Grand Pro Wrestling

Grand Pro Wrestling

Acronym	GPW
Founded	2003 - Present
Style	Professional wrestling
Headquarters	Wigan & Manchester
Founder(s)	Lee Butler
Owner(s)	Johnnie Brannigan
Website	Grand Pro Wrestling

Grand Pro Wrestling (formerly Garage Pro Wrestling) or GPW is a British professional wrestling promotion based in the north west of England. The promotion was set up by former British wrestler - "The Middleman" Lee Butler - in February 2003. However, in August 2004, Butler handed over the reins of the promotion to his senior trainees and retired from wrestling due to injury and ill-health. GPW is now run by Johnnie Brannigan, but with Richard Noble being the public facing name.

Overview

The promotion runs shows all over the north west of England, mainly in the Greater Manchester area. It has developed a large, passionate fan base and has gained a reputation for one of the best story telling wrestling companies in Europe, with second to none character development. Its shows are known for their addictive and progressive story lines, superb production values, mixed with hard hits, high flying, comedy and a very strong connection between their audience and their characters.

On average, it runs between 10 and 12 shows per year with the main story line shows taking place in Wigan at The Monaco Ballroom. GPW has established several flagship shows that it has become very well known for, such as: Crazy Cruiser-8 (one night 8-man tournament show), Only The Strong Survive (survival themed show) and A Few Good Men (a Royal Rumble themed show).

GPW is credited with having started off many of today's British and American independent wrestlers careers. These names include: Bubblegum, El Ligero, Claudio Castagnoli, Juggernaut, Joey Hayes, "Dangerous" Damon Leigh, Heresy, TJ Cain, Juice, Dylan Roberts, "The Model" Danny Hope, Jiggy Walker, JC Thunder, Cameron Knite and many more.

History

The promotion's first show was in July 2003, GPW: "Defection" held at the Monaco Ballroom, Wigan. Wrestlers on that night who are still active on the roster are Heresy, "Dangerous" Damon Leigh, Joey Hayes and Roxi.

Other memorable shows include GPW: "Nemesis" which saw a main event tag team tables match between Lee Butler & Heresy vs. The Young Offenders ("Dangerous" Damon Leigh & Joey Hayes). The match saw both Heresy and Damon Leigh in a 30 ft balcony stunt. GPW: "Hold The Line Tour" in March 2004 saw the debuts of Chris Hero and Gangrel. During GPW: "Last Orders At The Legion" in January 2005 there was a well documented riot, at the now demolished venue in Leigh, Greater Manchester. The riots in the audience were very real and occurred when Alex Shane stole the British Title from then champion Damon Leigh.

In July 2005, GPW: "Saturday Night Showdown" saw JC Thunder vs. El Ligero in main event hardcore match. The match was quite possibly the most controversial in British wrestling history and resulted in the venue banning all professional wrestling from the Greater Manchester area. GPW followed up its well publicised problems with a show in Preston called GPW: "Trials & Tribulations" in September of the same year. The following year it returned to the Greater Manchester area.

In November 2006, Garage Pro Wrestling promoted the first ever Crazy Cruiser-8 tournament. With headline grabbing shows in between such as GPW: "Salvation Is Here", GPW: "Keep The Faith" and GPW: "Friday Night Thriller" it was in May 2007 that GPW promoted Europe's first ever Survivor Series dedicated show. July 2008 saw its 5th Anniversary show GPW: "V" which was considered by many to be the best show so far. In October 2008,] GPW became the only European company to feature a Torneo Cibernetico.

Re-Branding as Grand Pro Wrestling

After 7 years of being known as Garage Pro Wrestling, in August 2010 GPW re-branded as Grand Pro Wrestling and announced an association with Big Bang Entertainment. A new company tag line was also revealed as "Entertainment with a Kick!"

