As the search begins for the next Mr England, organisers are shining a spotlight on one contestant whose journey has taken him from a sheep farm in Dorset to the bright lights of WWE in America.
Tristan Angels, now 22, was raised on a sheep farm on England’s Jurassic Coast before becoming Mr England International 2024 representing England at Mr International in Thailand.
Today, Tristan is living in Orlando, Florida, working with WWE — the biggest wrestling company in the world.
Growing up on a farm, Tristan says hard work was simply part of everyday life.
“I think when you’re born on a farm, you never officially start work — you just slowly graduate from opening gates for your Dad as a toddler to shearing sheep and driving tractors. It’s more of a lifestyle than a job,” he explained.
“Looking back, many of the things I assumed were normal were actually huge blessings. Growing up surrounded by animals, and with the Jurassic Coast literally on my doorstep, was incredible.”
But despite his rural upbringing, Tristan always had his sights set on something much bigger.
“From about the age of 10, I knew I was going to be a WWE Superstar,” he said. “I vividly remember pitching it to my father — he was understandably doubtful at first, but later became my biggest supporter.”
Tristan trained at ASW South in Salisbury under respected coach Joel Redman, progressing from complete beginner to WWE-signed talent in just three years. Alongside wrestling, entering the Mr England competition proved to be another major turning point.
“When my mother suggested I enter Mr England, it was one of the best decisions we ever made,” he said. “Being Mr International England has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience and helped me tremendously to stand out in my pro wrestling career.”
As Mr England in Thailand, he competed against contestants from more than 50 nations.
” A truly once-in-a-lifetime event,” he said. “I was incredibly proud to represent England and meet people from all walks of life. International pageants are a fantastic blend of flamboyance, culture and charity that you really have to experience to understand.”
Now working for WWE in America, Tristan says discipline and commitment remain at the centre of his life.
“WWE is the Premier League of wrestling — the pinnacle of what we do,” he explained. “Living in Orlando and working for the biggest sports entertainment company in the world is a dream come true.”
“I started training at 12 years old and imagined myself holding the WWE Championship above my head. I chose to bet on myself and chase the dream.”
Tristan competed in over 200 matches in a single year before making the move to America and says his life revolves around constant training and preparation.
“If it were easy to be a WWE Superstar, everyone would do it,” he added.
Contest Organiser Angie Beasley said “The Mr England platform has already helped launch a number of success stories. The 2024 winner, Manuel Alcantara Turner, went on to represent England at Mr World in Vietnam after serving as a King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace and taking part in major royal events including the late Queen’s funeral. Three other Mr England finalists from the last competition also got the opportunity to travel aboad to represent England in International pageants . Its a great opportunity for any guys wanted to make contacts see the world even if they reach the final .
