By Ashok Ramsarup :: The stage is set for the return of professional wrestling in the port city of Durban in South Africa this week.  Leading wrestlers will grace KwaZulu-Natal in the Rumble in South Africa tournament at Sibaya Casino’s Sun Park on Wednesday and Friday.

World Wrestling Superstars Director Mano Singh is remembered for bringing the biggest names in wrestling in the past decade to South Africa including the likes of Tiger Singh, Gama Singh, Tiger Jeeth Singh, Kevin Nash, Scott Stiener,Rikishi, Test, Warlord, and the list goes on.

Included on the Rumble in South Africa list are Rex Gunner, Rocket Ron, Black Widow, Leather Face, Gravity, Devon van de Westhuisen, Wiese, Jay Titan, Monroe, Tornado, Jackal and Dirty and Dustin Angel.

(Left to right) Wrestler Gurshinder Singh (Canada), Wrestling promoter Mano Singh (Durban) and legendary Tiger Singh (Britain)

Singh said: “One of his aim is to bring back professional wrestling and encourage the fans in this combat sport that’s involves various forms of techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds.

“This sport can best be described either theatrical for entertainment or genuinely competitive which the Durban fans will enjoy,” he said.

Veteran wrestler Tiger Singh says he’s looking forward to this important tournament after an absence of 10 years in South Africa.  Singh who is notorious to wrestling fans for his intelligent body moves and crushing of bones in the centre stage has described his return to Durban as God sent.

He said the port city of Durban is his second home away from Leeds, which is the largest city in the county of West Yorkshire in Northern England, about 274 kilometres, north of central London. Singh, was born in Punjab in India, and began wrestling at the tender age of eight. He and his family emigratedto Britain, when he was 12.  He became a professional wrestlerat the age of 18.

The wrestling icon faced many top wrestlers including South Africa’s Jan Wilkens, who was Singh’s nemesis in the ring, Ray Steel of Britain, the Strongbow Brothers of the United States, Goliath Yaranco of Canada and  and Wayne Bridges of Britain.

This time Tiger Singh who is a guest will be doing battle against  Rex Gunner, Rocket Ron, Black Widow, Leather Face, Gravity, Devon van de Westhuisen, Wiese, Jay Titan, Monroe, Tornado, Jackal and Dirty and Dustin Angel.

Mano Singh commented that Durban was ignited with the return of wrestling on South African soil.  Singh said: “We are expecting fireworks and the fans will be given their money’s worth of entertainment with the big names taking centre stage.

Singh remarked that one of the wrestlers Gurshinder Singhwould be introduced to fans. He was mentored, tutored and managed by the legendary Gama Singh of Canada.

Ashok Ramsarup is award-winning senior journalist of South Africa