Championships

GPW Heavyweight Championship

Wrestler	Times	Date	Place / Type Of Match / Event
Chris Hero	1	6 March 2004	Whitehaven / vs. JC Thunder / GPW: "Hold The Line Tour Pt.1"
TJ Cain	1	17 October 2004	The Legion, Leigh / vs. Chris Hero / GPW: "...A Hero's Welcome"
Heresy	1	22 January 2006	Den Haag, Holland / vs. TJ Cain / DCW: "Shockwave"
Dirk Feelgood	1	17 October 2006	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan / vs. Heresy / GPW: "Friday Night Thriller"
Darkside	1	21 September 2007	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan / vs. Dirk Feelgood / GPW: "Back To School"
Johnny Phere	1	7 March 2008	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan / 3-Way vs. Dirk Feelgood vs. Darkside / GPW: "Strictly Come WRESTLING!"
Bubblegum	1	4 July 2008	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan / 4-Way vs. Johnny Phere vs. Dirk Feelgood vs. Darkside / GPW: "V"
Juggernaut	1	18 April 2009	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan / vs. Bubblegum / GPW: "Slam Jam"
"Dangerous" Damon Leigh	1	19 November 2010	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan / vs. Mark Kodiak / GPW: "Guts and Glory"

• The first GPW Heavyweight Champion was decided when Chris Hero took on JC Thunder for the vacant title. After several high profile wins JC Thunder was granted a No.1 Contenders spot and with a glowing reputation throughout America and Europe Hero was brought in as his closest competitor. Hero was successful and went onto defend the title Internationally.

• After defeating Mike Quackenbush to become the No.1 Contender, TJ Cain shocked the wrestling world by beating Hero at "...A Hero's Welcome" to end his 18 month reign as champion and to become the first ever British wrestler to hold the title. These two matches are considered by many to be career defining for TJ Cain as well as being two of GPW's best.

• Heresy spoilt the TJ Cain party at "...A Hero's Welcome" by stealing the title and keeping it from Cain before he had even had chance to celebrate his win. The two entered a bitter feud which resulted in a "Loser Leaves UK Wrestling" match. Heresy lost, but met TJ Cain in Holland for the belt 6 months later. On the second time of asking Heresy was successful.

• At GPW: "Keep The Faith" Dirk Feelgood defeated former WWF and WCW superstar Tracey Smothers to become the No.1 Contender to the International Heavyweight Title. One month later at GPW: "Friday Night Thriller" in a win that shocked the world, Feelgood defeated Heresy and ended his 10 month reign as champion.

• In one of the most elaborate scams by any GPW wrestler at GPW: "Back To School" Darkside challenged Feelgood for the title but had enlisted the help of a "Dirk-a-Like". Darkside pinned the impostor and won the Heavyweight title in bizarre fashion. Once the dust had settled it was too late to reverse the decision. Daylight robbery stopped a 12-month reign as champion.

• Johnny Phere returned to GPW in 2008 with a new outlook, a new attitude and a new goal - to become the GPW Heavyweight Champion. He got his chance in a 3-Way Main Event Match against champion Darkside and former champion Dirk Feelgood. Phere shocked everyone when he pinned Darkside for the belt.

• Bubblegum had been robbed of his dream to win the title at GPW: "Ballroom Blitz" when the special guest referee for the match, Dirk Feelgood snapped and turned on both Phere and Bubblegum before awarding himself the championship. The issue with the title finally came to a head at GPW's biggest ever show - GPW: "V" where he defeated the recognised champion Johnny Phere and former champions Darkside and Dirk Feelgood in a 4-Way for the title.

• At GPW: "Alive & Amplified", August 14, 2010 the Heavyweight title was vacated by Juggernaut due to long term injury.

