GOLD RUSH - CHARTING THE RISE OF WWP'S CHAMPIONSHIPS
by B.L.
by B.L.
To understand the concept of a championship bearing World Title status, one must look at various aspects that lead to this reasoning and evolution in merit. Probably the most important is that a champion defends the belt across the world on a regular basis, and another, that the champions and challengers be of varying international nationalities. World Wrestling Professionals, since its inception in 2002, has undertaken dozens of tours across the globe, with a presence in countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Greece, Mauritius, Paraguay, and Egypt. WWP's vast collection of superstars consists of professional wrestlers hailing from South Africa, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Spain, France, Scotland, Mexico, Canada, United Kingdom, Austria, Turkey, Switzerland, United States of America, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Germany. With such a large international contingent and championship fights held in many of these countries over the years, WWP has proven that its championships are truly of World Title status.
WWP World Heavyweight Championship:
Tornado, the first-ever champion in WWP history, is also the current World Heavyweight Champion as of July 11, 2009, when he defeated Dameon Duke in the Democratic Republic of Congo to become the 5th person to wear the gold and a 2-time World Heavyweight Champion. Experts argue that Tornado is the first genuine World Champion of South African nationality since the legendary Jan Wilkens. The World Heavyweight Title sanctioned by WWP was formed in 2002 and all of South Africa's major heavyweight belts of the time were unified with the WWP World Heavyweight Title, including ones that Tornado had been wearing and defending internationally. Tornado would go on to defend the World Heavyweight Title multiple times in South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius and Russia, holding the gold for an amazing five years.
2007 was one of the most historic years in WWP history as two eras came to an end. Years of faction warfare based on moral and cultural differences came to a halt, and the Alkebulan Heavyweight Title and Def Faxion Heavyweight Title were unified and amalgamated with the WWP World Heavyweight Title. The athletic marvel Tornado, who had reigned and dominated since 2002, was overthrown by the younger Dameon Duke in a shocking championship victory. The scene in WWP suddenly changed drastically. PJ Black, the son of Tornado's best friend and deceased legend "The Pink Panther" Paul Lloyd Sr., was rising up the ranks and attracting attention as a potential future World Heavyweight Champion, but for the time being decided to reside in the Cruiserweight division. The Canadian-born and Europe-residing Joe E Legend had made his return to South Africa to eye the former champion Tornado in a heated feud that had its roots way back in 1995, and with his long list of championships held around the world was looking to add the WWP World Heavyweight Title to that astounding list. Fury, a monster of a man with seemingly unlimited strength and animalistic ferocity, exploded into the heavyweight division and immediately engaged in a three-match rivalry over the championship with the arrogant Dameon. Upon the third encounter, Fury dethroned Dameon Duke to become the third World Heavyweight Champion in history. With an honourable embrace from Dameon, he handed the gold over to Fury and showed that he was capable of respecting him despite their dark, storied past. Tornado's battles with Joe E Legend gained notoriety for their level of intensity and violent, bloody fistfights, in which they brawled all over the Dome of Doom arena during one highly memorable streetfight resulting in Tornado going so far as to dive off a high ledge onto the prone Legend. In later bouts between the two, Legend almost knocked Tornado unconscious several times using brutal Dragon Suplex head drops and neck-breaking, impactful maneuvres. There was no limit to the hate between the two, and the World Heavyweight Title would soon see one of those warriors become the new champion.
Fury proved to be one of WWP's greatest champions despite a short reign, defeating challengers all over the continent and overpowering giants of equal stature. The WWP general manager of the time, however, was unsatisfied with his defences and ordered the championship to be declared vacant. In what was a controversial move, fans soon learned that it was "The Weasel" - a money-crazed individual with a vendetta against South African wrestlers - that made the decision. "The Weasel" led the WDP (Weasel Democratic Party) to a mass invasion as Murat, Mikey Whiplash, Pippa La Vinn, Ares and Joe E Legend brought chaos to WWP. PJ Black was one of WDP's primary targets as Murat and Whiplash tried to stop The Blackstar's progress. In early 2008, the chairman and co-shareholder of the time used his power to rebel against the unjustified, greedy efforts of "The Weasel", and made PJ Black one of the main contenders to the vacant World Heavyweight Title. "The Weasel" brought out his top man Joe E Legend to be in the opposite corner, bringing back memories for fans of a match they had had a year before in which Legend came out the better man. This time, they were fighting for the most prestigious championship in the entire Southern Hemisphere. It was billed as the most important match in WWP history. On national TV, as one million viewers were glued to their screens, Joe E Legend and PJ Black pulled out all the stops to one up each other, Legend trying to ground the high-flying "superathlete" while PJ Black risked life and limb with high-risk, gravity-defying moves. After a dive off a 15-foot platform, a rare moonsault from Legend, innumerable counter-to-counters and both feeding off the fire of fighting spirit, PJ Black was seemingly on the verge of becoming the 4th-ever World Heavyweight Champion when Legend threw a fireball into his face and bombed him to the ground with a Hospital Job onto a chair. Viewers looked on in horror as Joe E Legend's arm was lifted by the referee in victory. The most hated superstar in WWP history was now your new World Heavyweight Champion, and his own personal dreams of capturing the gold had come true despite the protests of fans.
