Ayrshire’s most popular wrestling show is on its way back after two long years.
The likes of BT Gunn, Doug Williams and Jody Fleish will grace the squared circle at Kilmarnock’s Grand Hall as British Championship Wrestling (BCW) present their ‘Back to Business’ event in April.
BCW chief Graham McKay admits it has been incredibly tough not being involved in organising shows due to the pandemic, with the last event held in December 2019.
McKay has been putting on shows in Killie and East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, for 19 years without a break – and says he has found that difficult to cope with.
Now he’s delighted fans will be back watching their favourite stars on Saturday, April 9.
McKay told Ayrshire Live: “The last show was in December 2019 and I am delighted that we are coming back.
“It has been weird, I have a busy day job which never stopped, but because of that I hadn’t spoke to 80 per cent of my roster for two years.
“I spoke to them on Facebook and stuff, but it’s just not the same really.
“I had shows booked for Kilmarnock and East Kilbride when Covid hit and obviously had to cancel everything.
“This will be my first show back in over two years and I am nervous. I have done this for so long but I am nervous.
“You just don’t know what to expect this time, it feels like I am starting all over again.
“I didn’t have a break from shows in 19 years, so to have a break for two years was just unheard of.
“When it’s your passion you are always thinking about it. During the pandemic you just wondered is it the end of wrestling? Will we ever get back to live shows?
“I was losing sleep; it sounds daft but I was worried about the thought of never being able to put on a show again.”
He continued: “I really missed the fans too. I’m not just a promoter, I have a great relationship with everyone that comes along, a lot of them have been following us for at least 10 years.
“These fans love it and constantly messaged asking when we were back...another thing as well is the kids with disabilities who loved our shows, they would count down the days on the calendar until the show. I really felt for them during this, it was horrific they didn’t have that wrestling fix that’s so important for them.
“I always class the fans as part of one big family, it’s not about money for me, I get a lot of joy out of what I do. I have tried to keep the prices low as it works out at £10 a ticket if you buy four, and that’s for three hours of entertainment.
“We have been successful due to the amazing fans. We were one of the only wrestling shows in Scotland to consistently sell out before the pandemic.
“It will be great seeing fans with smiles on their faces again. I have missed it.”
BCW has had incredible guests over the years including the likes of household names in Matt Hardy, Scott Hall, Hacksaw Jim Duggan and many more.
The likes of Drew Galloway [McIntyre in WWE] and Grado were also regulars – and McKay says it’s now time to create more heroes.
He said: “When you look at who we have had over the years in Kilmarnock it really is incredible.
“I am trying to focus on keeping it fresh, some of the guys who wrestled at the shows before have other things on now.
“I want to try and give people more opportunities, maybe wrestlers from training schools and the likes.
“I was known for being stubborn by sticking with the same people but I have changed my stance now and it’s important to give people opportunities.
“The likes of Drew is on WWE, but he needed an opportunity at one point. Who knows what kind of stars could be created?”
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