Former ITV World of Sport wrestling favourite faces 27-year-old champion Jordan Nelson at Fairfield Halls on Sunday 22nd November at 3pm in a special traditional British wrestling contest.

One of British wrestling’s most respected legends is coming out of retirement for a huge showdown at Fairfield Halls in Croydon next month, as veteran ITV wrestling star “Mr Smooth” Johnny Kidd prepares to face one of the sport’s most ambitious young talents.

The eagerly anticipated encounter will take place on Sunday 22 November at 3pm, when LDN Wrestling returns to the infamous Croydon venue for another spectacular afternoon of live professional wrestling suitable for the whole family.

But this is no ordinary wrestling match.

Johnny Kidd, a veteran of the golden era of British wrestling and a familiar face to fans of ITV’s legendary World of Sport wrestling coverage, will step back into the ring to face 27-year-old Jordan Nelson, the reigning LDN Wrestling All-Star Champion.

The contest will be fought under traditional British wrestling rules, featuring rounds and the classic two-falls, two-submissions or knockout format, recalling the days when stars such as Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks entertained millions of television viewers every Saturday afternoon.

For Kidd, it represents a return to the style of wrestling that made him one of the most respected technical wrestlers in the country.

For Nelson, it could be the biggest match of his young career.

Jordan Nelson’s journey to the Croydon main event has been anything but straightforward.

Originally from Bangor in Northern Ireland, the 27-year-old made the life-changing decision earlier this year to sell his car, quit his job and leave behind his large, close-knit family to relocate to London and pursue a full-time career in professional wrestling.

Nelson said: “I literally gave up everything to chase my dream. I sold my car, walked away from my job and left my family behind because I wanted to become a professional wrestler. I’ve dreamed of becoming a WWE superstar since I was a little boy. Now I’m 27, and I realise I have to give it everything I’ve got. Some people probably think I’m mad, but I don’t want to reach 50 and wonder what might have happened if I’d taken the chance.”

Since moving to London, Nelson has travelled thousands of miles around Britain with LDN Wrestling, performing in theatres and entertainment venues and establishing himself as one of the company’s most prominent young stars.

He has already stepped into the ring with legendary masked wrestler Kendo Nagasaki, who remarkably continued competing at the age of 83.

Now, having recently signed a new exclusive contract with LDN Wrestling, Nelson has his sights firmly set on America. But first, he must overcome one of the most technically gifted wrestlers Britain has ever produced. The Croydon encounter promises a fascinating clash of generations.

Johnny Kidd, nicknamed “Mr Smooth” because of his exceptional technical wrestling ability, represents the traditional British wrestling style that entertained millions during the sport’s television heyday.

Nelson, meanwhile, represents a new generation of performers inspired by the larger-than-life characters and spectacular entertainment of modern American wrestling.

And while Kidd is respected for his decades of experience, Nelson has developed a reputation as one of LDN Wrestling’s most outspoken and controversial champions.

Nelson said, “I respect what Johnny Kidd has achieved in wrestling, but this isn’t the 1980s anymore. People keep telling me what a legend he is and how good British wrestling used to be. Well, I’m the future of this business. I’ve already faced Kendo Nagasaki, and now I’ve got another British wrestling legend standing in my way.

“Johnny Kidd might have been a big name when wrestling was on ITV every Saturday afternoon, but on November 22nd, he’ll find out what happens when the old generation meets the Golden Boy. I’m not coming to Croydon to shake his hand and ask for an autograph. I’m coming to win.”

The match has already generated considerable interest among wrestling supporters, particularly those who remember the traditional British wrestling style.

LDN Wrestling Managing Director Sanjay Bagga, who has spent more than two decades promoting professional wrestling across Britain, believes the encounter will be one of the company’s most memorable Croydon main events.

Bagga said, "Fairfield Halls is one of our most important venues, and Croydon has always been a fantastic place for professional wrestling. We wanted to bring something really special to the town, and I genuinely believe this match between Johnny Kidd and Jordan Nelson will be something people will remember for years.

"Whether you’re someone who remembers watching wrestling on ITV with your grandparents or a youngster who loves WWE, there’s something for everyone. It’s going to be a fantastic afternoon of entertainment.”

LDN Wrestling returns to Fairfield Halls, Croydon, on Sunday 22nd November 2026 at 3pm. Tickets start from £22.00 and are on sale now.