ALL STAR GRAPPLEVINE
(presented by Russell Plummer)
World of Sport stars team-up for Stevenage
ALL STAR are taking top ring action back to Stevenage on Sunday (April 22) with an outstanding afternoon line-up at the Gordon Craig Theatre contrasting some of the 21st century's emerging stars with ring legends such as Danny Collins (above left) and Johnny Kidd (above) from the fondly remembered 'World of Sport' era. Bristol-born Collins, a former British and European championship holder, and Luton's 'Mister Smooth' Kidd, both figured in televised action partnering the one and only Big Daddy while in their teens and now return to the tag team trail to take on the UK Hooligans, the controversial Norfolk-based father and son pairing of hard-hitting Ricky Knight and Zebra Kid Roy Knight. The big bill, starting at 3pm, also sees London's leading wrestling light James Mason facing one of the biggest men in British wrestling, 22 stones, 6ft 4in tall bearded man mountain Colossus Kennedy. And super-fit Mason will not be alone as he will receive enthusiastic backing from ring's smallest star, mighty midget Mark 'Little Legs' Sealey, the 3ft 6in fans' favourite who is also instantly recognised from a string of TV appearances and roles in the most recent Harry Potter films. Some of our lighter stars invariably generate their own brand of excitement and few can last the pace with self-styled
Prima Donna Nathan Cruz or aggressive ‘Wonder Kid’ Jonny Storm who will be pulling out all the stops in a middleweight showdown. Two further contests complete the line-up and, once again, there is a great value for money family offer with a £45 family ticket covering two adults and two children under 16. Tickets are now on sale at the theatre box office, telephone 01438-36320.
Finlay’s warning ahead of Jubilee series
DAVE FINLAY has already made it clear he has no plans to take prisoners when headlining a six show All Star series of Diamond Jubilee celebration events at the beginning of June and starting with the eagerly awaited Night of the Legends at Croydon's Fairfield Halls on Friday June 1. Although there are growing rumours that Finlay (top left) could soon be on his way back to WWE, the Belfast-born battler says his immediate priority will be the Croydon date and further shows on: Saturday June 2 at the Beck Theatre, Hayes, at 7pm (0208-5618371); Wednesday June 6 - Woodville Hall, Gravesend, at 7.30pm (01474-337774); Thursday June 7 - Embassy Centre, Skegness, at 7pm (0845-67045050); Friday June 8 - White Rock Theatre, Hastings, at 7.30pm (01424-462288); and Saturday June 9 - Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells at 7pm (01892-560613). Croydon has seen countless great wrestling occasions over the past 50 years but even these look set to be surpassed on June 1 by the legends event which brings back favourites from the World of Sport era to feature alongside the best of wrestling's current talent. The whole occasion is a fund-raiser for the Kent-based British Wrestlers' Re-Union and guests at ringside will include a whole host of past stars, among them, it is hoped, the unforgettable Mick McManus and Mr Wonderful Bobby Barnes who both figured in the very first wrestling event that packed the Fairfield Halls back in November 1962. There is already a big buzz among fans after first announcements of June 1 legends events including a headline clash with former teenage sensation Danny Collins returning to face Belfast Bruiser Finlay (top left) who regularly featured in All Star's Croydon bills and is every bit as abrasive as fans remember him from the late 1980s and through the 1990s, while Bristol-born Collins also starred in many Fairfield solo and tag clashes. Tag team action will bring back the original Super Flys pairing of Norfolk nightmare Ricky Knight (centre left) and partner Jimmy Ocean for a clash with the 'Liverpool Lads' headed by long haired favourite Robbie Brookside (seen above with present tag partner Frankie Sloan), while the programme starting at 7.30pm, also sees current Croydon favourites including London's own leading light James Mason and Wirral-based 'Xtreme' Dean Allmark stepping into the spotlight. Others on view will be the resurgent British tag team title holding combination of Mikey Whiplash (top right) and Robbie Dynamite, two men who have also enjoyed plenty of solo success, especially Whiplash who defeated French rival Thomas la Ruffa at Croydon to bring the world heavy-middleweight title and belt - once defended with total abandon by Rollerball Mark Rocco - back to Britain! Further contests will complete a memorable programme with tickets now on sale at the Fairfield Halls box office (Tel: 0208-688-9291) including a special £45 family offer covering two adults and two children under 16. For further details keep checking this website (www.superslamwrestling.co.uk); Facebook: All Star Wrestling UK; or ring Wrestlecall on 09068-121884 (call cost 60p. per-min).
