A title change, betrayal and a blockbuster rematch at Fight Factory Wrestling: Blood and Iron.
Returning to One NK in North Hykeham on July 11, Fight Factory Wrestling presented Blood and Iron just hours before England’s World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway. With an earlier finish, those in attendance had plenty of time to make it home for kick-off after an action-packed evening.
With his tag partner Morgan absent, Gunnarsson defended the Maulers’ Tag Team Championships solo against Ben Butcher and Jack Maxwell in the opening match of the evening. Despite the two-on-one disadvantage, Gunnarsson capitalised on a costly miscommunication to pick up the win as Butcher accidentally speared Maxwell. Frustration boiled over after the bell as Maxwell attacked Butcher, who appeared ready to call it a day by removing his boots in the ring. Ring announcer Stew then offered to form a team with Butcher, but the offer was rejected—for now.
A six-man tag match followed as Strap, Ace Matthews and Mike Raphone teamed up to take on Act Two [Benjamin Harland and Jack Knudsen] and Benjamin Quill. The action was frantic from the opening bell, with the crowd firmly backing Strap’s team throughout, even if it was hard to boo the very entertaining Act Two. Strap hit the jumping stunner to win the match to the delight of the fans and the babyfaces shook hands with Act Two after the bell. An annoyed Quill confronted Act Two, but was taken out by the tag team for his troubles.
The first half ended with the night’s only title change as Crook dethroned AJ Loeve to become Academy Champion. In a power vs. speed match, Loeve looked to outmanoeuvre Crook, but a well-placed counter brought this one to an end. A devastating second-rope F5 proved decisive, giving Crook the pinfall victory and the Academy Championship.
Following a short interval, the second half kicked off with Will Jackson defending the European Championship against longtime friend Damien Valentine. Ahead of the event, Jackson had admitted on social media that he hadn’t defended the European Championship for months and even offered to vacate the title, only to be told he would remain champion. What began as a respectful contest between longtime friends soon took a dramatic turn. With Jackson going down with a knee injury, the crew and medics rushed to the ring. Ringside staff raised the ring aprons to shield the situation from view. As Jackson apologised, the FFW crowd respectfully applauded the champion as he appeared to make his way out of the ring.
It was all an elaborate deception, as Jackson struck Valentine with a lariat when the match was about to be called off. Blasting Valentine with a chair, Jackson lost the match via DQ, but still remained the champion.
As FFW Ladies Champion Lana Austin and best friend Hollie Barlow were unable to travel to the show, Kiya was denied her scheduled title opportunity. Instead, Academy wrestler Tilda answered the open challenge, but despite her enthusiasm, she was quickly forced to submit.
It was then time for the main event. In a rematch from Return to the Drill, Carter defended the Junior Heavyweight Championship against George Hunter after the challenger earned another opportunity following Carter’s controversial victory in their previous meeting. With the referee knocked down in the closing part of the match, Carter looked to once again use the title to his advantage, but Hunter avoided it. Hunter appeared to have the match won after scoring a visual pin, but with the referee still down, there was nobody to count the three.
Hunter then thought about striking Carter with the title, but hesitated and was hit with a low blow by the champion. Knocking Hunter off the top rope, Carter went on to retain the championship via pinfall.
Carter’s post-match celebration was cut short when he called ring announcer Stew into the ring and threatened him. Before Carter could continue, Ben Butcher returned to make the save and officially accepted Stew’s earlier offer to join forces. The new alliance sent the audience home happy to close another memorable Fight Factory Wrestling event.
Fight Factory Wrestling: Blood And Iron Results
- Gunnarsson defeated Jack Maxwell and Ben Butcher to retain the FFW Tag Team Championships
- Strap, Ace Matthews and Mike Raphone defeated Act Two and Benjamin Quill
- Crook defeated AJ Loeve to become the new FFW Academy Champion
- Damien Valentine defeated Will Jackson via DQ in a match for the FFW European Championship. Jackson is still the champion
- Kiya defeated Tilda
- Carter defeated George Hunter to retain the FFW Junior Heavyweight Championship
Fight Factory Wrestling’s next show will be Rise of Champions on August 23 at The Drill in Lincoln.
Featured image: Fight Factory Wrestling
