Black Widow
08-20-2008, 06:35 PM
FUTURE wrestling star Rob Terry's dreams of hitting the big time have moved a step closer — after WWE bosses offered him a new three-year contract.
The 28-year-old weightlifting champ, of Morriston, has been in America since last October taking part in a special training programme.
He is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his heroes Hulk Hogan and Triple H to become the first Welshman to grace the sport.
And it seems that Rob is coming on leaps and bounds.
He said: "The past 10 months have been like a dream come true.
"I have been a big wrestling fan since I was young, so to be in the company of people like Triple H is unbelievable.
"It's strange because I visited America when I was 13 and told my parents I wanted to live in Florida. Who would have thought I would be out here training to become a wrestler?"
Rob caught the eye of WWE boss Vince McMahon last year after winning virtually every natural bodybuilding event in Britain and Europe.
Impressed by his muscley 6ft 5ins and 285lb frame, McMahon flew Rob out to the States and swiftly signed him to a development contract.
"It was quite daunting at first because I had no experience," he said. "I'm signed up to the Florida Championship Wrestling franchise, which is the feeder to the WWE. Some of the other guys there have been on the amateur wrestling circuit for years."
But what he lacks in experience, he makes up for in enthusiasm.
As well as gym sessions lasting up to nine hours, the former Morriston comprehensive pupil has been getting to grips with some of the sport's moves.
"I've started out with the basics, and as I'm a big guy, I've been learning a lot of lifts," he added. Although he's yet to have his first proper bout, his massive frame has already caused a stir with millions of wrestling fans.
He acted as one of Nick Nemeth's bodyguards during one of the WWE star's fights in Florida.
Rob said: "There was around 35,000 people in the stadium and more watching on TV. I really enjoyed it.
"I also got to go along to Wrestlemania, which was mind-blowing because I got to chat one-on-one with some big names like Triple H. He was a really down-to-earth guy and it was great to meet him because he is one of my heroes.
"He's also built very big like me and gave me plenty of good advice.
"I know it's going to take time to get there, but I'm determined to make it in WWE."
If the early signs are anything to go by, then the man known in the ring as Big Rob looks to be on to a winner.
Wrestling bosses have already got him to sign a new contract until 2011.
"It's a big boost," he said. "I couldn't have done it without the support of my parents, friends and, of course, my future wife Sarah. She moved from Swansea to Florida with me and has been like a rock."
Twenty-two-year-old Sarah Treviso said she's behind her man 100 per cent.
She added: "It was a big step to move to Florida, but we've both loved every minute of it. Every event he's been involved with I'm always there. I know he can make it."
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The 28-year-old weightlifting champ, of Morriston, has been in America since last October taking part in a special training programme.
He is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his heroes Hulk Hogan and Triple H to become the first Welshman to grace the sport.
And it seems that Rob is coming on leaps and bounds.
He said: "The past 10 months have been like a dream come true.
"I have been a big wrestling fan since I was young, so to be in the company of people like Triple H is unbelievable.
"It's strange because I visited America when I was 13 and told my parents I wanted to live in Florida. Who would have thought I would be out here training to become a wrestler?"
Rob caught the eye of WWE boss Vince McMahon last year after winning virtually every natural bodybuilding event in Britain and Europe.
Impressed by his muscley 6ft 5ins and 285lb frame, McMahon flew Rob out to the States and swiftly signed him to a development contract.
"It was quite daunting at first because I had no experience," he said. "I'm signed up to the Florida Championship Wrestling franchise, which is the feeder to the WWE. Some of the other guys there have been on the amateur wrestling circuit for years."
But what he lacks in experience, he makes up for in enthusiasm.
As well as gym sessions lasting up to nine hours, the former Morriston comprehensive pupil has been getting to grips with some of the sport's moves.
"I've started out with the basics, and as I'm a big guy, I've been learning a lot of lifts," he added. Although he's yet to have his first proper bout, his massive frame has already caused a stir with millions of wrestling fans.
He acted as one of Nick Nemeth's bodyguards during one of the WWE star's fights in Florida.
Rob said: "There was around 35,000 people in the stadium and more watching on TV. I really enjoyed it.
"I also got to go along to Wrestlemania, which was mind-blowing because I got to chat one-on-one with some big names like Triple H. He was a really down-to-earth guy and it was great to meet him because he is one of my heroes.
"He's also built very big like me and gave me plenty of good advice.
"I know it's going to take time to get there, but I'm determined to make it in WWE."
If the early signs are anything to go by, then the man known in the ring as Big Rob looks to be on to a winner.
Wrestling bosses have already got him to sign a new contract until 2011.
"It's a big boost," he said. "I couldn't have done it without the support of my parents, friends and, of course, my future wife Sarah. She moved from Swansea to Florida with me and has been like a rock."
Twenty-two-year-old Sarah Treviso said she's behind her man 100 per cent.
She added: "It was a big step to move to Florida, but we've both loved every minute of it. Every event he's been involved with I'm always there. I know he can make it."
thisissouthwales.co.uk