The Tombstone. The Sleeper Hold. The Body Slam. Just some of the moves my friend's older brother used to try out on us as kids. Good times.
I don't know if these are actual wrestling moves or just a Somerset-style version, but it certainly gave me a healthy respect for the sport from a young age. And now other young 'uns will get the chance to learn not-quite-first-hand with the return of Kiwi pro-wrestling to the nation's screens.
Prime is bringing back the action-packed spectacle with a 13-part series later this year which is soon to be filmed in an old warehouse of Peter Jackson's in Wellington in front of a personally-invited audience, including pupils from local schools.
Ah, a whole new generation to be told not to try this at home.
Off the Ropes will feature champion wrestlers H-Flame and Shane "The Technician" Whitehead alongside promising new Kiwi talent Kade Morgan (the only third generation wrestler in New Zealand), Inferno and Diva Queen Hollie.
The man behind the revival, Rip Morgan (himself a former international wrestler known to fans of the sport), is promising an action-packed time in the ring.
"WWE has a huge following and this will have just as much excitement, spectacle and drama with a real Aotearoa theme," he says. "We are doing it our way. The circus is coming to town."
The last time pro-wrestling was televised here in NZ was 1984 with the highly-rated show On the Mat so it's certainly due a revival.
"Off the Ropes is going to make compelling viewing," said producer/director and wrestling fan Stevo O'Rourke. "Wrestling is the ultimate in physical theatre. It's about telling the story of good versus evil.
"The wrestlers are true athletes who combine the fighting arts with acrobatics and showmanship. There are going to be very strong characters in the show. There will be good guys, bad guys, bad guys who turn good and so on. There will be someone everyone can relate to."
And a chance for me to learn how to do those moves myself now that I'm a grown-up. Can't wait!
Comments
As if we need more of this type of rubbish on tv. This stuff is shown ALL day on Sunday on channel 5 sky. Everyone knows it's make believe.
Sep 30 11:09 am"Everyone knows it's make believe." Really? Thanks for ruining it for me :(
Oct 1 05:21 pmIf you really want the kids to learn something, get them to watch
Oct 3 01:31 pm"Making a Killing" on Maori TV 9:00pm on Sunday night.
It may save their lives. While drink-driving is responsible for less than 400 deaths per year in New Zealand, it may surprise you to learn that Doctors mistakes (including adverse drug reactions and highly preventable adverse drug reactions) cause 8000 deaths per year in New Zealand. In USA Doctors mistakes cause 581,000 deaths per year. Cost? $ 90 billion annu
What a twank!! Not everyone can afford Sky!! And being make believe, that's the best part.... As kids we use to watch 'On the Mat' that aired way back in the 70's, we had a laugh and clowned around as kids. You can't do that these days in the school yards in NZ. Because your generation are raising a bunch of lazy pampered gay kids!! THE NANNY STATE RULZ!!! Give me a break, bring back 'bull rush'.
Oct 3 09:23 pmbring it on . its light entertainment with all the bull***.my nephew is into this and yep is all staged but have no doubts its very physical.go along to a show, make your mind up after seeing it live. go shane
Oct 4 05:49 am