GPW British Championship

Wrestler	Times	Date	Place / Type Of Match / Event
"Dangerous" Damon Leigh	1	24 April 2004	Blackburn, Lancashire / vs. Joey Hayes w/ Heresy as special guest ref / GPW: "Hostile Takeover"
Alex Shane	1	16 January 2005	The Legion, Leigh / vs. "Dangerous" Damon Leigh / GPW: "Last Orders At The Legion"
"Dangerous" Damon Leigh	2	3 February 2006	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan / vs. "Showstealer" Alex Shane / GPW: "Back With A Bang 2006"
Juggernaut	1	16 February 2007	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan / vs. "Dangerous" Damon Leigh / GPW: "Let Loose"
"Dangerous" Damon Leigh	3	16 March 2007	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan / vs. The Juggernaut / GPW: "Hot Gossip"
Joseph Hayes	1	20 July 2007	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan / 3-way vs. Heresy vs. Joseph Hayes / GPW: "Collision Course"
Heresy	1	16 November 2007	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan / "I Quit Match" vs. Joey Hayes / GPW: "Supercharged"
"Dangerous" Damon Leigh	4	1 February 2008	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan / vs. Heresy / GPW: "Back With A Bang 2008"
Jac Domitrescu	1	4 April 2008	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan / vs. "Dangerous" Damon Leigh / GPW: "Ballroom Blitz"
"Super" Sam Bailey	1	12 December 2008	The Monaco Ballroom Wigan vs. Jac Domitrescu / GPW: "Christmas Crunch"
"The Juice" CJ Banks	1	16 October 2009	The Monaco Ballroom Wigan vs. "Super" Sam Bailey / GPW: "Friday Night Thriller III"
Zack Diamond	1	19 November 2010	The Monaco Ballroom Wigan vs. "The Juice" CJ Banks vs Jack Gallagher vs Martin Kirby / GPW: "Guts & Glory"
Jack Gallagher	1	3 June 2011	The Monaco Ballroom Wigan vs. Zack Diamond / GPW: "Heroes & Villains"

• The vacant British Title was to be contested between two of Britain's top young stars in "Dangerous" Damon Leigh and Joey Hayes. However, with a deep seated history between Damon Leigh and Heresy, Heresy interjected himself into the match as the special guest referee and helped his rival to victory, claiming Leigh would never have won without his help.

• After successful defences all over the country, Damon Leigh took on his biggest and hardest challenge to date when he accepted the challenge of the devious manipulator - "The Showstealer" Alex Shane. In one of the most controversial British title matches ever, Alex Shane walked out with the title.

• Following 12 months of avoiding the former champion, "The Showstealer" returned to GPW and grant Damon Leigh a re-match for the title. 12 months of pain were unleashed on Shane who was eventually made to tap out to Damon's STF. DDL became a two-time champion.

• Just ss in his first reign, DDL went onto defend the title against all comers and keep hold of the title for 13 months before attorney at law Alan A.A Tasker secured the release of former Nigerian prisoner The Juggernaut. Tasker debuted The Juggernaut at GPW: "Back With A Bang 2007" attacking DDL from behind and winning the title in a one on one match the following month.

• "Dangerous" Damon Leigh cashed in his re-match clause straight away and took on the monster Juggernaut the following month at GPW: "Hot Gossip". SIN, who were in the midst of trying to persuade DDL to join them interfered in the match and helped him to become a 3 time British Champion.

• In an epic 3-Way battle at GPW: "Collision Course" champion DDL took on both Heresy and Joseph Hayes in a match rooted with history as the three battled it out in one of the most memorable British title matches ever, Joseph Hayes pinned Heresy to win the title for the first time.

• Hayes' reign was put to an end several months later when he and Heresy crossed paths once again, this time one on one in a "Winner Takes All I Quit Match". Following a brutal match that saw TJ Cain turn on Hayes and drag his 11 year brother into the ring making Hayes choose between the title and his family resulted in Hayes losing the match and Heresy raising the title for the first time.

• In 2008, DDL vowed to bring back Hayes to the GPW roster and it would start with the man who had cost him his place - Heresy. The three time champ challenged his old nemesis to a one on one match for the title. Overcoming the odds, DDL pinned the champion, ending his 3 month reign and gaining the title for an unprecedented 4th time.

• Newcomers to the UK and to the roster - The Eastern Bloc rolled into town with intent as they ruined a classically British match with British Rules for the British title between Juice and then champion Damon Leigh. The battle lines had been drawn and DDL defended his title like he had done so many times before. However, just as he'd been caught out years earlier, the sneaker foreigners had enlisted the help of foreign referee Vladimir Radkov who helped Eastern Bloc leader Jak Domitrescu to victory.

