Scotland: Robert Florence and Greg Hemphill talk Kelvin Brawl

The Scottish wrestling scene has been as hot as anywhere in the UK over the past year, and on Friday the 21st of June, at the world famous Kelvin Hall, it goes nuclear. Comedians Robert Florence and Greg Hemphill are going into battle one more time with a loaded card at KELVIN BRAWL.

Following on from last year’s sold out ORAN WAR show in Glasgow, where Team Florence came out on top, Kelvin Brawl seems a little bit more personal. Both men have picked teams to fight for their cause, and both men will get in the ring to square off in the main event tag match of the evening.

Interviews with the two have been scathing, shocking in places – even the contract signing ended up in a violent brawl. A radio interview between the two descended into a foul mouthed exchange of threats and escalated to the point that Hemphill posted a video of him “paying a visit” to Florence’s mother:

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

Both Hemphill and Florence have been ramping up the trash talk on Twitter; this time, the stakes feel higher, and there’s a genuine buzz about the show, both online and off.

Added to all of this, the show marks the last major event at The Kelvin Hall before it closes to be revamped as a museum – and the special Kelvin Hall Trophy will be presented to the winner of the Noam Dar vs. Lionheart match by the legendary boxer Jim Watt, returning to the scene of his World Championship victory in 1979.

It’s sure to be a night to remember, and we managed to speak to both Robert and Greg, who both took the time to answer some questions, and we present both of their responses uncut and unedited.

So… Kelvin Brawl. Fill us in, why are we here?

ROBERT: Both myself and Greg, when we were still seeing each other socially, did nothing but talk about wrestling. We were keen to do what we could to get some new people into wrestling, to help support the growing Scottish scene, and so we decided to put together a show at Oran Mor in Glasgow. We just hoped we could maybe convert some curious punters into fans, and that it would do our wee bit to help the scene keep growing. But things got silly and personal at that Oran War event, and now here we are. We’re in the ring in the main event, and we’ll be lucky to survive.

GREG: It’s a sequel, if you will, to the Oran War. Kelvinbrawl is about saying goodbye to a Glasgow landmark and about some unfinished business.

Does it make it more special to be in the world famous Kelvin Hall one last time?

ROBERT: Definitely. It will be the last fight card of any kind at the Kelvin Hall. That’s a massive deal. A great honour. And all down the card there are wrestlers who deserve to be there on that night. I’m really happy we are able to make it happen. It’ll be a memorable night for sure.

GREG: Very much so, for all of us, I think. It seems strange that this venue is being mothballed, given it’s place in UK sporting history.

Robert, was Grado the first choice for your tag team partner?

ROBERT: First and only. I’ve known Grado since he was a young guy in the Scottish Wrestling Alliance, and he was in a tag-team when we first met. He’s a great guy. A funny guy, with a big heart, and the best personality in British wrestling right now. I’ll be proud to have him beside me on the night. We’ll make it through, I think.

Greg, how about you? Red Lightning is your choice – was that always your intention?

GREG: I’ve watched Red Lightning over the years and have been impressed at his speed, strength and mic skills. He’s going to shine on June 21st.

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

Red Lightning vs Grado from ICW’s Super Smokin’ Thunderbowl

Any worries about stepping in the ring and possibly having to face a professional wrestler?

ROBERT: Of course. Red was a great choice of partner, I’ll give Greg that. My only chance is to not let him get anywhere near me. I’ll have to leave Red to Grado, and find my opportunities whenever Greg is in the ring. It’s a major concern, I’ll admit, because Red is a serious individual and I doubt he takes too kindly to sharing the ring with a couple of guys who – let’s be honest – have no right being in there. The thing is, me and Greg are the ones who have to make the pins or submissions. There’s no hiding place.

GREG: If you were to characterise the wrestling Spectrum as light and shade, Grado would definitely be at the lighter end. However, I’m an actor and he’s a pro wrestler so yes, I’m very wary of him.

If you could have anybody on your team that you don’t have now, who would it be?

ROBERT: I think I have the best team I could possibly have. There’s no-one else out there I wanted or needed.

GREG: The German Psycho.

Explain the neutral match with Noam Dar and Lionheart, why is it neutral, why did Team Florence or Team Hemphill not try to claim either man?

ROBERT: When we realised that Kelvin Brawl would be the last live event inside Kelvin Hall, we knew it was a priority to do something special to mark the event. That’s why the Kelvin Hall Memorial Trophy will be there. And we wanted two giants to compete for that prize. Noam Dar is the future of British wrestling. He’s a star. And if we can secure Lionheart for just that one match, we’ll have something very special. We wanted to remove the guys from all the nastiness that this Team Florence/Hemphill thing has created. We didn’t want to sully the memory of the Kelvin Hall or the specialness of this match with all our bitterness.

GREG: We thought it important to have a match on the card that didn’t immediately benefit Robert or I, but instead the venue itself and fans of wrestling.

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

Noam Dar vs Spud from SWE’s Speed King 2012

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

Lionheart vs Kris Travis in a Last Man Standing match at PCW

Was there a Plan B if Lionheart didn’t agree to the match?

ROBERT: There is no Plan B. Lionheart is the man who SHOULD be competing for that special trophy. I know it, Hemphill knows it, Noam knows it and I think Lionheart knows it too. I hope we can get him on board. The Kelvin Hall deserves special people on that special night.

