[2004-03-26-FWA-New Frontiers] James Tighe vs Mark Belton

[TonyPulis'Cap]

These two would end up forming a union later in the year as heels, but at this stage, both are faces. Tighe is coming off a great 2003, arguably the most consistent in ring performer in the company outside of Doug Williams, but unsuccessfully challenging Doug for the British Heavyweight Title at British Uprising II at the end of the year. Belton hadn’t done too much in the company yet but was getting more opportunities.

As a face/face matchup, we get respect at the beginning with lots of counters and escapes. While some of the exchanges are a bit rough, it feels nice to see some more traditional British WOS influences in there when the FWA style was usually very US indie inspired. Early on it feels a bit ‘exhibitiony’ but that sets the table as things get more heated as we go along. As the match progresses, Tighe’s strength and greater experience – in terms of being in higher profile matches – sees him get more dominant, while Belton performs his well as the underdog hanging in there. You can see some frustration starting to emerge in Tighe as he can’t put Belton away, and he gets caught with a flash pin after trying to hit one too many German suplexes.

This was a really fun and competitive match between the two and continues Tighe’s run of strong matches from the previous year - however him getting caught in a flash pin (following on from his loss in the main event of BU2) is the start of a losing streak which will be the catalyst for his heel turn later in the year. (***) As a side note, Tighe had been granted a rematch for the title and being a good (naïve) babyface, he had put that title shot on the line in this match, adding more depth to why he would become increasingly frustrated.