Missouri Wrestling Revival

FIST Combat Arena Report

By Kari Williams

As FIST Combat made its return like the proverbial Phoenix rising from the ashes on July 26, 139 fans crowded into the River’s Edge Complex in Granite City, Illinois for an explosive night of wrestling action.

Steven Kennedy vs. Brandon Espinosa

Kennedy and Espinosa kicked off the show with an awe-inspiring display of athleticism. They set the bar high, with both competitors working rabidly to gain the advantage. Despite Espinosa’s heart and determination, Kennedy, who was making his FIST debut, used his quick wit and caught Espinosa by surprise in the closing moments of the bout.

Steven Kennedy def. Brandon Espinosa with a roll-up

“The Main Attraction” Tommy Knight vs. “Future” Donovan Ruddick

Knight had an uphill battle to fight against Ruddick in the second match of the night. The imposing physique of Ruddick did not deter Knight, who relentlessly attempted to knock the larger man off his feet. However, Knight’s desire did not equal Ruddick’s dominance in this instance.

“Future” Donovan Ruddick def. “The Main Attraction” Tommy Knight with a big boot to the face

Abraham vs. Jeff Hawkins

These two behemoths barely had a chance to lay into one another because the ECW original, Sabu, made his presence felt in a way that only he could. Sabu hurled a chair at one man, and caught the other in a camel-clutch-like maneuver until the referees forced him out of the building.

No Contest

Conrad Kennedy III vs. C.J. Otis

Cockiness personified met pure athleticism as CK III and Otis squared off in a lengthy contest. The advantage went back and forth on multiple occasions, with the technical prowess of both men shining bright. Just as it appeared that Otis had CK III pinned, the bell rang, signifying that the match would end in a time-limit draw. This act prompted Otis to ask for five more minutes. However, CK III’s arrogance beckoned, as he berated the fans while declining the five-minute extension.

CK III’s actions prompted Dingo to venture ringside and challenge the self-proclaimed ‘Greenwich City Samurai’ to a match. Commotion ensued and resulted in the promoter of FIST, Mike Gordon, announcing that there will be a first-annual Sabu Invitational tournament. The three competitors announced who will compete in the tournament are none other than C.J. Otis, Conrad Kennedy III and Dingo.

Thirty-Minute Time-Limit Draw

Zero Gravity vs. The Soul Shooters

The high-flying team of Zero Gravity took on the Soul Shooters in a fast-paced, high-impact bout. Both teams provided stellar performances that were sure to please any crowd. In this ultimate showdown between brawlers and high-fliers, the brawlers won out.

The Soul Shooters def. Zero Gravity

Tracy Smothers vs. Shane Rich

Smothers practically embodied the Toby Keith song, “A Little Less Talk, and a lot more Action,” as he relentlessly forced the fans to endure his unpleasant antics. In an attempt to get the match started, Rich then got on the mic to usher the match along. Although Rich, a St. Louis native, had all the guts and fortitude to overcome the legend, it was not to be.

Tracy Smothers def. Shane Rich