Star’s tribute
He was our Rock, say wrestler’s pals
Hollywood star Dwayne ‘ The Rock’ Johnson has led tributes to an Ayr wrestler after his shock death.
Adrian‘ Lionheart’ McCallum was just 36.
Johnson, who was a hero to fellow ring star Adrian, was among a string of top names around the globe to pay their condolences.
He said: “So sorry to hear the news of Adrian McCallum’s passing.”
Hollywood star Dwayne ‘ The Rock’ Johnson led tributes to an Ayr wrestler after his shock death.
Adrian ‘ Lionheart’ McCallum was just 36.
Johnson, who was a hero to fellow ring star Adrian, was among a a string of top names around the globe who paid their condolences.
Taking to Twitter, the WWE legend posted: “So sorry to hear the news of Adrian McCallum’s passing.
“Never had the opportunity to shake this man’s hand but sending his family, friends and UK wrestling community love, support and strength.”
The pair had been in touch earlier this year when Adrian holidayed in the States and posed beside Johnson’s star on the Hollywood walk of fame.
The Ayr grappler, who rose to the top of the UK scene during a stellar two- decade career, was renowned for using the same Rock Bottom move made famous by his hero.
A neck break in 2014 threatened to curtail his career but McCallum fought back to enjoy some of his best times following the injury.
He was the champion of Glasgowbased Insane Championship Wrestling at the time of his death last Wednesday.
And his running of Ayr company Pro Wrestling Elite had made him a popular face to thousands of local grappling fans over the last eight years.
Shows staged at Ayr Town Hall and the Citadel became a staple of Adrian’s vision, with some of the world’s biggest names flown in to appear.
But his promotion of homegrown talent was also at the forefront of his mind, none more so than fellow Ayrshire grappler Noam Dar who went on to sign with WWE.
Dar this week paid an emotional tribute, saying: “Adrian was my big brother.
“He was my best friend and biggest supporter.
“I wish I wasn’t on the other side of the planet when this happened. I wish I could have been there when he needed me.
“I wish he knew how much he truly meant to so many.”
Friends and colleagues have swamped social media since the devastating news, with tributes pouring in from around the globe.
Scots star Grado said: “Thank you for everything you did for the British wrestling scene... but more importantly for being our pal.”
More than £ 15,000 has been raised in an incredible online fundraiser to support the cost of Adrian’s funeral.
To donate visit www. gofundme. com/ adrianlionheartmccallum.
Sending his family, friends and UK wrestling community love, support and strength
Dwayne ‘ The Rock’ Johnson