GPW Tag Team Trophy

Wrestler	Times	Date	Place / Type Of Match / Event
Project Ego (Kris Travis & Scotty Hexx)	1	18 March 2006	The Monaco Ballrom, Wigan / 4-way vs. Kev n Krev vs. Damage Control vs. WKD / GPW: "Hold Tight"
WKD (Matty "D'Lyrium" Taylor & "Super" Sam Bailey)	1	16 February 2007	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan / Tag Team Gauntlet Match vs. Project Ego vs. Mil-Anfield Connection vs. The Holmes Bros. / GPW: "Let Loose"
Mil-Anfield Connection ("The Model" Danny Hope & Jiggy Walker)	1	20 July 2007	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan / vs. WKD / GPW: "Collision Course"
The Young Offenders ("Dangerous" Damon Leigh & Joey Hayes)	1	16 January 2009	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan / 2/3 Falls Match vs. The Mil-Anfield Connection
Paradise Lost (Heresy & Kastor LaVey)	1	17 July 2009	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan/ vs. The Young Offenders / GPW: Heatwave
The Mystics (Voodoo & The Great Suzuki)	1	16 April 2010	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan/ vs. Paradise Lost / GPW: "Jam Hot!"
Paradise Lost (Heresy & Kastor LeVay)	2	21 May 2010	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan/ vs. The Mystics / GPW: "A Few More Good Men" NHB Match
Chris Echo & Ricky J Mckenzie	1	6 May 2011	The Monaco Ballroom, Wigan/ vs. Paradise Lost / GPW: "Battlefield" NHB Match

• The very first GPW Tag Team Trophy holders were decided in a brutal 4-Way Tag Team Tables match at GPW: "Hold Tight" in March 2006. At the time, all recognised GPW tag teams were entered into the match after a bitter rivalry had developed between them all. WKD, Damage Control, Kev 'n Krev and Project Ego all did battle. Despite WKD being strong favorites it was Hexx and Travis, Project Ego who emerged victorious.

• Following a long and impressive 11 month undefeated streak, Project Ego finally met their match in a tag team gauntlet at GPW: "Let Loose". The new WKD teaming of Matty "D'Lyrium" Taylor and "Super" Sam Bailey out-did fellow teams Mil-Anfield Connection and Holmes Bros. to defeat the champs.

• The WKD run with the titles were brought to an abrupt end by Jiggy Walker and "The Model" Danny Hope after they kidnapped WKD member Roxi and used her to bribe a tag team title shot at GPW: "Collision Course". The heated rivalry finally came to an end when Mil-Anfield defeated the duo of Bailey and Taylor to lift the Trophy for the first time.

• As per stipulation, The Young Offenders were forced to go their separate ways following their defeat to Paradise Lost.

• Having won the GPW tag team championship, Heresy became the first ever GPW Triple Crown, Grand Slam Champion in history.

Rumbles

In its five years, GPW has had just two 30 men over the top Royal Rumble matches, and one 20 man one. Known simply by the company and its fans as "Rumble". As well as acknowledging the eventual winner, GPW also recognise the M.V.P of the match. This is the person who has performed the best by either eliminating the most people from the match, or having out-lasted his or hers peers the longest without actually winning.

• The first one, GPW: "A Few Good Men" took place in April 2006 and was contested for the #1 Contendership to the then International Heavyweight Title. Bubblegum who entered Number 21 won the match. The M.V.P of the night was Kris Travis.

• The second Rumble took place in October 2007 at GPW: "Friday Night Thriller II" and was an impromptu match to decide the #1 Contender to the GPW British Title. Heresy won the match after entering Number 26. The M.V.P of the night was Jack Toxic.

• The third Rumble was slightly different to its predecessors. It took place in July 2008 at GPW: "V" - the promotion's special fifth anniversary show. The rumble was dubbed "The Old Meets New Rumble" where old faces from the GPW roster were welcomed back to do battle. There was no prize for winning, just the bragging rights. The winner was Voodoo after he entered 13th. Juggernaut was the Rumble's M.V.P.

Crazy Cruiser-8

The Crazy Cruiser-8 is an eight-man one night tournament, and one of the shows GPW has become synonymous with. The eight entrants into the tournament are junior heavyweights or are considered a cruiserweight. Heavyweights are not permitted entry into the tournament. Qualifying matches are contested months prior to the tournament either in traditional one on one matches, 4-ways, 3-ways or as a "Last Chance" to qualify there has traditionally been a Last Chance Saloon battle royal. Byes passed the preliminaries have been given in the past to foreign entrants and reigning Tag Team Trophy holders.

