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There have been a number of key players in the massive British & Irish wrestling resurgence over the past few years; but there are few as influential as 'The Villain' Marty Scurll.

Hailing from Littleport in the United Kingdom, Scurll has been a mainstay of the indie wrestling scene for well over a decade. However, he has seen a massive rise in popularity and acclaim throughout his recent run in one of America's biggest non-WWE wrestling shows; Ring of Honor.

Next Saturday, in Orlando just a few miles from the venue that will play host to Wrestlemania the following night, Scurll will battle it out with former World Champion Adam Cole at Supercard of Honor XI . "I think everyone agrees that next weekend is the biggest one on the wrestling calendar," said Scurll speaking exclusively with the Irish Mirror.

"Obviously, Ring of Honor are going to be there, in a huge fashion.

(Image: © RING OF HONOR Oli Sadler)

"In terms of who I'm wrestling, I've known Adam Cole for almost eight years. It's been really interesting to watch both of our career paths and now they're coming together and we're going to collide at Supercard of Honor.

"I think this is a match the fans have wanted to see for a while and now it's real, and they will be able to see it."

Scurll beat fellow British indie mega-star Will Ospreay for the Ring of Honor World Telelvision Championship back in November, and prides himself on making the title more and more prestigious. "Ever since I became the champion, it's been my quest to make this the most important title in Ring of Honor. I'll be damned if me and Adam Cole don't steal the show next week."

The 28-year-old will not fear Adam Cole and his friends in the Bullet Club next Saturday, but he will appear on the same card as Bullet Club stars The Elite (Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks) in Dublin two weeks after Supercard of Honor.

Scurll admits that performing at Dublin's National Stadium as part of Over The Top Wrestling's Scrappermania III was an opportunity he couldn't miss. "I actually had another booking, but I called up Joey Cabray [promoter and wrestler in OTT] and I said 'listen, I'm going to be on Scrappermania, I don't care what I'm doing, I'm gonna be there.

(Image: © RING OF HONOR Oli Sadler)

"I've such a great relationship with the OTT fans and I just can't wait for my music to hit in the National Stadium and the place is going to be rocking.

"I've grown through the UK & Irish scene and now that I'm having success in the US scene, I want to give back and OTT is one of those places that I want to help grow. It's an amazing place for the boys to work."

The 2016 Battle of Los Angeles winner has seen a surge of popularity for his innovative brand of working. He has also worked out a way to develop a character organically without the creative input of a group of people. "People ask me a lot about where 'The Villain' came from as if there was a room full of people going 'what sort of character are we going to create? Let's give him some props.'

"It's not a manufactured thing it's just a development of who I am. It's a side of me that's matured into a man. I've been in this business for so long, I've grown up in the job.

(Image: © RING OF HONOR Oli Sadler)

"I'd say the reason that this connects with people and why I've done so well is that they can identify with an organic character. It's authentic... I'm sure there are fans who are great people but they feel the way 'The Villain' does. They might have a chip on their shoulder."

With years of experience under his belt, Scurll is keen to offer advice to young wrestlers getting into the business. "Don't be afraid to take chances. Don't be afraid to think outside the box.

"I'm sure when I started coming to the ring with an umbrella screaming chicken wing at the top of my voice, people laughed and thought it was silly. But looking at where I am now, it's not so silly.

"Dare to be different. You've got to offer something that's not out there... People are looking for something different, so give them something different."

Supercard of Honor XI happens live on PPV exclusively on the FITE app, www.FITE.tv and www.ROHwrestling.com from 11:30PM GMT, April 1st for only $29.99 (Approx €28).





Fans can also watch the Facebook Live Pre-Show on the Ring of Honor Facebook page with special guest and FITE TV personality SoCal Val as she brings you analysis and previews of all the matchups.