PWA: Chevs vs. Troy Review (11/04/2025)

Let me start by saying I needed this night. As someone that has historically been at every PWA show for years essentially, I haven’t been quite as locked in attendance-wise over the last year or so. And that’s not for lack of interest in the product- I’ve still caught every show that’s been broadcast on YouTube- but health, finances, life have occasionally gotten in the way of being the best Aussie wrestling fan I can be. Thankfully, I was able to make this one.

And what a show to make! A rivalry that has been brewing for years. They’ve been the best of friends, and they’ve had their battles, but never quite like this. Jessica Troy. Charli Evans. Last Wrestler Standing.

After putting on a clinic on Colosseum Night 1 last year, Troy narrowly escaped, retaining the PWA Champion in Round 1 against Chevs. The champ went through the tournament, walking away with the title AND the Colosseum sword in a thriller with Tommy Knight in the finals, proving that she would go to any lengths to win when she dived off the Metro mezzanine from over 20 feet in the air onto Knight. Post-match, Chevs came out- seemingly to congratulate her bestie- only to viciously turn on her and shockingly align with Sam Osborne and Will Kiedis of North Shore Wrestling.

And if that main event marquee match wasn’t enough for you, we also have the Soul of PWA Championship on the line, as Robbie Eagles defends the coveted gold against the Thief, Jimmy Townsend. I was able to sit down with Robbie and conduct an interview for PWDownunder where the champ talked about Jimmy, this Black Label event, the Australian scene as a while, and more. You can watch that interview in full here:

We also have a loaded undercard- all championships in PWA on the line and we also have implications for June’s King of the Metro event as well. Let’s do this!

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I got to the Factory Theatre nice and early. I essentially left work and drove straight up- start of school holidays, yay. I didn’t have front row seats, which is a little odd for me for a PWA event, but as I alluded to earlier, I’ve been something of a poor and didn’t have the money when they went on sale. Thankfully, I was able to get a second row seat just behind the homies, Keanu & Bec.

The joys of getting there early meant I made the pre-show match! I was quite pleased to see the competitors- three surprising names in a triple threat!

Pre-Show: Sam Cannon vs. Lachy The Tradie vs. Jesse Lambert

Lambert’s made something of a name for himself around the country, especially in his home base of EPW, so it was a surprise to see him:

a) here and

b) on the pre-show

Apparently, Jesse is in town for IWA tomorrow and hey, while he’s here, they might as well throw the lovable larrikin into a match! Always bring your gear, hey. We also had Sam Cannon from QWA in QLD- a monster of a man- and finally, the Tradie! A product of Rock N Roll Wrestling, a mate of mine who’s recently started training with the PWA Academy, and it was great to see him here.

The smaller two- Jesse and Tradie- tried to take down the monstrous Cannon in comedic spots including a test of strength and a double suplex, but Cannon showed great strength. He took out Jesse with a World’s Strongest Slam, but Tradie came in with a crushing spear- and gained the win!

Winner: Lachy the Tradie

Thoughts: Fun opening match that the crowd was into. A real treat for the fans in attendance before the stream goes live on YouTube. I was really impressed with how the Spear looked- with the size difference between Cannon and Tradie, it needed to be impactful, and it certainly seemed to be!

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To kick off the main card, we get a hype video package covering the previously discussed Chevs vs. Troy feud. Great stuff.

Match 1: PWA Premiership 2025 First Round Tournament- The Velocities & Velkan Wild vs. PPK & Marley Peleti

I miss the original incarnation of the Premiership, a round robin style tournament that they taped at the PWA Academy during COVID restrictions. That was such a cool concept. Now it’s shifted to be an annual tournament spanning multiple shows, going from a singles tournament to tag team and now trios. It’s still cool but the original one was magic. But I digress.

It was my first time seeing Velkan Wild, and damn, that guy is agile! Moving like a cat with speed and blistering strikes. He fit in well with the fast-paced style of the Velocities, which lends itself well to trios matches and opening matches, so this was great fun all around. High flying all over the place and never a dull moment.

There was also fun to be had with the odd couple (odd trio?) pairing of PPK and Marley Peleti. As Frankie told some Marley supporters in the crowd, “He’s on a trial, but he’s cute.” We had a Samoan connection with synchronised Samoan drops from Nikki and Marley. Nikki hit a devastating hip attack. PPK set up for their double team finisher- a two person SOS, I can’t remember what they call it- but Paris wipes them out with a springboard double back elbow. Jude and Paris clear the way with suicide dives onto PPK, enabling Velkan to hit a springboard senton for the win!

Winners: The Velocities & Velkan Wild

Thoughts: I don’t know how long we have Velkan Wild in Australia- he’s from Chile- but I’m going to enjoy his presence in PWA while it lasts. Great addition to the roster, he brings incredible energy. And really, the same can be said regarding energy for Peleti. His family and friends turning out in droves to support him in the crowd certainly adds to the atmosphere, but you’ve also got to credit what he does in the ring- he comes across as intense as hell in every movement. Velocities were excellent as always, and as mentioned on commentary by Kris Gale and Diego- PPK are really stepping up the physicality, which complements their already stellar character work. As Frankie said to us at ringside, “It’s hard being hot.”

