How a comedy duo built a global wrestling empire
In short: In 2011, two fans and a comedian set out to create a specific style of British professional wrestling. They didn't just build a local promotion; they forged a pipeline that exported talent to the world's biggest stages and eventually sparked an international merger.
Progress Wrestling was founded in 2011 by Jim Smallman, a comedian with a penchant for Japanese 'strong style,' and his agent Jon Briley. Their goal was to create a distinct identity that moved away from standard tropes. This vision matured quickly; by 2015, the promotion began its residency at The Ritz in Manchester and appeared at the Download Festival.
The promotion's influence became undeniable through strategic partnerships. In 2016 and 2017, Progress served as a primary pipeline for WWE talent. They hosted qualifying matches for the Cruiserweight Classic and saw wrestlers like Tyler Bate—who won the first-ever WWE UK Championship—and Pete Dunne transition to major international platforms. This established Progress as a premier 'finishing school' for elite independent talent.
The company has navigated significant internal shifts, including a 2020 overhaul following reports of sexual harassment in the British circuit, leading to several high-profile departures and new leadership roles. Ownership has shifted multiple times, from Briley to Lee McAteer and Martyn Best in 2021, through various acquisitions involving Big Damo and Nikki Storm in 2026.
Today, Progress represents a globalized model of independent wrestling. In February 2024, it announced a merger with Seattle-based DEFY Wrestling to establish a worldwide presence. This evolution from a niche 'strong style' project to a multi-national brand illustrates the modern mechanics of how independent promotions scale in the digital age.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Progress Wrestling
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