The eventual winner of the tournament would have not only been successful in the preliminaries, but have won three times in a row on the night of the tournament. The winner does not defend his title the following year and is not permitted to compete in the tournament the following year.

2006

The first CC-8 tournament was 3 November 2006 and the final 8 men were:

• Kris Travis
• El Ligero
• Joseph Hayes
• Emil Sitoci
• Darkside
• Bubblegum
• "The Model" Danny Hope
• Juice

The eventual winner was Bubblegum after he defeated Joseph Hayes in the final.

2008

The second Crazy Cruiser tournament was known as CC-08 and competed on 2 May 2008. The final 8 men were:

• Jack Toxic
• El Ligero
• "The Model" Danny Hope
• Jiggy Walker
• Juice
• "Super" Sam Bailey
• Chris Echo
• Voodoo

Juice was the eventual winner after defeating Chris Echo in the final.

2009

The third Crazy Cruiser tournament was competed on 13 November 2009 and saw new rules on qualifying. For the first time, the reigning CC8 Champion (in this case Juice) was allowed to re-enter the tournament to defend his title. 2 top seeds were slected as automatic qualifiers (Joey Hayes & Bubblegum). Other qualifiers were decided through a first ever Fan's Choice, a 4-Way Qualifier, The Last Chance Battle Royal and the return of the International Entrant. The final 8 men were:

• Max Damon
• Joey Hayes
• Fox Carter
• The Juice
• Bubblegum
• Martin Kirby
• Ricky J. McKenzie
• Dylan Roberts

Joey Hayes was the eventual winner after defeating CC8 2008 Champion, Juice in the final.

Roster

Current roster

Alan A.A Tasker Axl Rage Bruce Sheila Bubblegum Cameron Kraze Carl Clinch Chris Echo Cyanide "Dangerous" Damon Leigh Darkside Dirk Feelgood Dom Travis Dylan Roberts El Ligero Fox Carter

"Gentleman" Jervis Cottonbelly Heresy Jack Gallagher Jac Domitrescu Jason Logan Jeff Wilkinson Jiggy Walker Joey Hayes Juice Juggernaut Kastor LaVey Kris Eganski Matty "D'Lyrium" Taylor Mark Kodiak Martin Kirby

Mikey Whiplash "Mini-Iron" Mike Holmes Mothman Mya Noam Dar "Professor" Mike Holmes "Retro" Dave Rayne Ricky J. Mckenzie Roxi The SkullCrusher Si Valour Ste "Bin" Mann "Super" Sam Bailey "The Model" Danny Hope "The Great" Suzuki

Thor Laarson TJ Cain Vladimir Radkov Voodoo William Gáylord Xander Cooper Zack Diamond

GPW alumni and retired

Alex Shane Beatmosh Cameron Knite Chris Hero Claudio Castagnoli Colt Cabana Darren Burridge Danny Chamberz Drew McDonald Emil Sitoci Flood Gangrel Iceman JC Thunder

Johnny Phere Johnny Moss Keith Myatt Kelly Adams Kenzo Richards Kev Krev Kris Travis Lisa Fury Luke Phoenix Mad Man Manson Man Mountain Matt Hughes Mike Quackenbush "Minx" Sarah Jones

Paul Burchill Paul Zantar Ruffneck Sabotage Scotty Hexx Spud Stevie Lynn The Dragon Sean Macleane "The Middleman" Lee Butler The Butcher TJ Wilson Tracy Smothers

