2005 was a banner year for New Zealand Wide ProWrestling (NZWPW) in many respects: the University Orientation tour of the North and South Islands, playing to packed houses at the Lower Hutt Town Hall, the October “Invasion” tour bringing pro wrestling back to Wellington’s Newtown, and also saw the crowning of a new undisputed NZ Heavyweight champion. Who knows what high-impact action will unfold in 2006?

2006 will also see WWE’s “Road to Wrestlemania” begin in Wellington in March.  This event will likely be the biggest thing in wrestling to hit NZ since Ric Flair versus Harley Race in 1984 in Wellington.  NZWPW will join with Auckland’s IPW to put on a show in Wellington the night before, to showcase the very best in New Zealand professional wrestling!

Soon after, NZWPW is scheduled take wrestling to the Kapiti Coast with a show in Otaki on March 17.  In Easter, NZWPW will also be appearing at the NZ Sumo Championships. This promises to be a massive event! Check out the details at www.nzwpw.co.nz

The biggest story of the latter half of 2005 looks to continue its momentum into the new year.  Namely, the man who came out on top of a grueling Triple Threat match at “Meltdown II” to win the gold – your new undisputed NZ Heavyweight champion and mine, the Juice.  Whether you love or hate the cocky veteran (he doesn’t care), you still have to hail the chief. Having ended the crowd favourite Island Boy Si’s 10-month title reign at “Eruption II” in November 2005 (with help from the Ram and H-Flame), the new champ will be looking to maintain his hold on the gold.

Look to Juice to consolidate his top dog position with his partner-in-crime, the Ram.  Remember, the Juice couldn’t take the title alone, so it’s on the cards that he won’t keep the title alone.  He’ll need the support, as I predict there’ll be no shortage of challengers ready to step up and knock him off his perch.

A likely contender: Adam Avalanche.  As far as ex-colour commentators go, I can attest first-hand he makes one heck of a wrestler.  If the beating he handed out to yours truly at “Eruption II” in November ’05 is anything to go by, the methodical powerhouse will be a force to be reckoned with.

As an aside, “Dangerous Dan” Stirling seems to be becoming a little more cocky with each match, using his kickboxing skills to dominate his opponent.  Could the ex-kickboxing champ be falling from the side of the angels?  He’ll be one to watch.

Similarly, Jean Miracle’s change of heart in 2005 had him bringing the bling and beats to the ring.  Not shy of taking the fight to Dan Stirling or “The Lamb” (as he dubbed the Bollywood Bad Boy), try and keep your eye on the fast-moving aerial specialist as he looks to climb the NZWPW rankings.

Speaking of high flyers, 2006 holds great promise for NOS.  Impressing fans and foes alike with his daredevil risk-taking, the masked contemporary of Rey Mysterio, Jr. looks to be aiming for the top.  Whenever he steps through the ropes, he puts his body on the line to impress the crowd and defeat his opponent.

Though all this is speculation, it’s certainly going to be a wild ride finding out!  I’d love to mention more NZWPW talent here, but there’s not enough room this time around.  Find us on the web at www.nzwpw.co.nz  This is Blair Rhodes,  and I’ll see you at ringside!