This archive report was first published on 14 September 2019.
James Norwood, the 29-year-old Ipswich Town striker, is set to trade his football boots for wrestling ropes as he makes his debut in the wrestling ring at the Kingsway Hall in Harwich on September 18, 2019.
With five goals and one assist in six English League One appearances, Norwood has been on fire for the Tractor Boys this campaign. The forward, signed from Tranmere Rovers FC on a three-year deal this summer, has a history of mimicking WWE stars in his goal celebrations.
His take on Stone Cold Steve Austin's famous beer-drinking act has garnered nearly 1.5 million views, while his depiction of The Rock performing the People's Elbow move sparked a response from the great man himself.
The Rock, the world's highest-paid actor Dwayne Johnson, tweeted: 'Great form brother! #norwood #heartstopping #elbowdropping.'
Invited by the International Pro Wrestling League to host and perform a 'Norwood Mania' event to raise money for Cancer Research, the striker said: 'I've been a wrestling fan since I was ten. I used to watch Wrestlemania, Raw, and SmackDown.'
With tickets costing as little as £10, Norwood Mania in Kingsway Hall has almost sold out, with the event staging six bouts and the Ipswich ace performing in one and possibly refereeing.
