Two Doncaster wrestlers featured in new book

A Doncaster wrestler is one of 50 stars to be featured in a new book about the sport on television.

Albert Wall came from Doncaster and held the British heavyweight title three times, wrestling Pat Roach, Tony St Clair and Count Bartelli on television.

The book, called “Have A Good Week… Till Next Week”, includes detailed biographies on wrestlers including Albert and also Mal Kirk - who played rugby league in Doncaster.

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Mal made up a front row with two other future grapplers, George Goodyear and Ted Heath.

He went on to travel the world as a wrestler, though it is said he would often race home after southern shows in the hope of getting a pint of Tetley’s before closing time.

Author John Lister said: “Wall isn’t remembered as much as the likes of Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks, but wrestlers who worked with him remember the credibility he brought to the heavyweight title in an era when pro wrestling had to justify its inclusion in a show titled ‘World of Sport.’

“Kirk’s peers recall his amazing cardio given his size and his ability to make moves look devastating without hurting his colleagues.

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“Most of all, though, they remembered his warm nature and the fun he brought to the many hours of driving that a wrestler’s life involves.”

John Lister is a professional freelance writer who has been writing for wrestling publications since 1990. The book also contains articles on wrestling at the Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Arena

The book, which is named after commentator Kent Walton’s signature signoff phrase, is available to buy in print and Kindle edition at Amazon now.