Wrestling action underway

THE first Starrcast wrestling event to be held outside the United States started in Ballarat yesterday.

The four-day convention, funded by the state government, features signings, shows, and interactive panels at the Civic Hall and the Mining Exchange as well as live events at Selkirk Stadium.

WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart and six-time WWE Women’s Champion Mickie James are headlining the action.

Australian wrestling legends on show include Adam Brooks and Erika Reid, the Oceania Pro Wrestling men’s and women’s champions respectively.

Tonight, Reid will defend her championship against Lizzy Evo and tomorrow night, Brooks is set to take on Mance Warner.

Reid said she is looking forward to representing her indigenous culture.

“Lizzy Evo is from the UK so it will be quite interesting to have Wiradjuri versus the UK,” she said.

“If there are mob in the crowd, when they leave, I want them to feel powerful, inspired and proud.

“I don’t want them to feel ashamed to say who their mob is or speak their native language or rep their culture in however they may want to do that.”

Brooks said he is excited to put Australian wrestling on an international stage.

“I am looking forward to wrestling in front of new fans that are probably coming out to see some of these international guys,” he said.

“I want them to leave thinking, ‘Man those Aussies were awesome. Adam Brooks was awesome’,” he said.

“Hopefully that brings new fans.”

Starrcast Downunder is on until Sunday 14 April. To purchase tickets visit the Starrcast Downunder website.