John Robins' sneak attack on stage

Competition for the comedians’ Wrestling championship has kicked off in style – with John Robins taking the belt from reigning title-holder Joe Lycett in a sneak ambush.

The incident began on stage at Lycett's tour show at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith  when he brought colleague Mark Silcox onstage with the championship belt that he won at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe,  and issued a challenge.

‘I Joe Lycett, Wrestling champion, hereby decree that from right now until the main event of The Wrestling, this championship is up for grabs 24/7,’ he said.

‘That’s how confident in my skills I am 24 hours a day seven days a week that belt must be defended against all-comers’

‘I don’t care which one of you pricks thinks you’re better than me, I’m going to smash the absolute shit out of you. Any one of you. I’ll fuck you up. I’ll kick you in the tits, I’ll punch you in the chin…’

As he postured, John Robins – clad in Wrestling shorts and his trademark yellow Queen jacket – crept onto the stage and delivered a devastating low blow from behind.

And he just happened to bring a professional referee with him to count Lycett out and declare Robins the winner, as footage filmed on the night shows.

 

 

 

 

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‘Who are the champions?’ bellowed Robins, holding the belt aloft, ‘Who are the champions, Joe Lycett? I are the champions!’

Now Robins must defend the belt  24/7 until the main event of The Wrestling at Assembly’s Main Hall at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe on August 23.

• Tickets here. Streaming via NextUp here.

Published: 1 Jul 2022