Slam into a festive fight

Get ready to rumble this Christmas, as a wrestling extravaganza rocks Abertillery!

The Seasons Beatings wrestling event takes place on Thursday, December 28 and promises to be an action thwacked and packed night!

One of the Celtic Wrestlers (CW) taking part in the event is Karl Griffiths of Merthyr.

Griffiths whose wrestling name is Caiman said: 'This, to my knowledge, is the first time in a long while that a wrestling event has been held in Abertillery and it is guaranteed to be a good night.

'All the wrestlers are excited and promise to bring a night of wrestling action to Abertillery that local people won't forget in a hurry.'

Caiman explained that the show is open to all ages and could provide a welcome treat from the usual Christmas entertainment.

'There will be a Championship Match on the cards, pitting CW Champion, Birmingham's Mad Dog Max against Cardiff's Tyler Browne,' he said.

'Also in action will be TV wrestler, Mad Man Manson from Ireland, squaring off against the ever-bizarre Twilight.

'Added to this will be a 20 man over the top rope elimination rumble.'

If you fancy taking a place ring-side make sure you get along to the Arena club in Abertillery on December 28, for a top night of rough and tumble.

Entry to this event will cost £5 per person payable on the night. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start!

Wrestling

WRESTLING fans will be treated to three shows for the price of one this Saturday (December 16).

In a special event by Web TV Tapings at the brand new upstairs area of the Studio Bar, Wrestling Channel TV stars appearing include Merthyr Tydfil's Caiman and Cynon Valley grappler Matt Vaughn, as well as Thomas Bassey, Treharris's Tommy Dean, reality TV star Ryan Lewis, and Celtic Wrestling heavyweight champion, Birmingham's Maddog Max, plus many more.

These shows will be filmed for the last set of Celtic Wrestling Web TV of 2006, ending the series.

Entry to the event costs £6 for adults and £4 for under-16s.

For further information visit www.celticwrestling.com.

Wrestlers slam fight claims

Wrestling stars are denying a real-life rumble outside a popular Merthyr night spot.

It is claimed that a crowd of up to 200 watched a group of local wrestlers grappling with each other outside the Kirkhouse nightclub on Friday night (September 22).

One of the wrestlers involved told the Express an incident did occur, but that it was a staged fight and all in the name of fun.

Merthyr-based wrestler, Karl Griffiths or 'Caiman' explained he was on a night out with fellow wrestlers Tyler Browne and 'Spam.'

They had all enjoyed a few drinks, and he claims Spam put Tyler Browne in a head lock as a joke.

Caiman said the pair were rolling around on the floor, and he split them up as he was worried people might 'get the wrong idea.'

Caiman said: 'It was just a case of boys being boys, but it was totally bogus.

'We like a laugh and a joke and having a mess about.

'We stage fights for a living.'

He added that the trio even enjoyed a kebab together after the fight.

However, witnesses to the incident are not so sure.

One onlooker who did not wish to be named said: 'My mates and I saw the fight on Friday.

'This was about two in the morning.

'It was a load of wrestlers from Merthyr, I'm not sure of their names.

'A bouncer broke it up, but it was pretty nasty.'

Lyndon Ham or 'Spam' is a Celtic Wrestling marshal as well as a trainee wrestler.

He said: 'It was only a bit of fun, there was nothing to it.'

Tyler Browne has also slammed the rumours.

If you would prefer to watch wrestling in the ring rather than outside, there is regular organised Celtic Wrestling events.

'Smoke on the Water,' takes place at the Studio Bar in Merthyr this Saturday September 30 at 7:50pm.

Wrestlers are ready to rumble

This Saturday (September 30) sees another classic Rock and Wrestling show at Merthyr Tydfil's Studio Bar.

Local hero Caiman faces Birmingham's Mad-dog Max for the Celtic Wrestling heavyweight title - the Merthyr fighter's 10th defence of the title.

Stretching back to last May, this is the longest reign in Celtic Wrestling history.

Interactive Champion Thomas Bassey will also be on the card against an as yet unknown opponent.

The event coincides the launch of Chaos webcasts which can be viewed on www.celticwrestling.com .

The first webcast drew in over 970 viewers, an encouraging number for a pilot episode.

Future webcasts will be available on the site from 7pm each week.

Celtic Wrestling will film their second set of Chaos footage live at the Studio Bar on Saturday, October 7. This will be a day-time show with all ages welcome.

Doors open at 2pm with the action starting at 2.30pm.

Meanwhile, Caiman will be making his television debut on Sky in the next month.

