Carlow Rising does not just apply to traditional sports such as Hurling, Soccer and Football. No over the years we have seen many athletes and sports people from Carlow become the cream of the crop. Molly Scott (Athletics), Marcus Lawlor (Athletics), Finn Lynch (Sailing) and Steve Lennon (Darts), have made many Barrowsiders proud over the last few years.
Hoping to be the next to rise is Clayton long or Clong for short! All ready a European Karate champ Clayton Long made the jump to the world of pro-wrestling in 2016 by signing up with the world renowned Fight Factory Pro Wrestling. This was the place that gave birth to current WWE Superstars like Finn Balor, Becky Lynch and Jordan Devlin. Ireland has been at the forefront of training the next big international imports , with people like Phil Boyd and Katey Harvey helping establish a local Irish scene for their trainees to perform at.
Among this scene is where Clayton developed his skills and character by performing as part of a tag team with partner Martin Steers. Going under the moniker Club Rock Shandy, the two brought a youthful fun exuberance to the ever evolving Irish wrestling landscape. It was part of this team that Clayton could lay claim to one half of The Irish Tag Team Champs. Becoming the second man from Carlow to do so, after the wonderful Angel Cruz (Ultrastar)! We have covered Angel here on scoreline before which you can read here . P.S Angel we miss you! Comeback!
Clayton in action :
Can Clayton becomes Irelands next big thing? Only time will tell but at the age of just 24 , he has time on his side to accomplish whatever he sets out to do. I can say I have seen him in action and was astonished by his skills, along with other names training in fight factory, they are building upon the foundations laid before him and the sky’s the limit. Just listen to our interview with him below and you can hear the determination, disipline and desire shine through. No doubt a testament to his trainers and fellow trainees at Fight Factory Pro-Wrestling.
Oh and not only is he a superstar, he is a bit of a superhero also!
