Lionheart Aims To Make Shot At Jarrett Pay Off
Posted: Jan 16th 2011 By: CMBurnham
Without the obvious exceptions, few from Britain and Ireland have ever been great success stories across the pond, but over the past year it seems that now that has all changed.
Scottish wrestler Lionheart aims to be the next name to join the British and Irish contingent that is impressing on both rosters of WWE and TNA .
As part of TNA?s Maximum Impact tour, which starts on January 27th and takes place for three nights throughout the United Kingdom, TNA founder Jeff Jarrett will face one of Britain?s best on each date of the tour in his ?JJ MMA Challenge? which offers a $100,000 prize(?63,982, if you?re being picky) to anyone who can submit him.
On January 27th, at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow, Lionheart hopes to make a big impression and take great strides in heading over to America, as he takes up Jarrett?s challenge, in what is undoubtedly the biggest match in his career.
Lionheart, 28, is unquestionably the top star in Scottish wrestling today, he has appeared at main event level for several British promotions and has held major singles championship gold such as the NWA Scottish Heavyweight Championship, realising what a huge opportunity this is for him, Lionheart knows he needs to remain focus on the chance given to him.
?The ultimate goal is to land a contract with TNA. The match result isn?t as important as that, the chance of a lifetime being given to me is.
?I?m keeping a realistic grasp of the sheer magnitude of what this opportunity means and what it could bring me. Keeping mentally grounded and simply doing my very best is the key.?
Cumnock born, Lionheart has been wrestling for over 7 years; he is a very versatile performer and has had some stellar contests over the past year with Davey Richards, Douglas Williams and Desmond Wolfe to name a few.
Lionheart believes that while these contests have given him great experience, impressing in his match against Jarrett, could mean that the Scotsman takes the brave leap stateside gaining a contract with TNA wrestling.
?The mere thought of this gives me Goosebumps, it?s not hard for me to imagine being there and doing it because it?s what I continually imagine morning, noon and night. The thought it could actually happen is so emotionally overwhelming I?m trying to come to terms with it.
?Over the last couple of years, I?ve just grown as a performer. There is no greater teacher than experience, and it?s a never ending lesson. With more matches comes more experience and as a result you evolve as a performer.?
Speaking of how he got involved with TNA?s tour and his match with Jarrett, current Premier British Wrestling Heavyweight Champion Lionheart states that he had actively pursued an opportunity with TNA for well over a year.
?it was originally Doug Williams who contacted me and asked if I was available to work at the event. There have been some recent developments with PBW in Scotland and the British Wrestling Council so that also may have been a factor. When I was told of the match and the opportunity I would have to face Jarrett on a TNA stage, the excitement kept me awake for about 3 days.
?I actually met Jeff earlier in the day before he visited the school and the biggest thing for me was how so down to earth and friendly he was. I didn?t expect anything else but for a star of his status and standing in pro wrestling, he was incredibly approachable and seemed genuinely interested in me.?
In June 2008, Lionheart was the first Scottish wrestler to gain a ROH World Heavyweight title shot when he faced then Champion Wolfe (Nigel Mcguiness) and Keith Myatt in a triple threat. He also was privelaged to become the Scottish Triple Crown Champion, holding the PBW, British Championship Wrestling & NWA Scottish Heavyweight Championship simultaneously.
Since the contest was announced this match has been heavily hyped throughout the UK mainstream media with Jarrett himself doing interviews about Lionheart, the match and the tour itself.
Unless a major company like WWE or TNA comes to the UK shores, wrestling on these islands doesn?t get much attention in the mainstream media, so Lionheart admits the hype and hysteria surrounding this encounter has been a little unbelievable and overwhelming.
?I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who has contacted me with support and encouragement. It has been truly overwhelming and I hope I can make people proud.
?Jeff can expect a passion and fire from me like he has never seen. I will be giving this match my absolute all.?
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