He will appear on the Whiplash TV series which airs every Sunday evening on the Wrestling Channel 427 on Sky.

Into the eye of the storm

A Cynon Valley grappler is taking the wrestling world by storm.

Daniel Prosser is off to Canada in January to train with former World Championship Wrestling sensation Lance Storm.

The 20-year-old from Albert Street, Miskin, Mountain Ash, has also obtained a television contract with Sky - the first Welsh wrestler to be featured.

Last year Prosser, who is known throughout the wrestling world as Matt Vaughn, became the first-ever Celtic Wrestling Heavyweight Champion.

'It has been a very exciting time,' he said.

'I have also featured in the Fighting Spirit magazine and have been in a tag team with Billy Kidman - one of the top cruiserweights in the world,' said Prosser.

He recently beat Cardiff's Tyler Browne in the first round of the eight-man tournament held in Cardiff.

Prosser then went on to defeat Newport's Edd Ferris in front of a crowd of around 200 'grappling fans' at ringside.

When he is not pinning his opponents to the canvas, Prosser - whose heroes include wrestling superstars Shawn Michaels and Brett Hart - works at the Michael Sobell Sports Centre as a relief support worker.

Wrestling

CAIMAN wannabes could find themselves made famous when a first for British wrestling happens in Merthyr this weekend.

This Saturday (September 2) Celtic Wrestling will be filming their first webcasts at Studio Bar in the centre of town.

Wrestling fans of all ages are invited to take their place in the audience as the Celtic stars get to grips with each other in the ring.

And at the same time they could see themselves on the new weekly webcasts where they will share the limelight with Caiman, Thomas Bassey, Chris Recall and Matt Vaughn.

For more information, go to www.celticwrestling.com.

Local wrestlers set to grapple with the stars

Wrestling fans can watch local heroes take on TV stars in an evening of Lycra-clad fun for all the family.

Stars of TV Whiplash shows will take to the ring tonight against regular names such as Caiman, Tyler Browne and Chris Recall.

The event, organised by Celtic Wrestling, starts at 7.45pm in Canton Community Hall, Cardiff.

Tickets priced at £7 for adults and £5 for children, are available on the door.

For more details visit www.celticwrestling.com.

Exodus looking to wrestle crown from Caiman

WALES take on England in a battle royal next week in the latest event to be staged by Merthyr-based Celtic Wrestling.

Their Friday, July 28 show, a joint promotion with Last Man Standing, is another of their popular Rock N Wrestling spectaculars at the Studio Bar in Merthyr Town Centre.

Celtic Wrestling Heavyweight champion Caiman will defend his title in the main event against London wrestler Exodus in what is expected to be a battle royal.

Also featured on the card we will see International TV wrestler, Spud coming in for one night only to do battle against Celtic Wrestling's own Chris Recall, in what is set to be a fast-paced match, and Paul Tracey of Ireland will be flying over to meet giant Kade Callous.

Also on the show will be action from Celtic Wrestlers Thomas Bassey, Sweet Sugar Steve, Maddog Max and Jonny the Body.

In addition to the action there will be music from Valleys bands Freeloader and Skawd between bouts.

Tickets at £5 are available on entry. Doors open at 7pm.

Celtic Wrestling and RSW Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Caiman will warm up for his bout against Exodus this weekend when he takes part in the Irish Whip wrestling over in the Republic.

He will be wrestling a three day tour in venues throughout Dublin and Cork.

Get ready for bout of Celtic wrestling

FOUR marquee matches have been confirmed for Celtic Wrestling's 'Bedlam in Barry' extravaganza tomorrow evening at The Savoy in Broad Street.

In the main event, Caiman will defend the prestigious Celtic Heavyweight Championship against a mystery opponent chosen by his arch-nemesis, the Celtic Wreslint Managing Director Jonathan James.

James himself will also be stepping into the ring in a tag team bout, partnering Cardiff's Chris Recall against the popular Bassey Brothers.

With Thomas Bassey recently snaring Recall's Interactive Championship belt, retribution will be on the minds of Recall and JJ.

In singles competition, Tyler Browne of The System will attempt to sabotage Chris Petherwick's comeback, in another installment of Petherwick's long-running feud with the group.

Meanwhile, fan favourite Matt Vaughn will face off with the man who attempted to put him out of Celtic Wrestling for good; Walsall's Maddog Maxx.

Tickets for the evening (which features a full supporting card and music from Working Class Heroes) are available on the door for £7 (adults) and £5 (under 16).

Doors open at 7.15pm, with the opening bout set for a 7.45pm start.

