ASTRID the Viking is set to invade Worthing next week when the grappling girls of the wrestling ring feature on an American Rumble spectacular at the St Paul’s Centre.

Heavyweight threat “Astrid,” aka Katy Bishop, the latest recruit to the stable of controversial manager Dean Ayass, clashes with tattooed high flyer Zan Phoenix on the town’s big half-term show on Thursday, February 21.

South Coast-based Bishop is fast emerging as a formidable force in ladies’ wrestling, and Ayass, the self-styled “Twisted Genius” and mentor of Premier Wrestling Federation champion Amazon, clearly sees potential in his latest charge.

It’s the first time female wrestlers have appeared in a Worthing ring since October, 2016, before matchmakers Premier Promotions switched venues from the Assembly Hall, and Phoenix, although vastly more experienced, will go into the bout considerably lighter than her opponent.

Among the stars lining up for the rumble programme, that includes a six-man tag-team bout in the run-up to the over the top rope, last man standing finale, will be Littlehampton’s James Tighe, a top contender for British heavyweight championship honours who is returning to the PWF stage.

Other top names in action include “Man Mountain” Karl Atlas, the colourful “Prince of Mumbai” Rishi Ghosh, Portugal’s “Fantastic” David Francisco, local favourite and PWF title-holder Barry Cooper, rugged Buddhist wrestler Josef Kafka and new star Crazy Pitbull.

Tickets, with discounts for advanced bookings, are available in person at the centre in Chapel Road or can be booked on line via stpaulsworthing.co.uk