Pain and a post-match handshake followed.
Liverpool’s Zack Gibson was out next and got a nice hometown reaction. Gibson was schedule to face Global Force Wrestling’s Nick Aldis, but the latter brought out Big Damo – ‘the Beast of Belfast’ as his opponent.
The hometown boy tried to will his way into the match but Big Damo was victorious wtih a brogue kick after previously pulling the ref in front of him when Gibson was on the attack.
Next up was Timm Wylie and against Colt Cobana – whose comedic spots were a huge hit with the fans, particularly the younger audience. Cobana imitated his close friend CM Punk and duly picked up the win with a GTS.
Then came what was arguably the most entertaining and intriguing match of the night. Nick Aldis (Magnus in TNA), Jimmy Havoc and Marty Scurll squared off against Rey Mysterio and two of Britain’s finest wrestlers: Will Ospreay and Zack Sabre Jr.
It was a fast-paced bout which featured a whole lot of high risk. It’s clear to see why Ospreay is nicknamed ‘the Aerial assassin’. Mysterio got the hot tag and picked up the win after a 619 and frog splash combination. As you would expect, the masked man was mega over as one of the big stars of the show.
What followed though was a very interesting angle. After a post-match scuffle, Rey looked to deliver another 619 but his partners turned on him in a 5 on 1 attack. Sabre Jr hit an uppercut before Ospreay delivered a superkick. The crowd certainly weren’t expecting it and the newly-formed British faction really reacted to it.
We then saw ‘Iron man’ Joe Coffey lock up with Carlito – still sporting his famous afro. Coffey, known for his work in Insane Championship Wrestling, picked up the win with a roll-up after Carlito accidentally hit the ref with his apple spitting spot.
A mixed tag match then took place. The babyface team of Lou King Sharp and Zoe Lucas picked up the win over Kid Fite and Jamie Hayter.
Then it was time for the main event. A rematch of the epic ROH Final Battle clash between AJ Styles and Jay Lethal – two of the world’s finest competitors. It’s fair to say it didn’t disappoint as it was a neat back and forth duel between two guys who had respect for one another. The crowd was split right down the middle and this was one where the hardcore wrestling fans were the most invested, rather than the kids.
Like their previous encounter, Lethal emerged victorious after grabbing the tights of AJ Styles. The two cut a promo at the end about how much they enjoyed working for 5 star but were then ambushed by the British boys – fronted by Nick ‘Magnus’ Aldis. Jimmy Havoc got on the mic and slated the Americans, pointing to the fact that the British guys are wrestling every week but don’t get the same attention.
Rey Mysterio and Colt Cobana ran in to make the save and though the majority of the heels scurried out of the ring, Havoc was left alone.
He then found himself on the receiving end of a GTS, 619, Lethal Injection and Styles Clash to send the crowd home happy – ending 5 star’s UK tour on a high for the fans.