A RECORD number of fans cheered, jeered and laughed their socks off when British wrestling came to Chelmsford.
More than 200 spectators, 120 of them children, crammed into the arena at Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre in the city to see five breathtaking bouts from LDN Wrestling.
But not a drop of blood was spilt in the theatre-style event which was brilliantly rehearsed, with split-second timing the key to the wrestlers' showmanship.
The event last month included a comedy session with a wrestler showing off his trademark move "stink face", which involved him rubbing his bottom in his opponent's face.
Promoter Sanjay Bagga said: "Everyone was laughing till the tears ran down their faces, even the adults too."
Serious fighters included Clacton's Richard Parliament, a 'politician' whose policies include banning sweets and chips, and Kosta from Romford.
Mr Bagga added: "We love performing in Chelmsford. This is our fifth visit reviving the great tradition of wrestling at the long-demolished Corn Exchange.
"We now operate 150 venues all over the country but the Chelmsford welcome is quite special, with people turning out for something a bit different at the Christmas season."
Mr Bagga's company has just opened a new training academy at Harold Hill Leisure Centre, Romford, for aspiring wrestlers, male and female, to learn the tricks and skills of the sport.
The training sessions are open to all every Friday night, starting on January 4 from 7.30pm to 9.45pm, and are priced £5 with "in ring" training once a month.
