LadySports ::: Pippa vs Nikki...

Story by Darren UK, Photos by David Brunton

Pippa was first to the ring, confidently clutching her coveted PGWA championship belt. The most interesting aspect of Pippa's entrance to the ring was the mixed chorus of boos and cheers alike; normally when this proverbial rule breaker enters the fray, it’s to loud derision from the fans, but this time Pippa was defending her title against a foreigner, so patriotism got to 50% or so of the British crowd, driving them to exhibit their support of the English champion. Of course, thanks to her blatant rulebreaking throughout the match, it wasn’t long before L’Vinn send that 50% over into her opponent’s camp!

Pippa looked remarkably fit and strong in her red two-piece and white boots… probably the best shape of her career… as she stood center ring confidently awaiting her opponent.

Nikki entered the ring wearing blue with her name proudly emblazoned on her costume, exuding a blend of determination and cheerful self-assurance. Could the underdog from Boston, USA cause an upset and gain some consolation for her country’s golfers being beaten so badly in the recent Ryder Cup?

Pippa did her usual backchat to the referee, delaying the proper start of the match until she was good and ready. "In my own time," screamed the champ. There is one thing you have to say about Pippa L’Vinn… she comes out with the best sheer arrogance in women’s wrestling, and is undeniably the female equivalent of Ric Flair in this regard.

When the match finally started, Nikki and Pippa locked up and exchanged various moves… until one super-quick move by the challenger sent Pippa sprawling, and the flustered champ jumped out through the ropes so fast to regain her composure, she was little more than a blur! Then, when Nikki tried to restart her offensive after the brunette returned to the ring, Pippa put her leg between the middle and top rope until Nikki backed off. The Champion’s strategy was clearly to aggravate her opponent and force Roxx in her anger to start making mistakes.

But the blonde wasn’t willing to play her role in Pippa’s plan, and decided to take matters into her own hands… or foot, as the case may be. Finally having enough of Pippa’s delaying tactics, Nikki kicked the rope while Pippa still had her leg through… causing the middle rope to go up until it connected with a vulnerable part of Ms. L’Vinn’s anatomy! Now that even made my eyes water in sympathy pain… OUCH!

The match resumed, and the action went back and forth. Gradually, Pippa started to get on top and use all of her experience to wear down Nikki. Eventually, L’Vinn executed a brilliant Scorpion submission hold to drive the American bombshell to tap.

This was the Pippa L’Vinn we British fans knew all too well: Cocky, cruel and in control. Roxx had given a good accounting of herself in the first round, but she had fallen short of overcoming the champ’s skill and experience. And as we sat awaiting the start of the second fall, the same thought ran through the minds of all in attendance.

Was Nikki out of her depth ?

The challenger knew that she had it all to do, that there could be no margin for error now. Already one fall down to a fantastic champion in her prime and battling in her own back yard, the young Bostonian knew that the odds were seriously against her now. If she was going to pull off the seeming impossible, she had to call upon everything she had. We all wondered if she could do it, or if Nikki Roxx would share the fates of Awesome Anne, Lexie Fyfe, Christie Ricci, and so many other worthy contenders for the crown

Over the next few minutes, the match went backwards and forwards in an explosion of moves (more than a few from the champ quite illegal) as both wrestlers tried to impose themselves on the other. But it was Roxx who finally gained the advantage with a number of painful wrist locks on her beautiful dark-haired opponent, which had Pippa crawling and desperately reaching for the ropes. Eventually Nikki began to stamp her authority on the proceedings and gained an equalising submission with a brilliant hold, locking up Pippa’s arm and neck before twisting her back! Pippa could not take the strain of the exotic move and, rather than risk serious injury, tapped out to make the match 1-1. Pippa looked angry almost beyond words… as I personally soon found out!

The match stood dead even now, with everything riding on the third and final fall. With everything to play for, Pippa went on a furious offensive and began to take control, hitting Nikki with a suplex that badly stunned her rival, and the ever-confident champion looked to be in complete control. I shouted, "Come on, Nikki!"… to which Pippa dropped her attention from the American and looked me straight in the eye, saying, "When I have finished with her, I’m coming to take you out!" I felt a lump in my throat...should I leave now, I asked myself, and avoid the possibility that Pippa might make good on her threat? But I decided I simply could not leave… I HAD to remain and see this tremendous battle through to the very end. Although, I must confess, I did move a little further back in the audience… just in case!

And I’m glad I did stay! Amazingly, Nikki battled back, and soon it was the champion herself who was in danger. I’m certain that I wasn’t the only person sitting in that crowd who wondered if the blonde was about to pull off a miracle.

There was great controversy with the final outcome of the match. Both girls got caught in rolling cradles, with the two of them struggling for a pin. Ultimately, Nikki managed to pin Pippa 1-2-3 for the win… although the champ had managed to place her foot on the rope! But the referee was not able to see it, so after a titanic struggle, Nikki Roxx had caused an upset and defeated an awesome champion of nearly three years!

The new titleholder was honored by Lena Leather, the legendary former British and European Champion, who was in attendance and awarded the belt and winners plaque to Nikki. And I’m certain that Nikki will defend the belt with distinction. She definitely earned it, and I know I speak for all British fans when I wish her every success in the future.

As for Pippa, I spoke to her two days later, and she had this message for Nikki: “You are only borrowing the belt. Please make sure it’s kept nice and polished, as it’s going to be back where it belongs soon… AROUND MY WAIST!”

More pics online for members very very soon!