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

Lionheart agrees to the match at Kelvin Brawl

I noticed on Twitter that Robert was giving Greg some stick for not picking Kay Lee Ray for his team – so why didn’t Robert pick her if she was available?

ROBERT: I am fiercely loyal to my team. I have the great Nikki Storm on my team for that night, and she’s a champ. She’s the best. She put Kay Lee Ray down last year, and she’ll put Carmel down this year. There’s no-one on my team I have more faith in. Nikki’s ability is second to none.

GREG: Kay Lee Ray is an amazing talent but she was beaten at Oran War and for that she has been punished by being dropped from the team. Plain and simple.

Is it a problem with Kid Fite being on Team Florence, and his tag partner, Liam Thomson, being on Team Hemphill?

ROBERT: These nights are special, I think. The usual alliances and rivalries are put on hold for an evening, because the crowd that attends our events are not a typical wrestling crowd. They are people who are curious about what’s going on, and every wrestler in every match is keen to impress in their own right. Believe me – every person at Kelvin Brawl is desperate to win, no matter who they’re facing, no matter what team they’re on.
GREG: For them, perhaps. It really comes down to a question of loyalty. Liam stayed loyal, Fite did not. I’ll be using Kelvinbrawl as an opportunity to persuade Liam to think about his own career and chose his future allegiances with more care.

Is this the final showdown between Team Florence and Team Hemphill?

ROBERT: Absolutely. It can’t possibly go any further. Too many lines have been crossed. One way or another, it all ends at Kelvin Brawl.

GREG: I believe it will be, because Robert will have to disband his team after June 21st.

Greg, any further comments on your controversial radio interview?

GREG: I was set up. It’s history. Black Sky radio is dead to me.

Can we expect any surprises from on the night?

GREG: I will do whatever it takes.

Robert, you’ve promised an entrance to remember… any hints?

ROBERT: The way things have been recently, I haven’t even thought about it. “Entrances” are great fun when you’re involved in a fun event, but it’s all taken a sinister turn lately. I just want to get out there and get back safely with a win.

Apart from your own, what’s the standout match you can’t wait for on the card?

GREG: Mossy v Fite. I have personal issues with Fite and I can’t wait to see Big J turn him into road kill.

Wrestling seems to be a cyclical beast, it comes and goes in popularity, but never truly goes away – will Kelvin Brawl put wrestling firmly back in the mainstream?

GREG: That’s what we’re trying to do. The Scottish wrestling community must now look outward and grow in confidence it itself. It must believe in itself that it is a viable and unique brand and be prepared to show the whole country what it can do.

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

Is this show another step to making Scotland one of the hottest wrestling markets in the world?

GREG: I believe that to be true.

ROBERT: I think all that good work is being done already by the regular promotions. Our goal is just to make more non-wrestling fans take a look at the scene. If we come out of Kelvin Brawl with 100 new people who want to follow wrestling in Scotland, we’ll be happy.

Any plans to stay involved in the wrestling scene after Kelvin Brawl, win or lose? A show at the Hydro next?

ROBERT: I have a Blueprint for the future of pro wrestling. Once this is all over I will go back to that blueprint and make it a reality. Does anything in my blueprint resemble what we’re doing now? Well, that would be telling. I’ve always believed that just when people think you’re going to head in one direction, you should head in another. Zig when people expect you to Zag. What I will say is that I will always do my best to help steer people towards wrestling. The good work our Scottish promotions are doing shouldn’t be ignored. There’s something to be proud of here. Anything I can do to help out I will always do.

GREG: No plans. I will always be a fan first. I would like to see the different regions come together and work their own tour. This would help build a better relationship between the in ring talent and its audience.

What’s your thoughts on TNA running a live Impact taping from the Hydro next year? Greg in particular, any plans to get involved again after your guest referee shot a couple of years ago?

GREG: If they need me, I’m there. It says a lot about TNA’s ambitions in Europe and also sets up the Hydro as Glasgow’s new home of wrestling.

Thanks for your time guys – any last thing you want to add?

GREG: See you on June 21st, Florence. Oh and how’s your old mum?

The Kelvin Brawl card

Robert Florence & Grado (w/ Adam Shame) vs. Greg Hemphill & Red Lightning (w/ C.P.T.)
Neutral Kelvin Hall Memorial Trophy
Noam Dar vs. Lionheart
Kid Fite vs. Johnny Moss
No DQ Match
James Scott vs Jack Jester
Nikki Storm vs. Carmel
Wolfgang vs. Liam Thomson
Davey Blaze vs. BT Gunn

KELVIN BRAWL takes place Friday June 21st at the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow. Tickets are selling fast, get them at Ticketmaster. For more info, see the official Facebook page.

Twitter: Robert Florence is @RobertFlorence / Greg Hemphill is @GregHemphill69

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

Scotland: Robert Florence and Greg Hemphill talk Kelvin Brawl

Red Lightning vs Grado from ICW’s Super Smokin’ Thunderbowl

Noam Dar vs Spud from SWE’s Speed King 2012

Lionheart vs Kris Travis in a Last Man Standing match at PCW

Lionheart agrees to the match at Kelvin Brawl

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you