ONE of Crewe’s sporting legends will be honoured when Superstars of Wrestling returns to the Victoria Centre this month.

Some of the best fighters from the USA, Mexico and Europe will go head to head in the squared circle on Friday, October 11.

Crewe has long been a mecca for professional wrestling, going back to when World of Sport’s Saturday afternoon sessions on ITV were televised from the town.

One of the biggest names of that era came from Crewe – the late Geoff Condliffe, better known in the ring as Count Bartelli.

Twenty years after his death, the Count Bartelli Memorial Trophy match will be one of the highlights at this month’s event.

Wrestler James Mason, will be one of the stars featured on the night, and recalls seeing Bartelli in the ring when he was just a rookie.

“I remember him very well. I met the great man when I was just starting out in the business. He gave me a lot of encouragement and advice back then and I can remember sitting in the changing room one night being enthralled with his stories.

“He was retired at that stage, but he always tried to call in to see the wrestlers whenever we were close to his home area. He was a legend in my eyes and still is today. He had an incredible career. He wrestled for 20 years in a mask before facing defeat for the first time at the hands of Kendo Nagasaki.”

James added that he was delighted Bartelli’s fame will be remembered with the Count Bartelli Memorial Trophy match.

“What a fitting tribute to one of the all-time greats of the wrestling ring” he said.

Other wrestlers featured on the night will be Crewe favourite, Stevie Starr, Mean Tommy Dean, Mexican sensation Magico and the USA’s Paul the body Texas A percentage of every ticket sold will be donated to Kidscape, a charity established to prevent bullying and child sexual abuse.

Doors at 7pm. Tickets £10 adults, £8 children on sale at the Victoria Centre box office. Call 01270 685570.