Alf Nelson's blog

One of my favourite wrestlers is Tibor Szakacs of Hungary. To me, he was a heavier version of the great Johnny Saint. Like Johnny, Tibor’s wrestling style is still a joy to behold: he had a terrific imagination, and, for a such big guy, he had great athleticism, especially when escaping ground holds (as the following bout attests). Tibor may have possessed a dour personality, but his strong Greco-Roman background, cagey demeanour, and looks of anguish (maybe genuine or maybe through acting) helped make this sport as authentic as possible. Also, I always have this impression that he felt awkward in the ring as if conscious of being performing near naked in front of hundreds of prying eyes; I am sure many would say he had a fantastic physique. As he wrestled mainly in the UK, it was a shame that his nationality prevented him from having a shot at any championship title, for he would have been one of the greatest champions ever.

His brother Pete was also a grappler (in a lighter division) and later became a referee. Like his brother, Pete was a great wrestler with a fantastic imagination.

I would like to share with you one of my favourite American bouts, which took place 70 years ago. Baron Michele Leone was the hirsute one, hailing from Italy; Rito Romero was from Mexico. Aficionados of ground holds will appreciate this bout. I have always admired Romero: unfussy but effective wrestling style; film-star looks; and a tall, lean, and tidy physique. It is a shame that there is only one bout featuring this Mexican on YouTube, but at least the above bout is nearly one-hour long. Enjoy this match.

If you have access to Amazon Prime, you might be interested to know that there is a new film about the world of luche libre: ‘Cassandro’ from Mexico. Gael García Bernal is excellent in the eponymous role in this wrestling biopic (which is spoken in Spanish and English). Recommended.

People still ask me what WoS (Brit Pro) roleplay actually involves. Basically, it involves wearing pro gear, acting out your wrestling fantasies as if you are in an actual bout, and applying holds in a safe, slow-placed, and non-competitive way.

1. You can wear trunks, tights, or a leotard, etc. You can use boots, or wrestle in socks or barefoot, etc.

2. You enter ring or step onto mats wearing entrance gear (or without it), and acknowledge the invisible audience if you so wish.

3. You and your opponent pretend to be introduced by an invisible MC. Your opponent could do the introduction for you (and vice versa), or you could use a recording containing intros. If you have someone to act as an MC, even better.

4. You and your opponent pretend to be spoken to by an invisible referee in the middle of the ring/mats. If you have someone to act as a referee, great! You then shake hands or not.

5. Before the match, you and your opponent decide on number of rounds, length of rounds, etc.

6. Before the match, you and your opponent decide who wins. The match could end up in a draw (or even a 0-0 draw much to the 'consternation' of the audience), or you could use dice on smartphone to determine who gains pinfall(s)/submission(s) in which round(s).

7. Before the match, you and your opponent decide whether to have timed rounds or a one long bout (like those in the US and Europe and elsewhere).

8. Between timed rounds, you towel and sip water. Ensure buckets, towels and bottled water are provided. If you have someone to act as a valet/second, excellent.

9. You and your opponent can take turns to apply holds, or dominate a round.

10. You use timer (there should be one on your smartphone) for timed rounds.

11. For audience sound effects, you may wish to put on wrestling on YouTube in the background. Or Spotify provides wrestling sounds.

12. Of course, roleplay means safe and non-competitive wrestling. But discuss with your opponent if you two wish to wrestle competitively instead, etc.

Some people probably scoff at this 'strange' activity, but for WoS or any vintage pro-wrestling aficionados, this is a safe, friendly, beautiful male-bonding experience. Also, it can be great exercise!