Rough and tumble

AN exciting night of wrestling and entertainment is coming to a ring near you.

Celtic Wrestling presents Bedlam in Barry next Friday at The Savoy in Barry.

Fans can see local wrestler Caiman facing down opponents, as well as tag team events and a bout between Chris Petherwick and Tyler Browne.

Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets at £7 adults (£5 under 16s) are available on the door.

Rockin' a round

CELTIC Wrestling is proud to announce its first ever 'Rock and Wrestling' show, at The Savoy in Barry.

Bedlam in Barry will take place on Friday, July 14, with all ages welcome and ticket details available shortly. 

Headlining the bill will be the Celtic Heavyweight Champion, Caiman - a recent victor over former ECW World Champion 'The King of Old School', Steve Corino.

Also confirmed for the show are Interactive Champion Chris Recall (who boasts title defences against the international star 'The Wonderkid' Jonny Storm amongst others), and 'Marvellous' Matt Vaughn (a wrestler recently accepted into Lance Storm's wrestling academy in Canada and soon to appear nationwide on 'The Wrestling Channel').

Other names lined up include US tag team champions Maddog Maxx and Jonny The Body, 'Sick' Nick Berretta, Tyler Browne, The Bassey Brothers, The Workman, the gigantic Kade Callous and more.

Meanwhile, music's provided by indie up-and-comers Working Class Heroes, who appear at Bedlam In Barry a fortnight after playing at Cardiff's Barfly venue; a hall graced by Franz Ferdinand, Super Furry Animals and Razorlight, to name but a few. For further information on Celtic Wrestling, visit www.celticwrestling.com.

Hundreds turn up for a fun-filled

HUNDREDS of smiling faces turned up to enjoy the sunshine at Treats on the Streets - the biggest event to hit the town centre.

The street festival opened on Saturday with a crammed timetable.

Activities included petting the ponies in the mini zoo; tackling the climbing wall and soaking up the laughs at the Punch and Judy stall.

Young and old also took in some entertainment, with music from young band Charlie Says to Dowlais teen singer Victoria Hughes.

Merthyr grappler Caiman and his wrestling mates gave a demonstration. and madcap jugglers kept everyone happy as youngsters kept their cool on the bucking sheep.

The festival, part of a range of events to celebrate Merthyr's centenary, was hailed a success.

Rhian Davies, town centre manager, said: "The day was action-packed, and was the biggest event ever held in the town centre.

"We have had some positive feedback from visitors and are hoping this can become an annual event to rival other town centres."

One reveller, who will surely remember the day for a long time, was Festival Queen, Jessica Jones.

The 12-year-old Pen Y Dre Comprehensive pupil won a competition with the Express and Merthyr Council to name the event, and was driven there by Merthyr Mayor Coun Ian Clark and his chauffeur. 

She was crowned Queen live on Valleys Radio and presented with a mobile and goodies.

Runners-up were Jemma Bowler and Swathi Kumar.

Coun Clark said: "This was a fantastic event and I would like to thank all those involved in making the day such a success and, of course, a special thank you to Jessica, Jemma and Swathi for naming the festival and entering the competition.

"Myself and the mayoress had a fantastic time trying the delicious foods in the farmers' market, and I even tried out the bucking bronco.

"It was all great fun."

Bloom grapples with being a fall guy

A PLANE with the trailing sign introducing World Of Sport on Saturday afternoons presented by Dickie Davies meant two things to me - On the Ball and Wrestling.

While I sat and watched Brian Moore, I always knew that Davies with his strange grey fleck of hair just above his forehead would say: "Wrestling now from the Grand Hall in Weston-super-Mare". Or Halifax. Or anywhere they could cram in the bag-swinging blue rinse brigade.

My-ever lasting image of wrestling would be some old dear dressing up (never leaving her priceless cream bag behind), going to the edge of the canvas and screaming blue murder at the referee about some decision against her favourite bruiser.

Obviously, while she was distracting the referee her man was having it big time from his opponent. Something tells me the old dear must have been planted there by the producer.

With the somewhat glitzier WWF taking stage these days, complete with a load of American razzmatazz to make it a worldwide seller, I decided to get a bit closer to our own Celtic champion Karl 'Caiman' Griffiths.

Caiman works in our offices here at Thomson House as a Customer Services Operator and I often see him in the staff canteen.

He's a mild-mannered, softly spoken sort of bloke, the complete opposite to what you would expect of a champion wrestler.

Just as Caiman has his "I'll meet you, I'll greet you and I'll beat you" slogan, I had to have my own little mantra to work me up before the bout.

