Rock Steady Wrestling Jumps Off The Ropes in Port Richey

All Photos By Jordan Raiff

Rock Steady Wresting has been making waves across the wresting circuit since their opening show less than a year ago. Currently running in the Gulfview Event Center in Port Richie, FL, it has given fans the chance to see the stars of tomorrow today. Their brand of family-friendly entertainment has been entertaining the masses as the hits have just kept coming.

            Opening the night was a contest between One of the best moving ‘big men’ on the independent circuit Budd Heavy taking on the masked man Neurosis; who is also one half of Justin Michaels Enterprises. Early on Budd took a hold of Neurosis and didn’t let up. Completely dominating Neurosis, this quick match ended with Neurosis hitting the piledriver and having his hand raised in victory.

            After the match, Budd called out a special woman in his life. Commissioner Brittany Diamond. After handing her a bouquet of rather trashed flowers and a get well soon card with the explanation of the florist ‘making a mistake with the orders’ Budd suggested a dinner out at one of the best restaurants in Florida- Olive Garden!! Brittany shyly agreed and left the ring with Budd hand in hand. As anyone can tell you, this romance is something special.

            Next up was the King of Jazz Hands Frankie Burbank taking on a perennial up and comer Grady. As announced, this match carried a special significance with it; the winner would become the #1 contender for the Internet TV title. This quick-paced match was a hard-fought battle back and forth, with many impressive near falls by both competitors.

The action kept the fans on the edge of their seats, and Frankie looked to use Grady’s lost bandanna against him to end the match. Unfortunately for Frankie, the ref saw his attempt and lectured him in the corner thus distracting poor Frankie. Grady was able to make a quick recovery and roll up Frankie to get the 1-2-3 and become the #1 contender!!

Coming out to boos and chants of ‘USA!! USA!!’the third match featured The Cuban Heavyweight Champ ‘Cuban Assassin’ Fidel Sierra with his lovely manager Fantasy taking on ‘Chocolate American’ Gariston S. Spears. As Cuban reminded the crowd of how little he thinks of America and the American people, Gariston mounted a respectable offense in response.

As Fantasy did her best to quiet the crowd from their chants, she was able to sneak the Cuban flag to Fidel who utilized it to make quick work of Gariston. This disqualified Fidel who made a cocky exit with Fantasy to the back to a chorus of boos. Unfortunately, Gariston found himself incredibly injured and required the help from the ref to the back.

After a quick intermission, it was time for Bobby Fonta to hold his ‘open challenge’ for his Internet TV Title. With challenges like these, you never know who is going to show up, and this time with was the second half of Justin Michaels Enterprises; Maximus!! Accompanied by Neurosis, Maximus came out strong and ready to prove the strength of JME.

The speed of Bobby Fonta was a true test against the strength and ingenuity of Maximus. As these two warriors battled back-and-forth across the ring, Maximus’ was proving to be a formidable opponent, and a new champ seemed destined to be crowned.

Neurosis decided that despite the strength of Maximus he must ensure victory. Attempting to throw power in the face of Bobby, he overshot his mark and hit Maximus in the face. With Maximus blinded Bobby was able to secure his victory and retain his title. Neurosis came in the ring to apologize to his partner, only to be hammered with Maximus’ spear, and be dragged out of the ring by his now shredded shirt.

As the fifth match began, Nate Fury took the ring to address the conflict with Marc Mandrake and Salvation. As he spoke, the sounds of Sevendust hit the speakers and the fans erupted. Mandrake made his way to the ring, and once again offered Salvation to Nate. As Nate turned his back to the entrance, Jeremiah snuck into the ring and attacked Nate as Mandrake slid out and looked on.

With the ref now entering the ring, the match was on! With Nate mounting limited offense, the match seemed more like a sacrifice than a wrestling match. While Nate made a valiant attempt to assert himself, the heart of this warrior proved to be too little compared to the power of Jeremiah and Salvation as a whole.

After Jeremiah landed a Black Hole Sun slam on Fury the match was over. With Mandrake coming back in the ring he grabbed the mic to again remind Nate that until he steps into the light and accepts Salvation, this will continue.

The final match of the night was for the RSW Heavyweight Championship with champion ‘Diamond Kid’ Sean Scott taking on Kennedy Kendrick. Starting off the match, these two circled one another and traded blows back and forth. Building up the momentum, Diamond Kid looked to have a clean win over Kennedy.

However, Kennedy was able to battle back and get shocking near win, with Diamond Kid getting his shoulder up just before the three count. With fans clapping and cheering him on, Diamond Kid began to battle back. Regaining his earlier control, Diamond Kid seemed to have this in the bag.

Unannounced and unseen by many, Fidel Sierra, Fantasy and co-GM Don Vincenzo had made their way ringside. With Fidel approaching the ring he distracted the ref, and the crowd took notice of this. As Kennedy comes over to protest their presence due to his prior fights with Fidel, he is clocked cleanly thus costing him the title. As the bell rings Don comes to the ring apron with an envelope for Diamond Kid that he rejected.

This bit caused some serious confusion among the fans, Diamond Kid and Kennedy all at once. As the fans began to leave, the big match for the next show was announced; a “Fans Pick the Stipulation match” for the RSW Heavyweight title at the next show!!! This stopped the fans in their tracks and resulted in loud applause and cheers from the fans.

RSW 9 will be held March 14^th at Gulfview Event Center in Port Richie, FL. Tickets start at $15. Doors open at 6pm, and the first match starts at 7pm. Find them on Instagram @rock_steady_wrestling and don’t forget to vote on Facebook @RockSteadyWrestling. Knowing RSW, these stipulations promise to be nothing short of brilliant!!

More photos from Jordan Raiff