Post-match, Nikki went off at an audience member who repeatedly taunted her with calls of “Rikishi”. Not even acceptable one time, but the guy kept going back to it even when the rest of the crowd tried to shut him down with groans and boos. It’s one thing to boo heels- cheer whoever, boo whoever, sure- but as a justifiably pissed Nikki said, it was body shaming and there’s no place for it. They were asked to leave to cheers. In this house, we love and stan PPK!

Match 2: Hari Singh vs. Ben Braxton

It was time for Leanne to lose her shit in the front row, because it was time for Ben Braxton! I said to the guy next to me, who was new to wrestling, or at least PWA, “You’re gonna have your mind blown with this guy”.

Hari mocked Braxton’s “flips” in the early going. Singh had a smart gameplan of attacking the back, largely negating Braxton’s spectacular movement and high flying prowess. On an attempt on one of Braxton’s flipping counters, his back gave way, allowing Singh to take control again. Braxton did eventually make a comeback with a brutal twisting brainbuster. He looked for the Gamechanger finisher, but his back gave out again. He needed a plan B- and went to the submission route. From my vantage point in the second row, it looked a little like an anaconda vice, only with Hari’s arm seemingly straightjacketed around his own throat. Whatever it was, it got the tap!

Winner: Ben Braxton

Thoughts: Impressive evolution and adaptation from Braxton. He’s more than flips! Not quite as spectacular as I promised the guy next to me that it would be, but a necessary rounding out of his game ahead of his 2025 Colosseum entrance! (I live in hope)

An unnamed interviewer on the stage introduces The Dropouts, here to pick their number for the King of the Metro Rumble. Scott Green & The Tuckman pump up the crowd before being interrupted by Kiedis & Osborne of North Shore Wrestling. The North Shore boys proclaim themselves the winners of the Metro, and the Dropouts as the losers. They all pick their numbers, with Tuckman looking despondent after picking his. His number is revealed as #1. North Shore mock him, leading to the beginnings of a brawl, quickly pulled apart by security. Chants of “let them fight” ring out, but not to be…

Match 3: Over The Top Rope Challenge- Big Fudge vs. Tony Sin vs. Xander Sullivan vs. Kai Drake vs. Aaron Jake vs. Jack Bonza

The winner of this one gets #30 in the Rumble. Tony Sin starts off by calling all his opponents “sinners”, which naturally doesn’t go down well, and fists start flying. Xander has Third Eye at ringside and Kai has MK Plus Ultra, so they humourously help their representatives at different times.

Fudge, the crowd favourite, goes on a bit of a run, handing out Butt Punches and also kicking butts along the way. He choke slams Aaron Jake to the floor and flexes, but Bonza immediately spoils the party by eliminating Fudge. Down to Tony Sin and Bonza. Tony calls Bonza a “ranga”, which of course infuriates him. Sin avoids elimination by skinning the cat, Bonza catches him in a Tombstone, Sin immediately gets up and is clotheslined out for the win!

Winner: Jack Bonza

Thoughts: Decent battle royal. The bit with Sin at the start was fun, as was the faction warfare. Seeing Sin immediately get up following the Tombstone wasn’t great, but Bonza as #30 at the Metro is a good choice.

Match 4: PWA Tag Team Championship- The Regime (Ricky South & Backman) vs. The Backslide Girlz (Kingsley & Shay Kassidy) (w/ Everett Connors) (c)

The challengers enter first to Ricky’s theme, a remix of “I Will Survive”, then the champs enter to Kingsley singing Ricky’s iconic song! This enrages The Example.

Shay & Kingsley are defending the championships under the Freebird Rule, while Everett, who was in the title-winning match, is at ringside. Kingsley is heading to Canada in May for two years apparently, so this may be the last time we get to see her live in Australia for a long time.

The Regime jump the champs and Barnaby the Bear goes flying into the 6th row. With a major size disadvantage, Kingsley and Shay rely on evasiveness and causing Backman and Ricky to plow into each other to create opportunities for offense. Kingsley in particular finds innovative ways to hit super Codebreakers with the assistance of Shay.

Backman & Ricky land some hard hits, but just when all hope seems lost for the champs, the referee gets distracted, allowing Everett to jump in and hit a superkick on Backman! Shay scores with the backslide… and the champs retain!

Winners: The Backslide Girlz

Thoughts: Fun match and smartly laid out to make it credible against two physical specimens like the Regime. A little surprised that there wasn’t a title change with Kingsley’s departure, but I suppose Shay & Everett can hold the Backslide fort down. Kingsley’s going to be greatly missed in PWA, such a talented and charismatic performer!

Intermission.

Match 5: Soul of PWA Championship- Jimmy Townsend vs. Robbie Eagles (c)

Very clear student-teacher thing going on with the early wrestling exchanges, with Robbie almost seeming dismissive of Jimmy. We get a slap to the Thief. Okay, VERY dismissive. We get the classic “no no no” spot with Robbie holding on the ropes before hitting an arm drag. Townsend seems prepared and rolls into a crucifix pin for a close early near fall.