During five weeks of absence from national television, Joe E Legend returned to Europe with the championship, threatening to never come back. He defended it in Germany, Austria and Russia against world-class opponents before being requested by "The Weasel" to return to assist them in the WDP's final battles against Tornado's army of supporters. Following a debilitating loss for WDP and commencement of the season, Legend was said to have "run away" from defending the championship on regular occasions as per the requirements. With everyone going in different directions in their careers, "The Weasel" became more neutral in stance and removed the championship from Legend's possession. Once members of a stable with a common objective, "The Weasel" grew angry at Legend for being self-centred, asserting that no one should be champion if they're too scared to defend it and that Legend betrayed what they had set out to accomplish together. The championship was once again declared vacant. On July 11, 2009, in front of 20,000 fans in the Democratic Republic of Congo, former World Heavyweight Champions Tornado and Dameon Duke re-ignited a past grudge and collided in what was one of the greatest matches in WWP ever. Tornado moonsaulted Dameon for the win, breaking records and shattering beliefs that Tornado couldn't do it again. The veteran of over 20 years was now the first-ever 2-time World Heavyweight Champion and once again the top professional wrestler on the entire African continent. During the past year Tornado defended the championship in such countries as India and Nigeria, furthering the legacy of the WWP World Heavyweight Title. With superstars rising fast in WWP, there's no telling who could be the next one to add their name to that prestigious list of World Heavyweight Champions in the near future. The World Heavyweight Title represents the pinnacle of World Wrestling Professionals and its evolution is indicative of how much WWP has grown, from its birth in the windy city of Port Elizabeth to becoming one of the biggest wrestling bodies in the world.
WWP World Ladies Championship:
During its existence the WWP-sanctioned World Ladies Title has been defended in South Africa, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, United Kingdom, Mauritius and India, and is the most sought-after prize in the Ladies division. Beginning in 2005, "The Brakpan Brawler" Scorn, fan favourite Venus and the mysterious Allison Wilder were among the first to embark on the title chase. Scorn's size and power were unmatched in the highly competitive division and she muscled her way to become the first WWP Ladies Champion in history, followed by Venus and Allison Wilder, relentless in pursuit. Soon the guard would change with Akilah making her debut, stunning audiences and peers alike with innovative, deadly offense and a deceivingly cunning appearance that put her opponents off their game. She defeated Allison Wilder in a classic to become the new World Ladies Champion in 2007. Her alliance with the World Heavyweight Champion Tornado was not only strategic but led to an off-screen romance and a marriage. Although they preferred to keep their relationship in private quarters, it was clear to fans around the world that Tornado and Akilah were involved with one another during Tornado's bloody feud with a retired hardcore legend, when Tornado rode off on a harley-davidson motorcyle with Akilah straddling behind. Akilah was practically unstoppable at this point.
A vixen from the United Kingdom calling herself Pippa La Vinn entered the picture and squared off with Akilah in December 2007, capturing the championship in her very first WWP match. With her fiery temper and menacing demeanour, Pippa was immediately feared by all challengers. A return to her homeland saw her defend the title twice before signing for an official rematch with Akilah in South Africa. While Akilah had Tornado at her side, Joe E Legend started escorting Pippa La Vinn to the ring and even interfered during one particular encounter that resulted in a disqualification. Akilah demanded a rematch with no outside interference and got her wish on February 8, 2008, where she defeated Pippa La Vinn to become a two-time World Ladies Champion. At the same time this was all happening, numerous other female competitors were making their mark. Alisha, Black Magic and Kiara were just a few of the names that posed a major threat to the new champion Akilah, and even though their challenges for the gold were largely unsuccessful, Akilah was starting to feel the immense weight on her shoulders.
