Layfield begins ‘Mount Death’ battle

Former WWE wrestler and pro-footballer John Layfield has begun climbing Mount Death in Argentina. 

Mr Layfield will climb Mount Aconcagua in the Andes, the third largest in the world.

It will be his third climb for the Beyond Rugby Bermuda programme he started along with The Family Centre.

Mr Layfield, who was the longest-reigning WWE champion when he wrestled under the pseudonym JBL, completed his ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa last October.

He is doing The Seven Summits Challenge — climbing the highest peak on every continent — to raise money for the Family Centre.

Kilimanjaro was the second peak attempted by the 45-year-old.

In June, he had to turn back when he was in sight of the top of Mount Elbrus because the weather was turning from bad to deadly.

He spoke to us last week before he flew to Argentina and began climbing on Tuesday.

Mr Layfield’s biggest worry was bad weather.

Today, he said: “At base camp, brutal 13 mile day yesterday. Faced 55mph winds that were freezing and dusty.

“Day off today and then we start taking gear higher.

“All other groups have left high camps due to bad weather. We got mountain to ourselves.

“Hopefully have a decent day in just over a week to attempt a summit.”

Earlier this week, Mr Layfield updated his Facebook page and said: “Final gear check today, I've got ten fingers and ten toes, plan on having them all when I return.

“The summit has been -25 to -60 this past month and hasn't given up any summits, that is about to change.

“We have an 18-mile hike Thursday to basecamp with some climbing from now till then to get to a higher level.

“Excited and so great to see Bill Clayton again. What a great treat for two old friends to do such a great adventure together.”