GREEN AND MEAN

EXCLUSIVE Ulsterman wrestling champ
By Paul Martin

THIS is the Irish wrestling sensation who has America in his grip - mean and muscular Dave Finlay.

The 6ft 2in Belfast man has won the WWE World Championship belt, following in the footsteps of Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker and movie star The Rock.

Despite being 48, he makes more than ?900,000 a year and is a television superstar around the world, performing to live TV audiences of around 20 million every night.

Yet he'd hardly be noticed if he took a stroll down Royal Avenue.

Finlay finishes off opponents with a smack around the head from a shillelagh. And if he's in trouble, a leprechaun called Little B*****d hiding under the ring pops out to help him.

Last week he became the first wrestler to receive the WWE "Knighthood" and he said his amazing rise to stardom has left him in shock.

He added: "I never would have believed that I'd hit these heights at 48 years old, but it shows you can achieve anything in life if you want it badly enough.

"I still come home to Belfast all the time just to chill out."

ulster@mirror.co.uk

http://www.mirror.co.uk/

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