The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
TV judge to rule over wrestlers in headlock
Pair in dispute after competitor lifted up a child spectator
Two Kirkcaldy wrestlers are preparing for a showdown in Judge Rinder’s daytime television courtroom.
Euan G Mackie, who was suspended for lifting up a child spectator during a Fife show, believes he is owed compensation for cancelled appearances.
But World Wide Wrestling League (W3L Wrestling) promoter Michael Musgrave, known in the ring as Mike Musso, is standing by his decision to put Mr Mackie’s career on hold.
To break the stranglehold, both sides have agreed to appear in front of the TV judge for him to decide.
Mr Musgrave said: “We need to be absolutely sure that people attending our shows are not going to be scared.
“It’s OK to be a scary bad guy but the moment someone lifts a child up they have crossed the line.
“Euan might be small but he’s quite a scary character with his mask and get-up.”
Mr Musgrave said the primary schoolaged child was unhurt after the ordeal and W3L Wrestling had spoken to the family.
It is understood the family have not made any complaints to the police.
In full costume, the 5ft 3in tall Mr Mackie sports a black hat, dirty frilled shirt and a mask with a long white pointed nose.
During a pre-match speech, he said: “I am the monster who crushes your dreams and the greatest of nightmares this world has ever seen.”
He was suspended from all W3L Wrestling events pending further investigation following complaints from members of the audience.
“While W3L fans have come to expect over-the-top antics from many of our stars we do not wish anyone to feel like a single wrestler’s actions ruined their enjoyment of our events or made them feel uncomfortable to the extent that they would consider not attending a future event despite enjoying the rest of our line-up,” said Mr Musgrave.
He added that despite the dispute he would not rule out working with Mr Mackie in the future.
“Although there’s a serious disagreement, there is no personal animosity. From a business point of view it is still under review.”
The show featuring Mr Mackie and Mr Musso is expected to be aired on December 9.