CAMDEN — A professional wrestler known for his daring feats in the ring appeared withdrawn and somber Friday as a judge sentenced him to five years in prison for robbing a Collingswood bank last year.
Nicholas Wilson, known in the Combat Zone Wrestling world as Nick Gage, appeared in a red jumpsuit and shackles and said little during the brief hearing in Camden, where he was sentenced for stealing $3,090 from the PNC Bank on Haddon Avenue on Dec. 22.
Authorities said Wilson, 30, handed a bank teller a note stating he would shoot her unless she handed over cash.
Assistant Prosecutor Michele Morgera Friday said the traumatized teller quit her job the following week. Judge Samuel Natal ordered Wilson to pay her $150 as compensation, along with money owed to the bank.
Wilson, who was last living in Camden, was identified as the bank robber soon after authorities posted his picture and it began circulating around wrestling websites.
Wilson turned himself into authorities shortly afterward and later pleaded guilty to the charge.
Wilson was a longtime member of the independent, South Philadelphia-based Combat Zone league, known for its violent bouts.
The league website touts Wilson -- whose signature move was the "bootscrape" -- as a four-time CZW World Champion.
Internet videos of Wilson's matches show bouts that include shattering glass and flames. In one video, Wilson lands on a fiery table and is himself engulfed in flames.
In a video of a 2009 "tournament of death" match in Delaware, Wilson is shown being thrown through the ring's ropes, which were covered in fluorescent light tubes.
Wilson, soaked in blood from the cut glass, was airlifted from the match.
Reach George Mast at (856) 486-2465 atgmast@camden.gannett.com
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