Paul Benzema

Paul Benzema
Ring name(s)	Paul Benzema
Billed height	5 ft 8 in
Billed weight	230 lbs
Born	September 3, 1971 (age 44) Cork, Ireland
Billed from	London, England
Trained by	World Frontier Wrestling
Groups	The Crusade 2008-2010 The Awesome Posse 2009-2010
Debut	2008
Federations	N/A

Sir Paul Benzema (born September 3, 1970) is a former Irish professional wrestler and wrestling promoter on the Bebo Wrestling Network.

He is best known for his run in World Frontier Wrestling, where he is a record three time Undisputed Champion. He is recognised by BWN as being a 13-time world champion.

Most recently he served as Network President of Bebo Wrestling Network, with previous roles as founder & owner of Real Fighting Championship Wrestling, owner of Pure Ultimate Wrestling, general manager of Underworld Wrestling brand AfterDark, part-time booker & bookmaker for Pure Championship Wrestling and head trainer for Non-stop Wrestling Action.

Professional Wrestling Career

A late starter in wrestling, Benzema didn't enter a ring for the first time until well into his thirties. He attended several wrestling schools, moving between Ireland and the UK receiving his training. At the age of 37, he was approached by Steve Awesome after a training session. After much discussion of the wrestling world in general, an impressed Steve Awesome invited Benzema to attend WFW New Year Massacre 2008, the returning event of his wrestling company, for a try out match.

World Frontier Wrestling (2008 - 2010)

Benzema made his in-ring debut at New Year Massacre 2008, he entered a tag team turmoil match to crown

WFW Tag Team Champions

new Tag Team Champions. Alongside 'Picture Perfect' Don McDermott, Benzema was victorious in his debut, embarking on the year's longest tag title reign alongside McDermott. Several weeks later, Benzema would receive an International Championship match against Lee Edwards, once again emerging victorious and capturing his first singles championship. Benzema would go on to lose the title back to Edwards a week later in a rematch on Rush, following outside interference from chairman Steve Awesome.This resulted in a feud between Awesome & Benzema, featuring Benzema ultimately tormenting Awesome, including breaking the chairman's arm with a sledgehammer. The climax of the feud was reached when the two fought at Justification 2008, with Benzema emerging the victor.

Upon conclusion of his battles with the chairman, Benzema was entered into a tournament to crown a new WFW Undisputed Champion at Tuesday In Texas. Benzema would defeat Shane Steele and Levi Spyker in the opening rounds, going on to meet Lee Edwards and Resso Scott in the final at Tuesday In Texas in a ladder match. Resso Scott would go on to capture the championship, whilst Benzema received an injury to his shoulder delivering an Impaler DDT on Lee Edwards from atop a twenty foot ladder. Whilst recovering from his injury, a change in management led to Jake Lavery taking the reigns of WFW, who would opt not to recall Benzema to the roster after recovery, later releasing him from his contract.

Later in the year, Steve Awesome would depart from management of BCW to return to WFW, bringing Benzema back with him once he obligated his final BCW dates. Upon return to WFW, Benzema instantly aligned himself with villain owner Mr. Awesome, joining The Awesome Posse after an in-ring return at Christmas Crash. In the coming month, The Awesome Posse would torment Bobby Hogan, the main contender to Drake Hearst's Undisputed Championship. Mr. Awesome later announced an elimination chamber match at WFW New year Crash 2009, to be contended by Drake Hearst, Bobby Hogan and Paul Benzema, with Resso Scott and Vortex serving as referees. After eliminating Bobby Hogan, Benzema was crowned WFW Undisputed Champion for the first time. Benzema would then serve as Undisputed Champion and Chief Of Staff to Mr. Awesome until the company's later hiatus.

WFW would later return in July 2009. hosting their biggest event ever, Infusion III. Benzema was announced to compete twice in the night, competing in a one night only reunion with Don McDermott to defeat Max Mayhem & Blake Eradist to become Tag Team Champions. Later in the night, Benzema faced old rival Bobby Hogan in an Undisputed Championship match, defeating his old foe and becoming Undisputed Champion for a second time.

