Getting to grips with wrestlers (From Bournemouth Echo)

Getting to grips with wrestlers

7:00pm Wednesday 21st July 2010 in

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STARS of American wrestling are limbering up to compete in Ferndown on Tuesday, July 27.

Life was on the ropes for professional James Riley, 23, until he started the project, which will see the Barrington Centre turned into a show ring.

He can’t wait to watch Andy Simmonz, who’s appeared on World Wrestling Entertainment’s Monday Night Raw, and Klondyke Kate, the first female wrestler on ITV’s World of Sport, battle it out and introduce the quiet town to what he sees as the greatest show on earth.

James, who flexes his muscles at holiday parks every summer, said: “It’s the drama I love.

“It’s a massive combination of athletic competition and drama.

“At first you think it must all be fake, but then you see someone getting smashed over the head with a steel chair, and it looks kind of real.”

The enthusiast of seven years will face Justin Star on the night.

James, AKA Jiving Jay Knox, added: “Wrestling is like watching a live fight sequence from a film.

“Everyone knows it’s been choreographed because it’s done in a certain way.

“It’s a bit like a magic trick – all smoke and mirrors.”

It’s wrestling that’s seen him through tough times like the death of his sister, Allison, in 2004.

After that he put on two wrestling shows for the Allison Riley Memorial Foundation, set up by family and friends.

This Fightstar Sports Entertainment evening will be bigger and better, he says: “I’m doing this for myself to see that I can do it, it’s not about making money.

“From where I was seven months ago, overworked and down, I’ll have really achieved something.”

Call 01202 894858 for tickets to the show, which starts at 7.30pm.