A Nanaimo wrestler was able to beat one of the region’s best in a main-event match.
B.J. Laredo defeated Scotty Mac to end off Saturday’s Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling show at the Departure Bay Activity Centre.
“He’s fast, he’s talented, he can go. He is the best in the Pacific Northwest, I would say…” said Laredo of his opponent. “He’s won belts, he’s made a name for himself, and finally, for the first time in the ring, I’ve been able to prove that I can stand on the other side of the ring with him, so that’s huge for me.”
Mac was in control for the majority of the match, and even hit his superkick finisher, but Laredo “gave it everything I could to kick out. I had to.”
Mac went for the superkick again, but Laredo reversed it into a package piledriver and got the three-count.
Laredo had intensified his training in preparation for the match and said he felt stronger, faster and better-conditioned in the ring. He knew people around the region were paying attention to the match, so with the win, he said he’s able “to prove that I belong in that top-tier talent, not just on the Island, but everywhere else.”
As Laredo was celebrating the win, he was attacked by another Nanaimo wrestler, Zakk Merrick, who then ran out of the building with manager Father Juan Valdez. The assault came as a shock to Laredo, who has trained with Merrick the last two years and considered him a friend.
“I don’t know his motives, but there’s something going on with Zakk. There’s something not right in his head,” said Laredo.
Also at Saturday’s show, Nanaimo’s Scott Steel lost the PWA Pure Violence championship to Riea Von Slasher. Since the match was a no-disqualifications format, Cremator Von Slasher got heavily involved and Steel was unable to win what essentially became a handicap match. Riea ended it with a sit-out powerbomb.
Earlier, VIPW champion Krofton defended his title against Shreddz, and Cremator and Lak Siddartha defended the VIPW tag team titles against Nathan Legacy and El Haviko. Also, Nanaimo’s Sloan defeated Christina Von Eerie, Merrick beat Kobra Kai and Eli Surge won a fatal four-way match against Bishop, Nolan James and Matt Xstatic.
VIPW will return to Nanaimo in May.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com