GrappleMax Amplify 7 (April 26, 2024) Review

GrappleMax Amplify 7 (April 26, 2024) Review: Tag Team Tension, Sharp Character Work & A Surprise Ending.

GrappleMax returned to its home turf at Grapplemax Studios in Singapore for Amplify 7, an event designed not just to deliver quality in-ring action but to reinforce the evolving character arcs and feuds that have made the promotion so engaging this year. Amplify 7 was a story-forward card with strong performances and moments of surprise. Here’s a breakdown of the night's proceedings.

Devan & Nathaniel vs. Lahrvin & Simon Siah

The show opened with a promising tag bout that set a great tone for the rest of the night. While Devan and Nathaniel came out visibly nervous during their promo, once the bell rang, both showed significant potential to hang with the main roster talent.

Lahrvin kicked off the match aggressively with a promo that was promptly cut short by Simon Siah’s rallying cry: “Don’t talk, just fight.” From there, the action unfolded in quick succession. Nathaniel gave Lahrvin trouble early on, holding his own in ground exchanges. When Devan tagged in, the contrast in styles became apparent. He brought a surprising flying game for someone with a power-based build, which worked well in tandem with Nathaniel’s more grounded approach.

Siah stood out with his scrappy, unpredictable energy throwing sharp kicks, fast chops, and even hitting a flying head scissors. The match briefly descended into chaos but found its rhythm again with smooth tag sequences, especially between Lahrvin and Siah, who moved like a seasoned unit. Siah hit a textbook Swanton Bomb for the finish, earning the win for his team.

While they were outclassed, Devan and Nathaniel displayed a dynamic that could easily develop into something special with more time and promo work. As a debut outing, it was a solid showing.

Jordan vs. Kelvin

The bout began with Jordan mocking Kelvin and downplaying the story of Showtime Inc., claiming only his story matters now. That disrespect bled into his in-ring style methodical, brutal, and dripping with arrogance something that has been more apparent since he switched to his new moniker Jinn Kai post show.

Kelvin looked outmatched for long stretches as Jordan punished his back with stiff knees and a brutal delayed suplex. Yet Kelvin’s fire never dimmed. He responded with big clotheslines, a dropkick, and a slick Russian leg sweep that brought fans to their feet. The crowd was solidly behind him by mid-match.

As the pace ramped up, Jordan locked Kelvin in a Black Widow-style submission, but Kelvin escaped and looked ready to finish it with a Twist of Fate. However, the ever-scheming Jullian slid a bat into the ring which Kelvin, now a full good guy, refused to use for the victory.

The end came when Jullian stuck into the ring and gave his longtime buddy Kelvin a vicious head kick. Jordan capitalised by hitting a devastating scissor kick while holding Kelvin’s arms aloft for the win.

Post-match, Jillian and Kelvin brawled, adding another layer to this already rich narrative. Jordan’s transformation into Jinn Kai is now in full swing, and this match cemented his new identity. Kelvin, as always, remained the emotional heart of the story demonstrating true babyface selling throughout. Time at the top of the card is coming for these two, but not yet.

Aussie Aussie Aussie vs. Ships Ahoy

This one was pure character-driven entertainment from start to finish. Both teams made their signature theatrical entrances, the kind that already scream big match feel but what followed was a comedy-filled clash of ego, antics, and subverted expectations.

Sarah Coldheart stole the show immediately with her bratty heel behavior. She stalled the match with perfume, rejected contact with Shawn loudly stating “I don’t want to deal with sweaty boy!”, and dodged early offense while declaring “I am the standard!” Her dynamic with Xtian, the more grounded but equally smarmy partner, was delightfully exaggerated. Stalling further she even produced a bottle of perfume and insisted on spraying everyone before she would potentially begin the match.

Shawn and YC played their roles perfectly as the increasingly frustrated babyfaces. After a series of cat-and-mouse dodges and baited dives, they finally got their hands on Ships Ahoy and delivered a satisfying double-team offense like synchronized snap mares and sliding dropkicks.