The original Ladies Champions Scorn and Venus made their returns to the ring after watching Akilah dominate the division for over a year. Scorn had major heat with Akilah that was allegedly fuelled by an unfavourable encounter at a night club, and her desire to become the champion once again was burning inside her. Venus was another former champion and her potential was limitless, but her penchant for addiction outside the ring and sour attitude prevented her from reaching what she was capable of. Scorn's entry into contendership rocked every other challenger in the Ladies division and after two failed starts, Scorn unseated Akilah on March 14, 2009, becoming the 7th World Ladies Champion. After four years Scorn had finally won back the treasured prize in a division she had helped cultivate. Akilah, not totally fazed by the loss, knew she still had a chance to regain the championship and claim her queendom. After a few months of taking time out to recollect her thoughts and get back into former shape, Akilah set a new record on July 18, 2009 at Night of Champions by defeating Scorn and becoming WWP's first-ever three-time champion in any singles division. With defenses in Nigeria, DRC, India and other countries, Akilah proved she is more than worthy of being the World Ladies Champion. The road ahead will only get tougher for Akilah as she tries to fend off newcomers like Crystal and the German Alpha Female, both having refined their ring mastery and serious candidates for next World Ladies Champion. Beauty, brawn, toughness and desire undoubtedly define the WWP Ladies division.
WWP World Tag Team Championship:
From Road Rage, Kilimanjaro and Kwaito Kid to French Connection and The Weasels, the WWP World Tag Team Titles have been at the centre of competition and controversy since WWP's inception. The Coalminers, consisting of The Blacksmith and his brother The Woodcarver, were the first to be awarded the belts and were soon thrust into a feud with World Heavyweight Champion Tornado in which he took them on in handicap matches. Tornado won the titles with no partner or assistance, furthering his legend as a dominant champion. The Coalminers struck back, however, winning them once again after a lawless contest. Tornado decided to focus on defending the World Heavyweight Title while the up-and-coming Ananzi and legendary Danie Brits put the pressure on The Coalminers, eventually becoming the 4th World Tag Team Champions. Following defenses all over the continent, Danie Brits abandoned Ananzi in a shocking turn of events and fought him in one-on-one grudge matches, allegedly spurred by jealousy and family hatred. Ananzi, coming out the victor in the end, took it upon himself to install a new co-tag team champion in AW Bulldog, another legend of the sport. The tag team scene in WWP then became even more condensed and competitive. Road Rage, two goliath-like powerhouses with the aim to bruise and disassemble opponents, crushed Ananzi and AW Bulldog in under a few minutes to win the championships. In less than one year, Road Rage had stampeded through everyone else. Ananzi and AW Bulldog took the loss badly and departed WWP for different reasons. Bulldog, feeling that his time in professional wrestling was up, retired after a long career, and Ananzi, motivated to become better, stronger and faster, took an excursion to the United States of America to train with Booker T.
Meanwhile, Terri Middoux and Scorpion Kruger realised their goals and philosophy were similar and banded together to form a team based on anti-South African beliefs, with "The Weasel" at their helm barking orders and making sure everything was organised. Road Rage fell to the French sympathisers in 2007 to the dismay of fans, but not too long after the two fan favourites Kwaito Kid and Kilimanjaro took the crown on December 5, 2007, marking the biggest accomplishment in both their careers at the time. Nicknamed "The African Coalition", their team consisted of two total opposites: the South African Kwaito Kid - the smaller, quicker grappler who relied on avoiding opponents and lashing out with dashing kicks and aerial moves to get the job done - was a contrast to the 6'5 strongman from Nigeria Kilimanjaro, who utilised some of the most devastating power moves in WWP and instilled fear into every opponent with his menacing appearance and cold stare. These differences, while advantageous, started to show during the final days of their run together, as Kilimanjaro and Kwaito Kid often ended up in verbal fights. On December 20, 2008 this all came to a head as they went up against The Weasels, a WDP-endorsed team that consisted of "The Weasel" and The Blacksmith. Kilimanjaro turned on his own partner and left him at the hands of the sharks as they picked Kwaito Kid apart before pinning him for the title win. It was quite possibly the darkest day in WWP history.
