Wrestling star Marty Jannetty heading to town

He was a star of American wrestling in the 1980s and 1990s, showing off his skills in front of thousands of cheering fans.

And now Marty Jannetty will taking to the ring in the Black Country on Friday night, writes Craig Birch.

Walsall's Matt Powell, aged 29, known as the chain-wielding Mad Dog Maxx, joins forces with tag team specialist Jannetty at Darlaston's All Active Centre on Willenhall Road.

Watch Marty Jannetty in action against the Brainbusters in 1989, with Shawn Michaels.

The American star, first name Fredrick, has performed in world title contests and headlined pay-per-view events alongside Shawn Michaels as 'the Rockers.'

He beat his former partner in 1993 for the Intercontinental title, regarded as the organisation's second biggest belt. Jannetty also fought Ric Flair for the NWA world title in the 1980s.

Jannetty in action in the ring in front of thousands of fans

Now globe-trotting in the Indian summer of his career, the 53-year-old has been booked by promoter Mr Powell to visit the West Midlands.

They team up to face the tandem of Johnny Thunder and Joey Syxx, both 25, to entertain wrestling fans who will flock to see one of their childhood heroes.

Thunder is car insurance salesman Jamie Firkin from Darlaston, while Syxx works by day as Willenhall welder Mike Jones.

Marty Jannetty and his old tag team partner Shawn Michaels during his WWF career

Mr Powell said: "I gave up my job five years ago to take up promoting full time and, thankfully, it's paid off so far. Wrestling is what I love and it's great to be a part of it.

"Me and the other lads involved in the main event were talking just the other day about how much we loved watching Marty in the 1980s and 1990s, when he was such a big star.

"He was doing things in the ring then that no one had ever seen before, we all use the same sort of moves now and we have him to thank for that.

"We have promoted shows at the venue before and we had Juventud Guerrera and Ultimo Dragon, who are as good workers as it gets from Mexico and Japan respectively.

"But Marty really was someone we all watched growing up and, seeing as he was a great tag team wrestler, it seemed only right to chuck him into that scenario.

"It's not often you get to rub shoulders with one of your idols, it's a honour for me. Hopefully, everyone who comes on Friday will get to re-live a bit of their childhood."

For more information and to arrange tickets, starting at just £5, call 07747 441 028. You can also pay on the door.