Stables past and present

• WKD, June 2004–Present - Matty "D'Lyrium" Taylor, Chris Echo, "Super" Sam Bailey & Mya. Former members: Roxi and Juice
• Alan's All Stars, April 2007–Present - Alan A.A Tasker, The Juggernaut, "Iron" Mike Holmes, Lethal Dose (Jack Toxic & Cyanide)
• The Eastern Bloc, March 2008–Present - Jac Domitrescu, Kris Eganski, Vladimir Radkov & Thor Laarsen
• SIN, September 2004 - September 2007 - Heresy, Joey Hayes, Johnny Phere, Juice & Minx
• The Geeks, March 2005 - February 2007 - Rupert Holmes, Mike Holmes, Elroy Doogle, Harry Doogle
• Damage Control, July 2003 - April 2006 - Flood, Dragon Sean MacLeane, Paul Zantar, Dom Travis, Greg "The Truth" Lambert
• The Lab, 2010–present - "Professor" Mike Holmes, "Mini-Iron" Mike Holmes, The SkullCrusher, Vitamin C (Carl Clinch & Xander Cooper), The Nordic Warrior

Tag teams

• Lethal Dose (Cyanide & Jack Toxic)
• The Next Generation Superstars ("Retro" Dave Rayne & Harry Doogle)
• The Young Offenders ("Dangerous" Damon Leigh & Joey Hayes)
• Mil-Anfield Connection ("The Model" Danny Hope & Jiggy Walker)
• WKD
• The Eastern Bloc
• The Mystics (The Great Suzuki & Voodoo)
• Paradise Lost (Heresy & Kastor LaVey)

GPW shows

GPW shows have a passionate following of fans who follow all story lines and characters religiously. This creates a wonderful atmosphere that the promotion have become renowned for wherever they perform.

GPW has a rich vein of main events, and to be part of a main event match is held in high regard within the company. The promotion has also gained a reputation for some of the best 4-Ways and 6-Man Tags in the country.

With such an emphasis on good storylines and strong characters, there is not a show that goes by where the headlines are not grabbed in some way or other. Here are some of the most memorable shows:

GPW: "Defection"

The first ever GPW show was held in June 2003 at The Monaco Ballroom. The card was a mix of GPW trainees and established UK talent. The card on the night was:

• Danny Chamberz vs. X
• Sabotage vs. Joey Hayes
• UK Pitbulls vs. Damage Control (Flood, Sean Macleane & Paul Zantar)
• Roxi vs. Demo
• Lisa Fury vs. Minx
• Steve Starr vs. Heresy vs. Richard Noble
• "Dangerous" Damon Leih & Mike Bishop vs. Paul Travell & Ian DiSciple
• Alex Shane vs. Stevie Knight

GPW: "Hostile Takeover"

In a departure from what has become known as a more traditional GPW show, April's "Hostile Takeover" saw the promotion bring in an abundance of established talent from both the European and American independent circuit, as well as using tits own roster.

The show was an important one for GPW as, arguably aside from the GPW: "Nemesis" main event, the main event at "Hostile Takeover" really set a standard for future ones. The original main event was advertised to be Chris Hero vs. B-Boy, however B-Boy ended up not being able to make the show and a last minute replacement had to be found. An unknown by the name of Claudio Castagnoli flew in from Switzerland to take his place, after a 2/3 Falls Main Event with Hero, Castagnoli was no longer unheard of. In a match that had every fan on their feet both Hero and Castagnoli have both moved onto do great things in America.

GPW: "The Return"

GPW's "Return" show was named as such as it returned to The Monaco Ballroom after a six months absence in July 2004.

The show featuerd the return of Claudio Castagnoli as part of Swiss Money Holdings with his tag team partner, Ares. The duo took on "Dangerous" Damon Leigh and Joey Hayes, The Young Offenders. But the night was all about the fabulous main event that is still talked about today as Robbie Brookside took on Johnny Kidd in a British Rules match.

GPW: "Revelations"

GPW: "Revelations" took place in August 2004 at a sold out British Legion in Leigh and saw the debut of Mike Quackenbush as he battled with TJ Cain for the No.1 Contendership to the International Heavyweight Title. The match was considered by many to be one of the best ever GPW matches. The main event was a bloody climax to a brutal, long running feud between Heresy and "Dangerous" Damon Leigh as the two clashed in GPW's first ever street fight for the British Championship.

