by Daniel Johnson

Ivan Kiev vs. Ibo Latino vs. Rene Shaw

Ivan Kiev is a 25 year-old German wrestler who has worked for all the major promotions in his homeland including Westside Xtreme Wrestling (WXW), German Stampede Wrestling (GSW) and the German Wrestling Federation (GWF). Kiev is currently in his second run with the GSW Breakthrough Championship, a title he defended in a bit of cross promotion at GWF Berlin Wrestling Night 13 in December 2012.

Kiev’s opponents for the night’s triple threat match could not have been more different from one another. Rene Shaw is another young lion who is short, but big in heart and determination. Kind of like a German Spike Dudley. Meanwhile Ibo Latino is a veteran of the German independent scene debuting back in 1997 and often playing the bully in matches.

To start Latino immediately runs out of the ring and while Kiev calls him a chicken Latino gains the upper hand by yanking the face Kiev out of the ring. Kiev doesn’t stay down for long and there is a silly spot where Kiev does a Russian dance as he is kicking Shaw in the back.

Outside of the comedy there are some well timed serious spots executed seamlessly. One comes when Latino misses a moonsault only to be hit with a blockbuster by Kiev, Kiev then gets nailed with a senton from Shaw.

The match is by no means perfect and Brian Kendrick would probably gawk at the slight, but noticeable botch Shaw had when doing sliced bread #2. Still, given the complexities of some of these maneuvers and the fact that everyone aside from Latino was under 25 when the match took place the bout is nothing short of inspiring.

For the finish Latino blasts Shaw with a superplex, but eats a big splash from Kiev for Kiev to retain.

The full match can be seen right here:

The next GWF show will be GWF Champion’s Night 3 on December 6 in Berlin, Germany. Click here for tickets (site is in German).

For the full results of GWF Berlin Wrestling Night 13 click here.

For more in the 25 and Under series featuring talent from across Europe click here and here.

Categories: Wrestling Clips

Tags: 25 and Under, 25 and Under series, Berlin, Brian Kendrick, Europe, Germany, GSW, GSW Breakthrough Championship, GWF, GWF (Germany), GWF Berlin Wrestling Night, GWF Berlin Wrestling Night 13, GWF Champion's Night, GWF Champion's Night 3, Ibo Latino, Ivan Kiev, Rene Shaw, Spike Dudley, triple threat match, WXW, WXW (Germany)