Courtesy www.eveningnews24.co.uk

Book boost for city wrestlers

DAVID BALE
21 March 2008 13:06

Wrestling fans in Norwich who have been thrilled by the no holds barred exploits of home-grown talents Sweet Saraya and the Zebra Kid can find out more about their heroes in a new book by Norfolk author Julian Radbourne.

The Cromer-based writer achieved his dream job of working in the professional wrestling business in 2001, and as chief reporter and webmaster for the UK-based World Association of Wrestling (WAW).

Mr Radbourne wrote numerous articles and show reviews, travelling up and down the country until leaving the company in November 2005.

His new book, The WAW Years-Articles from within the British wrestling business 2001-2005, gives readers the chance for the first time to read all of the articles on the British wrestling business in one volume.

The book features several chapters on Norwich legend Sweet Saraya, who Mr Radbourne said can justifiably claim to be the first lady of British wrestling.

Mr Radbourne said: “She has the looks, the talent, and the brains to go far. She certainly compares well with many of her American counterparts. She is by far the best she is at what she does in the UK.

“If she is the future of women's wrestling in the UK, then that future is certainly bright.”

In the book, Mr Radbourne's equally complimentary about the Zebra Kid - 27-year-old father-of-one Roy Bevis - who is also part of Sweet Saraya's extended family and lives in Stannard Road, off Colman Road, Norwich.

The first live wrestling show the writer ever attended was on April 21, 2001 at Norwich Sports Village, which featured the Zebra Kid against Jodie Flash.

Mr Radbourne writes: “This match had it all, tension, action, excitement. It wasn't just the fans who were awestruck that night.

“As I sat in my third row seat, I looked back at the aisle that led to the ring. It seemed like everyone from the dressing room was standing there, watching two of the best wrestlers in the country going at it.

“After what seemed like an age, Zebra Kid managed to climb to the top of the ladder, and grab his coveted Cruiser weight championship. That night, for me, will always remain special, because it was on that night I realised I had seen a star in the making.”

There are also articles in the book on “Rowdy” Ricky Knight, who is Sweet Saraya's husband, “The Showstealer“ Alex Shane, Flash Barker, Jake “The Snake“ Roberts and the U.K. Pitbulls, through to “exclusive” columns for 1 Stop Wrestling and The Wrestling Channel.