Pacific Pro Wrestling

On this day in 2014 we promoted our first event at the Acacia Ridge Hotel.

This was a significant moment for us as after a failed experiment with the first P-1 tournament at Lions Richlands, we had established a new home venue in Brisbane. This show saw the introduction of the VIP Package (something not seen in Queensland at the time) where you could get dinner and drinks included in the ticket price.

The event was memorable as it saw championships from not only Pacific Pro, but also Prowl and AWA defended. The Prowl Heavyweight title was on the line as Mystery defended against Jake Nova, a match that was marred by interference from Joe Haze - bringing his unique brand of violence to us.

The AWA title was defended alongside the Pacific Heavyweight title in the main event when AJ Istria tangled with the Australian Wolf, making his first appearance as a regular with us.

And Joel Bateman's year-plus long Pacific Light Heavyweight title reign came to an end after getting cocky and trying to put his protoge Lynx Lewis Jr in his place. Lynx was ready to step out of Bateman's shadow and did it in spectacular style!

This event also saw the Pacific Pro debut of future Pacific Women's champion and current Ring of Honor talent - Kellyanne!

A big thank you to everyone who watched the show, either live or later through YouTube, everyone who worked the show, Just Julie. Just Wrestling. for the awesome photo of the VIP section and importantly to Dominique at the Hotel for making this happen.

Unfortunately due to management decisions at the hotel this space would be repurposed and we were only able to hold one more event in this space here following this. But this event was a turning point for us and without it - there may not have been many more.

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Pacific Pro Wrestling presents X [010]
21st June 2014
Acacia Ridge Hotel
Acacia Ridge, Queensland, AUS

1. Mystery def. Jake Nova via disqualification to retain the Prowl Heavyweight title.
2. Lynx Lewis Jr, Renegade & Sam Richards def. Lucas Gold, RUFIO & Johnny Lukas
3. Kellyanne English def. Sara Jay
4. Lynx Lewis Jr def. Koi Bombora
5. Lynx Lewis Jr def. Joel Bateman to win the Pacific Light Heavyweight title.
6. AJ Istria def. Australian Wolf to retain the Pacific Heavyweight & AWA Heavyweight titles

5 years ago today was our CHAMPIONS event. Of all Pacific Pro events, this was my personal favourite and I feel the high point of the promotion. We've had bigger drawing events (this was our third highest) but from a creativity and quality perspective this felt like the high point. - CD

Pacific Pro Wrestling presents CHAMPIONS [013]
16th May 2015
Bundamba State Secondary College
Bundamba, Queensland, AUS

1. Triple X Rated def. Ricky Rembrandt
2. Bryce McAllister & Sam Richards def. Alex Shepard & Astro Shock
3. Lucas Gold def. Tim Kade to retain the Pacific Light Heavyweight Championship
4. Thirteen def. Rufio
5. Kellie Skater vs Kellyanne ended in a double countout so Skater retained the Pacific
Women's Championship
6. The Street Revolution (Lynx Lewis Jr & Renegade) def. The Wolves of the Sea
(Australian Wolf & Koi Bombora) to win the Pacific Tag Team Championships.
7. AJ Istria def. Jonah Rock to win the Pacific Heavyweight Championship.

At 2am (AEST) Mark Davis challenges for New Japan’s IWGP Tag Team title (Robbie Eagles is also on the card) and then at 9am Shazza McKenzie competes for a chance at All Elite’s Women’s title.

Both shows on FITE.tv

Edit: And Toni Storm defends the NXT UK Women's title against Kay Lee Ray at 4am on the WWE Network!

What have I been up to since the last Pacific Pro event?

Well I've gone from running events, to running events. This weekend I'm participating in my first, the Bridge to Brisbane.

Mental health is an area that's quite important to me, and that's why I've chosen to raise money for R U OK?

Feel free to donate https://b2b2019.everydayhero.com/au/chris-dalgleish

Even if you don't donate - check on your mates, and ask the question. Sometimes it's an important conversation that needs to be had. - CD

Help Chris Dalgleish make a difference Please support Chris Dalgleish's cause by giving through their Supporter page and sharing to spread the word about R U OK?

On this day 6 years ago...

The tournament to crown the inaugural Pacific Heavyweight Champion came to it's conclusion when 'Iron Jay' Ben Coles defeated Ryan Eagles in the final of PART III at Bundamba in front of the one of the largest crowds in Pacific Pro history.

Also on that event;
SHIMMER and PWA stars collided as Madison Eagles defeated Shazza McKenzie to retain the Pacific Women's Championship.

'The Smash Hit' Joel Bateman made his first successful defence in a dominating reign as Pacific Light Heavyweight Champion.

Mason Childs defeated a debuting (The) Chad Skyze, Jake Nova defeated Lucas Gold and Josh Haze (returning from a suspension for attacking an official) defeated ZERO.

