A First for Live Wrestling!

Saturday 4th July saw the very first ever Live Professional Wrestling at the Deaf Cultural Centre, which featured a number of Deaf and Hearing wrestlers.  This was the culmination after many months of organising and planning between Robin Ash, Community Development Manager for the Deaf Cultural Centre and Sean Noone who competed in this event under the name of 'Sean Midnight'.  

  From left: Robin Lodge, Alan Kilby, Sean Midnight and Robin Ash

More than 110 people attended.  For both hearing and Deaf wrestlers, this was a different event for them in that most of the audience were Deaf.  Audiences at matches all over the UK are dominately hearing so this was a new challenge for the wrestlers.  For many of the Deaf spectators, it was their first time attending a sporting event of this kind. Over the space of more than 3 hours, several wrestlers competed often falling out of the ring and continuing their playful fight amongst the visitors.

Battling at the last match of the evening, Deaf wrestlers Davey Jones and Sean Midnight delighted the visitors, young and old, with their American awe-inspiring moves! After a captivating match which lasted for quite some time, Sean Midnight retained his PTW Championship belt, much to the delight and relief of  his fans.  

A new member of Sean's ever-increasing Fan Club is Linda Bagnall who brought along a banner almost as big as herself declaring her devotion to him! Deaf Artist Linda, is also a member of DANUK (Deaf Arts Network UK) so her drawing and painting skills came in handy.  

  Another fan for Sean Midnight, Linda Bagnall.  Photo by Simon Dalton

Also in appearance though not wrestling was former wrestler "World of Sport", Alan Kilby who clearly enjoyed the matches but especially the last one when he was seen signing tips to Sean! 

Robin Lodge, Chair of Birmingham Deaf Community Group, and Robin Ash presented an award and certificate for 'Lifetime Achievement' to Alan for his contribution to the sport of wrestling.    

This event was sponsored by Live Pro Wrestling (LPW).  The LPW is a Midlands based wrestling organisation bringing together creative talents of their professional wrestlers including Sean Midnight. 

Click here to have a look at the photos by Simon Dalton and Lisa Davies.