Big changes have occurred in both the U.K. and U.S. independent wrestling scenes today.
Former WWE wrestlers Big Damo and Nikki Cross have acquired both PROGRESS Wrestling and DEFY Wrestling, per a press release issued Tuesday.
The news means that the couple is taking ownership of one of British wrestling’s most prominent modern brands, as well as a renowned promotion based out of Seattle, Washington.
PROGRESS, established in 2011 by Jim Smallman and Jon Briley, quickly gained notoriety in the British wrestling scene during the 2010s, being one of the many important brands that led a revival for independent wrestling in the area. The company notably drew nearly 5,000 attendees for a 2018 event at Wembley Arena.
PROGRESS has continued to produce events over the years, expected to present their 200th “Chapter” by the end of 2026.
“Our job now is to guide PROGRESS through the coming years, identify new talent and integrate them with the current phenomenal roster,” Damo said in a press release. “I’m proud to say we have some of the best wrestlers in the world performing for us right now.”
DEFY is a U.S. independent brand launched by Matt Farmer a little under a decade ago. The company quickly became one of the more intriguing U.S. indie brands over the years, becoming a spot for names like Swerve Strickland, Nick Wayne, and tag duo Sinner and Saint.
Tuesday’s announcement marks the first major career move for Cross since wrapping up her latest WWE stint, working as part of the Wyatt Sicks multi-person faction.
Prior to the news of the sale, it was already announced that DEFY and PROGRESS had planned a “merger.” Now, they’re both owned by the same wrestler-turned-promoter duo.
