Lionheart, The British Wrestling Champion Died

Known with the ring name Lionheart, British wrestling champion Adrian McCallum has died.
36-year old wrestler from Ayr was the ICW heavyweight world champion (Insane Championship Wrestling) and also competed in WWE and TNA.
In a statement, ICW said they were dismayed by the news. No more details have been given on how McCallum died.
His death has provoked tributes from the entire fighting community. Writing on Twitter, ICW said: "It hurts to know the tragic death of ICW heavyweight world champion Adrian 'Lionheart' McCallum.
"Adrian was the pillar of ICW and the British professional fight, and most importantly, he was our friend, and his death leaves a huge hole in the lives of those who knew him." WWE wrestler Cedric Alexander said he was "crushed" when he learned of McCallum's death, while his WWE star partner, Paige, Saraya-Jade's real name Bevis, said he had "always been grateful" for having known him.
Pete Dunne, the oldest WWE champion in the UK, said: "I always admire the professional approach of the Lionheart to fight when I was away from that at the time." People like him were instrumental in the growth of a scene that has led to such a lot of people can do this to live. "
British wrestler Will Ospreay, who currently competes in Japan, said: "Every time I meet him, it has been nothing more than love ... Honestly, I cannot believe I'm writing this tweet.
"Devastated does not cover how I feel." Tribute was also paid by Scottish actor Greg Hemphill, known for appearing in the comedy Still Game.
"With a broken heart for the whole fighting family tonight," he said. "What a talent and what a charming boy, we will miss him a lot."
Lionheart was one of the mentors in the BBC Scotland series Rogue at Wrestler, where eight recruits competed with each other to become professional wrestlers.
Adrian McCallum was a British professional wrestler, promoter and professional wrestling actor, often better known by his name in the Lionheart ring. He fought for numerous promotions on the British independent wrestling circuit, including Insane Championship Wrestling, in which he reigned as ICW World Heavyweight Championship until his death, and Preston City Wrestling. He was also the owner of the Ayrshire-based wrestling promotion "Pro Wrestling Elite." On February 11, 2007, Lionheart made his debut in Insane Championship Wrestling, losing to James Wallace. On April 3, 2016, Lionheart captured the Insane Championship Wrestling Zero-G Championship from Davey Boy in a 6-way match at ICW Barramania II. He then proceeded to lose the title on a 6 Man Stairway to Heaven Match stairway to Kenny Williams on November 20 at Fear & Loathing IX. On December 2, 2018 he won the ICW Heavy World Championship for the first time in his career, defeating former champion Jackie Polo in a Title Race in Fear and Loathing XI.
On September 23, 2011, Lionheart made his Preston City Wrestling debut on his "Road to Glory" show, defeating Jack Gallagher. In March 2014, on a Preston City Wrestling show, McCallum's neck broke in two places after receiving the clash of styles after the game against AJ Styles. As a result of the injury, doctors warned McCallum that he might never walk again. A little more than a year later, McCallum challenged doctors' orders and returned to the ring competition in March 2015.

By: Preeti Narula

Content: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-48701595