England owns Scotland, according to TNA wrestler Mark Haskins

Jun 6 2012 EXCLUSIVE by Ben Spencer

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CHEEKY English wrestler Mark Haskins says he expects to get a fiery welcome from city grappling fans after claiming that they are all English.

The high-flying athlete, of Oxfordshire, said despite his controversial views of the city, he always enjoys fighting here.

Mark, 23, said: “I’ve had a few opportunites to wrestle in Scotland and I’ve loved it every time.

"Scotland is one of my favourite places in England. You guys think it’s a separate country but you belong to us!

“It is a beautiful place and I love hearing the chants in a sightly different accent.

“The reaction I get depends on if I catch the crowd on a good or a bad day, but based on the comment I just gave you that might change!”

Mark signed for American giants TNA Wrestling last year - fulfilling a life-long dream.

He said that the hardest thing about his job was the impact it has had on his body.

He added: “I was 15 when I started training and I trained for three years before I made it onto a professional show, then started wrestling up and down the country. Piece by piece I managed to make it
abroad.

“Now I’m 23 going on 40, and just feel a lot older than I am. The bumps that you take really mount up over time - I hate to think how guys further down their career than I are feeling.

“It’s weird seeing old schoolmates who get up from the couch and their knees don’t click.

“I’m constantly trying to change and improve my game, but I never want to be a guy who can’t go in the ring like he once could. I would rather quit than be a second rate version of myself.”