Immediately following Infusion, Benzema remained aligned to Mr Awesome and once more, The Awesome Posse was formed. After a title defense against Cameron McKenzie, Benzema and The Awesome Posse entered a feud with AC Mack &Hayden Porter, both of whom would challenge for the Undisputed Championship at Hardrive 2009 in a first blood match. After Mr. Awesome's outside interference attempting to aid Benzema's defense, handing him a rusty nail to bust open Hayden Porter. After ripping Hayden's flesh, it was revealed Benzema accidentally cut his own hand with the nail. On the following Rush, unable to accept that The Posse no longer held the title, Awesome attacked Benzema and initiated Hayden Porter in his place. At Deathwish 2009, Benzema activated his re-match clause and faced off against Porter and Levi Spyker. Despite The Awesome Posse's best efforts, they couldn't prevent Benzema taking back the title, making him a record three time Undisputed Champion. Immediately after, Mr. Awesome had another mental breakdown suffering the loss of the championship and ordered Adam Jones drop Hayden Porter. Mr. Awesome offered Benzema his place at his side once more, alas Benzema opted to punch Mr. Awesome in the face and clear Adam Jones from the ring. 

WFW Undisputed Champion

In what would prove to be the final month of WFW, Benzema feuded once more with The Awesome Posse. Adam Jones was put forward with the task of weakening Benzema as much as possible in advance of New Year Massacre 2010. On the Rush following Deathwish, Mr. Awesome announced Adam Jones would face Benzema in a no-holds barred match at Christmas Crash 2009. Jones would attack Benzema during and after his matches, going so far as to face him a week before under the alias of Nathan St. Peters. Jones was unsuccessful in his attempts, and ultimately The Awesome Posse failed in their quest to end Benzema's reign.

In the new year, Steve Awesome announced the closure of WFW. In the announcement, he also declared Paul Benzema WFW Superstar Of The Year 2009.

Several years later, Benzema and Awesome (competing as Johnny Viper) would face off one final time at RFCW 15: The End. Prior to their match, won by Viper, the WFW Chairman presented his long time friend with the WFW Undisputed Championship, declaring him champion for life, shaking his hand and hugging Benzema to a standing ovation from the live crowd.

Underworld Wrestling (2008 - 2009)

Not long after his wrestling debut, an upstart promotion, Underworld Wrestling, would contact Benzema to appear at their opening show, The Reapers Palace. Entering into the world championship tournament, Benzema would defeat Sebastian Steeler and Clavo Cruz in the opening rounds, falling just short to the Blood Red Sandman in the final. In the following edition of The Underworld, Benzema was named number one contender to the championship, in the following weeks Benzema would go on to injure The Blood Red Sandman, leading to the title being vacated, resulting in Benzema facing Justin Nero for the vacant title at Oblivion, with Nero emerging with the title. During the title match, Benzema would deliver a frog splash on Nero through another ladder, earning him the UWW OMG Moment Of The Year Award. The following week on The Underworld, Benzema and Nero would face off once more for, this time for the United States Championship, with Nero once again defeating Benzema and retaining his second championship. Immediately after this edition of The Underworld, UWW closed its doors.

During his initial run in UWW, Benzema had formed an alliance with Johnny Viper, known as The Crusade. The pair never had the chance to wrestle as a team during this period but were highly regarded by fans and were considered one of the strongest parts of UWW's programming in its initial success.

On November 15, 2008, UWW officially re-opened. Benzema however would decline invitations to return to the promotion. Despite his indifference towards the promotion, UWW acknowledged his prior contributions, naming his battles with Justin Nero (later Neal Powers) as Match Of The Year and Feud Of The Year, as well as declaring his daredevil frog splash as OMG Moment Of The Year, and later inducting him into their Hall Of Fame.

