Durden Retains, Rematch Set
BRYAN, TX - For a moment, it looked as though DRAKE DURDEN’S reign as Lions Pride Sports Champion wouldn’t last long, but an overturned ruling in his favor kept the title in his possession.
After a contest typical of “OUTLAW” J. AUSTIN’S hard-hitting style, the challenger was able to use his cowbell out of the view of the referee, who came to and counted a pinfall. However, Durden’s foot was under the rope, a fact realized by the official thanks in part to Lions Pride Sports Owner HOUSTON CARSON. The match was restarted, and it was Durden who was able to get off a shot with the cowbell without the official knowing, eventually leading to his victory.
While Austin got a taste of his own medicine after using bell repeatedly for months, Carson was willing to grant him a rematch because of the way this contest finished. A title tilt is set for July 24’s Unbreakable event at Smitty K’s in College Station, but this time, Durden and Austin will compete in a Texas bar fight, where the physicality and brutality will undoubtedly escalate.
In other action at Friday Night Fight Night:
ZANE VALERO did not accept HOSTAGE HIRSCH’S hair vs. hair match challenge, but was confident enough to face the newcomer. “Gen-Z” said if he lost, he would agree to a hair vs. hair match at Unbreakable. That’s exactly what happened, as the irrationally overconfident Valero was pinned by Hirsch. The rematch with follicles on the line happens July 24 at Smitty K’s.
MIA FRIDAY opened Fight Night with a return to her winning ways. Her loss at Cruel Summer to CHARITY KANE seemed to be an eye opener, as Friday came out with stronger strikes and a higher intensity in the rematch. “The Young Vet” Kane brought her typically powerful offense, but the M-I-A maneuver from Friday got her the 1-2-3.
MATHAYUS and KOOL DADDI DENZELL had what many consider the match of the night on an evening filled with high quality contests. In their first match since February 2020, the two products of The Lions Den Training Facility showed continued growth and trademark athleticism. In the end, Denzell was caught with a spear and “The Headline” picked up a much needed win. Mathayus shook Denzell’s hand after the match as the two competitors showed much-earned respect to each other.
Typical of The Trifecta, CHAVY CHULO utilized underhanded tactics to halt the momentum of SHIMBASHI. A low blow with the official distracted allowed Chulo the chance to plant “The Canadian Dragon” for the win. After weeks of separation for various reasons, The Trifecta is scheduled to be back together at Unbreakable.
THE UNKNOWN’S unbridled aggression ultimately cost him his match with THE MOUNTAIN, as the mysterious man from Rikers Island refused to answer the referee’s order to stop a beat down while Mountain was in the ropes. The disqualification gave the 600-pounder the win and left The Unknown more than displeased with the outcome.