A PACKED Bournemouth crowd and a WWE wrestling ring. Cue dazzling lights, a pumping soundtrack and WWE Superstars strutting out from backstage.

It’s a perfect blend of gladiatorial combat, pantomime theatrics and a dash of the Jeremy Kyle show. Having been a fan of televised WWF (as it was then known) in the early 90’s, I thought it would be fun to actually experience the live event.

The first thing you notice is the occasional periods of silence, as there’s no commentary. Instead the air is filled with grunts, chants and the echoed slams of the punishing body blows and tumbles.

The scheduling of the fights is relentless leaving no time for boredom and little hanging around between bouts. When the glamorous MC announced the next well-known star, the air noticeably crackles with energy.

Fans of all ages would either surge forward or leap from their seat to see the grappling heroes. And the stars were out in force with Fandango, Justin Gabriel, Summer Rae, Dean Ambrose, Goldust, Cesaro and others.

The main event saw a street fight rules clash between WWE legend Chris Jericho and the bearded behemoth of Bray Wyatt. The latter attracting plenty of jeers, which then turned to cheers as the portly wrestler was artfully smashed through a trestle table that had found its way into the ring.

All in all, it was an interesting night and great entertainment especially for the kids.

Patrick Gough