By January 10, Benzema held discussions with Chairman John Charismatic and UWW World Heavyweight Championm Johnny Viper, to make a brief return to the company for Viper's final storyline. For the first time, the hatchet between Benzema and UWW had finally been buried.

On The Underworld, Johnny Viper made an announcement that he felt his days to be numbered and that when the day came he could no longer be UWW Champion, he would no longer wrestle. The day his title reign ended, his career would end with it. The next week, it was announced that the title would be defended at When Worlds Collide inside the Elimination Chamber. Qualifiers were held to determine the five challengers, and in the second qualifier, Paul Benzema shocked the world by returning and defeating Mike Relisis to claim his spot inside the chamber. Benzema later explained his shock return to UWW, explaining that if anyone was to hold claim to ending Johnny Viper's career, that right should be his. At When Worlds Collide, inside the elimination chamber, Benzema delivered a frog splash from atop a ladder to Johnny Viper and securing the pin fall, thus ending his friend's career. Benzema would go on to be the final man eliminated in the match, losing out on the title to Mike Pyralis. Benzema's short term contract expired after, and he opted once more to depart from UWW.

By April of that year, UWW announced a brand extension, adding a new show, AfterDark. John Charismatic was 

AferDark GM

determined that Paul Benzema be the man to run the brand. On the condition that Daniel Templeton aid him in running the brand, Benzema signed on to run the show. AfterDark immediately took off as a dominant show in wrestling and was highly praised by all for its development of characters such as Chris Walker, Stryker and Andre Bravado in a blitzing Cruiserweight Division, and achieving ratings significantly higher than The Underworld. This led to a feud with a jealous John Charismatic who was determined to prove the dominance of The Underworld. A series of inter-promotional matches ensued on both Underworld and AfterDark. On Underworld prior to Total Annihilation, John Charismatic announced that he would face Benzema at the event in a Luchas de Apuestas match, declaring Benzema's position as general manager of AfterDark to be one of the stakes, with Benzema to choose John's stake in the match. On the following AfterDark, Benzema signed the contract to the match, against the protests of Daniel Templeton who failed in his attempts at peace talks. Benzema declared that if he was victorious, John Charismatic would step down as Chairman of the board. Benzema would go on to defeat John at Total Annihilation, keeping his role as GM Of AfterDark. Later that night, the UWW board of directors announced Benzema as the new Chairman of Underworld Wrestling.

Benzema returned to AfterDark as chairman for the first time to a standing ovation from the crowd and superstars, granting great rewards to those loyal to him. On Underworld however, those who opposed him were met with great punishment. Underworld General Manager Michael Lee arrived to meet all funding for the show removed and was immediately suspended indefinitely, leaving no authority on the show. Benzema's brutal punishments would later be taken out even on his own talent as he would strip Bobby Hogan of his number one contendership to the Undisputed Championship. More irrational decisions were made on his part that many, including the board of directors, deemed harsh and unstable, and announced he would no longer serve as Chairman after the Ragnarok event. On the night of Ragnarok, Benzema cancelled all AfterDark television contracts on screen. Later in the night, it was announced that John Charismatic would return to his role as chairman after midnight. Before Ragnarok went off the air, Paul Benzema made his way to the ring with a folder in his hand, it's contents being the ownership rights to AfterDark, which he would then sell for $1 to himself, signing off on the deal as chairman of the board. The other document being his UWW contract, which he terminatated on the spot as chairman and then burned inside the ring. This would be the very end of both AfterDark and his UWW career in June 2009.

In August, Benzema returned for one night only to team with the now returned Johnny Viper as The Crusade in a dark match for the UWW Tag Team Championships. The Crusade were victorious and held tag team gold together for the first time. Benzema then vacated his half of the titles and Dark Xodus took the gold alongside Viper in his place.

Pure Championship Wrestling (2008, 2009 - 2010)

Shortly after debuting in wrestling, Benzema wrestled a try out match with Pure Championship Wrestling, defeating Neal Powers in a dark match. Following the match, Benzema opted not to sign for the company.

