'World Of Sport' Set For ITV Return

One of the most iconic names in the wrestling industry is set to make a historic return to British television.

The comeback event at Croydon’s Fairfield Halls, which is being taped for ITV, will feature new wrestlers, but promises to be in the spirit of traditional World of Sport Wrestling, utilizing the Mountevans rules. A number of the original World of Sport Wrestling legends will also be making a special appearance, including the masked man of mystery Kendo Nagasaki, and the man widely considered the world’s greatest technical wrestler; Johnny Saint.

‘World Of Sport’ originally aired on ITV from 1955 to 1988, with an average rating of 8.5 million. At it’s peak, a record audience of 18 million tuned for the blockbuster matchup between Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks at Wembley Stadium in 1981. Other British wrestlers such as Mick McManus, Jackie “Mr TV” Pallo, Les Kellett, and “Bomber” Pat Roach all became household names. So popular was ITV’s wrestling that a 1963 event held at the Royal Albert Hall featured Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh, as a guest of honour. Current WWE superstar William Regal and former superstar and trainer Dave ‘Fit’ Finlay were often featured on the show in the early stages of their careers.

“What’s old is new again,” said WOS Wrestling Ltd’s Managing Director John Chapman. “The internet age has produced a whole new generation of wrestling fans who study the wrestling skills of British legends such as Johnny Saint, Mark “Rollerball” Rocco, and Dynamite Kid. We’ve gone full circle. The public want this style of wrestling to come back; it’s an alternative to the American style. World of Sport Wrestling goes right back to basics, putting a clear emphasis on the actual wrestling.”

The comeback event has been three years in the making. IT entrepreneur John Chapman incorporated WOS Wrestling Ltd in 2010 and started the process of acquiring rights to Bona Vacantia wrestling trade marks from the Crown. In June 2013, WOS Wrestling Ltd sold numerous World of Sport trade marks rights to ITV Studios Limited with an agreement to provide new World of Sport Wrestling for ITV.

Tickets for this family friendly event are priced at £12 adults, £10 concessions, and £40 for a family of four. Tickets may be purchased via the Fairfield Halls website http://www.fairfield.co.uk, or alternatively telephone the Fairfield Halls box office on 020 8688 9291 (booking fee may apply). Tickets will also be available on the door, subject to availability. Doors open Doors 2pm, and the event commences 3pm.

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