Black Country comedian to take on fearsome female wrestler

Jonny Cole has set aside the pies and chips and enlisted the help of a Hollywood stuntman in a bid to batter fearsome German grappler Alpha Female in September.

The Wednesbury funnyman is used to putting down hecklers with a series of smart verbal jabs, but he will have to rely on brute force and fighting skills when he comes face to face with the TNT Wrestling Federation world champion.

Standing at 6ft 1ins, the blonde bombshell towers over the diminutive Cole, who says he is acutely aware of the damage her near 200lb muscle-bound frame could do to a Black Country man forged on a diet of scratchings and pasties.

The contest harks back to the exploits of the late comedy great Andy Kaufman, who used to regularly battle women in the ring and once proclaimed himself the Women's Wrestling Champion of the World.

A nervous Cole, who professed he was blissfully unaware of the eccentric Kaufman's feats, said: "She's a big girl and already I'm beginning to think I may have bitten off more than I can chew.

"I wanted to do a big event for charity this year and thought it would be a good craic to try my hand at something different - although it was a bit of a shock when she agreed to do it."

Alpha Female - real name Marie Kristin Gabert - will return to British shores for the event for the first time since she starred in Challenge TV's Impact Wrestling last year.

In preparation for the September bout Cole has brought in Hollywood action hero Scott Atkins - best known for his role as Hector in The Expendables 2 - to get him in prime fighting condition.

"I've known Scott for years and he was only too happy to help me out in my time of need," added 35-year-old Cole, who was last seen performing at a packed out Christmas show with Chas & Dave at Bilston's Robin 2.

"It's not just the fighting training I need help with, there's also the issue of eating the right foods to make sure I'm ready to take on a pro wrestling superstar.

"This may be a bit of a laugh, but I'm determined to give it my best shot and make sure I don't make myself look too daft."

Proceeds from the event will go towards Women's Aid, the national charity that works towards ending domestic violence against women and children.

The contest will take place on September 11 at The Copthorne Hotel, Dudley, on a night that will also feature music, comedy and a disco.

For tickets visit jonnycole.com