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The Wolves Civic Hall

Ben, 27 from Wolverhampton, is the organiser of 'Indypendence Day 2008', one of the biggest independent wrestling events ever promoted in the UK.

"I've been a wrestling fan since I was about seven," he says. "It's been my goal, my dream, to promote a wrestling show packed with top stars, especially in my home town.

"My friend Martin Zaki and myself have put this together. It's taken about five months. I won't go into the figures but believe me it's cost a fortune! Assembling some of the finest wrestlers in the world does not come cheap."

ID2008 poster

Indypendence Day (or ID2008 for short) is actually a double-header; two nights of wrestling action await fans who make the trip to the 1,200 seat Civic Hall (Saturday's card fittingly is being billed as 'The Eve of Indypendence').

Those who purchase the premier packages will have the chance to attend meet and greet sessions with the stars as well as witness the 'Indy Award Ceremony' on the Friday night.

Wrestling in the UK

"Roughly speaking, there are three types of wrestling that happen in the UK. There's the American product whenever the WWE is here on tour. They're just a marketing machine and sell-out massive venues wherever they go. Obviously we knew that we could never compete with that.

Former WWE star Al Snow

"Secondly, there are a few relatively big independent promotions operating here in the UK that promote semi-regular cards in smaller arenas, using British talent and bringing over a couple of American names to boost the gate. Then there are the smallest 'promotions', the very bottom of the rung playing out in social clubs and leisure centres before 50 people.

"We want to be something different. We know we can never compete with the WWE and their incredible finances and marketing. Our goal is to be 'the best of the rest'".

A wealth of talent is booked to perform on both nights at the Civic. Some of the biggest names from America – who aren't under contract to the WWE – are making the trans-Atlantic flight.

Nigel McGuinness

International stars

"Top of the bill really is 'American Dragon' Brian Danielson," explains Ben. "Brian is widely regarded as the best wrestler in the world right now, according to numerous experts and publications. There are rumours he'll be heading to the WWE pretty soon so we're happy to have him.

"Speaking of WWE, we have one of their former stars Al Snow here too. Al was a WWE mainstay for many years and most fans will be familiar with him. Then there are numerous other wrestlers who are fixtures in the American Ring of Honour company – like the Briscoe Brothers and Austin Aires.

Gedo

"We've got the cream of the British stars too, like Doug Williams and Nigel McGunniess. These lads are doing extremely well in the States and helping to put British wrestling on the map over there too.

"Even if you are unfamiliar with some of these names I guarantee you will see an incredible night of wrestling from some of the best in the world. Trust me – this isn't Big Daddy belly flopping Giant Haystacks. It's going to be a weekend to remember!"

For more information, visit: www.indypendenceday.co.uk. Tickets start at £15