Robbie Dynamite coaching at All Star School
AFTER an enforced break last weekend when their Bebington Civic Centre headquarters was the setting for an annual blood donor’s session, the All Star Wrestling School will be back in action on Saturday (April 21) and both this weekend and on Saturday April 28 Robbie Dynamite (above left) will be returning as a guest coach. The Potteries-born powerhouse has recently returned to regular action after taking more than a year out and his coaching style is every bit as gritty and precise as that seen in the ring. Head coach Dean Allmark (centre left) returns next month and trainees are already looking forward to Saturday June 2 when Dave Finlay will be taking a special Bebington Civic Centre session. The Wrestling School operates from 10 am to 4pm every Saturday with a top coaching regime that has already produced a string stars with recent graduates now making an impression in the ring include Tyson Taylor (centre right), Andy Rowntree, Carl Turner and Andy Anderson (far right) and among younger contenders fast making an impression are teenagers Sean Morell and Jack Watson.
Gearing-up for 2012 Superslam season
EASTER superslam bills at Butlin’s Bognor Regis and Skegness resorts provided a holiday period highlight for many fans and after a couple of late April events, the emphasis switches to the summer season which peaks from July through to September with six presentations a week, two each at the Bognor, Skegness and Minehead resorts. Family break offers are available covering midweek or weekend periods when wrestling is featured and details can found by going to: butlinsonline.co.uk The Butlin’s action schedule is: Bognor Regis (Tuesday and Saturday): April 28; June 2, 5, 9, 30; July 7, 14, 21, 24, 28, 31; August 4, 7,11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28, 31; September 1, 15, 29; October 20, 27; November 3. Skegness (Thursday and Saturday): April 28; May 26; June 2, 7, 9, 16, 23, 30; July 7, 14, 21, 26, 28; August 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30; September 1, 8, 16; October 20, 23, 27, 30. Minehead (Wednesday and Sunday): June 3, 6, 10, 24; July 8, 15, 22, 25, 29; August 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29; September 2, 9, 23; October 7, 21, 24, 28, 31. All Star’s second year as exclusive presenters at more than 30 Haven Holiday Centres around the country begins with action at venues in Scotland from Saturday June 30 through to the end of August and at centres in England and Wales from Saturday July 21 to Thursday August 30.
ALL STAR are taking top ring action back to Stevenage on Sunday (April 22) with an outstanding afternoon line-up at the Gordon Craig Theatre contrasting some of the 21st century's emerging stars with ring legends such as Danny Collins (above left) and Johnny Kidd (above) from the fondly remembered 'World of Sport' era. Bristol-born Collins, a former British and European championship holder, and Luton's 'Mister Smooth' Kidd, both figured in televised action partnering the one and only Big Daddy while in their teens and now return to the tag team trail to take on the UK Hooligans, the controversial Norfolk-based father and son pairing of hard-hitting Ricky Knight and Zebra Kid Roy Knight. The big bill, starting at 3pm, also sees London's leading wrestling light James Mason facing one of the biggest men in British wrestling, 22 stones, 6ft 4in tall bearded man mountain Colossus Kennedy. And super-fit Mason will not be alone as he will receive enthusiastic backing from ring's smallest star, mighty midget Mark 'Little Legs' Sealey, the 3ft 6in fans' favourite who is also instantly recognised from a string of TV appearances and roles in the most recent Harry Potter films. Some of our lighter stars invariably generate their own brand of excitement and few can last the pace with self-styled
Finlay’s warning ahead of Jubilee series
DAVE FINLAY has already made it clear he has no plans to take prisoners when headlining a six show All Star series of Diamond Jubilee celebration events at the beginning of June and starting with the eagerly awaited Night of the Legends at Croydon's Fairfield Halls on Friday June 1. Although there are growing rumours that Finlay (top left) could soon be on his way back to WWE, the Belfast-born battler says his immediate priority will be the Croydon date and further shows on: Saturday June 2 at the Beck Theatre, Hayes, at 7pm (0208-5618371); Wednesday June 6 - Woodville Hall, Gravesend, at 7.30pm (01474-337774); Thursday June 7 - Embassy Centre, Skegness, at 7pm (0845-67045050); Friday June 8 - White Rock Theatre, Hastings, at 7.30pm (01424-462288); and Saturday June 9 - Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells at 7pm (01892-560613). Croydon has seen countless great wrestling