Latest update November 29th, 2024 1:00 AM
World renowned Guyanese wrestler returns to birthplace
Despite the belief that wrestling is not as authentic as it is touted to be, and despite the fact that the sport fails to comprise a part of the Guyanese calendar of activities, a committed group of Guyanese religiously tune in whenever the renowned World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) sponsored shows are aired. Those fans will be able to associate with such names as Ted DiBiase, The Colóns, Zack Ryder, the Big Show and other stellar WWF stars.
Ezekiel Jackson
Guyanese are a phenomenal lot and occupy all corners of the earth, engaged in every activity. Despite this, no one would have envisaged a burly wrestler, plying his trade with aplomb, would actually be Guyanese. Doubts do not alter the truth and yesterday afternoon, WWE superstar, Guyanese, Ezekiel Jackson landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timerhi for a short stay among his country folks.
This is his first visit to his birthplace since achieving world acclaim, made possible through the corporate intervention of several persons and entities including Banks DIH, EzJet Airlines, Princess Hotel Guyana, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Evergreen Adventures Inc, Impressions, Universal Travel, Standard Distributors, Guyana Beverage Inc, Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major and Ray’s Motor Spares.
While in Guyana, Jackson will appear at several public functions and will visit several city schools as well as the Georgetown Public Hospital. He will also feature at Guyexpo activities slated to get underway on October 27 next.
Saturday afternoon, soon after he had entered the country, Jackson was paraded around Georgetown in a motorcade and will leave the Capital City for his hometown, Linden today.
Born Rycklon Stevens in the mining town of Linden on April 22, 1978, Jackson migrated to the United States during his youthful years and soared to be one of the most fearsome WWE superstars, battling with the likes of Triple H, Big Show and the Great Khali and others.
A former resident of Victory Valley Wismar, Jackson attended St. Aidans Primary School and shortly after landing in the USA, signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment. His career took off in the Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) in late June when he teamed with Keith Walker and defeated Kofi Kingston and Eric Pérez. He continued to compete in both tag team and singles matches and in May 2008, he wrestled his final match in FCW before graduating to the more prestigious WWE’s main roster.
The WWE sensation soared to superstardom in the wrestling fraternity, regaling fans the world over with his signature moves and powerful physique. International Boxing Promoter Carwyn Holland who accompanied the wrestler in the motorcade around the city, touted Jackson’s visit as historic and a major achievement for Guyana. He pointed out that Jackson, a true son of the soil has risen in his designated field even as he retained his Guyanese heritage.
It was not all smooth sailing for Jackson as in 2010, while in Glasgow, Scotland, he incurred an injury to his right quadriceps muscle during a match against Kane, and was sidelined for all of six months. While recuperating, Jackson was drafted to the Raw Brand as part of the 2010 WWE Supplemental Draft.
The burly wrestler is most feared for his ‘Standing Side Slam, the Chokeslam, the Torture Rack, Backbreaker rack, Lariat, Multiple Scoop Slams’ and the Shoulder Block, all signature moves of this consummate athlete. He has literally abandoned his name while in the ring for the more fearsome, ‘Guyanese Goliath.’
CEO of Holland’s Entertainment Promotions, Carwyn Holland, hails Jackson’s visit as a significant and historic event that could be the catalyst to promoting Guyana’s diversity while enhancing sports tourism.
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