As the Weasel Democratic Party was strengthening in numbers and stealing wins left and right, Tornado was busy assembling his own little army of supporters that hated everything the WDP stood for. Tornado put past grudges behind him and formed a super team that would go on to defeat The Weasels on February 28, 2009, achieving his second World Tag Team Title reign. The WDP was busy grabbing at all straws and a future collapse was more imminent than ever before. Not even the team of Joe E Legend and Murat could stop Tornado's reign, and both retreated to their homelands in defeat. Tornado defended the belts proudly during the following few months, but his partner announced retirement, forcing Tornado to vacate the gold. The French Connection of Terri and Zizou Middoux quickly rose to the top of the contendership ring and many hailed them as the greatest tag team to come along in years. Despite losses to the team of Ananzi and Tornado in mid 2009, French Connection rallied back up to the top tag team position by defeating other teams in the division, even including the father and son team of Blacksmith and Devon Shooter. The Blacksmith, a tag team specialist, took on a new personality following the demise of WDP and wanted to be taken seriously by fans. Nevertheless, his efforts to climb up the ladder have mostly been null and void thus far due to the competition in WWP being so stiff. Devon Shooter, the third-generation youngster, is considered to be the "next big thing" in WWP and has racked up convincing wins during the past two years despite not winning championship gold yet. Even though Blacksmith and Shooter rarely team up, they showed The French Connection that they could very well be a serious threat giving them trouble for some time to come. On September 25, 2009 in a tables match, The French Connection took their rightful crown by beating Angelico and Ryan Cage, a hot pairing on the rise in WWP. The French Connection are now the 11th World Tag Team Champions and are showing no signs of breaking. The World Tag Team Titles continue to soar in value in WWP, with a tag team division that has never been stronger.
WWP All-Africa Heavyweight Championship:
The All-Africa Heavyweight Title has had a long history on the African continent, birthing in the Southern regions during a bygone era in professional wrestling and eventually being picked up as an official championship sanctioned by World Wrestling Professionals. The long lineage of All-Africa Championship holders include the likes of Tornado, Danie Brits, The Prince of Africa, Pink Panther and Thundergod, who defended the title with pride many years before the chairman of WWP brought it back into competition. The continentally-founded championship returned on 21 March, 2009 during a match between "The Man Mountain" Kilimanjaro and "The Lion of Africa" Ananzi. Following months of anticipation for this highly-hyped title fight, the pressure was intense for both potential champions, with political tensions between Nigeria and South Africa at one of its highest levels in Africa's history up to this point. Ananzi, being the smaller athlete, used his incredible heart and speed to counter the bruising powerhouse style encompassed by Kilimanjaro. After almost getting the win with a Bad Habit, Kilimanjaro used Ananzi's own finisher against him not once but twice, basking in the golden spotlight and beginning a reign that would last many moons.
During these months Kilimanjaro would fend off Jason Steele, Terri Middoux and even Ananzi in top-billed encounters. His defences were highly successful and it seemed that no one would take the title away from the Nigerian giant as long as he was breathing. "The Lion of Africa" Ananzi was on a mission to capture his first singles gold since holding the Alkebulan Heavyweight Title many years back and with each bout he grew more confident and skilled. Finally, on September 25, 2009 his dream came true and despite the toughness of Kilimanjaro and the many boulders set in his way, Ananzi was the new All-Africa Heavyweight Champion, taking the gold back home for South Africa. The All-Africa Heavyweight Championship remains one of the most sought-after titles in WWP, competitors from all over the continent flocking to challenge for the belt, and with Ananzi as champion there is no denying that nothing can defeat the heart of a true lion. Challengers, beware.
WWP African Heavyweight Championship:
One name has been synonymous with the African Heavyweight Title throughout the belt's tenure: The Ultimate Commander. One of the most dominant and highly respected individuals to arise from the slumbers of Nigeria's fighting circuit, The Ultimate Commander has reigned since 2007 when he beat the legendary World Heavyweight Champion Tornado in a twenty-minute battle. Ultimate Commander's immense experience acquired from street brawls and underground bloodsports in his home country gave him a killer instinct unlike any other combatant from the land, and having served time loyally in an elite national army, Ultimate Commander was different and highly unpredictable, with an edge over opponents in military-style fighting. His victory over Tornado was not only shocking but a sign that Commander was destined for great things in WWP. Since that fateful day Commander has returned to Nigeria but continues to defend it with honour in WWP-sanctioned events held in the capital of Lagos as well as Kinshasha in the DRC.
The champions of World Wrestling Professionals as of late October 2009:
World Heavyweight Champion: Tornado
World Ladies Champion: Akilah
World Tag Team Champions: The French Connection (Terri Middoux and Zizou Middoux)
All-Africa Heavyweight Champion: Ananzi
African Heavyweight Champion: The Ultimate Commander