GPW: "Last Orders At The Legion"

An historic night in December saw the last ever event at the Leigh British Legion take place. A sold out audience was witness to one of the most memorable nights in GPW history. The night not only saw the fans' darling Joey Hayes turn his back on them and join Heresy's SIN stable along with Minx, but the main event saw British Champion Damon Leigh cheated out of his title. Corrupt referee Mike Bishop rung the bell when challenger Alex Shane had Damon in a basic submission hold. Damon had not given up and both Bishop and Shane fled from the venue in an waiting car. Riots followed in the audience between rival fans and wrestlers alike; such scenes have never been seen before or since.

GPW: "Salvation Is Near"

One of the highest attendances at The Ballroom packed in to see TJ Cain and Heresy clash for the International Heavyweight Championship in May 2005. It was an emotional end to a hard hitting feud that had been the main feature of GPW shows since TJ Cain had won the title in September 2004. In another first ever, the stipulation to the match was that the loser had to leave British wrestling and was dubbed as a "Winner Take All" match. TJ Cain was eventually victorious in one of the matches that has defined what the promotion is all about. This event also saw the third member of Heresy's SIN faction make his GPW debut, Johnny Phere joined Minx and Joey Hayes.

GPW: "Saturday Night Showdown"

As previously covered in the History section, this show will always be remembered for one thing... the brutal main event. The Street Fight between JC Thunder and El Ligero got the promotion banned from all wrestling events in the Greater Manchester area due to its violent and bloody content. Perhaps remembered for all the wrong reasons, the truth is this match was excellent.

GPW: "Back With A Bang 2006"

January 2006 saw "Dangerous" Damon Leigh finally got revenge on the man that had cheated him out of the British Title, Alex Shane as the two met for the first time since December 2004 for the title. The night also marked the retirement of former International Heavyweight Champion, TJ Cain who retired following an aggravated neck injury suffered in a match against Heresy in Holland for the title.

GPW: "Salvation Is Here"

GPW: "Salvation Is Here" will be remembered for the superb Double Main Event. Two perfect examples of why the main event spot at GPW has such a great reputation. July 2006 saw the climax of two emotional feuds as Mark Kodiak took on Damon Leigh for the British title in a first ever Blindfold Match and International Heavyweight Champion Heresy took on challenger and Rumble winner Bubblegum. Voted one of the best shows of the year.

GPW: "Keep The Faith"

In September 2006, GPW promoted GPW: "Keep The Faith" - one of the most highly rated GPW shows ever featured Tracy Smothers, the first ever Crazy Cruiser-8 qualifiers, one of the best 4-ways in the country and a 6 man tag to rival the best in the world. The full card was:

• "The Model" Danny Hope vs. Rupert Holmes vs. "Super" Sam Bailey vs. Bubblegum
• Harry Doogle vs. Heresy
• Jiggy Walker vs. "Dangerous" Damon Leigh
• El Ligero vs. Kenzo Richards
• WKD & Bubblegum vs. SIN
• Dirk Feelgood vs. Tracey Smothers

GPW: "Only The Strong Survive"

In May 2007, GPW broke the mould with the first ever show in Britain dedicated to Survivor Series-style matches. The show received critical acclaim and having already promoted a tournament-themed show and a Rumble-themed show to great praise, the promotion's reputation sky-rocketed.^{[citation needed]} The teams on the evening were:

• Echo's Elite vs. Alan A.A Allstars

Chris Echo, Rupert Holmes, Dylan Roberts and Benson Richards vs. "Iron" Mike Holmes, Lethal Dose & Kev Noir

• Ligero's Luchas vs. The Juice Commission

El Ligero, WKD & Roxi vs. Juice, The Mil-Anfield Connection & Kelly Adams

• Dirks Do-Gooders vs. Kodiak's Killers

Dirk Feelgood, Si Valour, Dom Travis, "Dangerous" Damon Leigh vs. Mark Kodiak, Johnny Phere, Heresy and Darkside

In addition to these matches, Joseph Hayes battled "Retro" Dave Rayne for the No. 1 Contender's spot to the British title.

GPW: "Collision Course"

GPW: "Collision Course" featured one of the highest rated matches of 2007 when Heresy faced "Dangerous" Damon Leigh and Joey Hayes for the GPW British Title in a main event 3-Way. The three men who were part of the first ever show, battled it out in one of GPW's most memorable matches and feuds to date. An emotional "passing of the torch" from Damon to Hayes, Hayes eventually won. Pinning Heresy signified the end of the SIN faction and the start of a Joey Hayes British Title run.

