THE man who trained a Bradford district-born WWE wrestling star has predicted an even brighter future ahead for him as he returns to the UK.

Marty Jones, a wrestling champion on ITV’s World of Sport programme during the 1970s and 80s, trained up Luke Menzies, otherwise known as World Wrestling Entertainment’s Ridge Holland.

Menzies called Mr Jones during his honeymoon in Mexico asking about the possibly of him training him to become a wrestler.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Luke Menzies, AKA WWE's Ridge Holland, was initially trained by wrestling legend Marty JonesLuke Menzies, AKA WWE's Ridge Holland, was initially trained by wrestling legend Marty Jones

The former Bradford Bulls Academy player had just retired as a rugby league player after representing teams including Batley Bulldogs and Toronto Wolfpack when he wished to change to competing in the ring.

Menzies showed his dedication for his new chosen sport and impressed Mr Jones, now 67, so much that he contacted WWE about taking a look at his prospect.

Mr Jones arranged a meeting with another of the wrestlers he trained, former WWE star William Regal, when the wrestling company was in the UK for a tour.

Liversedge-born Menzies impressed Mr Regal and was signed up to the WWE, first competing in its NXT divisions.

 

This was before he was called up to the WWE’s Friday Night Smackdown TV show in October last year.

Menzies has since become the first Yorkshireman to compete in the WWE’s 30-man Royal Rumble match and won a tag team contest at WrestleMania 38 in Texas last April.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ridge Holland dominates an opponent during an episode of WWE Friday Night SmackdownRidge Holland dominates an opponent during an episode of WWE Friday Night Smackdown (Image: WWE)

He is now part of the Brawling Brutes trio, alongside Sheamus and Butch. Menzies hopes to be in the thick of the action when WWE’s Clash at the Castle is held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday. September 3.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Marty Jones in action during his in-ring wrestling career Marty Jones in action during his in-ring wrestling career

Mr Jones, who runs the Squared Circle Wrestling Academy in Oldham, paid tribute to Menzies. He said: “He was a natural at it.

“He walked through the door and he was a big, impressive lad.

He has worked hard on things. He has had setbacks like injuries. I can only see good times ahead for him

“Hopefully he will be on the main roster for a long time. I would like to see him face Drew McIntyre.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: From left, Ridge Holland and his team-mate from the Brawling Brutes, Sheamus, in the ring From left, Ridge Holland and his team-mate from the Brawling Brutes, Sheamus, in the ring (Image: WWE)

“I trained Ridge for a couple of years. After I had trained him for 12 months I got in touch with William Regal. I told him this lad had a lot of potential. The rest is history.”

Menzies wears a flat cap to the ring, calls himself the Bother Causer and uses Northern Grit as a hashtag on social media.

 

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