I thought long and hard about it and then two minutes latter settled on "Boom, boom, boom. Bloom is in the room!"

Now that I had the important chant I felt more at ease. 

I brought my Bermuda shorts to wear for my big moment, but unfortunately Caiman had brought a spare Lycra number that made me look like Big Daddy.

Before we went through some basic moves Caiman was concerned at how he could break my fall when he threw me over his shoulder.

Then we started going through our moves, with me under instructions to fall with my arms flat to the floor to enhance the impact of the floor.

After several attempts I was getting there, until Caiman, someone you're not going to argue with, asked me to pretend to go at him and then somersault into the crash mat.

Now I couldn't do a forward roll in school never mind a mid-air somersault, but I did manage something that approached getting my legs in the air before falling over.

Then Caiman demonstrated the clothes-line. You know the one, the wrestler comes full speed off the ropes and his opponent sticks out his arm and the head stays still while the rest of his body is pole-axed underneath.

All I could do was remember eating my breakfast roll and think it could be my last.

"Right, come at me and make sure your chest hits my chest at impact and my arm will hit your chest and you will fall back as soon as I hit you - and don't duck, just go for it," were Caiman's next instructions.

Then, whack!

I don't know what it looked like to be honest, and I wasn't bothered.

But I know I went backwards and my head was still on my shoulders.

There was worse to come in the form of a move called the Suplex.

The idea being that I attack Caiman, and he then throws me over his shoulder flat on my back. How exciting!

I was told to put my arm on his thigh and he would grab my neck and throw me over his shoulder. But I had to bounce just before I made the move.

Well again, I didn't know where I was until I landed on my back with a thud.

Caiman says wrestling is just a form of entertainment.

I call it a form of masochism.

For more information on Caiman go to www.crocodillionpsycho.com or www.celticwrestling.com.

Wrestling

THE increasingly popular Caiman has successfully defended his Celtic Wrestling Heavyweight title against a former world champion.

At the Studio Bar in Merthyr, Caiman saw off the challenge of ex-NWA, AWA and ECW World Heavyweight legend Steve Corino in a gruelling 20-minute bout. 

Caiman, real name Karl Griffiths, said: "It was a really tough, hard-hitting contest. After the match, Corino strapped the Championship belt around my waist as the crowd gave us both a standing ovation.

"It was one hell of a moment, definately the biggest of my career so far."

This Saturday, Caiman will be defending his title not once, but twice.

Birmingham's Mad Dog Max and Jonathan James from Cardiff will be looking to wrestle the belt from him in Merthyr Council's End of Century show.

Caiman's on his travels

AWAY DAY: Celtic Wrestling star Caiman is preparing for his first overseas bout with several warm-up fights in and around the Valleys.

Caiman, aka Karl Griffiths, makes his professional debut in the Netherlands on May 26 against top Dutch star Mark Kodiak, and appears at Caerphilly Leisure Centre tomorrow (Friday).

He returns to his Studio Bar in Merthyr on Saturday, May 13, before grappling in Canton Community Hall, Cardiff on Friday, May 19.

My word, Tony packs cracking new punch

A boxer who had never used a computer until two years ago has found his first-ever book is flying off the shelves.

Super-heavyweight Anthony Thomas, aged 35, from Gurnos, penned his own tribute to Lenny McLean after fans of the boxing legend logged on to the website he runs with his brother. The Guvnor Through the Eyes of Others is a hardback dedicated to the life of the boxer, who died in 1999.

And after more than two years in the writing, the book is already such a hit that WH Smith's bookstores have ordered 3,000 copies for shops across the UK.

"I picked myself up a cheap little laptop and thought I'd have a go at it," said Anthony, who competed twice in the Welsh Amateur Boxing Federation final.

"My brother gave me lessons with Word document and I started from there."

Anthony has run his own website on McLean now for more than six years with brother Steven.

He said: "It started as a hobby, being a boxer myself, but then it turned into a bit of a fixation.

"I never had the chance to meet him as he sadly passed away a few weeks before I started the website."

Merthyr web designer Lyn Williams now lends a hand to the site, to which fans still contribute, after helping create the book produced by Blake Publishing.

During its production, Anthony's father Edwin Charles ("Terry") passed away and his photograph now features in the book, which Anthony has dedicated to his memory.

McLean's widow Val has even written a foreword.

Anthony said: "After two years of hard work it was nice to finally hold the finished product in my hand and go down to the shop and see it on the shelf."

He now has plans to write another book, an interest he is juggling together with his new-found love of wrestling with the Celtic Wrestling team.

To visit Anthony's website, go to www.lennymclean.co.uk.

