I watched wrestling in Glasgow - and it turned into a street fight

I came expecting the ridiculous - I left spattered in Irn Bru and buzzing about what I’d just witnessed.

VALOR Wrestling brought their exhilarating antics to Glasgow’s Grand Ole Opry on Sunday, July 7, thrilling a fervent audience, and completely winning over this previously doubtful reporter.

I’d never watched wrestling before but as the first bell rang it became clear that I was in the minority, as fans of all ages cheered for their favourites and booed at the villains.

Big Canadian Tim Strange goes "full rodeo" on an opponent (Image: Newsquest)

At first, it did all seem a bit daft - ‘punches’ flew by - sometimes not in the same postcode as their supposed targets, while the cries of exuberant young kids were drowned out by men who seemed frankly too old to be so excited.

The ladies show they can throw their weight around too (Image: Newsquest)

And yet, as the fights rolled on, the magic of the spectacle slowly but surely brought me under its spell.

Every now and then, a wrestler would leap from the top rope and crush an opponent beneath them with such force that it would suddenly all become real - the fiction and absurdity fell away, and before you know it you’re on your feet shouting out in support.

Lou King Sharp gets out the chair (Image: Newsquest)

By the time the MC announced during the final bout that things were going to be “taken outside for a good ol’ Glasgow street fight,” my reaction was one of almost rabid enthusiasm, as wrestlers and audience members alike rushed out the front door.

Watching the madness that followed is not something I will forget in a hurry, as crowds gathered round to watch flamboyantly dressed men fling themselves about on the pavement of Paisley Road West, while bemused drivers passing by honked their horns.

A "good ol' Glasgow street fight" on Paisley Road West (Image: Gregor Flynn)

This al fresco frenzy only ended when Lou King Sharp was bundled by Chris Renfrew and his crew into the boot of a taxi, which then promptly drove off - revenge for Lou having earlier smashed a half empty can on Chris’ head, covering the front rows in Irn Bru.

The fighting continues outside (Image: Newsquest)

If you like wrestling, this is absolutely the show for you. And if you don’t - or you think you don’t - then it might well still be the show for you. At £13.80 a ticket, it’s certainly worth finding out!

VALOR Wrestling will perform at St Ninians church in Kirkintilloch on August 17, and return to the Grand Ole Opry on October 6.

This reporter couldn't help having a go with the chair (Image: Gregor Flynn)