Sports
Sports

At ‘Vendetta’, John Sebastian seizes control of PWR

Michael Bueza

SUMMARY

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

At ‘Vendetta’, John Sebastian seizes control of PWR
Christmas and the New Year come in early for John Sebastian and his team, which includes 'The Senyorito' Jake de Leon in a shocking twist at PWR Vendetta

MANILA, Philippines – Mr. Sy just can’t catch a break, can he?

As General Manager of Philippine Wrestling Revolution (PWR), he had been in a tough predicament at Wrevolution X 2016 against the self-proclaimed “wrestling lord and savior,” John Sebastian. 

Back then, it was only Mr. Sy’s job on the line, with Chris Panzer representing him versus Sebastian. Panzer lost, Mr. Sy lost his job, but the GM was reinstated months later. 

Over a year later, on Sunday, November 5, at PWR Vendetta, he and Sebastian crossed paths again. This time, it was the whole company’s future at stake.

Mr. Sy’s team of 5 versus Sebastian’s team of 5 in an “Ubusan ng Lahi” match (their version of WWE’s 5-on-5 Survivor Series Match) for control of PWR. Mr. Sy’s job was again on the line, as well as Sebastian’s 50% stake in PWR.

Mr. Sy was able to assemble his team, with Panzer – now PWR Champion – leading the charge. Team Sebastian was less than lucky, lacking one person heading into Sunday.

However, before the Vendetta main event began, Sebastian unveiled his 5th man, a wrestler everyone least expected.

 

Yep, “The Senyorito” Jake de Leon, two-time PWR Champion, good guy extraordinaire, and arguably the face of the company.

De Leon was said to have harbored hard feelings toward Mr. Sy for being left out of his team. (Though this author supposes JDL’s injury at the hands of Vlad Sinnsyk at PWR Live: Sugod! two months ago took him out of consideration.)

The “Ubusan ng Lahi” match was as chaotic, exciting, and nail-biting as it gets. There were brawls and dives aplenty, bursts of energy by members of Team Sy, crushing splashes care of Rederick Mahaba, low-key feats of strength by Ralph Imabayashi, and bullying tactics by Sebastian and Peter Versoza.

The shock over JDL joining Team Sebastian was soon replaced by another bombshell: Chris Panzer was eliminated midway into the match.

It eventually devolved into a 1-on-3 affair, with Team Sy’s Miguel Rosales taking on 3 former PWR Champions: JDL, team captain Sebastian, and Imabayashi.

Rosales took out Sebastian then JDL through a couple of Spears and suplexes. But then, another brawl sparked when Mr. Sy and Sebastian locked horns at ringside. Mr. Sy even launched himself from the top turnbuckle for good measure.

 

This provided an opening for Imabayashi to hit Rosales with a modified tombstone to take home the win for Team Sebastian.

As a result, John Sebastian takes full control of PWR. A new era has begun.

 

Christmas and the New Year came in early for John Sebastian and his team. Expect it to be a tumultuous 2018 for Panzer, the rest of Team Sy, and maybe Mr. Sy himself… in case Sebastian decides to keep him around. 

Belts, welts, and more 

• All 3 title matches were good, but the PHX Championship Triple Threat Match takes the cake.

Mike Madrigal defended his belt against Bolt and Zayden Trudeau in an entertaining match. 

 

Bolt and Zayden threw caution to the wind, while Madrigal made underhanded attempts to hold on to his championship. Great effort by all 3 men.

THE REGIME. The enigmatic Tengu of British tag team The Regime endures a wristlock by one-half of the YOLO Twins at PWR Vendetta. Photo by Hub Pacheco

• Another highlight of Vendetta was visiting British tag team The Regime vs the YOLO Twins, with Ken Warren dressed as Rick of Rick and Morty fame.

The Regime’s Tengu and Dr. Hertz wowed the crowd with unique moves. YOLO Twins kept up with their trademark tag team antics. In the end, YOLO Twins snuck in a victory, thanks to a distraction by Ken Warren. This match showed the versatility of the YOLO Twins against an enigmatic team like The Regime.

