Blackpool wrestler Ryan Davies follows his dreams with home town show

But those WWE wrestling shows were so far away in America that it seemed no more than a boy’s pipe dream.

Yet, in a strange twist of fate, Ryan has indeed become a professional wrestler.

And later this month he will achieve his true dream - performing in his native Blackpool for the first time.

Ryan, 32, of Midgeland Road, Marton, will be on the bill of the Live-n-Loaded Megaslam show at the Norbreck Castle Hotel, on Wednesday Febuary 19 at 7pm.

Not only that, but on the brightly coloured posters promoting the event, Ryan is prominently billed with the immortal words: “featuring local boxing star Ryan Davies”.

Ryan, who has a toddler daughter Beaux, with partner Laura-Jane Pownall, said: “I can’t quite believe how it’s all worked out, to be honest.

“I love being involved in professional wrestling and performing in my home town is the ultimate dream for me.

“A couple of years ago, if someone had said I’d be wresting at pro level, I’ve had laughed.”

Unusually, Ryan started off as a boxer and enjoyed a good record as a professional, but things didn’t work out and he was left with a feeling of disappointment after years of grafting.

Then last year he received a call from a pal - did he fancy getting involved in Grand Pro Wrestling at Wigan’s Monaco Ballroom?

“i jumped at the chance and I haven’t looked back. After eight bouts across the North West, I’m already building up a following under my old boxing name ‘RPD’.I even have people chanting my name and I’m getting better known.

“The message is that dreams can come true.”