ATLANTA -- A former wrestling star charged with forcing women into prostitution is representing himself in federal court.

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Harrison Norris, Jr. was known as "Hard Body Harrison" during his wrestling days. He wrestled for the WCW franchise -- World Championship Wrestling -- from 1994 to 1999. Now, he is charged with holding six women against their will and forcing them to become prostitutes.

Norris stood before the jury Monday, still wearing his orange prison jumpsuit, and laid out his case on why he shouldn't be convicted of what essentially amounts to slavery. He is acting as his own attorney, something that even his court-appointed standby council says is very risky. "In terms of criminal prosecution this is the top of the food chain. Lawyers go through law school, years of experience to be able to try cases at this level so he is relatively inexperienced at it and it's obviously very risky," said Akil Secret, Norris' standby council.

Norris was arrested in 2005 after authorities raided his Bartow County home. What emerged was a tale of abduction, forced prostitution and threats of violence against six women the government says were held against their will.

But even with the resources of the federal government behind the prosecution, Norris decided to represent himself. His mother supports him. "If he thinks he can do it himself then oh well. I think he's the best person for the job," said Lucille Norris.

But if he fails, Norris could be facing life behind bars. "I would be concerned about any person trying to represent themselves in this kind of complex criminal procedure," said Secret.