A MALVERN wrestler believes his “unorthodox” style could propel him to stardom in America as he aims to become WWE’s first United Kingdom champion.

Tyson T-Bone, whose real name is Thomas Clifford and lives near Barnards Green, will be among 16 competitors bidding for glory at Blackpool’s Express Ballroom from Saturday.

The two-day tournament is being promoted by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

And T-Bone says it is an “incredible direct route” to showcase his talents to the “entire world” as it is being aired live on the award-winning WWE Network.

The 35-year-old, who works for a chemical factory in Malvern, admits he will need to elevate his level to “a whole new height”.

But the former Hanley Castle High School student is confident he will come away with the belt.

“It’s an opportunity I have been hoping to get for a long time,” said T-Bone who stands at 6ft 2in and weighs 242lbs.

“For me this is an incredible direct route to show WWE exactly what we can do.

“It is being broadcast not only to their head office but to the entire world so if they see something they think is all-go then the next picture would be to head to America and then be on the main stage on RAW, Smackdown, Pay-Per-View etc.”

The charismatic Trent Seven, hard-hitting Pete Dunne, Northern Irish grappler Tucker and Roy Johnson, a former champion powerlifter, are also gunning for the title.

“There will be a lot of different styles coming my way,” continued T-Bone.

“But my style is very unorthodox. I am more like a fighter than a wrestler which in a lot of ways will give me a massive upper-hand against everybody.

“I have never wrestled anyone in there so I don’t know what they will bring to the table.

“This is now a time where I have to elevate my level to a whole new height.”

T-Bone, whose partner Lana Austin is also a wrestler, says he “fell in love” with the sport when he moved to America 10 years ago.

“It was more by accident than wanting to get involved in wrestling,” he said.

“I used to do boxing but I then went to America and where I was staying was next to the Killer Kowalski Pro Wrestling School which is now called the Chaotic School.

“I walked in there not really knowing what to expect as I didn’t really know too much about wrestling at that point and kind of fell in love with it.”

With the backing of Pro Evolution Wrestling, T-Bone has competed in many events in the UK, including in Worcester.

But he admitted it came as a “shock” to many of his friends and family when the line-up for the WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament was announced.

“Everyone has been really supportive but no one really knew what I was actually doing until this all came out,” he said.

T-Bone says he is now focused on making his mark in Blackpool as he bids to become a professional wrestler.