By Colin MacGillivray
KILMORE’S Mitch Waterman cemented himself as one of the best professional wrestlers in the nation this month by claiming Melbourne City Wrestling, MCW’s, world heavyweight championship at a sold-out promotion in Thornbury.
Waterman’s bout with reigning champion Adam Brooks was the feature event on a packed program at MCW’s Rite of Passage promotion, and it lived up to its big billing.
In a physical match full of high-flying acrobatics, it was Waterman who pinned Brooks to claim the championship belt for the first time.
Waterman, who said he had wanted to be a professional wrestler since age eight, was overjoyed at the result, brandishing the belt to a rapturous crowd and celebrating with friends and family in the audience.
He said he was still feeling the physical effects of the match days later, but was thrilled to be champion.
“To win it from a dude who I’ve looked up to for a very long time and who I consider one of the best wrestlers in not only the country, but the world, and then to have my best mate Nick Berry come celebrate with me and have my family in the front row was all pretty surreal,” he said.
“It was absolute war, so I was definitely still feeling it for a few days after.”
Waterman does not have another match scheduled but said he would defend his title at future wrestling events.
He said top wrestlers from other promotions across Australia could contend for his belt.
“I’m sure I’ll have challengers from all over the country fanging for a shot at the belt, so I’ll have to have my head on a swivel and take on all comers to try to keep this bad boy now that I’ve got it,” he said.
“There’s major promotions all around the country that are professional and known world-wide, like EPW [Explosive Pro Wrestling] in Perth and PWA [Pro Wrestling Academy] in Sydney.
“I’m waiting to see what happens next, but whoever it is and whenever it is, I definitely will be ready.”
Waterman thanked his friends and family in Kilmore for their support.
“Big shout out to Kilmore Leisure Centre and OzzFit, which are the places I go to train on a daily basis. Without them I wouldn’t be champion,” he said.
“My family and friends in Kilmore have been a great support. I love being up here. The quiet country compared to the hectic wrestling life keeps me grounded.”
