By XAVIER SMERDON
FEW men would willingly climb into a cage with eight professional wrestlers, but that is exactly what one Werribee man will be doing next month.
Alexi Papadopolous has chosen a cage match to mark his return to professional wrestling following an injury enforced break.
Known as King of the Cage, the match will see some of the best wrestlers in Melbourne convene in one spot with a simple goal, get out of the cage.
Whichever wrestler can escape from the cage takes home the annual trophy, and plenty of bragging rights.
It is the first time the competition has been held in Australia, and Alexi said he was keen to show the other wrestlers what he is made of.
“For me personally this is a very big match because I’ve been out since March with back issues,” Alexi said.
“I have mixed emotions because of this situation.
“When it’s your first match you are flat out nervous, but as soon as you step through that curtain adrenalin kicks in and you’re ready to go.”
Trained by the veteran of wrestling, George “The Hit Man” Julio, Alexi trains three nights a week and said he had wanted to step into the ring ever since he was a kid.
But his trainer said only a select few people actually have what it takes to be a wrestler.
“For some people it’s a dream,” Mr Julio said.
“It’s not as easy as they think though. You have to love pain sometimes.”
The King of the Cage tournament will be held on 6 July at the NAW Arena, at 27 Talmage St Albion.
For more information visit www.newagewrestling.com.au
