Major Title Changes At IWA’s Suplex On The Sand 5 Event
IWA is the longest running promotion in Australia, and over the past couple of years especially, they’ve gone from strength to strength with its incredible roster and top tier matches. This past weekend’s Suplex On The Sand 5, at Dee Why RSL on February 21, turned out to be a monumental show, with some major title changes.
The headline- The Tuckman defeated Jimmy Townsend to become the IWA Heavyweight Champion. The red-hot Tuckman- former Soul of PWA Champion and reigning tag champion in SLAM! and Newy Pro alongside his Dropouts partner Scott Green- scored with his signature springboard cutter to add another accolade to his collection. This ends Townsend’s IWA Championship run at a tremendous 16 months, as he captured that title all the way back on the 14th of October 2023, defeating Jackson Kelly at IWA’s 25th Anniversary show.
Unfortunately, Tuckman did not get to physically hold the title that he won, as his post-match celebration was interrupted by Sam Osborne and Will Kiedis of North Shore Wrestling. Osborne and Kiedis attacked the new champ and took the championship belt with him. Later that night, Jackson Kelly returned the title to IWA senior staff member and commentator Ed Lock, but all in all, a bitter-sweet night for the Tuckman, yet to actually touch the title he earned.
In other championship action on the card, Tuck’s partner Scott Green defended the IWA Trans-Tasman Championship against Canberra’s Dan Archer. While “The Highest In The Room” hit an array of impressive moves, including his rolling Stunner, it would ultimately be Archer landing the kill shot- the Paradox Piledriver planting Green for the win. Archer reigns as the NEW Trans-Tasman Champion, having already taken to social media to suggest he might go on a “generational run”.
A news-worthy night to be sure for IWA, with their next event, Power Struggle, set for March 7 at Club On East in Sutherland. Tickets available at iwawrestling.com.au
For more championship coverage, keep an eye on PWDownunder, as over the coming week, the next edition of Champions Downunder will drop, providing a comprehensive look at championship matches around the country!
A man who loves his wrestling, MMA, and has been known to dabble in karaoke. Previously wrote for Snap Mayors Media and ran The Arena Media for several years. As many wrestling fans do, I often envisioned myself becoming a pro wrestling superstar, but having Cerebral Palsy makes that dream a tough one to attain. Did do a brief referee spot for Rock N Roll Wrestling and I’d love to do more non-wrestler roles if laying the Smackdown is out of my reach, but until then, I’ll be hitting you with some refreshing writing like an F5!
