Kevin Smith, a former professional wrestler who once faced legends like Big Daddy, carved out a tough reputation not only in the ring but also as a Morrisons supermarket loss prevention manager. Known in wrestling circles as Sgt Sizzler, Kevin’s imposing stature—standing 6ft 1in and weighing 18 stone—made him a formidable opponent for shoplifters, many of whom underestimated his wrestling skills.
After retiring from the “grunt ‘n groan” world of professional wrestling, Kevin transitioned into retail security at Morrisons. Throughout his tenure, he confronted shoplifters armed with knives and syringes, and his no-nonsense approach kept theft at bay. He often recounts using wrestling moves to subdue offenders, ensuring they didn’t get “far” once caught by the scruff of the neck.
Today, Kevin is outspoken about the recent sacking of Sean Egan, a Midland store manager dismissed for physically confronting a thief who spat in his face at a Morrisons outlet in Aldridge, Walsall. The incident sparked widespread criticism of Morrisons from shoppers, politicians, and even the Metropolitan Police. While the company insisted the public did not have the full story, Kevin firmly believes that Sean did the right thing.
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“If former Morrisons chairman Ken Morrison were alive today, he’d be shaking Sean’s hand and patting him on the back,” Kevin said. “Being spat on is assault. To sack him was absolutely ridiculous. If I were Sean, I wouldn’t return to that supermarket.”
In protest against Morrisons’ handling of the situation, Kevin has stopped shopping there altogether, choosing instead to shop at Lidl. He explains, “There are too many rules and regulations now. I’ve been told by employees that I wouldn’t survive working at Morrisons today. Since this happened, I’m shopping at Lidl. It’s wrong how this has happened.”
Kevin’s journey into wrestling was almost by chance. A promoter, in need of a replacement fighter stuck in traffic, spotted Kevin helping set up the ring and asked him to fill in. His wrestling persona, Sgt Sizzler—a tough, “evil” traffic cop character—was born from the promoter’s belief that Kevin resembled an unpopular ex-traffic officer.
After a successful wrestling career that included bouts against famous names like Big Daddy, Kevin entered retail security in the 1990s. His wrestling experience proved invaluable when facing aggressive shoplifters. “People say wrestling is fixed, but trust me, if I had you on the floor or in a stranglehold, you wouldn’t be doing much,” he insists. He has endured knives and syringes pulled on him and even had his car damaged by shoplifters. His reputation grew within Morrisons, with his director frequently checking in on his ‘busyness’ regarding shoplifting incidents.
Now 66, Kevin remains proud of his wrestling roots and security career. “I can still handle myself, though a bit slower. I’m going to the grave with my wrestling holds,” he says firmly.
Morrisons was contacted for comment but did not respond.