Half-term wrestling spectacular in Worthing

The Rumblemania Trophy holder, whose all-action style has made him a cult figure with ringsiders at the popular South Coast venue, is planning to go out with a bang by unleashing his alter ego, Freddie Mercurio, a tribute character in the guise of the legendary Queen front man, on to the Worthing fans.

Checkmate, real name Mark Brownsey-Joyce, was born in Chichester and grew up in Shoreham, where he was a pupil at Buckingham Middle School and King’s Manor (now Shoreham Academy) and later attended Steyning Grammar School.

He currently lives in Southwick with his Canadian-born wife and 21-month-old daughter and works at a Brighton furniture store, but he will shortly be heading out of England to settle in Toronto, where he plans to continue his wrestling career.

And Freddie Mercurio? He explains: “It started out as a joke between myself and my trainer but evolved into a character that has won the Lucha Britannia championship in London and wrestled in various parts of the UK but never in Worthing.”

His opponent will be another colourful ring personality, the self-styled “Prince of Mumbai,” Indian wrestler Rishi Ghosh.

The show will also feature a super-heavyweight battle of the giants when Southern Area champion Kris Kay partners 6ft 7in James Kenna against “Man Mountain” Karl Atlas and Crusher Curtis in a fight to the finish for the PWF tag team championship that will bring nearly 80st of might and muscle into the ring.

The line-up for the big half-term spectacular will also include a lightweight match between “Pocket Hercules” Wade Fitzgerald and Robbie Brookside-trained Midlander Jack Starzz, while two new stars, teenager Toby Clements, who has been wrestling in America, and Kay Jutler clash in a heavyweight bout.

Tickets, including reserved ringside seats and reduced prices for advance bookings are available from the box office, 01903 206206, or online via the Worthing Theatres website. The show starts at 7.45pm.