An Australian Shepherd dog has secured legendary status among the canine community after defeating a man in a professional wrestling match.
Footage of Daiquiri’s triumph over seasoned grappler ‘Psycho Mike’ went viral after being shared to Twitter, with fans quick to praise the four-legged fighter for his impressive victory, which came with a little help from his trainer, Jennifer Fraser.
Exercise is a crucial component of any happy dog’s life but while a game of fetch in the yard is a great starting point, according to Jacqueline Davidson Clinical Track Professor at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, canines benefit most from “structured activity.”
“Running around the yard is okay, but it’s better to have a structured activity where your pet is constantly moving,” Davidson said.
Smash Wrestling/Storyful
“This structure can also help with your dog’s behavioral problems, like chewing, barking etc., because you are giving them an outlet to expend surplus energy and spend time with you.”
Fraser’s dog has no problems in that department, with Daiquiri arguably ranking among the most active dogs you are ever likely to encounter. As well as competing in Crufts and breaking no fewer than 12 Guinness World Records, he’s also taken to the stage as one of the stars of ‘SuperDogs The Musical.’
It’s his latest endeavor in the world of professional wrestling that has got people talking online though, after Kaelen Ramos shared a clip to Twitter which has already been viewed over 10 million times.
According to Smash Wrestling, the video was filmed during a show at the Western Fair in London, Ontario, Canada back in September. Fraser and Daiquiri were featured as part of a canine circus in a next door tent, meaning they regularly crossed paths.
Frasier told Newsweek: “I made a joke next to the ring saying ‘these guys don’t look so tough I bet my dog could beat them.'”
One of the organizers, Chrissy Bowman, overheard and suggested to producer Alan Taylor that they have Daiquiri compete in a match before the main show. “It was his first time wrestling,” Frasier said. “Although I did wrestle when I was in high school.”
While special matches of this kind have been known to divide hardcore wrestling fans in the past, the seven-year-old pooch proved an instant hit with the Ontario crowd.
“The crowd absolutely loved the dog in the ring with Psycho Mike who was wonderful. They were all cheering for the dog and every time he hit Mike he got a huge response,” Fraser said.
Though much of the credit went to Daiquiri for his athletic ability in the ring, which included kicks, punches and a slam or two, Fraser’s role in directing her doggy best friend should also not be forgotten.
“I have a very well trained dog,” Fraser said. “I did zero practice for the match we just got in there and tried to see what we could do.”
Psycho Mike played his part too, though he was evidently none-too-happy at being pinned and defeated by his canine opponent. When contacted for comment he said simply: “It was a ruff night.”
Smash Wrestling producer Alan Taylor told Newsweek: “We love to embrace fun and interesting new ways to entertain the crowd and make attending our shows a memorable experience.”
“This match was fun for our team and our crowd and we shared it online for our fans who were not there, but never expected it to get this attention! I couldn’t be more happy that the person getting this spotlight is Psycho Mike who has been a part of our company since the very first show 10 years ago!”
Fraser, meanwhile, reckons this isn’t the last we’ll see of Dairquiri in the ring either.
“We have challenged Mike to another match and are ready and waiting to take on any other wrestlers brave enough to take us on. We look forward to kicking their butts.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
