Mana and Rufguts clash tonight at Beat Down

by David Dunn · June 27, 2014

After losing the SCW Championship in Auckland earlier this month, “Rufguts” Roddy Gunn has a chance to win back the title, and take Ben Mana’s NZWPW Championship as well.

Rufguts challenges Mana in a rare two-fall match at Beat Down tonight, or two back-to-back singles matches. The first fall will be for the SCW Championship, and the second for the NZWPW Championship, giving both men two opportunities to either retain or reclaim the titles.

Rufguts has appeared confident about the match on social media this week, but Ben Mana had some strong words for his challenger.

“Not only have you never faced me in singles competition before, you have never – and I mean never – beaten me in a match,” he wrote.

“Let that just sink in a bit… because after the two matches are over that statistic is not going to change. I will decimate, devastate and destroy you, in the process leave you weighed, measured and found wanting, and I will still walk out NZWPW and SCW Heavyweight Champion.”

While Rufguts has two title matches officially scheduled, there is a the potential for a third. Should Rufguts be unable to win the NZWPW Championship, he still holds the Right 2 Challenge, a contract which allows him an NZWPW Championship match at any time and place of his choosing.

With that sort of back-up plan in place it’s very hard to give the edge to either man at Beat Down, but one – or both – will leave the He Toa Gym tonight with major wins.

NZWPW Beat Down takes places tonight, June 27, at the He Toa Gym on North Street, Petone. Doors open at 7pm with the first match scheduled for 7.30pm. Tickets are available on the door ($15 for adults, $10 for children). The card, subject to change, is listed below.

NZWPW Beat Down Card:

NZWPW and SCW Championship:
Ben Mana (c) vs. “Rufguts” Roddy Gunn

JC Star vs. Kauri Walker

He Toa Cup:
Mikey vs. ??? vs. ??? vs. ???

He Toa Cup Qualifier:
Axl vs. Mr Silver

He Toa Cup Qualifier:
Chad Howard vs. Jade Priest

He Toa Cup Qualifier:
Hayden Thiele vs. Scravenge