In 2009, Bobby Hogan completed a take over of PCW in a move largely funded by Benzema, who would take up a position on the board of directors. On camera and on PCW.com, Benzema portrayed a mob boss who ran the PCW Bookmakers. As the months rolled by, Hogan would appoint a commissioner of Burnout, the father of Damien 'Lord Of Darkness', Zacharias. On Burnout, Benzema would drop the mob boss role and appear as himself in his executive role, opposing Zacharias. The trio would ultimately end up in a power battle for PCW. Following a vote initiated by Benzema, the board of directors voted (kayfabe) to remove Zacharias, and approve a match between Hogan and Benzema for PCW Livewire 2010. Benzema won the grudge match between the two, before announcing that he had sold his majority share in PCW to Joey Harding, launching the New Regime.

Following the legitimate sale of the company, Benzema declined to sign a performers contract and departed from PCW.

Real Fighting Championship Wrestling (2008 - 2011)

Along with competing in the ring, Benzema made a start on out of ring activities, the first of which being Real Fighting Championships, a dynasty he created with Clavo Cruz in June 2008. In its original format, RFC was a place designed to bring together the Bebo Wrestling community to argue out their points on topics. Serving as the sole moderator of RFC, Benzema was known to stir the pot and push as many buttons as he could as RFC seemingly became home of the war between CDW and WBW. Along with serving as a place to hold debates, RFC was also well known for its early format as it stood up for those who were mistreated, acted as the voice of the voiceless, and fought against corruption.

In November 2008, Benzema opted to turn from media mogul to wrestling promoter, and turned RFC into a wrestling promotion. RFC became a wrestling tournament, taking in 32 of Bebo's finest wrestlers, competing to become the RFC Tournament Winner and RFC Champion. The tournament was very well received and followed up with a second tournament in 2010. This tournament was considered a much bigger event, featuring much bigger names. As a result, Benzema hired Chris Michaels to assist in the running.

At the conclusion of this tournament, Benzema opted instead to change the RFC format once again, this time making it a once a month wrestling promotion, hosting Pay-Per-View events once a month, similar in fashion to the Ultimate Fighting Championship format. Benzema stood back from booking the events and promoted Chris Michaels as CEO of the promotion, opting himself to serve as an executive board member and president of media relations. RFC grew to immense heights under this regime, climaxed by the hosting a PPV Of The Year nominee, RFCW 10: Now Or Never. After this event, Paul Benzema announced his resignation from RFC to focus on other projects.

After his departure, RFC struggled in the following events, going as far as to take a hiatus after RFCW 12. Later in 2011, RFC would announce RFCW 13: Comeback. At this event, Paul Benzema returned to the company, this time however, solely as a wrestler. At Comeback, Benzema entered a battle royal match to determine the final entrant into the elimination chamber main event for the RFC World Championship. Benzema was victorious in this match and entered the elimination chamber, again emerging the victor and captured the RFC World Championship, laying claim to the belt he designed himself earlier that year. At RFCW 14, Benzema faced Levi Spyker and Robert Stevens in a triple threat match, losing the title after Spyker was defeated by Robert Stevens. Benzema was injured in the match and was officially declared unable to compete the next month, and would reactivate his rematch clause at a later date.

RFC World Champion

Chris Michaels announced the closure of RFC after RFCW 14 as he would move on to open Non-stop Wrestling Action. Months later, Benzema would purchase back the rights to RFC, having to rename it Real Fighting Championship Wrestling due to copyright issues. The purpose of this being to have the company go out in glorious fashion, with a fourth tournament and hosting RFCW 15: The End. Benzema would be active in the ring at The End, facing his long time friend Johnny Viper, in a losing effort. RFC Wrestling closed at this event, celebrating the history of the promotion. RFCW is still considered one of the greatest Bebo Feds of all time, and has been known to have its format copied on numerous occasions, each one being a massive failure. RFCW remains the original and only success of its kind.

