Egremont wrestler Johnny Moss has secured a “dream” job with the iconic World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Johnny jets out to Orlando in mid-October to start his new role as a coach at WWE – synonymous with names including Hulk Hogan, The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin - helping to train the next generation of in-ring superstars.

“This is a lifelong dream fulfilled,” said Johnny, who has established a successful wrestling school in his hometown.

“I’ve been obsessed with wrestling since I was eight – it’s all I ever wanted to do - and to be offered this job with WWE is beyond anything I could ever have hoped for.”

Johnny, 37, will split his time between training up-and-comers in the Orlando-based NXT Performance Centre and joining his proteges on the road, working with them at weekly live events across Florida and regular tours of the United States, Australia, the Far East and back home in the UK.

He will report to WWE legend and head of NXT, Triple H, and coach alongside in-ring icons such as Shawn Michaels and William Regal.

“I’ll be allocated a class of men and women of different athletic background and different levels of experience and I’ll work with them daily to prepare them for a career in wrestling, teaching them the basics of everything that life in the ring entails, ” said Johnny, who has become a highly respected name in British and European wrestling circles since making his debut over 20 years ago.

During his career, Johnny has regularly worked with wrestling legends and has shared a bill with stars including Ric Flair, Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart, Booker T and Mick Foley.

His CV includes a starring role on the recently revived World of Sport show and he famously trained current WWE superstar Finn Balor.

Johnny is leaving his wrestling school – the School of Hard Knocks and Hammerlocks – in good hands however.

His protégé ‘Turbo’ Josh Terry, from Egremont, will take over its day-to-day running, while Johnny plans to keep a close eye on its progress through regular updates and his frequent visits back home.

And local fans have the chance to cheer on Johnny one last time at a farewell show at Whitehaven Sports Centre on Saturday, October 14 (7.30pm).

He will headline the event against Iron Man Joe Coffey. Terry is also on the bill, while Big Wally clashes with 42-stone The Highlander in what’s being billed as ‘the Biggest Match in Britain’.

Tickets are £10 in person from the venue or on 01946 695666.