occasions over the past 50 years but even these look set to be surpassed on June 1 by the legends event which brings back favourites from the World of Sport era to feature alongside the best of wrestling's current talent. The whole occasion is a fund-raiser for the Kent-based British Wrestlers' Re-Union and guests at ringside will include a whole host of past stars, among them, it is hoped, the unforgettable Mick McManus and Mr Wonderful Bobby Barnes who both figured in the very first wrestling event that packed the Fairfield Halls back in November 1962. There is already a big buzz among fans after first announcements of June 1 legends events including a headline clash with former teenage sensation Danny Collins returning to face Belfast Bruiser Finlay (top left) who regularly featured in All Star's Croydon bills and is every bit as abrasive as fans remember him from the late 1980s and through the 1990s, while Bristol-born Collins also starred in many Fairfield solo and tag clashes. Tag team action will bring back the original Super Flys pairing of Norfolk nightmare Ricky Knight (centre left) and partner Jimmy Ocean for a clash with the 'Liverpool Lads' headed by long haired favourite Robbie Brookside (seen above with present tag partner Frankie Sloan), while the programme starting at 7.30pm, also sees current Croydon favourites including London's own leading light James Mason and Wirral-based 'Xtreme' Dean Allmark stepping into the spotlight. Others on view will be the resurgent British tag team title holding combination of Mikey Whiplash (top right) and Robbie Dynamite, two men who have also enjoyed plenty of solo success, especially Whiplash who defeated French rival Thomas la Ruffa at Croydon to bring the world heavy-middleweight title and belt - once defended with total abandon by Rollerball Mark Rocco - back to Britain! Further contests will complete a memorable programme with tickets now on sale at the Fairfield Halls box office (Tel: 0208-688-9291) including a special £45 family offer covering two adults and two children under 16. For further details keep checking this website (www.superslamwrestling.co.uk); Facebook: All Star Wrestling UK; or ring Wrestlecall on 09068-121884 (call cost 60p. per-min).
Robbie Dynamite coaching at All Star School
AFTER an enforced break last weekend when their Bebington Civic Centre headquarters was the setting for an annual blood donor’s session, the All Star Wrestling School will be back in action on Saturday (April 21) and both this weekend and on Saturday April 28 Robbie Dynamite (above left) will be returning as a guest coach. The Potteries-born powerhouse has recently returned to regular action after taking more than a year out and his coaching style is every bit as gritty and precise as that seen in the ring. Head coach Dean Allmark (centre left) returns next month and trainees are already looking forward to Saturday June 2 when Dave Finlay will be taking a special Bebington Civic Centre session. The Wrestling School operates from 10 am to 4pm every Saturday with a top coaching regime that has already produced a string stars with recent graduates now making an impression in the ring include Tyson Taylor (centre right), Andy Rowntree, Carl Turner and Andy Anderson (far right) and among younger contenders fast making an impression are teenagers Sean Morell and Jack Watson.
Gearing-up for 2012 Superslam season
EASTER superslam bills at Butlin’s Bognor Regis and Skegness resorts provided a holiday period highlight for many fans and after a couple of late April events, the emphasis switches to the summer season which peaks from July through to September with six presentations a week, two each at the Bognor, Skegness and Minehead resorts. Family break offers are available covering midweek or weekend periods when wrestling is featured and details can found by going to: butlinsonline.co.uk The Butlin’s action schedule is: Bognor Regis (Tuesday and Saturday): April 28; June 2, 5, 9, 30; July 7, 14, 21, 24, 28, 31; August 4, 7,11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28, 31; September 1, 15, 29; October 20, 27; November 3. Skegness (Thursday and Saturday): April 28; May 26; June 2, 7, 9, 16, 23, 30; July 7, 14, 21, 26, 28; August 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30; September 1, 8, 16; October 20, 23, 27, 30. Minehead (Wednesday and Sunday): June 3, 6, 10, 24; July 8, 15, 22, 25, 29; August 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29; September 2, 9, 23; October 7, 21, 24, 28, 31. All Star’s second year as exclusive presenters at more than 30 Haven Holiday Centres around the country begins with action at venues in Scotland from Saturday June 30 through to the end of August and at centres in England and Wales from Saturday July 21 to Thursday August 30.