Flexx Wheeler is promising not to pull any punches when he gets in the ring Friday night with Tyler Adams. (parrisvstefanow.com)

By Nigel Maxwell

Pro wrestling

North Battleford man ready to rumble, making return to the wrestling ring

Sep 19, 2023 | 5:00 PM

After a seven-year hiatus from professional wrestling, and two heart attacks, North Battleford’s own Flexx Wheeler is making his return to the squared circle.

The 57-year-old is part of Friday night’s BEW show at Don Ross Arena.

“I want people to know that no matter what kind of adversity life gives you, don’t ever give up and don’t ever stop doing what you love to do,” he said.

Wheeler’s first heart attack in late 2015 was caused by a hereditary condition related to a blood clot, occurred while he was in Costa Rica – his chosen home after retiring from wrestling.

“I had the widow maker. I had the heart attack that’s supposed to kill people,” Wheeler explained, adding doctors told him if it not been for his healthy lifestyle, he may not have survived.

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The second heart attack occurred about two and a half years ago, and Wheeler acknowledged it was because he was not taking his medication.

Starting in the wrestling business at the age of 24 (1991), Wheeler, who is also a retired army ranger, trained in York Pennsylvania at a gym called the Circus Asylum.

Noting he’s always been a big wrestling fan and grew idolizing men like Ivan Putski, Chief Jay Strongbow, Rocky Johnson, Tony Atlas and his favourite Superstar Billy Graham. Another favourite of Wheeler’s was the Iron Sheik who passed away in June.

“I’ve been to many shows with Sheikie and when you are in a show with a guy like that and in the locker room with him, you get a little starstruck. But then you’re listening to him and you realize the guys are everyday guys, just another guy doing a job,” he said.

Throughout his lengthy career, Wheeler wrestled for a number of different companies and was in the ring with a number of well known names including Jim “the Anvil” Neidhart, the “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith, Chris Benoit, Big Boss Man, and Barry Windham.

Wheeler has won championships all over North America. (submitted photo/Flexx Wheeler)

Reflecting on how the business has changed over the past 30 some years, Wheeler explained the biggest difference beyond the size of the wrestlers now involved, is the influence of the internet on the once strong air of mystery.

“Everything you got from professional wrestling, was in a rag (magazine). So if you wanted any kind of information about matches and who were the top wrestlers, you had to go to a rag.”

While also noting the athleticism of today’s wrestlers, Wheeler explained one of his old friends, upon hearing news he was climbing back in the ring, teased him about matching up with a kid who was 30 years his junior.

“I said I’m just gonna beat the hell out of him,” he said. “I’m just gonna go old school on him and just beat him up.”

Wheeler’s opponent will be the young Tyler Adams, and when asked what prompted him to want to get back in the ring, Wheeler, who has also been helping promote the company, replied that on multiple occasions he was disrespected by the young wrestler. As a result, Friday’s match will be fought under Philly street fight rules.

“It’s just gonna be outlandishly great. My match is not just gonna be a simple match. I’ve got surprises for this kid,” he said.

Friday’s show in North Battleford takes place at the Don Ross Arena and doors open at 6 p.m. The matches are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

The following night, BEW travels to Warman for Septomania which will feature steel cage matches.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell