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Still Got It! Valentino Schools Rockwell In Bullrope Match

Posted: Feb 3rd 2014 By: CMBurnham

Rocco Valentino prizes his legacy above all else. From 1996 - 2001, Valentino was one of the top draws in Oklahoma as the face of OPW. And Valentino continued to be active across Northeast Oklahoma from 2001 - 2008. Since then, Valentino has focused his attention on coaching potential future mat stars at Webster High School in Tulsa. And twice a year, Valentino invites the stars of ComPro to host a fundraiser.

Rocco's pride about his legacy is well known in the wrestling community. And even though he is retired from regular active competition, there are still people who want to add to their resume that they were the one to put Rocco out for good. One of those people is UWE United States Champion Tim Rockwell. Rockwell watched as Valentino feuded with his uncle Bernard Funk. Funk defeated Valentino for the OPW Oklahoma Title, but Funk was never able to put Valentino out of wrestling. So, with one of Valentino's fundraisers nearing, Rockwell and his manager, Stevie Caballero, put a plan into motion.

Caballero filmed a video promo comparing Valentino to the tile in the kitchen of his palatial estate, calling it old, grimy and ready to be replaced. And when Rockwell and Caballero came out to address the fans at the event on January 23, he still had plenty to say. Caballero referenced the Otis Redding song, I'm Sick, Yall, which he said was like Valentino in that it was old and forgotten. Rockwell said that he had wanted to put Valentino out of wrestling for 10 years and on this night, he finally had the way to do it: A Texas Bullrope Match. Valentino promised that, come Monday, Webster would need a new wrestling coach.

Valentino had finally heard enough and rushed to the ring, not to talk, but to fight. And the fight was quickly on as Valentino attacked Rockwell. But Caballero quickly assisted his man and the odds prevented Valentino from pressing an advantage. Referees hit the ring and then the locker room emptied as everyone tried to restore order at the show. Ring announcer C. M. Burnham entered the ring and demanded that order be restored, making it clear that Rockwell's demand for a Texas Bullrope Match would not be granted, as it was too dangerous of a match for this kind of event. But Valentino snatched the microphone and said that since they were on his turf, he got to make the rules and he accepted the challenge of the Bullrope Match. Burnham attempted to back him down, reminding him of the danger, but Rocco refused and made it clear he wanted to get his hands on Rockwell, no matter the level of danger.

So it was on for the main event, and Valentino came dressed in his Webster blues, showing pride for the students he now mentored and coached. And while Rockwell may have issued the challenge, when it came time for the match, it seemed like things were a bit different. Rockwell appeared reluctant to put the bullrope on, but once it was on and the bell rang, both men tore into each other. Using the bullrope as a weapon (which was completely legal), Valentino and Rockwell attempted to choke and beat the life out of each other. Rockwell put Valentino in a Figure-Four leglock, but Valentino was able to reverse that. The match then spilled outside and Valentino suplexed Rockwell on the floor, then picked him up and rammed his back into the cornerpost. But Valentino could not keep Rockwell down for the three-count, even after that. And Rockwell took every opportunity he could get to wrap the bullrope around Valentino's throat. Sensing the end could be near, Caballero jumped in the ring and tried to hit Valentino in the head with his megaphone, but Rocco ducked and Caballero concussed his own man. As Caballero tried to beg off, Rocco scooped him up and powerslammed him on Rockwell, pinning both men for good measure.

Many people have tried to put Rocco Valentino out, but it seems apparent that Valentino will only leave on his own terms. For now, he is content to coach and watch from the sidelines. But do not mistake is current status for being unprepared. Tim Rockwell & Stevie Caballero learned in a most painful manner that Valentino still has all it takes to be successful in the ring.