British Wrestling Fans pull together to aid injured Wrestlers

By Kieran Moran

The British Professional Wrestling is a small community. Same people at the same shows, with many of the Wrestlers appearing on the same shows 7 out of 10 times (unofficial stat, but I reckon it's a good guess). In recent years it has been the British wrestlers who have become the stars of the show,  with the likes of Will Ospreay and Marty Scrull wrestling around the world every weekend and Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate showing the rest of the WWE roster how to put on a top quality match. And at times fans get a little bit of grief for being 'greedy' or 'ungrateful' but, in recent weeks, that has not been the case at all.

In late September beloved high-flyer 'Bubblegum' posted on Facebook that he would not be able to perform at a TNT Extreme Wrestling show in Liverpool due to an issue with discs in his back, stopping his left leg from working entirely. After trips to the hospital and specialists, Bubblegum was informed that he would not be allowed to compete for up to 4 months, thus not being able to provide for his three sons or himself.

Not long after, Zak Bevis, one half of the UK Hooligans and Brother to WWE Superstar 'Paige', announced that he was dealing with a severe amount of pain in his wrist, neck and shoulders. In a rather emotional Facebook status, Zak detailed his struggles with mental illness along side the physical pain, before ending by thanking people for their support but rather poignantly pointing out "If I don't wrestle I can't support my family". Enter the British Wrestling community.

Within a matter of days, donations for both wrestlers came pouring in from fans and workers throughout the country. The level of admiration and love shown to these two men who had put their bodies on the line for the sake of entertaining audience after audience, not just to provide for their families but for the love of what they do, time and time again was truly amazing.

I believe the joint fundraiser, raised something to the extent of over £300. It could very well be much much more than that however, but I could not find the original website to confirm. Either way, that is a huge amount of money raised in short amount of time. But the British Wrestling Community wasn't done giving back there.

Jay Apter and the team at TNT Extreme Wrestling, put together "An Evening With Bubblegum (Fundraiser)" in order to raise funds for their former Heavyweight Champion. In a heartfelt gesture and what was sure to be an emotional night, fans showed up to the Motel Bar in Liverpool to offer their support for their fallen hero.

Preston City Wrestling (PCW) are also hosting a show in benefit of Bubblegum on the 28th of October, showing even more of the heart and kindness that the British Wrestling Community possess. The event page for the show is here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/193539324518596/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%2222%22%2C%22feed_story_type%22%3A%2222%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D&pnref=story

Much of the same love has been shown to Zak Knight, who had a show put on in his name by WAW. The show took place at EPIC studios in Norwich on the 14th of October, with many wrestlers giving up their wages and gas money to perform in the show, to better aid Zak and his family.

Zak (left) with brother Roy (right) on an emotional night

Around £4500 was raised for Zak and his family and I don't think I can put into words how amazing that is.

These tragic circumstances should never be wished up on anyone. But the level of support, adoration and general love given and shown to these two great men, has proven that the British Wrestling community care, so much for the performers who put themselves through great risk in the name of entertainment.

And may it continue to do so.