The United Kingdom has long been a breeding ground for professional wrestling, with a history rich in tradition and a future in UK Wrestling brimming with talent.
Among the numerous promotions, a few stand out for their quality, popularity, and contribution to the sport. This article delves into some of the best wrestling promotions in the UK, including Revolution Pro Wrestling (Rev Pro), PROGRESS Wrestling, and Pro-Wrestling: EVE, among others.
Revolution Pro Wrestling (Rev Pro): A Beacon of British Wrestling
Revolution Pro Wrestling, commonly known as Rev Pro, has established itself as a premier wrestling promotion in the UK.
Founded by Andy Quildan, Rev Pro has been a hub for both local talent and international stars from the likes of New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Known for its high-quality matches and a strong emphasis on the athletic aspect of wrestling, Rev Pro has become a must-watch for wrestling fans.
PROGRESS Wrestling: Innovating the Independent Scene
PROGRESS Wrestling, started by Jon Briley, Jim Smallman and later Glen Joesph, has been a significant player in the independent wrestling scene since 2012.
Primarily Based in London, PROGRESS is known for its unique blend of strong style, technical wrestling and a heavy emphasis on storytelling with homegrown stars.
It has a passionate fan base and is renowned for its progressive (pardon the pun) approach to storytelling and character development.
Pro-Wrestling: EVE: Pioneers of Women’s Wrestling
Pro-Wrestling: EVE has carved out a unique niche in the UK wrestling scene.
Founded by Dann and Emily Read, this female-only promotion has been at the forefront of promoting women’s wrestling in the UK.
EVE is not just about wrestling; it’s a movement, celebrating female athletes and providing them with a platform to showcase their talents.
UK Wrestling: The Legacy of All Star Wrestling
All Star Wrestling, the longest-running UK wrestling promotion, deserves a special mention. Founded by Brian Dixon and now run by Joseph Allmark, it has been a cornerstone of British wrestling since 1970.
All Star Wrestling has been instrumental in developing local talent and bringing wrestling to a broader audience across the country.
UK Wrestling: The Rising Stars and Future Prospects
The UK wrestling scene is not just about the established names. There are several emerging promotions that are making waves and deserve attention. These include:
- ATTACK! Pro Wrestling: Known for its innovative and entertaining approach, founded by Pete Dunne and Jim Lee, it is now run by Mark Andrews and still producing great quality shows in the South East and Wales.
- ICW: A Glasgow-based promotion that has gained a cult following for its hardcore style.
- New Wave Pro Wrestling: A training school and promotion, New Wave is run by Brendan White of Greedy Souls and has been producing some of the best independent wrestling from the UK for some time, with a bunch of homegrown stars who are set to become genuine players on the main stage down the line.
UK Wrestling: The Impact on the International Stage
The influence of UK wrestling promotions extends far beyond the British Isles. Many wrestlers from these promotions have gone on to achieve international fame, showcasing the high level of talent and training present in the UK scene.
Promotions like Rev Pro, PROGRESS, and EVE have also formed partnerships with international promotions, further elevating their status and influence.
FAQs
- What makes UK wrestling unique?
- UK wrestling is known for its blend of traditional British wrestling styles with modern, innovative approaches. It’s a mix of technical prowess, strong style, and charismatic storytelling.
- Can women compete in promotions like Rev Pro and PROGRESS?
- Yes, while Pro-Wrestling: EVE is a female-only promotion, other promotions like Rev Pro and PROGRESS feature both male and female wrestlers.
- How can I watch these UK wrestling promotions?
- Many of these promotions have streaming services or partnerships with larger networks, making it easy to watch their events online.
- Are these promotions suitable for all ages?
- Most promotions are family-friendly, but some, like ICW, may have content more suited for adult audiences due to their hardcore wrestling style.
- Do UK promotions only feature British wrestlers?
- No, while they focus on local talent, many UK promotions also feature international wrestlers, making their events diverse and globally appealing.
