Swindon’s ‘Silverback’ Saime Sahin, is poised to make his highly anticipated return to professional wrestling on Saturday 18 January at The Deanery Theatre in Wichelstowe.
Part of British Kingdom Pro Wrestling’s Battle Kingdom event, this marks Sahin’s first match in six months after overcoming a career-threatening spinal injury. In July 2024, Sahin suffered a spinal compression fracture during a move aptly named the ‘Spinbuster’ by his long-standing rival, ‘The Stallion’ Chris Bronson.
Reflecting on the moment, Sahin said: “I knew instantly something wasn’t right. A pain shot through me like nothing I’d ever experienced before. It eased off at first, but within days, it got worse and worse.”
Despite warnings from doctors to delay his comeback, Sahin is determined to return to the sport he loves. “Truth be told, the doctors don’t think I should be returning yet,” he admitted. “But wrestling is my passion. Being away from the ring has been tough on my mental well-being, so it’s a balancing act, you know?”
Meanwhile, Chris Bronson hasn’t lost his signature bravado. Bronson said: “The kids have continued to chant his name during my matches, and I just shout back, ‘He’s dead.’
“I wasn’t sure he’d come back, but fair play, he’s giving it another go. Back injury or no back injury, I won’t be going easy on him when the time comes.”
In his return match, Sahin will face the formidable Tiger Ali. Bronson will headline the event, defending his heavyweight championship against Antonio De Luca in what promises to be an explosive main event. Adding to the evening’s excitement, decorated veteran wrestler and Swindon native JD Knight will compete for the prestigious NWA JCP Tag Team Championships. Alongside his partner Josh Knott, the Steel Servants will challenge reigning champions The Blockbusters, Jordan Sparkes and Toby St. John.
The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), a legendary wrestling organization founded in 1948 and now owned by Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, is globally renowned. The NWA JCP Tag Team Championships represent the southeastern U.S. territory under Joe Cazana Promotions. The Blockbusters, who captured the titles in Tennessee in September, aim to retain their gold before returning stateside.
The stacked card also includes a clash for the Junior Heavyweight Championship, with the brash and confident Prince Phoenix challenging the resilient Nico Angelo, known as the ‘Man with the Black Heart of Gold.’ Rounding out the lineup, British wrestling icon ‘The English Lion’ Eddie Ryan will collide with the towering ‘Colossus’ Mulligan in a battle of titans.
With WWE now streaming on Netflix, Swindon’s 20-year veteran promotor of British Kingdom Pro Wrestling David Sharp sees a golden age for live wrestling.
“A rising tide lifts all boats,” Sharp said. “WWE’s presence on Netflix opens pro wrestling to a massive new audience, many discovering it for the first time. There’s nothing like experiencing wrestling live. Wider exposure on TV brings people to live events, and I can promise families that they’ll love what we put on.”
Date: Saturday, 18 January 2025
Location: The Deanery Theatre, Deanery CE Academy, Peglars Way, Wichelstowe, Swindon, SN1 7DA
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Event Starts: 6:00 PM
Tickets: https://britishkingdompro.com/swindon-events
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