Just as things heated up, Sarah blatantly kicked Shawn in the groin in front of the ref for an intentional DQ, ending the match in classic heel fashion. It was a risky finish that may have disappointed those hoping for a heated rematch from Causeway Jam but in context, it worked.

This was my favorite match of the night, the focus was on elevating the characters and establishing a new tone for this feud. Call it a five laugh match, if not a five-star one.

Crypto Bro LK vs. SPD

This singles match was arguably the best wrestling bout of the evening, with SPD and LK delivering a hard-hitting, back-and-forth contest.

LK opened with a classic heel fake-out handshake into gut punch and kept up the heeling throughout. SPD showed great fire, landing stiff elbows and a monstrous one-arm slam that brought the crowd alive. LK’s athleticism shone during a flying head scissors and a slick Sharpshooter, but SPD’s resilience was the story.

A key highlight was SPD escaping the Sharpshooter, delivering a stunner, and getting a close near fall, only for LK to ultimately steal the win with a rope-assisted pin. The finish was cheap, yes, but intentional as it kept SPD looking strong and added fuel to their ongoing rivalry. This feud has legs, and both men clearly know how to pace a match for maximum crowd engagement.

Hotshot & Ban Sachak vs. Happy Kai & John Stop Action

This tag match had a blend of comedy, drama, and crowd interaction. Happy Kai and John Stop Action’s promo set the tone with Happy Kai gushing over Singapore before John Stop Action reminded him they’re heels and he flipped back into berating the fans.

From there, it was an old-school tag bout full of classic beats: fake handshakes, fiery hot tags, sneaky heel tactics, and physical comedy. John Stop Action, in particular, was in top form — constantly jawing with the fans and reminding them he’s “Stop Action.” when putting on a heelish headlock, he “stops” the “action”, get it? Happy Kai’s offense was slick and his lion dancer pants remain unmatched in style points.

Tension brewed between Hotshot and Ban Sachak throughout. When John Stop Action tried to remove the turnbuckle padding, Hotshot stopped him but then had to deal with Ban’s interference. Later, when Hotshot needed a tag, John Stop Action pulled him off the apron, forcing Ban to fend for himself. Despite all the chaos, Ban pulled off a stunning double hurricanrana and finally tagged in Hotshot for the fiery finish.

In a moment of unintentional hilarity, Hotshot dropkicked John Stop Action while he still had Happy Kai locked in a headlock, causing John Stop Action to DDT his own partner. Eventually the match ended with Ban pinning John Stop Action kind of out of nowhere after a tag.

Hotshot refused to shake Ban's hand, a subtle but intriguing development and then BOOM, Big Dave returned, ambushing Ban Sachak to close the show in shocking fashion by challenging his former ally to a chairs match at Fightclub 5.

A classic good guys Vs bad guys tag match. The only thing I thought let it down was the sudden finish which went against the feel of the match. Some flashy spots but very grounded in storyline and getting "heat" as they say in the business. Reminds me a lot of what you would see in the tag match on an All-star wrestling show which is a huge compliment I hope everyone understands.

Final Thoughts

Amplify 7 was about pushing stories forward, giving depth to characters and planting seeds for future feuds. This show was focused and executed with the kind of care you only get from a promotion that knows its audience. So many promotions over the world miss this little trait of leaving your fans wanting more rather than offering up an oversized buffet but Grapplemax has the formula down to a tee.

While there were some sudden finishes and a few off moments, those only added to the authenticity of a developmental-meets-showcase atmosphere. And with Big Dave’s return, Amplify 7 left us with a hook that helped make the next chapters feel even more special.

One other mention was the Endboss Gregory also announced the new Rising Championship. Debuting at Pro Wrestling Festival, this title is sure to give even more drive and purpose to many on today’s card who would make perfect first champions.

Grapplemax have two more upcoming shows with NWE Showcase 3 and Pro Wrestling Festival. Checkout the info on our events calander and don't forget to checkout Grapplemax's socials.