THE world of wrestling is an action-packed mix of sport and theatre, and the men and women of Britannia Wrestling Promotions (BWP) certainly take their art form seriously.
Classic Ciaran McConnell, 20, studies English at Bangor University when he is not trapping opponents in his finishing hold, the figure four leg lock.
“Lots of friends ask me about it and I’m happy to tell them about it. It’s a big part of my life and I’m proud to do it,” he said.
Wrestling fans are well aware of the serious injuries that performers have suffered, and Ciaran explained that wrestlers pride themselves on looking after their opponents.
“If you commit to everything you do, there’s less chance of being hurt. I don’t claim to be a hard-man.
“Just as easily as they could end up hurt, you could. If you’re injured, especially in the big leagues, you can’t make money,” he said.
Watching Ciaran strut to the ring in a shiny golden robe to the strains of Van Halen at an event in Porthmadog, it is easy to see why he puts up with the rigours of ring action, as he gleefully interacts with the crowd.
“I also do stand up comedy. It doesn’t matter how big the arena is, being able to make people feel is a very powerful thing,” he said.
Jim “The Metal” King, 20, of Abergele, hopes eventually to compete for a major American company such as WWE.
He combines grappling working behind the counter at Blockbuster.
“It’s like Clark Kent. By day I’m serving people. By night, the spandex comes on and I’m travelling the country,” he said.
Ciaran , however, hopes to be an English teacher, but has not ruled out one day making his mark in America.
“There’s a good quote on my friend’s Facebook: ‘Reach for the top of the tree and you won’t leave the ground. Reach for the stars and you might reach the top of the tree‘,” he said.
BWP hopes to hold more events in Anglesey and Gwynedd, and commentator Ryan Kift, of Llanrug, explained what people can expect from the company’s mix of storylines and combat.
“BWP is unique in that you can come to each show as each one will be different and the shows are constantly evolving and improving,” he said.
Although much of the action is planned beforehand, BWP Owner Steve Saxon explained that the wrestlers at the Porthmadog show would have a week off to heal up.
“These guys are pure professionals. People don’t always appreciate what they’re doing to their bodies for the sake of entertainment.,” he said.
British Wrestling | Welsh Wrestling | Wrestling North Wales | Wrestling Porthmadog
****** MAIN EVENT BATTLE ROYALE ******
*** PWI:BWP WORLD CATCHWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH ***
*** BWP ROOKIE DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH ***
*** BWP TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH ***
*** TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP No1 CONTENDERS MATCH ***
‘Liverpools No1′ Zack Gibson
Dean MacManus