Pure Ultimate Wrestling (2008, 2010)

In November 2008, Benzema appeared at PUW No Mercy, winning a pre-show over the top rope battle royale. The following week on Brawl, Benzema was placed in a World Heavyweight Championship match against Justin Williams, emerging victorious thanks to help from General Manager Paradox. At the next PPV, Crossover, Benzema defended the championship against Williams in a ladder match. Benzema's reign would last until the night before Cybermania, where he was injured at a house show event.

Following the chairman, Adam Brego's decision not to allow him to compete at Cybermania and stripping him of his championship, he would resign from the company, citing unfair treatment as his reasoning. Benzema would later win a lawsuit for constructive dismissal against the company.

In 2010, PUW entered into administration and had a wind up petition requested against it. Upon the news breaking, Benzema immediately sought control of the company, agreeing to purchase the company for no money, in exchange for paying off all company debt. Benzema would run the company for many months following his take over. In his time, he attracted many top stars to the company including John Charismatic, Hardcore Nev, Bobby Hogan, Matt Rydell and Tyler Williams. PUW then received a monumental boost upon the news that the legendary Rex Armstrong would join the company.

On June 1, 2010, Benzema announced the closure of PUW, citing the company's large losses as the reason for the closing. Despite the company no longer operating, Benzema remains the owner of PUW and all associated brands.

Independent Circuit (2008-2012)

In early 2008, Benzema appeared briefly in a federation promoted by Adam Brego, NGW. In his first match, Benzema defeated SK Punk to become the company's first World Heavyweight Champion.

In the Summer of 2008, Benzema appeared at the one and only show of the ill fated Championship Zone Wrestling, defeating Jackson Peters to become CZW Champion. The company failed to pay its performers that night and failed to produce another show afterwards.

At the one night only event of Hellacious Wrestling Federation, Benzema appeared in a losing effort against Clavo Cruz for the X-Division championship. After the match, Cruz would toss the title belt to Benzema and tell him to keep it.

In June 2009, Benzema toured for a short spell with OCW, where he had a tag team championship run with Bobby Hogan. During his time there, he also had a series of critically acclaimed matches with Trey De Marc.

Benzema also toured with Future Bebo Wrestling in 2012 for several months. During the tour, Benzema competed in a Royal Rumble match, finishing third behind Trip Johnson and Ricky Maine. The following month, Benzema competed in an elimination chamber match for the FBW Galaxy championship, losing out to Trip Johnson. The following week on Unbreakable, Benzema formed an alliance with Sean Christie known as Team Emosewa. The same night, the pair competed in a gauntlet match and became FBW Tag Team Champions. At FBW Futurefest, Team Emosewa defended their championships against TK Jones and Ricky Maine. This was to be Benzema's final night touring with FBW, he would say his goodbye's after the match and handed his belt over to Christie before bowing out.

Online Wrestling Alliance (2012)

Benzema appears at OWA Stairway To Stardom

On August 31, 2012, Benzema appeared at OWA Stairway To Stardom, defeating four jobbers in a handicap match. He was well received by the crowd who were excited by his presence. The following day, Online Wrestling Alliance formally announced the signing of Benzema to the newly acquired FBW brand. Two weeks later, Benzema made his FBW debut in a match with Craig Adams, in which he was the victor. OWA would go into a restructuring period after this event, later emerging with Sacrifice and FBW brands merged to form Fusion. Benzema signed a new contract with this brand.