Jimmy goes high risk with a moonsault, but Robbie gets out of the way. Soon after, Robbie looks for the 450 splash but Jimmy also gets out of the way. A lot of trading moves and fast counters. Eagles goes to work on the legs, blasting Townsend with kicks while mocking the crowd. Robbie locks in the Ron Miller Special and Jimmy writhes in pain, but does make the ropes.

We get a rapid fire strike exchange, some dodges, even a Moretti esque stomp in there. Jimmy looks for a brainbuster, but Robbie lands on his feet and hits a sudden running kick for the victory!

Winner: Robbie Eagles

Thoughts: Another great outing for Jimmy Townsend, following great recent encounters with Grayson Waller & Mick Moretti. And while the Thief was able to best Moretti at the tail end of 2024, it does seem like, on the biggest stages, Jimmy is just falling short of that level. However, he’s getting closer each time and it feels like he’s right on the verge of stardom in Aussie wrestling. For Robbie Eagles, he’s as good as ever, holding titles in Japan and Australia simultaneously and in the shape of his life thanks to Slex and his Bodybiz program. With his Soul of PWA title reign set to hit the one year mark any day now, the table does seem set for whoever the next big star is to eventually dethrone Robbie, but right now, the challenge is to get to his level. Excellent match.

Back to the stage to draw more numbers for the Metro, and we’ve got Billy Preston and Sk8er Boi Pidgey! Billy wants two numbers, #29 in the Rumble, and the phone number of Jessica Troy’s mum! Valid.

David Streamer interrupts, and he’s not happy. He wants to know why he wasn’t invited out to draw his number. He offers to buy Pidgey’s number off him, and Pidgey agrees. The number on the beer can, however, reads… 69! Nice. Streamer doesn’t seem to think so, though, and he storms backstage.

Main Event: PWA Championship- Last Wrestler Standing: Charli Evans vs. Jessica Troy

Big time entrances, with Chevs looking dangerous and hot, accompanied by North Shore Wrestling, dressed in suits so nice it requires a couple of ladies in the front row to wipe the drool away. Hey, we’re all only human. Not to be outdone, the PWA Champion, Jess of Troy, makes her entrance with elaborate headgear and a gorgeous new outfit. She also has the Colosseum sword, adding to the gladitorial look she has going on.

Things get serious immediately as strikes fly. In the opening moments, Jess throws a bunch of chairs in the ring. Throughout the match, they get used frequently as implements of destruction. North Shore Wrestling get involved- of course- and Jess dives onto them, and the Dropouts get involved to even the odds.

We get back to Jess and Charli, and Jess pulls out the sword to use as an actual weapon! I made the joke to the guys next to me that “technically, Jess could stab Charli with it, there’s no rules”… but they actually did something in that vein? Speaking of veins, Jess may have nicked one as Chevs is busted open.

The sickening acts continue as Troy delivers a brainbuster to Chevs on a chair. Somewhere in the course of this battle, Jess gets pretty badly busted too, with her face and perhaps her nose pouring blood. Troy sets Chev up on the ropes for some big move- only to get ripped down by some unknown large bald man! He’s apparently part of the ring crew, but he Spears Jess and helps Chevs to her feet. One final lariat from the challenger- and Troy is out for the 10 count. We have a new champion!

Winner: Charli Evans

Thoughts: What a battle. I think the previous No DQ match at Factory Theatre with Troy and Chevs was maybe a little more fun/inventive, but this seems more intense and violent, befitting the feud. And okay, they didn’t have barbed wire this time, but I think sword trumps barbed wire. It felt slightly uncomfortable at times and I felt bad for Jess fighting against the odds, but then again she showed something of a sadistic side too. The title change is obviously huge news, and North Shore Wrestling are apparently the new power brokers in PWA!

Post match, North Shore Wrestling celebrate together, along with their new bald friend, identified this morning as Jack Osborne. The… brother? of Sam Osborne? The Dropouts return to the ring, and eventually the locker room empties for a big brawl. The message is clear- come to the Metro for more of this!

Overall Thoughts

Very glad I made the trip up. PWA never disappoint, and this was no exception. The two top matches were top tier in very different ways, with an undercard that hit the spot. With so much on the show building towards King of the Metro, it did feel like this event was a stop on the journey to a bigger destination, but it was a stop-over at a beautiful (albeit violent) resort along the way.

I am curious to see where the main event scene goes from here. Last Wrestler Standing seemed like it should be the end of the feud, but surely it can’t end like that, with this Jack Osborne character getting involved. Does Jess get another shot in another gimmick match? Are we pivoting to Kai Drake, who looked to have a little spotlight by the end? Does Tuckman run it from #1 to the win at the Metro?

Great show, and I hope to see that form continue for PWA as 2025 keeps rollin’, baby.

You can watch the full event here on YouTube: