Sassify Zine - May 2020
We are more than our trauma. I think it would also be rad for people to see the beauty and the complexity of who we are as a community…’’
Fox Fisher
Josh The Unicorn King
UK wrestling elite, Josh The Unicorn King is making waves in the ring!
Illustrations: Jack Oliver Coles
YOU MADE YOUR WRESTLING DEBUT THIS YEAR; HOW AND WHY DID YOU GET INTO WRESTLING?
I got into wrestling through my boyfriend; he knew how much I loved it, and his friend, TJ Sky, was a wrestler, who invited me to train with him and Psycho Steve. It went from there.
I went on to win my first single title this year, which promoted me in the ranks, this lead me to my first chance to wrestle for PWA (Phoenix Wrestling Alliance) in Leamington Spa. It was a great feeling, though it didn't last long as I was piledrived about 30 seconds later. I won by debuting my corkscrew moonsault. To corkscrew moonsault, I backflip off the top rope with a twist – it is a surprise to most people as I'm around 14 and a half stone.
I have even been training with WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.) UK’s own Joseph Connors. Without the advice of people like TJ Sky; Psycho Steve; Mark Russel; Chris Baxter; and more recently, Joe Connors, along with many others, I wouldn't have received the chances I’ve had so early on.
DO YOU THINK IT TAKES A LOT OF SASS TO BE A WRESTLER?
I think sass is great in wrestling, though not sure I have a great deal of it myself (or at least I haven't unleashed it yet).
AS A GAY GUY IN SUCH A HETERO-NORMATIVE INDUSTRY, DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO PLAY UP TO ANY GENDER STEREOTYPES?
Overall, the wrestling community and fans have accepted me with open arms into their world. I don't feel the need to be overly butch or overly feminine – it's great. I even call myself The Unicorn King and wear unicorns on my gear as an expression of my sexuality. I’m proud of it without screaming it at the crowd. I let people know that even in the ultra macho world of wrestling, being gay is okay and accepted.
HAVE YOU EVER FACED ANY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BEING GAY AND A WRESTLER?
In one year, I've only had one person have a problem with me being gay and in wrestling. Not everyone is going to accept it, and I just have to keep my head up and prove that I am doing this for the right reasons.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MOVE, AND WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU THIS YEAR?
I am a massive fan of suplexes and use as many different variations as possible. My plans for this year are to work with as many wrestlng companies as possible and get my name known across Britain and hopefully further afield. There are also a few people I hope to wrestle sooner than later.
I have had the chance to wrestle at events by the Hinckley Elevation New Breed Wrestling Association, Phoenix Wrestling Alliance, and Coventry Pro Wrestling – each bringing new faces, all accepting and chanting for The Unicorn King.
STAY UP TO DATE WITH JOSH @justjoshuajason