A WRESTLER headlining an all-female show at the Civic Hall in Grays has spoken of the challenges of getting the wrestling community to accept women’s involvement.

Sweet Saraya is topping the bill of a special show coming to Thurrock for the first time. Some of Europe’s best female wrestlers will do battle to be crowned Queen of the Ring in the tournament.

The show is being put on by popular wrestling promoters LDN, which often hosts bouts in Grays to sell-out audiences.

But on May 29, it’s going to be a little bit different and ahead of the night’s entertainment, Sweet Saraya, real name Julia Knight, who comes from a family of wrestlers and has been involved with the sport for 20 years, has spoken of the challenges to get female wrestling accepted.

The mum-of-three, family featured in a Channel 4 documentary, said she fell in love with wrestling soon after meeting her husband, who was a wrestler. She became his manager and so evolved her character, Sweet Saraya.

“I fell in love with wrestling and begun training and wrestling shortly after. I’m a full time wrestler – we travel from day to day to another town to wrestle,” she said.

“Through my love for Rick I ventured into the wrestling world. I didn’t think I would ever be a women’s wrestler as a child, but now I can’t ever imagine being anything else. Our household is a mad one, we do a show and often get back at 3am.

“I get up at 8am and do the household stuff, wash everyone’s ring gear, let it dry and then we are off to the next town to wrestle. “In between all of this I have the cooking and usual household stuff to do.

“Life certainly isn’t like the typical household for us but we wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Looking forward to the show at Grays, she said: “It’s taken a long time to get the women to be seen as equals and be given this opportunity to wrestle and showcase that the girls are as good as the men.

“There is a lot of pressure with the world’s eyes on how we do. I’m confident the girls will give the crowd a great night of professional wrestling.

“It’s all about fun, excitement and atmosphere. The children bring signs for their favourite wrestlers.”

The event takes place on Wednesday, May 29, at the Civic Hall in Grays. Tickets start at £12. Doors open at 7pm with the first bell at 7.30pm.

Call now on 0845 3005264 to purchase tickets for the event. It is suitable for all the family.