Fans turnout for Shark Boy, Colorado Springs Wrestling “Riptide”
Former WWE, WCW and TNA star Shark Boy described the sell-out crowd of 225 fans as rowdy and ready for a show. The veteran grappler, who has never performed in the area, was impressed by the Colorado Springs area wrestling fans.
“I had a great time and the people here are outstanding,” Shark Boy said. “I wish I could stay longer and hope to be back really soon.”
Shark Boy, who rose to prominence by putting his own, fishy-spin on Stone Cold Steve Austin’s gimmick, was among the grapplers who performed Saturday during Colorado Springs Wrestling’s “Riptide” show at the Beckett Event Center in Fountain.
The well-traveled grappler was slated to wrestle CSW Heavyweight champion “Big Guns” Justin Andrews for the title, before the match was changed to a tag team bout against “The American Strong-Style Artist” Gabriel Alexander and JT Staten.
Though he didn’t get to have a one-on-one contest with the finned-one, Andrews said he still was excited to perform with Shark Boy. Andrews’ excitement stemmed from the performers history.
“Shark Boy and I actually go back quite a ways,” Andrews said. “We did shows together back in 2007 in Wenatchee, Washington, for Pro Wrestling Beyond. We never faced off or teamed up, but I made a few saves for him when he was getting jumped. So it was amazing finally getting into the ring with such a well-traveled and well-known performer.”
Despite the main event change, the crowd maintained enthusiasm throughout the show, CSW owner Susan Chavez said.
“The show was great. We had an awesome crowd and they were hyped all night,” she said. “Shark Boy was a huge hit with the fans.”
For his part, Shark Boy said crowds such as the one Saturday keep him performing even after 20-plus years in professional wrestling.
“I still love it,” Shark Boy said. “It’s in my blood and in my veins – it’s my passion. Anytime I get to go somewhere and meet great people and perform, I’m happy. That’s what I live for — I love it.”
Andrews agreed, saying a sold-out crowd at a new venue meant so much to all of the wrestlers to get that kind of turnout, especially because the fans were so vocal.
The high point of the show for Shark Boy was watching the next generation of wrestlers perform.
“There are a lot of young, hungry wrestlers who are working their butts off for the fans and it’s always great to see that,” Shark Boy said. “The crowd was big and vocal, and anytime you have fans like that it’s great. As performers when you have fans like that it means they respect, enjoy and are entertained by the show, and we as performers completely appreciate that.”
“Riptide” results
Shark Boy and “Big Guns” Justin Andrews defeated “The American Strong-Style Artist” Gabriel Alexander and JT Staten in a tag team match.
“Mr. No Flaw” Jerome Daniels defeated Delta Junior, Johnny Crash and “The American Strong-Style Artist” Gabriel Alexander in a fatal four-way contest.
Vanity Inc. bested JT Staten and Cormac Battle.
AJ Holladay pinned Connor Murphy.
No. 1 CSW title contender Officer Punishment bested Captain Stevens after hitting the pirate with a nightstick.
Jimbo Lucas overcame Shiro Ishi and Hex Nina in a handicap match.
Tygress Lordes pinned Mizzfit.
“Ironhorse” Kevin Magoon won a triple threat match against Brother Grymm and Sebastion.