British Wrestling Is On Fire!
Since the pandemic years of 2020–2022, we British wrestling fans have witnessed an incredible resurgence in local wrestling and independent promotions.
When NXT UK closed its doors at the BT Studios on September 1st, 2022, it marked the end of one era — and the beginning of a new boom. From that point on, the UK wrestling scene has exploded with passion, creativity, and unforgettable moments, especially in London.
The Rise of PROGRESS Wrestling
One of the brightest sparks in this resurgence is PROGRESS Wrestling.
Founded in 2012 by Jim Smallman and Jon Briley, PROGRESS has always pushed boundaries. In 2022, the promotion found new life when Lee McAteer and Martyn Best took over. Since then, it’s exceeded all expectations — running shows across London at the Electric Ballroom and The Dome, while also expanding to the U.S. with events in Philadelphia and New York.
Between 2022 and 2023, PROGRESS delivered classics like Ilja Dragunov vs. Cara Noir at their 10th Anniversary Show. Their tag division also thrived — Aussie Open vs. Violence is Forever at Return of the Fly was pure tag team magic.
In the following years, PROGRESS built powerful relationships with international promotions like Japan’s NOAH and Seattle’s DEFY Wrestling. With stars like Will Ospreay, Tate Mayfairs, Charles Crowley, and Lana Austin, the promotion continues to bring unpredictability, emotion, and intensity to every card.
RevPro: London’s Powerhouse
London is tough ground to conquer — but RevPro (Revolution Pro Wrestling) has stood strong since its 2012 founding by Andy Quildan.
RevPro has become a launchpad for UK talent heading to AEW, WWE, and TNA. Its partnership with AEW’s Tony Khan has only added more shine.
If you’re a wrestling fan, their 12th Anniversary Show in 2024 is a must-watch: Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Hechicero — a match already being called an all-time great.
Wrestle Carnival: The Midlands Marvel
Outside the capital, the UK wrestling scene thrives from coast to coast. One standout is the Midlands-based Wrestle Carnival, founded in 2021 by Gary R Ward
With its unique mix of unpredictability and humor, Wrestle Carnival quickly became a fan favorite. In 2022, at Carnival of Champions, we saw Joe Hendry vs. Axel Tischer for the wXw Championship. Before the match, Hendry gave fans an unforgettable parody of “Shake That Ass for Me” — fans still sing “Shake That Axe at Me” to this day during Tischer’s UK matches!
Although Wrestle Carnival temporarily shut its doors in early 2024, it makes its triumphant return on April 27th, 2025, at the HMV Empire in Coventry. Get your tickets — this one's going to be big.
Stars Born in the UK Indies
Wrestlers like Will Ospreay, Michael Oku, Pete Dunne, Tyler Bate, and Nathan Frazer all sharpened their skills on the UK indie circuit before becoming international stars. And there’s more talent rising fast — Rhio, Tate Mayfairs, and Will Kroos are absolutely ones to watch.
Take Rhio, for example — she held the PROGRESS Women’s Championship for a jaw-dropping 434 days. That’s one of the longest title reigns in modern British wrestling.
The Women’s Revolution: Born in the UK?
British women’s wrestling has come a long way. Long before WWE coined the “Women’s Revolution,” UK promotions were already putting women in main event spots and letting them shine.
Today’s scene includes names like Lana Austin ana Austin, Kanji, Alexxis Falcon, and future stars like Nadia Sapphire, Hollie Barlow, KIRA, Lucy Sky, and Lily Winter — all proving that women's wrestling in the UK is not just strong... it's thriving.
Why British Wrestling Matters — And Why It Needs Us
British wrestling is on fire — but it only keeps burning with one key ingredient: the fans.
Sure, AEW and WWE are incredible spectacles, but if you want heart, emotion, intensity, and accessibility — there’s nothing like a UK indie show.
More interaction. More surprise. More connection. You’ll witness moves you’ve never seen, laugh until you cry, and spot the next world champion before they hit the global stage.
With over 100+ active promotions in the UK, the future of British wrestling is right here — in our towns, in our halls, and in front of our eyes.
So go out. Support your local promotion. Cheer the heels. Scream for the faces. Buy the merch. Sing the chants.
Because without us, there is no them.
Love wrestling,
Matty
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