The show also featured Juice vs. El Ligero in a Los Sanchos Street Fight. Up there with one of the best matches you'll ever see, this match saw Juice's career take off. There was also another title change as Mil-Anfield Connection's long hunt for the Tag Team Trophy came to an end when they defeated WKD to lift the cup.

GPW: "Supercharged"

In November 2007, GPW brought their season ender - "Supercharged" - to the Monaco Ballroom. The show saw the climax of all major storylines in a fanatic finale. In a dramatic main event that will live in the memory of every GPW fan for a long time bitter enemies Heresy and Joey Hayes did battle in a "Loser Leaves Town I Quit Match" for the British Title. TJ Cain returned to GPW for the first time since his retirement and offered his support to Joey by staying in his corner throughout the match. However, in several cruel twists Hayes left the building the loser. A main event match that summed up everything a main event should be.

In an epic encounter Mil-Anfield successfully defended their tag team trophy against El Ligero and Bubblegum. Johnny Phere began his quest to become GPW Heavyweight Champion on this night with an impressive win over Damon Leigh.

GPW: "V"

GPW: "V" was the promotion's fifth year anniversary show, and considered by many to be one of the very best in the UK, and one of the best GPW shows ever. The historic night took place on 5 July 2008 and saw many faces from the past return as well as current storylines continuing. The card on the night was:

• Mil-Anfield Connection & Juice vs. WKD
• British Title Gauntlet Match - "Dangerous" Damon Leigh vs. The Eastern Bloc
• Strap Match - Si Valour vs. Heresy
• JC Thunder vs. El Ligero
• Old Meets New Rumble
• No Disqualification Match - TJ Cain vs. Joey Hayes
• 4-Way for the GPW Heavyweight Title - Bubblegum vs. Johnny Phere vs. Darkside vs. Dirk Feelgood

GPW: "Back II School"

September 2008 saw a monumental occasion when both Joey Hayes and "Dangerous" Damon Leigh reformed the Young Offenders after more than four years apart on the UK circuit. The re-united tag team took on GPW Tag Team Champions, The Mil-Anfield Connection in a wonderful, dramatic tag team main event.

GPW: "Only The Strong Survive 2008"

In October 2008, GPW promoted Europe's first ever Torneo Cibernetico. The main event match lasted just short of an hour before GPW Heavyweight Champion, Bubblegum was crowned the last man standing. The show also saw the debut of Johnny Moss as he took on and was defeated by Juggernaut. WKD also took on two members of the Eastern Bloc in a traditional tag team match. The teams for the Torneo Cibernetico were:

• Dirk Feelgood, Heresy, TJ Cain, Juice & The Mil-Anfield Connection vs. Bubblegum, Dylan Roberts, Si Valour, El Ligero & The Young Offenders

GPW: "Slamjam"

In April 2009, GPW returned to a Saturday night for the 1st time in 5 years. Featuring all three championships on the line, The Juggernaut defeated Bubblegum to begin his 16 month reign as the GPW Heavyweight Champion. The Young Offenders successfully defended the Tag team Trophy against Paradise Lost; and British Champion Sam Bailey went to a stunning 20 Minute draw with The Juice. Former partners Jiggy Walker and Danny Hope also clashed on this event.

GPW's training school

Established when the promotion first started in 2003, the training school has turned out some of the best wrestlers on the European circuit today. Names such as Joey Hayes, "Dangerous" Damon Leigh, Heresy, Juice, Danny Hope, William Gaylord, Ricky J. McKenzie, Jiggy Walker, Voodoo, Chris Echo, Juggernaut, The Great Suzuki, Bruce Sheila, Fox Carter, Dylan Roberts, TJ Cain and many, many more.

Grand Pro Wrestling boasts the highest number of graduates exported overseas than any other UK training centre.

The training facility is based in the heart of Manchester with regular classes. Head trainers are Heresy and Damon Leigh. However, other graduates are also involved in the development of trainees as well as guest trainers from the roster and the American independents.

External links

• GPW Official Website