battling bodies 9
MATCH 1
Rinaldo Peluso Vs. Tivad Winters
Rinaldo Peluso 5'10" 154 21yo
Tivad Winters 5'6" 143 19yo
Two more wrestlers from South Africa. Rinaldo (red speedos) is a tall , lanky, overconfident wrestler who believes he can beat anyone within ten pounds of his weight. Tivad (black speedos) is a really quick, virile brawler. The other South African wrestlers have nick named him "wrestling rat". He loves beating on the big guys.
Rinaldo is taller and heavier but he can't match Tivad. Tivad is all over him right from the start. Anytime Rinaldo begins to reverse a hold, Tivad just grabs his head and twists him to the mat. At one point Tivad's legs are wrapped right across Rinaldo's throat and Tivad twists and squeezes so that Rinaldo can't even say "I give". Rinaldo does tie up Tivad in a nasty cradle that has the little guy in a lot of trouble. No way out, he has to tap, but he comes right back more determined and angry.
Rinaldo got a lesson. He asked for an easier opponent next time.
MATCH 2
Pete Chambers vs. Stephano Artega
Pete Chambers 5'11" 144 18yo
Stephano Artega 5'7" 141 23yo
Pete (black speedos ) wanted to challenge the gymnast, Stephano (purple speedos ). We think Pete was intimidated just watching Stephano stretch before the match. His incredible flexibility is astounding. He can do a split as easily as you or I can bend down. Pete knows he's in really good shape, after all, he's a boxer, but he knew he couldn't bend his body the way Stephano did.
They start out pretty even. Pete uses his upper body and tries to keep a head lock on Stephano. He tries to overturn his legs so Stephano's weight is on his shoulders, but Steph just lets him. We could see Pete is getting frustrated. When Stephano reverses and gets the upper position, Pete has to struggle to keep out of tight submission holds. One wicked body scissors has Pete gasping for air, but he's a scrappy kid. He uses his height advantage well and keeps moving to break the hold. Pete's tough and determined. He just won't quit, and it's great to watch him in action.
Stephano begins to get tired after about 15 minutes of non-stop action. He forces a thumb into Pete's eye at one point, and Pete gets pissed. They just keep tossing each other around ,exchanging some really excellent technical moves. Pete slams Stephano hard, twice, but it has no effect. Stephano is just in too good shape.
This is a 25 minute brawl with just one submission. That's rare at NHB BATTLE - but always welcome.