On this day 6 years ago, we ran an event called 'Second Impact'. One of the main matches was this contest to determine the inaugural Pacific Women's Champion.

In one corner, coming off of a career-defining run in the US featuring a record-setting reign with the Shimmer title, and being the first independent woman (and only Australian to date) to top Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Female 50 (/ Women's 100) - Madison Eagles - Pro Wrestler.

In the other corner, at the time she was a young wrestler with a lot of potential that didn't really have much of a profile outside of Queensland. Since then she's gone on to do a few things. Current WWE NXT UK Women's Champion, 2018 WWE Mae Young Classic tournament winner, first Progress Women's Champion in the UK, simultaneously holding the World of Stardom and SWA World titles in Stardom (Japan) as well as winning both the 5 Star GP and Cinderella Tournament in 2017 (the first gaijin (foreigner) to win both of those tournaments and the first person to win the both in the same year). - Toni Storm!

Looking back, booking this match is one of my proudest accomplishments with Pacific Pro Wrestling. It's the number one video on our YouTube channel - it's on our only DVD (The Women of Pacific Pro, Vol 1. - still some copies available through the website). This match said that not only are we taking women's wrestling seriously by booking the best in the country, but we are taking Storm seriously - which is something that was rare at the time.

And as always, a shout out to Cory Lockwood Photography for the design work!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dPVfXj46lU

- CD

Peter Ball aka “Hawk” has passed away.

I actually haven’t had any direct dealings with Hawk, however his influence on wrestling in Queensland is immeasurable.

It was in January 2005 that I was first made aware that there was wrestling in Queensland. One of Hawk’s events.

Almost every wrestler in Queensland has been trained directly by Hawk, or by someone who has been.

Without him, we don’t have wrestling in this state as we know it. Rest In Peace Hawk.

- CD

Former Pacific Tag Team Champion and winner of the third P-1 Tournament - Australian Wolf.

The Pacific Pro Committee has been known to enjoy a mango or two at the end of a show.

We all know one

On this day six years ago - we announced our third wrestler.

At the time he was one of the hottest names in Australia and his profile was on the rise nationwide. He was fresh off a tour of Zero1 in Japan and had experience in CHIKARA in the US under his belt. After wrestling in the main event of Prowl's Ipswich Invasion show (my first shot at promoting before this whole Pacific deal - thanks Greg!), Robbie became known to the Queensland audience. As such the announcement of his return a year later left many excited to see this high flying ace in action.

Robbie Eagles debuted on the first show in February 2013, FIRST STRIKE in a losing effort to Mitch McCarthy during the opening round of the Pacific Heavyweight Title tournament.

Robbie returned in June to headline ADRENALINE, battling AJ Istria for the chance to be the first defence of "Iron Jay" Ben Coles' Pacific Heavyweight Title reign. He was unsuccessful, but that would've been an interesting match!

His next appearance was the inaugural P-1 TOURNAMENT in February 2014. He defeated Pacific Light Heavyweight champion Joel Bateman in the opening round (also Pacific Pro Match of the Year). Round two saw a win over Mark Davis and he met AJ Istria in the finals. In one of the hardest matches in Pacific history - he was unsuccessful in claiming the trophy.

Unsuccessful isn't really a word you'd use to describe Robbie Eagles though. Especially over the last two years. Last year in PWA he had an incredible match with Will Ospreay that helped his profile on the world stage. He entered PWG's Battle of Los Angeles and impressed with matches against DJ Z and Shingo Takagi.

And most recently he was announced as joining Bullet Club OG in New Japan Pro Wrestling - competing alongside Taiji Ishimori in the Super Jr Tag League, impressing many in the process.

Robbie Eagles was a great asset for us in Pacific Pro and it's unfortunate that his appearances were only limited in number. But they were sensational and seeing him succeed internationally - and especially in New Japan - is fantastic.

And speaking of fantastic - Cory Lockwood Photography with the graphic design as usual!

The second talent we announced was 'on this day' back at the tail end of 2012 was Mason Childs!

At the time Mason Childs was coming off a yearlong retirement (not even all that short by wrestling standards). After recouping an injury and returning from a trip to Japan - he was reinvigorated and ready to return to the ring.

His first appearance was in March 2013 at SECOND IMPACT as a part of the Pacific Heavyweight Title tournament. He wrestled Alex Shepard in the opening contest of the night but was disqualified after a low blow. The resulting attack is the second most-watched video on our YouTube. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7SwERg-t1Q)

Childs would once again defeat Shepard in a rematch in June at ADRENALINE in a match that would be Shepard's last until 2015.

Mason Childs' final appearance in Pacific Pro was at IGNITION in September 2013 on the losing end of a match with Jade Diamond & Whetu to crown the first Pacific Tag Team Champions. He teamed with Skinny D.

