WRESTLER Andrew Baker was left seeing stars when he attended a star-studded bill.

He had gone to the WWE Raw show at the NEC Arena in Birmingham as a spectator. But, instead, the ambitious Runcornian found himself in the ring with one of the game's newest superstars on live television - and was promptly knocked out!

Baker, 23, who has had several spells at American wrestling schools as he aims to make it rich, was thrown a £1,000 challenge by Chris Masters.

It proved a memorable if painful big-time baptism for the British hopeful.

And although he missed out on the money, it was valuable exposure for the Runcorn grappler, who was seen by a global TV audience in the Masterlock Challenge.

Baker was handpicked from the crowd by Masters, known as The Masterpiece.

To win the money, he had to break out of the hold. But chance would have been a fine thing for Andrew against the 6ft 4in, 275lb LA giant.

Baker said: 'For the challenge, I had to sit in a chair while The Masterpiece put on The Masters Lock which is like a full-nelson.

'I didn't have time to even try to break the lock. He dragged me up in the air and shook me like a rag doll. The force knocked me out cold and so I lost the £1,000. But it was amazing to be given such a great opportunity - although my neck is very sore and stiff.

'I was very excited but nervous about the challenge. It was amazing, standing in a WWE ring on live TV at the NEC. I felt in awe. It went out on Sky Sports and all around the world.'

Baker has been back in Runcorn since the end of last month after his latest stint learning the trade at Ohio Valley Wrestling in the US.

As things stand, Andy expects to be in Runcorn for the foreseeable future but hasn't given up hope of being drafted into WWE himself.

'I am back in the UK for some time but hope something will come of this. All I can do is keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.

'If good things happen from this, then I will take that opportunity.

'With regards to making it to WWE, I just take things one day at a time. If it is meant to be, it will happen. If not then at least I can say I have been on a WWE show.

'I don't yet have any shows scheduled in the UK. I would like to maybe look at a training school if things don't work out.

'I like the idea of training. It's different and I can pass on what I have learned so far.'