8 greatest moments in ICW Fear and Loathing history

#5 - Grado wins the ICW World Championship - Fear and Loathing 8

Grado celebrates winning the ICW World Title with Mick Foley at Fear and Loathing 8. Credit: David J Wilson

In the three years leading up to Fear and Loathing 8, Grado had gained quite a cult following in the world of professional wrestling.

His general charisma and extravagant entrance to Madonna’s Like A Prayer had captured the attention of ICW fans, whilst his appearances in documentaries such as VICE and Insane Fight Club were drawing huge mainstream publicity outwith the company.

However, whilst loved by many, some saw him as nothing more than a comedy character who they didn’t take seriously enough to be a champion.

This all changed in the summer of 2015 when the lad from the Tap End of Stevenson announced his intention to challenge Drew Galloway at Fear and Loathing 8 for the ICW World Championship.

On paper, the pair couldn’t be more chalk-and-cheese in terms of their athletic look, but the crowd that night were firmly in Grado’s corner as he held his own against the former WWE Intercontinental Champion.

Despite this, it appeared that Drew would be too much for Grado as Galloway’s Black Label piers Red Lightning and Jack Jester got involved in the match before being neutralised by Mick Foley.

The appearance of the WWE Hall of Famer was enough to distract Drew long enough to allow Grado to hit his signature Wee Boot for the 1-2-3, and create an atmosphere I’d never seen before at a wrestling event.

The crowd exploded having become firmly invested in the Grado journey. Echos of Like A Prayer would continue long after the event finished as fans exited through the corridors of the SECC.

Whilst Grado’s run as champ would end a couple of months later, that moment itself is one that still resonates with those who follow ICW.