A few months later at SHOWDOWN, a masked man with a very similar in-ring style would appear in a match against Rionne Fujiwara (then McAvoy). The Australian Wolverine was unsuccessful on that night but after changing his name to Australian Wolf - managed to win the Pacific Tag Team Titles alongside Koi Bombora in 2014 (at an AWA show, during our working relationship) and the third P-1 Tournament in 2016. Australian Wolf is currently a mainstay of QWA up in Townsville. Mason Childs hasn't been sighted for years though.

Credit as always, to the man Cory Lockwood Photography for the graphic design.

While we're not running shows anymore - 6 years ago we were gearing up for our first. I'm getting the roster announcements in the "On This Day" feature of my personal Facebook.

I'll be posting a little bit of Pacific history about the wrestlers as they come up.

First is "Iron Jay" Ben Coles.

At the time, the most recognisable wrestler in Australia - the star of I&J's "Iron Jay" advertising campaign for their line of frozen fish - Ben Coles entered Pacific Pro first appearing on the inaugural show 'FIRST STRIKE' in February 2013.

At FIRST STRIKE, Coles fought AJ Istria in the first round of the Pacific Heavyweight title tournament. Despite interference from Istria's second Chris Achilles, Coles won the match and went on to defeat Mitch McCarthy in the second round and the main event of the evening. Unfortunately due to my own inexperience in managing camera batteries - the Coles/McCarthy match holds the distinction of being the only match in Pacific Pro history that wasn't captured on film in it's entirety.

Come May, Coles defeated Ryan Eagles in the tournament final at PART III and became the first Pacific Heavyweight Champion.

Coles would sit atop the ladder as champion while challengers were determined and come November at SHOWDOWN - he met AJ Istria again, and lost the title on his first defence.

Due to injuries and scheduling conflicts this ended up being the final appearance of Ben Coles. The three events that he headlined drew three of our biggest crowds.

And a massive credit to Cory Lockwood Photography for all of the branded designs that will appear over the course of this series.

Today the final of WWE’s Mae Young Classic tournament takes place at their Evolution PPV.

The final is Io Shirai vs Toni Storm.

Io is one of my favourite wrestlers and someone I consider one of the best in the world.

And Toni. One of the key players in the first year of Pacific Pro. I’d been watching her in the two years prior to us starting the promotion and saw that she was a lot better than the booking she was getting. We built a women’s division around her and in that first year were able to get in world class talent like Madison Eagles, Shazza McKenzie and Kellie Skater.

The two have had amazing matches for Stardom in Japan and I’m so happy to see them on a world stage.

-CD

Pic: Nahuel Tajes - Multimedia

One of the best.

To our founder and the man who put everything on the line to ensure that Wrestle Rampage would still be going strong after 12+ years... we say THANKYOU!! An absolute legend of Professional Wrestling walks away from the spotlight today.

“From my last moments as a pro wrestler not knowing if my body would let me stand tall to thank you all for the decades of support.

This was after my final match in ZERO1 Japan... my legs were shot and my lower back was dead, so at that moment after 20 years of wrestling and running on a broken body I decided to go out on my terms... and there couldn't have been a more perfect place than at Korakuen Hall after a match where I laid it all on the line.

Japan has always been my second home and I will miss it way too much. The fans are incredible!! And to Australia... Im sorry I couldn't give you one more.

From not so humble beginnings in 1998, to a small NJPW Young Lion in 2006, to a heavyweight beast from 2008 to 2018 with WRESTLE RAMPAGE and ZERO1... I've had the best experiences of my life.

I feel in my heart that one day I will be back competing in the ring... though first, I need to put some pieces back together in this old hoss body so I can try and be bigger and better than before!

But for now I must say... goodbye!
Jackson. No.1............

📸: Twitter
📽️: Twitter ”

- ‘Jag’ Hartley Jackson

The third entrant for the P-1 Tournament is Sebastian Matters. Long time fans may remember him as SebMax from his time in Pacific Pro.

This tournament is shaping up to be a great event!

April 28th, PROWL Wrestling hosts our prestigious P-1 Tournament at Thorneside.

Entrants announced so far;
"The Retro King" Bobby Bishop
Dallas Sommers

On this day 5 years ago, was the premiere of Pacific Pro!

FIRST STRIKE from Bundamba SSC on Feb 16, 2013.

