Remember not so very long ago when we mentioned that Grant Holt had signed a “multi-show contract” and was in training for a post-football career as a professional wrestler?
Well, the former Norwich striker was thrust into the ring for the very first time during World Association Wrestling UK’s 40-man ‘Royal Rumble’ main even at the weekend.
Here’s the moment former @NorwichCityFC striker @Grantholt31 made his @WAW_UK wrestling debut. pic.twitter.com/IxiHrMGZrr
— BBC Look East (@BBCLookEast) 24 September 2018
The former Norwich striker looked vaguely passable as he went through his repertoire, hitting clotheslines and body slams a-plenty in the ‘iron man’ match (i.e. the last man left standing in the ring is victorious).
As the event nearer its conclusion, he even managed to cleared a couple of competitors before being tipped over the top rope himself in what looked like a noble defeat for the ex-footballer.
However, Holt’s feet didn’t touch the ground and, thanks to a strategic assist, he was able to haul himself back in and knock his overly presumptuous rival off the turnbuckle with a flying drop-kick to seal the win…
Former Premier League striker Grant Holt wins a 40-man rumble event on his wrestling debut pic.twitter.com/o4FUytF9G5
— Indy Sport (@IndySport) 24 September 2018
Here he is, proudly showing off the spoils of war…
Great show yesterday for @WAW_UK including a 30 minute iron man match with one of the best in the business @DaleBroughton3
Big shout out to the trophy winner. None of other than norwich legend @Grantholt31 #Wrestling #OTBC pic.twitter.com/lnb0KRY5i0
— Brad Slayer (@BradSlayer) 23 September 2018
Nice work, though Holt’s ring gear could definitely use an upgrade – unless of course his wrestling persona is “Danny Murphy on Match of the Day 2/part-time security guard at a discount shoe shop”.