HIGH-FLYING acrobatics and intense rivalries took centre stage as the wrestlers of Fight Nation brawled their way into Weymouth on Sunday.

More than 300 fans packed into Weymouth Pavilion to see the promotion’s biggest Dorset show to date, which was filmed for television to air in May.

In the opening contest, former partners turned bitter rivals as Andy Boy Simmonz, boasting a new bad attitude, scored the victory over Jonny Storm after knocking Storm off the top rope.

Villains continued to reign supreme as undefeated tandem Liquid Dreams beat newcomers DnD after a match in which arrogant posturing was king.

Former WWE star Juventud Guerrera made his Fight Nation debut in the next contest, using his trademark flashy aerial offence in an attempt to overcome cocksure youngster Charlie Garrett.

Garrett was eventually able to steal the win when the referee caught sight of an accidental low blow and disqualified Guerrera, who demanded another match.

The first half came to a close with a lightning-paced two out of three falls match pitting Josh Bodom against Ryan Smile in a continuation of their bitter rivalry.

Bodom exploded out of the blocks to score the first fall after 30 seconds, only for Smile to battle back and level the match.

This set up a chaotic final fall, in which both men put their bodies on the line to dramatic effect, only for Smile to seize the moment and flatten Bodom with a frog splash for the victory.

The second half started with the dominant debut of Welsh behemoth Big Grizzly, who breezed past three competitors in quick succession without breaking a sweat.

British legend Doug Williams then made his way to the ring and put on a technical clinic against Psycho Phillips before nailing him with a knee drop from the top rope to win.

Anticipation was palpable for the main event as the dastardly British Heavyweight Champion Marty Scurll defended his belt against Mark Haskins, who said he was inspired by the recent death of two of his friends.

Scurll tried every dirty trick in the book to hold on to his title, including assaulting the referee and hitting Haskins with his umbrella, in a gripping battle.

Despite his cunning, Scurll came up short and Haskins became the new champion as the fans nearly blew the Pavilion roof off in celebration.

It was a thrilling ending to a show that maintained a very strong standard of wrestling action throughout.

TOM BEASLEY