June 2026

Most of us have a childhood dream, but few of us realise it.

In early May I caught up with Bridport boy JJ Gale, who will appear at Wembley Arena this August as a professional wrestler for the British promotion Revolution Pro (RevPro) where he will deploy his signature finishing move, the Gale Force.

I was curious how a boy who grew up in Walditch became a professional wrestler. JJ talked fondly of growing up in the close-knit village with his family. He always loved wrestling after discovering it on TV when he was 11; the first wrestler he saw was a character named The Boogeyman, a WWE professional from Arizona.

“The thing I love about wrestling is that it combines three elements I really enjoy: athleticism, physicality, and performance,” JJ told me. “From a young age I had a natural inclination toward performing, dressing up and putting on shows in our back garden for family friends in the village. It’s important to me now that I become a complete performer in wrestling.”

JJ shared his recent experiences in Japan and America, where he wrestled for a short tour. “Wrestling is a big deal in Japan; it’s really respected and has a big following. It was great to experience that enthusiasm.”

JJ emphasised the need for physical training, creative risk-taking and connecting with audiences. The photos here really show the hard work he puts in and the incredible physical condition he has achieved.

JJ wanted to thank his amazing parents, Des and Tammy, who have been so supportive of his career choice despite its niche nature and financial uncertainties. He is a delightful young man and is certainly a credit to his parents.

I am sure we all wish JJ the best as he continues to realise that boyhood dream. Maybe we should have all been a little more adventurous!

David Brazier