Otago Daily Times

Pro wrestling return really takes a hold

- TIM MILLER

BODY slams, elbow drops, suplexes and figurefour leg locks might not mean much to most people but for profession­al wrestling fans it is what sports entertainm­ent is all about.

And it will all be on display tonight when the bell rings for the first dedicated profession­al wrestling show in Dunedin for more than 30 years.

Only standing room is left. About 400 wrestling fans are expected to pack into the

Union Hall for Southern Pro Wrestling’s (SPW) first show in Dunedin.

Performing in front of a home crowd is a dream come true for one of the stars of the night.

Dunedin man and wrestler Wilbur McDougall, aka Dr Feelgood, will fight his best friend Shane Sinclair in a nodisquali­fication match, meaning there are no rules and anything can be used during the bout, including tables and chairs.

‘‘It’s going to be fantastic. It’s the first time we’ve had a dedicated pro wrestling match in my home town. ‘‘I couldn’t be prouder.’’ Wrestling fans can expect a twoandahal­fhour show full of body slams, steel chairs and baby oil, McDougall said.

‘‘It’s going to be a spectacle; there’s going to be lights, sound, action, character, story, brawls fighting, and comedy.’’

SPW cofounder Troy Crosbie said it had been trying to stage a show in Dunedin for about two years so he was excited to finally be able to do that.

 ?? PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY ?? Ready to rumble . . . Dunedin wrestler Wilbur McDougall locks Michael Richards into a torture rack ahead the first dedicated profession­al wrestling show in the city for more than 30 years.
PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY Ready to rumble . . . Dunedin wrestler Wilbur McDougall locks Michael Richards into a torture rack ahead the first dedicated profession­al wrestling show in the city for more than 30 years.

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