The event that kicked it all off saw Mitch McCarthy defeat Robbie Eagles in our first ever match to advance in the title tournament. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObcHDd4s8NI)

'TV's Iron Jay' Ben Coles defeat AJ Istria (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdJBln8Gs9E) to meet McCarthy in the main event where he would win a spot in the tournament final. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdAUQ0jLga4)

Criss Creed defeated Jake Nova, Mystery and Lucas Gold to become the first Pacific Light Heavyweight champion. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9Z28ljpRek)

Alex Shepard defeated Josh Haze who then attacked referee Ryan Anderson and earn two months on the sidelines. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYZ-WHSeOqc)

Madison Eagles & Shazza McKenzie got the win over Toni Storm & Mighty Mel in a match that demonstrated the emphasis we were placing on the women's division. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdGQcXTEK3o)

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And if you're missing your fix for local wrestling - our good friends at PROWL Wrestling are holding Welcome to the Jungle on Saturday night at Thorneside!

News about The P-1 Tournament on April 28 that will be held by PROWL at Thorneside Hall.

After making his NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING debut last night at WRESTLE KINGDOM, Bullet Club member MR JUICY has been named as the first entrant into the tournament!

Weekly Pro Wrestling magazine in Japan has announced their Top 5 foreigners for 2017.

Kenny Omega, Joe Doering, Will Ospreay, Ricochet and Toni Storm!

Congratulations Toni on yet another achievement in this banner year!

The P-1 Tournament returns!

We are working together with our good friends at PROWL Wrestling as they host the 2018 P-1 Tournament.

The tournament will take place on April 28 at Thorneside.

PROWL's next event 'Welcome to the Jungle' takes place on February 17th at Thorneside. Details are in the link.

A Toni Storm comic from Mister J!

Toni Storm Toni Storm is an Australian professional wrestler currently residing in the UK. She is the current World of Stardom, SWA and Progress Womens Champion.

The results are in.

http://bit.ly/2A9kjFq

Queensland Wrestling Survey 1.pdf

The survey has been closed and we're hard at work on the results!

Here's hoping this leads to an improvement across the greater Queensland circuit.

Last chance to have your say. We'll close the survey and start working on the results tomorrow!

Queensland Wrestling Survey 1 A short survey aiming to collect feedback which will be passed on to promoters with the aim of improving wrestling in Queensland. This survey is being conducted independent of any currently active wrestling organisation and results will be made available to each organisation. Respondants are unable…

Our version of this was one of the best matches in Pacific Pro history.

That was two years ago though, and with the rate these guys evolve - may as well have been a lifetime ago.

Check out two of the best wrestlers in Australia today going at it over the Australian National Championship in Wrestle Rampage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7WfISidznU

AJ Istria vs Jonah Rock - Wrestle Rampage Revolution 2017 Australian National Championship AJ Istria vs Jonah Rock at Wrestle Rampage Revolution 2017 for the Australian National Championship. Visit us at www.wrestlerampage.com Stay tuned for furthe...

We've had a great response so far. If you haven't seen it yet, click the link and take a look at the Queensland Wrestling Survey. This is something that I am conducting independtly with the purpose of putting together some solid data and distributing the data amongst the promoters of Queensland with the intention of making the Queensland circuit a better place.

Wrestlers and Interstate readers are more than welcome to participate as well. Your opinions all count and each perspective offers valuable insight.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16CWTguLhAiS5tzcY71rzfo8451brcJ0Rq-_QJMd6UVo

Queensland Wrestling Survey 1 A short survey aiming to collect feedback which will be passed on to promoters with the aim of improving wrestling in Queensland. This survey is being conducted independent of any currently active wrestling organisation and results will be made available to each organisation. Respondants are unable…

Hey yo. It's survey time.

I've put together a short survey for you to fill out with the intention of improving wrestling in Queensland. Results will be made available to all promoters in Queensland, and this can be considered an independent survey.

Share it around, all are welcome to participate. Answers are anonymous so please be honest.

Survey is open through the month of November. - CD

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2HtJxOXVd-OIE49Dr1w7fX86ivYcmYQ93JLFzZe_EPv72SQ/viewform

Queensland Wrestling Survey 1 A short survey aiming to collect feedback which will be passed on to promoters with the aim of improving wrestling in Queensland. This survey is being conducted independent of any currently active wrestling organisation and results will be made available to all each organisation. Respondants are una...

Nice to see a certain 3 time Pacific Heavyweight Champion in here!

I've said it here before but Voices of Wrestling is one of the best wrestling sites on the internet. In-depth articles, an awesome range of podcast and fantastic show previews, focusing on a good range of promotions. Check them out. - CD

www.voicesofwrestling.com/2017/10/31/australian-wrestlers-keep-eye-part-2/

Australian Wrestlers To Keep Your Eye On (Part 2) Since we only scratched the surface of this emerging scene, let’s look at a few other wrestlers in the Australia/New Zealand region to keep an eye on.

Pacific Pro Wrestling at the Brisbane Zombie Walk in Roma Street Parklands two years ago.

At that event Alex Shepard defeated Lucas Gold to win the Pacific Light Heavyweight Championship which he held for all of about 2 hours before Gold got justice in a rematch.