Tony "Banger" Walsh is a very familiar name to British wrestling fans, who would see him on their televisions regularly on Saturday afternoons on ITV's "World of Sport". In his own words, here is how he came to embark on a wrestling career:

I was married, with a baby daughter, and working as a doorman part-time to bring in some extra cash, when I was offered the chance to fill-in as a late replacement at a wrestling tournament, it took me 5 seconds to think about it ... my life and future were never to be the same again. That first fight was a step into the unknown, a few butterflies, but I was young, fit and more than a little handy when it came to the crunch! Amazingly I won the bout, though only by default. My opponent had done something particularly nasty to my nether regions! I remember lying on the canvas hearing the crowd cheering, booing and shouting - this was where I belonged.

You can read all about how he became a professional wrestler, his inside views on the wrestling profession, and life since hanging up his boots, all on his own website at www.bangerwalsh.co.uk.

Tony "Banger" Walsh was usually cast in the classic role of villain - one of those wrestlers the fans loved to hate. These pictures from a televised match against welterweight Jeff Kaye illustrate the roughhouse tactics employed by Walsh to ensure his 'badboy' reputation preceded him wherever he wrestled.

Walsh is introduced, and squares up to Kaye

Kaye takes a run, and his momentum ensures that Walsh is overpowered and taken down ...

... for the pinfall to Kaye, who turns in celebration.

Big mistake - as Banger retaliates and fells Kaye from behind. Referee Peter Szakacs warns Banger, who shows his defiance.

Kaye is in for a hard time now, as Walsh lays on the strength holds, and is warned for 'rulebending'.

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An angry Walsh lifts Kaye by the ears, and incurs the displeasure of the crowd.

Trouble for Kaye now, as Walsh lifts him head-high, and carries him forward ...

... into his famous Kamikaze roll ...

... and it's all over for Kaye, who writhes in agony.

"Banger" Walsh acclaims his knockout win, goading the crowd and leaving the hapless Kaye to be attended to by the seconds as the MC announces the result.


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