Wrestling star born

Celtic Wrestling's first heavyweight champion has been crowned after Merthyr's Caiman was defeated in the final.

Nineteen-year-old Daniel Prosser from Mountain Ash, known as Matt Vaughn, took the title at Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff, after a scintillating eight-man tournament.

He defeated Cardiff's Tyler Browne in the first round, before going on to defeat Newport's Edd Ferris in the semi-final, in front of more than 200 grappling fans.

In the final Prosser managed to overcome Caiman, his arch nemesis and the man who already held a string of victories against him.

"It is great to be the first-ever Celtic heavyweight champion," he said.

When he is not pinning his opponents to the canvas Prosser, whose heroes include Shawn Michaels and Brett Hart, works at the Michael Sobell Sports Centre, as a relief support worker.

This Saturday at the Studio Bar, Merthyr Tydfil, Celtic Wrestling's latest Rock and Wrestling event will see the inaugural Interactive Heavyweight Champion.

Following a public vote, "Mental Breakdown" will see Thomas Bassey (Merthyr), Thunderbolt Tommy Dean (Treharris), BA Berretta (Cardiff), Ricky Hype (Cardiff) and Mike Bird compete in a Gauntlet match.

Matt Vaughn is also due to face an as yet un-named opponent, while Caiman will battle against Cardiff bad boy Chris Recall.

Grappler grabs title

A Cynon Valley wrestler has been named the first-ever Celtic Wrestling Champion.

Daniel Prosser, aged 19, of Albert Street, Miskin, Mountain Ash, is known throughout the wrestling world as Matt Vaughn.

He beat Cardiff's Tyler Browne in the first round of the eight-man tournament held at Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff.

He then went on to defeat Newport's Edd Ferris in the semi-final, in front of around 200 "grapple fans" at ringside.

In the final, Prosser took on his arch-rival and the man who already held a string of victories against him - Merthyr Tydfil's Caiman, alias Karl Griffiths.

"It is great to be the first-ever Celtic heavyweight champion," said Prosser.

When he is not pinning his opponents to the canvas Prosser - whose heroes include Shawn Michaels and Brett Hart - works at the Michael Sobell Sports Centre as a relief support worker.

He recently completed his training at the NWA Hammerlock Wrestling School in Kent.

He says it is a shame there are no wrestling facilities in the Cynon Valley.

"There's not really anywhere around here to start up - I think that's really sad," said Prosser.

"Every kid watches it on the telly - I think there would be a huge demand for it if a wrestling school started up in the area".

Wrestling night rocks!

Hard knocks to the soundtrack of thrash rock returns to the Studio Bar this Saturday.

After the success of the Rock N Wrestling event on Boxing Day where 350 fans turned up, the show will now run on the last Saturday of every month.

Promoter Martin Williams said: "The great thing about the shows are you get both audiences - for the wrestling and the music.

"It's really good to see crowds back in Merthyr for live events".

My Little Murder and Prince of Fochriw will be performing sets and Merthyr wrestlers Caiman, Sweet Sugar Steve, Thomas Bassey and Tommy Dean will be in action in the ring.

Plus there will be an appearance from Celtic Wrestling's newest signing Vertigo, from Mexico City.

Future family wrestling events are planned for the first Saturday of every month at 2pm.

Entry for Rock N Wrestling is £5 and you can pay on the door.

The next event in Merthyr is on Saturday, February 25th at The Studio Bar, with a family show on Saturday, March 4.

For more information, go to www.celticwrestling.com.

Rock 'n' Wrestlers plan a night of Anger Management for Merthyr

The first Rock 'n' Wrestling event held in Merthyr Tydfil over Christmas proved such a hit a similar night is already planned for the end of January.

Wrestlers and musicians took turns to perform in Season's Beatings at the Studio Bar on Boxing Day night, whooping the 350-strong crowd into a frenzy.

Karl Griffiths (aka Caiman) who helped organise the show, said: "The event was a huge success.

"The Merthyr boys in action - myself, Thomas Bassey, Sweet Sugar Steve and Tommy Dean from Treharris - all stepped up their game with stellar performances.

"Tommy Dean ended up with injured ribs after a power-slam from Thomas Bassey and I received three stitches in my head and concussion after grappling with Matt Vaughn.

"But Sweet Sugar Steve Bassey got away with a couple of bruises as he won a 25-man over-the-top rope rumble."

The same venue will host Celtic Wrestling's second Rock 'n' Wrestling on Saturday, January 28, under the title Anger Management, the band Prince of Fochriw already confirmed.