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In the space of a decade Cardiff -born Mark Andrews has gone from a trainee wrestler practising flips to a WWE superstar.

On Wednesday he made his debut on WWE’s edgier developmental brand, NXT, and has already won plaudits for his innovative high-flying offence moves.

He also recently took part in the United Kingdom Championship Tournament, a competition to find the first WWE UK Champion, where he reached the semi-finals.

WWE is seen as the pinnacle of a pro-wrestler’s career and Mark, from Roath , said he was already getting more recognition in the street.

He said: “The idea of being a part of NXT is incredible for me.

“In my first match I was wrestling Pete Dunn who is a long-term friend.

“We started training together when he was 12 and I was 15.

“To have a match with him in NXT was incredible, the cherry on top, and has been the peak of my career so far.”

Having previously competed on the independent wrestling scene around the world working in WWE will be a step up for Mark in terms of the size of the crowd. NXT Takeover events have tens of thousands of people watching with millions more watching on television – making for a step up in pressure.

“I am lucky because I have wrestled for quite a long time,” said 25-year-old Mark.

“I have a lot of experience which has meant it doesn’t play on my nerves. The idea of been shown on the WWE Network is amazing because I know how many people will be watching.

“It is the cream of the crop and where every wrestler wants to be. I have been waiting for an opportunity to perform on a platform like that.

“I am so delighted so many people got to see what we do in the ring.”

(Image: The Ringside Perspective)

Despite the results of wrestling matches being predetermined performing regularly can have a major impact on the body.

Mark, who is also lead singer and bassist in a band, said: “A lot of people ask about injuries but I find the travelling takes a bigger toll on my body.

“I am not on landing on my back and taking bumps – I am just sitting in car.

“Because my body has become so accustomed to wrestling over the years it is used to it.

“When I go on tour with my band I have to do a lot of stretches and take my foam roller with me.

“I am only 25 but I feel much tighter now than when I was 21.

“It is not the wrestling – it is being squashed in cars!

“I have been really fortunate and haven’t picked up many bad injuries. I have had a few knocks to the head but not a lot.

“Someone once threw me out of the ring and I cut my shoulder and had to have a few stitches on it.”

All the time travelling round the world plying his trade will come full circle when he returns to Cardiff with WWE live in May.

(Image: WWE)

For proud Welshman Mark an appearance in his home city will be emotional.

“I feel like 10 years have gone by incredibly fast,” he said.

“I am really looking forward to performing in Cardiff.

“I think it will be a big moment for me. I went to so many WWE shows there, I remember queuing up.

“It is going to be quite emotional.

“All my family are Cardiff based in the Roath area except my sister.

“Cardiff has a hold over my heart.

“I moved to Ohio a few years ago for six months and have done a lot of travelling but Cardiff is where my heart is. I love the city and all my friends and family are there.

“It is a great place and I am very proud to be from Cardiff and Welsh.”

Having reached the top company in the industry Mark has now set his sights on the WWE’s new cruiserweight division.

WWE used to have a reputation as a land of giants with 6ft plus competitors, weighing as much as a cow, throwing each other around the ring.

Over the last year the company has begun to also focus on lightweight, high-flying performers with their new Cruiserweight Championship.

Former Cardiff High School student Mark said: “I am not the largest wrestler. I am 5ft 8ins and about 150lbs. For me cruiserweight wrestling is the style I enjoy the most.

“Massive congratulations to Tyler Bates [who won the UK Championship] but I want that championship. After that I want that Cruiserweight Championship as well.”