In 2009 I attended all three of Dragon Gate's European shows – Barcelona,Spain; Oberhausen, Germany; and in Oxford, England. It was a hectic weekend full of early starts, travelling and very, very good wrestling.
This year DG returned to Europe for three dates: two in England and one in Germany. Although circumstances dictated that I couldn't attend all three shows, I had to at least attend one and that is what I did...
Despite the Broxbourne Civic Hall in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire having played host to many major UK events in the past, including the FWA and Ring Of Honor, Friday September 10 marked my first time at the venue. And I couldn't have been more impressed. The venue is perfect for pro wrestling. Sight lines are superb and there isn't a bad seat in the house. Even if you're sat in the back row of the bleachers you'll be able to see everything crystal clear. I'd even compare the venue to two of my favourite wrestling venues – Tokyo's Korakuen Hall and Philadelphia's ECW Arena/New Alhambra.
You have to hand it to Mark Sloan. With the DG talent in the back, Mark could have easily phoned it in production wise. But no. Mark's set-up was superb. Great lightning, custom DG ring mat and turnbuckle covers and a awesome entrance stage. Top marks.
The in-ring action more than lived-up to the standards set by Dragon Gate last year. The main event six-man tag team match (PAC & Masato Yoshino & BxB Hulk vs CIMA & Maasaki Mochizuki & Dragon Kid) was a typical DG main event – out of this world! Pac is unbelievable and in, his post-match speech, you could really feel how much he loves Dragon Gate.
The rematch between Shingo and Susumu Yokosuka was epic. They pretty much lariated and chopped the hell of each other. And Shingo's win ties the series which pretty match guarantees a rubber match on UK soil in 2011. Bring it on...
The remaining matches varied from very good (Mark Haskins vs Lion Kid) to excellent (Naruki Doi vs YAMATO) whilst the 'bonus match' opener of the All-Stars (Robbie Dynamite & Mikey Whiplash) winning the IPW:UK tag titles from the Leaders of the New School (Zack Sabre Jr. & Marty Scurll) was as innovative as it was thrilling.
Full results:
A – IPW:UK tag team championship: The All-Stars (Robbie Dynamite & Mikey Whiplash) defeated The Leaders of the New School (Zack Sabre Jr. & Marty Scurll) © to win the titles
1 – Cyber Kong pinned Joey Hayes
2 - “The Star Attraction” Mark Haskins beat Lion Kid
3 – Shingo pinned Susumu Yokosuka
4 – Naruki Doi beat YAMATO
5 – PAC & Masato Yoshino & BxB Hulk defeated CIMA & Maasaki Mochizuki & Dragon Kid
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