Coffey happy to be home in Glasgow for title bid

GLASGOW’S wrestling crowds are, Joe Coffey admits, unlike any others.

The former winner of the Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW) World Heavyweight Championship would know, having competed in far-flung locations such as Japan, but his past experience of wrestling in his home city ensures that he knows when he takes to the ring for Barramania III at the Barrowlands this evening, the fans will make the night particularly memorable.

“You just can’t compare the Glasgow crowd to anywhere else; they’re that bit more rowdy and it’s more like a football crowd,” the 28-year-old said. “Everyone has their particular favourite and that creates such a great atmosphere.

“There are other places that come close in terms of atmosphere but Glasgow’s unique and the ICW crowd in particular are pretty rowdy. I get a mixture of cheering and booing because there are some people who don’t like my attitude. But tough, that’s their problem.”

Tonight is a big night for Coffey. The Glaswegian is one of the headliners of the sell-out show and will take on reigning champion Trent Seven in the ICW World Heavyweight Championship match. Coffey’s star has been rising steadily and if he claims victory tonight, he will become the face of ICW. It is quite a prospect but one Coffey feels he is more than ready for.

“I’m feeling good, I’m feeling confident and I’m in good ring shape, so hopefully I’ll come away with a result at the end of the night,” he said.

The interest in professional wrestling has exploded in recent years with ICW’s sell-out show at the Hydro last year highlighting how widespread the appeal is.

This evening’s card has the highest quality of wrestlers on show, with WWE star Drew Galloway taking on Jack Jester, Grado fighting Wolfgang, and Sha Samuels up against Kid Fite. Even Coffey is impressed with the quality of the matches, although he has no doubt about who the fans will remember as they depart for home.

“These nights are always good because the talent on show is just incredible,” he said. “There are a lot of different styles on offer so it’s another big challenge for me to follow all of these matches and try to steal the show.”