Full Breakdown
Grandmothers and a Pro-Wrestler Turn a Chance Encounter into a Film-Ready Tale
7/28/2026, 11:32:28 AM
The Unexpected Meeting on a Flight
In April, four Welsh women—Lynn Crawford, Susie Matthews, Rose Sulley and Christine Goodwin (80)—boarded a flight to Las Vegas to scatter the ashes of Rose’s late husband, Pete. A seat-mix-up placed them beside professional wrestler DeReiss Gordon, known in the ring as “Man Like DeReiss.” The awkward start quickly gave way to a friendship, and the women accepted Gordon’s invitation to attend WrestleMania.
From Friendship to Film Prospects
He has approached the group about developing a feature, comparing the narrative to his earlier work on feel-good British films.
Wrestling Showcase in Cardiff
Later that year the four “nanas” reunited for a wrestling showcase in Cardiff. Trained by local professionals, they entered the ring to cheers and banners reading “Nanas! Nanas!” The event also included an open-top bus tour of the city and an evening of bingo, underscoring the blend of novelty and community spirit.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When we'd first met, we'd laughed that this should be a movie.” — Lynn Crawford
- “ "I couldn't believe it at first," said Gordon.” — Gordon
- “I worked in an old people's home and I used to say then, that's not gonna be me sat in that chair thinking I wished I'd have done this and wished I'd have done that.” — Susie Matthews
These remarks capture the participants’ surprise, disbelief, and the personal significance they attach to stepping into a world far removed from their everyday lives. The story continues to attract attention within the wrestling community and the broader public, illustrating how an unexpected connection can spark both cultural curiosity and cinematic ambition.
