Ex-Wrestler Rev Steven Horne Finds New Calling as a Priest

Rev Steven Horne, a man once known for grappling in the wrestling ring, now stands in a different kind of arena—the church. At 43, Horne was ordained by the Archbishop of Canterbury, leaving behind a world of headlocks and suplexes for the path of ministry.

Horne’s journey to priesthood is anything but conventional. Before wrestling, he was a police officer and pursued a PhD in Theology. His affinity for the wrestling mat began in 2016 when he joined the South East Professional Wrestling Club. There, he competed and later became a referee, a role that demanded discipline and a keen sense of fairness.

Throughout his varied career, Horne’s faith remained a constant companion. “I’ve always had a strong relationship with God, ever since I was a young child,” he shared with BBC Kent.

This spiritual connection ultimately led him to a profound turning point in December 2022. “I felt a ‘green light’ call to ministry very distinctly on December 30,” Horne recounted. “The next day, I sent an email, and the process for discernment began two months later.”

Horne sees a striking parallel between the struggles of wrestling and the trials of faith. “Life can be difficult and sometimes unpredictable,” he said. “But I rest comfortably knowing that although life is full of slams and suplexes, God has oversight of it all and knows what the end will be.”

Now ordained, Rev Steven Horne is ready to bring his unique blend of strength, discipline, and faith to his new role, guiding others through life’s challenges with the same resilience he once displayed in the wrestling ring.