Big Frank: Kiwi Wrestler on his title defence at the upcoming All Star Wrestling: Porirua 2

It's a week out from another major wrestling event in Wellington, as organisers prepare a night of family-friendly fun and entertainment, all in the name of arena wrestling.

Arena wrestling returned to the capital last year for the first time in 35 years, providing an action-packed night to more than 1,000 spectators in Porirua.

The event is returning for 2026 with All Star Wrestling: Porirua 2 at Te Rauparaha Arena on Saturday, August 15.

Adam Cooper spoke to 7-foot tall 'Big Frank' - who's the current All Star Wrestling Champion, and is defending his title against an Australian opponent at the event

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Proudly Yellow and Black Wellington's Fall Sport Breakfast with Adam
Cooper and Autumn b Yd. Guess those petrol bills Goodbye
newstalks'd be eight to eighty on the Allsport Breakfast. We're
only a week out from another night of action, packed
fun and entertainment for the whole family, all in the
name of Arena Wrestling. Yes, after a massive crowd saw
the event's debut last year at that Open the Heart

(00:23):
Arena and Pottydoer, it's back for All Star Wrestling Pottydoer
two next Saturday from six pm.

Speaker 2 (00:28):
Now.

Speaker 1 (00:28):
One of the wrestlers ready to storm into the arena
next week is the current All Star Wrestling Champion, defending
his title against an Australian. We love a good transtasm battle,
don't we. He stands at seven foot Taller's name is
Big Frank and Big Franks with us now moyntire Frank.
Now this time a year ago you stormed into our studio.
You made sure we were talking about it. We didn't

(00:48):
want to mess with you because you're pretty threatening. I
imagine you're just as fired up, if not more, for
this year's event. Be given. It's bigger and better.

Speaker 2 (00:56):
I'm very fine you for me. This is it's bigger
than just another main event. It's bigger than just a
championship defense. This is about Australia versus New zeal this year. Man,
And in typical Kiwi fashion, the Ossie's gonna go home
and be handed yees again.

Speaker 1 (01:13):
How are you going to make them do that?

Speaker 2 (01:14):
Well, the fans are on my side this year, and
to be honest, like I've been putting them work in,
I am a little bit nervous because you know, Kevia
is no slouch. The guy's a former boxing champion, power
listing champion. He just hasn't won a championship in professional wrestling.
So I feel like I've got the Edgeentlemen, in the
pro wrestling game.

Speaker 1 (01:33):
When you're in the ring, what is more of a
priority for you? Is it getting the crowds on their
feet chanting, or is it actually pulling off a win?
Or is it a combination of both?

Speaker 2 (01:43):
Yeah, I feel like it's a combination of both of
me personally, Like you know, the fans, they have their favorites,
you know, and that's cool and sometimes you have to
play up to that. But you know, professional wrestling is
about getting a win. So for me, I don't I
don't like to show about too much. How just like
to throw hands and get it done.

Speaker 1 (02:00):
When you walked into our studio last year, you're a
cut with a chain and things that looked pretty threatening
sort of bringing the same props and gear with you
this year.

Speaker 2 (02:11):
Yes, yeah, nothing's changed. It's still me. I don't really
like to talk too much. I just like to throw hands,
bring that chain with me if I had to use it,
and you know, if it comes down to it, then
then it is what it is.

Speaker 1 (02:23):
Sorry, And what did the event last year mean for
the local wrestling scene here in Wellington? Getting a huge
crowd of around one thousand and to watch a whole
bunch of events through the course of the night. How
special was that?

Speaker 2 (02:37):
It was an absolutely pleasure to be a part of.
I was grateful and honored to be in the main
event last year. But for the fan itself, I think
it's it's such a good night to just you come out,
you use your voice, you get it's a crowd participation
in sport. You know, it's all about getting involved in
getting stuck in and you know, tickets started at ten
dollars it's cheaper than a movie ticket. You get to

(02:58):
come and be with your mates, have a drink and
just enjoy the night.

Speaker 1 (03:03):
How much does the noise from the crowds influence what
you do? Does it give you extra energy thinking actually
I could try this?

Speaker 2 (03:11):
Yeah, one hundred percent. I remember last year actually there
was a dude that kept going in chokes Layne jokes
laying chokes Land, which is my finishing monver, and sometimes
just got to go with it. You know, the fans
had been watching, so yeah, I differently listen to them.

Speaker 1 (03:28):
Kids, don't try this at home. By the way, now
the local wrestling scene in general, prank tell us a
bit about your journey, how did you get into it
and what do you love about it?

Speaker 2 (03:37):
Well, I actually found the value Perist Academy on Facebook
and I just sent them a message and I was
eighteen at the time, and yeah, I mean the rest
is history. Really. I walked in the doors in twenty
twenty two. I debuted in August twenty twenty three, so
coming up on three years. And I think the community
is my favorite part about it. You know, all the
guys that do we love it. The fans love it

(03:58):
and been awesome to just see the crowds get bigger
and bigger a business I started, do we.

Speaker 1 (04:06):
Need does like, do top wrestlers need height like yourself?
Or does everyone bring their own characteristics physically to being
a top wrestler. You're a bloody giant of a man.

Speaker 2 (04:15):
I think everybody has their own advantages and disadvantages. Yeah,
I was blessed with the hepe, but that doesn't mean
I'm better than anyone else. You know, some people are
great technical wrestlers. Other guys are quick. You know, I'm
just tall and slow.

Speaker 1 (04:27):
To be honest with you, fair enough, fair enough, well,
still very scary in the process as well. What's your
message to people, Like, if they're going to hit along
to ton Openahart next Saturday, what are they going to
see through the course of the night that should make
them want to come along?

Speaker 2 (04:41):
I Mean, my biggest point I want to make is
that like, yes, this is a professional wrestling show, but
at the same time, it's going to be a night
of entertainment. You know, we're going to have singers, there
might be a DJ there. It's just a solid night,
a good couple of hours to escape what's going on
in your everyday life. Come and enjoy it with your
family and friends.

Speaker 1 (05:00):
Wonderful, Frank. Well, we'll let you get back to your
workouts and your work leading up to it. Looking forward
to seeing you in action there on Potato next Saturday. Mate,
thanks for joining us.

Speaker 2 (05:07):
Thank you very much, Adam beg Frank there.

Speaker 1 (05:09):
And the arena next Saturday, a tod open Ahar Arena.
Checkout Valiant Pro Wrestling on Facebook to get your tickets now.
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