Combat Zone Wrestling has an identity problem, according to a new review of Saturday’s Hunt for Blood main event in Philadelphia.
Dean Marlowe of Dean’s Canon reviewed AKIRA’s CZW World Heavyweight Championship defense against SLADE. AKIRA retained the title.
Marlowe called CZW “a promotion searching for an identity.” He said the company still has name recognition and wrestlers worth watching, but it has moved away from the deathmatch wrestling that built its reputation without establishing a clear replacement.
Attendance was also a concern. Marlowe estimated that only a couple dozen fans were visible on camera. He said the fans who were there were loud and stayed involved in the show.
Marlowe had similar questions about AKIRA.
He said the CZW champion has moved from deathmatch wrestling toward a more traditional style but has not developed a clear identity in that role. Marlowe also said AKIRA has not made much of an impression on him despite seeing him wrestle several times.
His review of the match was mixed. Marlowe said the first half moved quickly but lacked structure, and at times it was difficult to tell what either wrestler was trying to accomplish.
He also criticized an exchange of unprotected headbutts late in the match and called it unsafe.
SLADE received better marks. Marlowe called him one of the more compelling wrestlers on the independent scene and praised the simplicity of his character and presentation.
Despite his criticism, Marlowe called the match “pretty good.”
His main concerns were with CZW’s direction, the small crowd, and AKIRA’s presentation as world champion.
CZW held Hunt for Blood on October 3 in Philadelphia. AKIRA defeated SLADE to retain the CZW World Heavyweight Championship in the main event.