OWA chairman Joey Tierney announced a tournament to determine the match at Revamp for the Galaxy Championship and named Benzema as one of the contestants. On the first night of Fusion, Benzema confronted Zack Richards over his decision to exchange the Pot Of Gold briefcase to claim the vacant Galaxy Championship. Richards took offense by his words and attacked him as he walked away. Despite being (kayfabe) injured by the attack, Benzema would go on to have a historic match against Trip Johnson, in which he won after hitting The Impaler, giving him the points in the Galaxy Tournament. The pair shook hands after the match, but both were attacked by Zack Richards. The following week, Benzema teamed with Trip Johnson to face Zack Richards & Julio Zapien, which they won after Zack Richards left his partner stranded. After Trip Johnson took charge of OWA, the tournament was scrapped mid-way. Benzema was placed in a match with Craig Adams to determine a contender to the Galaxy Chapionship. Benzema was victorious and would go on to capture the championship at OWA Ramifications.

On December 16, Benzema relinquished the Galaxy Championship and resigned from OWA.

Retirement

On January 17, 2013, Benzema resigned as Network President of BWN and retired from professional wrestling. Benzema cited a personal assault by WTF owners Jason Smith and Justin Williams being behind his decision. He left his farewell address in the public forum of the BWN website.

Other Media

Benzema in OWA - The Official Video Game

In January 2013, Benzema was officially confirmed as a playable character in OWA - The Official Video Game, appearing as the default Galaxy Champion.

Benzema owns and operate his own production company, simply named "Benzema Productions". His company has worked with a number of wrestling promotions, most notably Real Fighting Championship Wrestling & World Frontier Wrestling. Upon taking the reigns of BWN presidency, his company worked exclusively with the Bebo Wrestling Network throughout its run. Benzema announced the closure of the company after his retirement and no longer takes on production contracts.

In the comic book,"Something Awesum", written by Trip Johnson & Preston Scott, appears a character named Benzema. He serves as the main antagonist of the series. Trip Johnson has said that the character's name and likeness is based on, in tribute, to his friend Sir Paul. The likeness used in the comic, is almost identical to that used in the OWA video game from 2013. After his retirement from professional wrestling, he signed on to Trip Johnson's new television program, The Invincible Spider-Man & Raven starring as the main antagonist, Benzema.

In Wrestling

Finishing Moves

• The Impaler (Impaler DDT) - 2008–Present
• Anaconda Vise - 2008 - 2009

Signature Moves

• Northern Lights Suplex
• Fireman Carry into Flapjack
• Falcon Arrow
• The Brainbuster
• Top Rope Elbow
• Vertical Body Slam
• Double Underhook Powerbomb
• Thrust Kick
• Leg Sweep 

Managers

• Steve Awesome
• Ang Electric
• Little Jimmy

Entrance Themes

• The River by Good Charlotte 2008 - 2012
• Beethoven's 5th by Trans Siberian Orchestra 2012 - 2013

Championships & Accomplishments

World Frontier Wrestling

• WFW Undisputed Championship x3
• WFW International Championship
• WFW Television Championship
• WFW Tag Team Championship x2
• WFW Triple Crown Champion
• WFW Grand Slam Champion
• WFW Superstar Of The Year 2009

Real Fighting Championship

• RFC World Championship
• RFC Best Commentator for RFC 1 & 2
• 10th RFC World Champion

Underworld Wrestling

• UWW Tag Team Championship
• UWW Feud Of The Year w/Neal Powers
• UWW Match Of The Year w/ Neal Powers
• UWW OMG Moment Of The Year
• UWW 2009 Hall Of Fame Inductee
• UWW Feud Of The Year 2009 w/ John Charismatic

Online Wrestling Alliance

• OWA Galaxy Championship

​Future Bebo Wrestling

• FBW Tag Team Championship

​New Generation Wrestling

• NGW World Championship x2 (Promo)
• NGW World Championship (Non-Promo)

​Revolution Wrestling Online

• RWO World Champion
• RWO Golden Star Championship

Micro Monthly Wrestling

• MMW Championship

​Championship Zone Wrestling

• CZW Online Wrestling Championship

​Pure Ultimate Wrestling

• PUW World Heavyweight Championship

​All-Star Wrestling

• ASW World Championship

Hellacious Wrestling Federation

• HWF X-Division Championship