BBC Wrestling Reboot Plans to Feature Queer Wrestler Cassius Paule Who Wants to be Named 'Barbie'

The popular British wrestling show "Gladiators" from two decades ago is making a comeback, but with the difference of diversity. The program ran from 1992-2000 and featured wrestlers named like Cobra, Hunter, and Trojan in battles between the Gladiators and their challengers, the Contenders.

Expect the same format, but showcasing more diversity, reports the Metro. "That includes openly gay wrestler Cassius Paule, known as Cassius The Neon Explosion, who wants to be one of the 'modern day Gladiators'. The 5ft 8 in wrestler might weigh just 10st 7lb, but he's said the national broadcaster has already approached him to take part."

"Openly gay wrestler Cassius Paule, known as Cassius The Neon Explosion, has been approached by bosses as part of their plan to update the show, with 'Gladiators' of all shapes and sizes and from different backgrounds, where personality is just as important as muscles," writes The Sun.

"I'm the next generation of TV's Gladiators – I'm gay, flamboyant & wear pink, the name I've got planned will shock fans."

He continued: "It would be massive. The original was decades ago. Lots has changed since then and of course, these days not all Gladiators are going to be straight."

Cassius turned to wrestling after abandoning plans to work in television production. He had secretly been training as a wrestler as a teen, but opened up to his family and friends when he realized he was "born to be in front of the camera".

He caught the eye of BBC producers from his Instagram who asked him to audition.

"Gladiators crew members found my Instagram and asked me to send in a tape. I intend to be 1,000 per cent as flamboyant on the show as I am in wrestling.

"I wouldn't know what else to bring - that is me. They would love that. I would bring that full force and hopefully they'll let me wear pink or purple. I could accessorize my Lycra outfit with tassels, and it needs to be shiny. That's just me."

At 5'8" and 148 pounds, Cassius has been nicknamed "Barbie Gladiator." But has no fears of facing contestants nearly twice his size.

"I've been doing that my entire career. I'm always outweighed by whoever I wrestle - nobody is my height and weight.

"When it comes to doing Gladiators, it's just another day. If the contenders were coming up against me, I feel like they would presume they had the easy one and they wouldn't expect much.

"But all of a sudden . . .  Bam! - I'd catch them out."

As for his Gladiator name, Cassius says, "I'd love to be known as Barbie, but there's a good chance that could get ruled out due to trademark issues.

"So the other option I like is Karma.

"I always get revenge on my enemies, in and out of the ring, and it's a dish best served cold."