THUNDER BAY – Sports – The world of professional wrestling likely knows that Kurt Angle has entered into a training regime to return to challenge for Olympic Gold in London. However wrestling fans across the world of the squared circle might not know that Canada’s Devon Nicholson, who recently retired from the professional wrestling game is also planning a return to his roots. Nicholson, who both wrestled and promoted events across Canada, including two events in Thunder Bay, has started a regime of serious training for the Olympic Trials in Freestyle Wrestling which will be held in Winnipeg from December 15th to 18th.
As “Hannibal” the determined Nicholson presented one of the most honestly scary ring characters in the professional game. Having met Devon, his advice was “When I am Hannibal, don’t try to talk to me”. At a press conference in Thunder Bay where Nicholson got into a battle with wrestling legend Terry Funk, the intensity Nicholson brings to his sport was incredible.
Nicholson is currently training with the National Capital Wrestling Club in Ottawa. He is doing supplemental training with his technical coach Evan Lavoie and his conditioning coach Eric Cloutier at Coalition MMA in Orleans. Devon will have three warm up tournaments to wear off some of the amateur wrestling rust and re-learn the rules.
Devon feels he’ll be ready to compete at a very high level by December.
Nicholson’s path through the world of professional wrestling has not always been easy. His life-long dream of a career with World Wrestling Entertainment ended with the company over discovery that Nicholson has Hepatitis C. Nicholson is currently suing the WWE and Larry “Abdullah the Butcher” Shreve over the issue.
It is against the law in Canada, under human rights legislation to discriminate against an individual if they are Hep C positive. The Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association medical director has given Nicholson clearance to compete.
Devon Nicholson was an OFSAA Champion, Junior National Champion and National Team Trial winner in Freestyle wrestling in 2001. He has also won the Canadian Open in grappling in 2008 as well as the Ontario’s in grappling in both the Heavyweight and Absolute divisions in 2010.
His journey toward Olympic Gold will likely present Canadians with a story of an athlete presented with massive challenges, and how they fight to overcome them.
All I can say is ‘Go Devon Go’.
James Murray