 

• Smart and funny booking to start the Triple Threat Match for the PWR Tag Team Championship. Trian dela Torre and Evan Carleaux’s deputies GrabCamus and Kap. Tutan were wrapped in tarpaulins care of The Kakaibros’ posse, then brought backstage to remove outside interference.

The match was loaded with comedic spots; one better watch it live to find out. Then a huge surprise made this author literally mark out: Coach Gus Queens and a handful of Manila Wrestling Federation (MWF) wrestlers paid a visit to assist James “Lodi” Martinez and Alexander Belmonte III of The Network in retaining their titles.

 

After the show, Queens explained that it was not an MWF “invasion” but just a “collaboration” with The Network.

• Vlad Sinnsyk won the PWR All-Out War Championship from The Apocalypse in a brutal match under All-Out War rules.

The makeshift “tables” out of plywood and Monobloc chairs (which PWR has tried to “perfect” in past events) was ingeniously crafted this time, not to mention carefully put together so as not to collapse. Sinnsyk sent Apocalypse from a ladder through this table before ending the match with a Musclebuster.

• The remaining grudge matches completed an already-solid card. Crystal faced Martivo, whom she betrayed along with Robynn at PWR Live: Oktoberplex last month.

Crystal lost, but she had the last laugh post-match, when she hit Martivo and Robynn with what appears to be John Sebastian’s signature kendo stick. Crystal unleashed her vicious side here, while Martivo showed a more aggressive side to teach Crystal a lesson.

Meanwhile, Vintendo (who has gone “dark” after turning heel) stopped McKata in his tracks with a High Score chokeslam to pick up the win. Quick match, but a decent one by two big men.

• The Secret Council of the Trabajadores situation at the Vendetta pre-show was interesting and somewhat confusing. Apparently, their code as perennial “jobbers” states they could not win matches. 

Trabajador Tres adhered to this code when he lost to the affable Brad Cruz. When it was Trabajador Quatro’s turn, he “failed” to do so after securing the pinfall versus Kapitan PWR.

As a result, the Secret Council expelled Trabajador Quatro from the group. The council then taught him a lesson in a post-match attack, but the Revo-Ranger came in for the save.

Overall rating: A-. Vendetta, PWR’s last show for 2017, was definitely a 5th of November to remember.

Quick results

  • Pre-show: Brad Cruz defeated Trabajador Tres
  • Pre-show: Trabajador Quatro def. Kapitan PWR
  • PWR Tag Team Championship – Triple Threat Match: The Network (James “Lodi” Martinez and Alexander Belmonte III) def. The Kakaibros (Kh3ndrick and Mh4rckie) and Trian dela Torre and Evan Carleaux to retain their titles
  • Martivo (w/ Robynn) def. Crystal
  • The YOLO Twins (Yohann and Logan Ollores) (w/ Ken Warren) def. The Regime (Tengu and Dr. Hertz)
  • PWR All-Out War Championship: Vlad Sinnsyk def. The Apocalypse to win the title
  • PHX Championship – Triple Threat Match: Mike Madrigal def. Bolt and Zayden Trudeau to retain his title
  • Vintendo def. McKata
  • “Ubusan ng Lahi” Match: Team Sebastian (John Sebastian, Ralph Imabayashi, Rederick Mahaba, Peter Versoza, and Jake de Leon) def. Team Sy (PWR Champion Chris Panzer, Joey Bax and Miguel Rosales of Fighters 4 Hire, SANDATA, and Dax Xaviera)

– Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!
Tie, Accessories, Accessory

author

Michael Bueza

Michael is a data curator under Rappler's Tech Team. He works on data about elections, governance, and the budget. He also follows the Philippine pro wrestling scene and the WWE. Michael is also part of the Laffler Talk podcast trio.
More from Michael Bueza