A FORMER World Wide Wrestling star is hoping to inspire a new generation of youngsters when he opens a new training school in Winsford.

The RWA Wrestling School will open on Sunday, August 9 at New Images Youth Centre, Nixon Drive.

Andy Baker, who is originally from Runcorn but now lives in Winsford, runs the RWA Runcorn Wrestling Academy, which he opened in 2005.

Andy, who also performs under the stage name, Andreas Rossi, started wrestling training around 15 years ago in England for NWA-UK, however his dream was to get to the WWE.

In 2003 his dream became a step closer when he was selected from thousands of applicants to tryout for the WWE at Ohio Valley Wrestling.

He said: “This was the real start of my journey and in October 2003 I made trips back and forth from the UK to Kentucky.

“This opened the door for me and my many opportunities with WWE which I will ever be thankful for.”

In 2005 Andy made his debut appearance on WWE Raw.

Over the years Andy, 34, has made various extra appearances for WWE on their mainstream worldwide TV programming, including a 3-on-1 match against the 6ft 11 Big Show at WWE Smackdown.

He continued to make trips to Ohio Valley right up until his last stint in 2011 before moving to Florida, where he became heavyweight champion for three different promotions.

During all of this time he was also running RWA Runcorn Wrestling Academy, a training school that also runs live events.

“I have lived in Runcorn all my life but I am now a resident of Winsford,” Andy said.

“Since living here I have seen there really isn't that much going on here, a little like Runcorn, so I decided ‘why not give back to Winsford like we have in Runcorn and give something back to the community here?’

“I always see comments about wanting to get kids of the streets in Winsford and so I see this as a great opportunity.”

As well as passing on his wealth of experience with the world's most renowned wrestling promotion, Andy also hopes to hold regular, affordable monthly shows at the youth centre.

For more information, visit facebook.com/RwaWrestlingWinsford or twitter.com/RwaWinsford

Alternatively visit RwaWrestlingUk.com or contact RwaWrestlingWinsford@gmail.com