Some sequels are superior

In October 2005, DL and I were among the 2000+ professional wrestling fans who packed the Olympic Park Sports Centre for "International Assault". It was always gonna be a solid show. Samoa Joe, Team 3-D (aka The Dudley Boyz) and Rhino did everything right, while Christopher Daniels and AJ Styles were responsible for the best live match I had ever seen.

On Friday night, CM, PB, LA and I were among the 200+ rasslin' afficionados who didn't quite fill the UNSW Roundhouse for "International Assault 2: War Of The Worlds". Although it had fewer overseas stars (and more local AWF talent), it was better than "I/A/1"!

Austin Aries got himself and the crowd totally fired up, Kid Kash played the perfect heel and Billy Kidman was all right (although he's looking more like Disco Inferno these days). The main event between Bryan "American Dragon" Danielson and Nigel McGuinness outdid even the flawless Daniels/Styles bout, resulting in a standing ovation and farewell chant of "THAT WAS AWE-SOME!"

Props also to a wrestler in the opening four-way match known as The Captain. He came out in cricket whites, brandishing an ACB bat. At one stage, with his foe cornered, he pretended to rub a six-stitcher on his trousers, ran towards them as if bowling, then brought his arm crashing down on their collarbone. Oh yeah, and his entrance music was the classic Nine Network cricket theme.

Despite the modest attendance, the atmosphere at "I/A/2" was supreme - I've never been so vocal or felt so involved. Our group was cheering, clapping and heckling the whole time as were most people around us. Ample alcohol was imbibed during and after (at the Doncaster Hotel).