Young wrestling fans go wild as the Legend of Doom did battle with the Viking Warrior

Clapping, cheering, booing and chanting as enthusiasts got to their feet at the Forum 28 show

GRAPPLE fans were out in force when Britain’s answer to the TV stars of American wrestling came to Forum 28.

The Barrow event in 1999 – where family tickets cost £18 – featured the Viking Warrior and the Legend of Doom.

Youngsters – and a plenty of their parents – lapped up the high-energy action.

The Mail, on February 22, noted: “Clapping, cheering, booing, chanting.

“They were on their feet laughing and loving every second.”

In the late 1990s, wrestling was a big business in the United Kingdom but it was rare to get a major tour by the big-name Americans.

The answer was to promote British tribute versions and the best of them was Johnny South, better known at the time as Legend of Doom.

His stage look and name was based on Mike Hegstrand – known as the Road Warrior Hawk and the Legion of Doom.

Johnny South retired from the biff and bash of wrestling in 2005.