Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
After 25 shows in 2011 and with the dawn of a new year, African Punishment Wrestling Association enters 2012 with new champions and some shocking split-ups. On 17 December 2011 at a road show held in Pietersburg, both the APWA Tag Team Titles and APWA Heavyweight Title changed hands.
- APWA Heavyweight Champion Johnny "Iceman" Sabin, who had been dubbing himself unstoppable, was unseated after a several-month reign - and by the most unlikely of challengers: El Mascarado Mexicano. Mascarado had debuted last May in APWA; months later, the high-flying dynamo stands as the 5th APWA Heavyweight Champion, certainly a testament to his continuous hard work and passion. To view highlights from the match, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
- Terri Middoux and Zizou Middoux, making up The French Connection, entered into a very bitter and emotional split-up in the latter part of 2011 that seems to have been ignited on Terri's side. The real reason is unknown, but Terri Middoux no longer wants to acknowledge Zizou as his son. This startling separation is not just on a competitive level but on a personal one. In November, Zizou Middoux had captured the internationally-recognised Power Trip Wrestling World Heavyweight Title in the United Kingdom and brought the championship to South Africa. Zizou, at the time, held the PTW World Heavyweight Title, APWA Tag Team Title and WWP Cruiserweight Title. While The French Connection was still APWA Tag Team Champions, Terri Middoux, out of the blue, demanded a shot at the title and a chance to face "The Club Sensation" Zizou Middoux. APWA officials placed Terri Middoux, Zizou Middoux and Johnny Sabin in a triple threat for Sabin's APWA Heavyweight Title on 10 December 2011 in Meyerton, where Terri had no reservations in attacking his son. Following a no contest ruling, Sabin retained his title and the once-tight-knit French Connection was in disarray: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
- On the same card, in the midst of their tensions, The French Connection were forced by APWA officials to defend the APWA Tag Team Titles against the witty duo of Vaatjie en Japie (consisting of Donovan Loudmouth and Blizzard). In another shocker, Vaatjie en Japie took home the championships and became the 2nd APWA Tag Team Champions. This is the first time either wrestler has won a championship, and considering their recent efforts and hard work, they are certainly deserving of the champion moniker.
- Lately, APWA officials have been teasing a possible comeback in 2012 by former All-Africa Champion Ananzi. Ananzi has not publicly announced his return just yet, but the rumours have spread fast and his silence could possibly indicate that he is pondering the possibility. What will happen in January when APWA returns to the Danie van Zyl Recreation Centre? Will Ananzi reveal more? A few months after Ananzi retired, he was lulled back to the ring by devastating deathmatch competitor The Crow. Even though it wasn't an official match, Ananzi was battered and bloodied afterwards, and had held his own against Crow. Then, in October 2011 at the Rhino Rally, Terri Middoux issued an insulting challenge to Ananzi, which spurred an unsanctioned fight in front of several thousand biker fans. With Ananzi refusing to give up and still tasting the glory of the APWA squared circle, will retirement continue to haunt him, or will he indeed successfully return to official competition?
- APWA officials have a stacked lineup of shows for 2012 and are promising to double the number of events from last year. Keep watching this space!
Visit APWA online:
http://www.facebook.com/
http://www.twitter.com/
http://www.youtube.com/
http://www.ananziprowrestling.
