Progress Wrestling: The Ultimate Guide

Since its debut in 2011, Progress Wrestling has become one of the most unique and beloved promotions in British wrestling.

Combining punk rock aesthetics with compelling storytelling, Progress carved its own niche in the world of professional wrestling.

What started as a small indie promotion in London has grown into a globally recognized brand, creating stars, producing unforgettable matches, and leaving a lasting impact on the wrestling industry.

What Is Progress Wrestling?

Progress Wrestling is an independent wrestling promotion based in London, England. It was founded in 2011 by Jim Smallman, Jon Briley, and Glen Joseph with a mission to offer something different from the traditional British wrestling scene.

Progress quickly stood out with its edgy presentation, humor, and serialized storytelling. Instead of stand-alone events, their shows were numbered like “chapters” in a book, each building on the last.

This allowed Progress to craft long-term stories that kept fans invested, making them feel like part of an ongoing journey rather than isolated shows.

The promotion also embraced the modern British wrestling style, combining high-flying, hard-hitting action with traditional technical wrestling and strong character work.

The History of Progress Wrestling

Progress Wrestling’s journey began on March 25, 2012, with Chapter 1: In the Beginning. The inaugural show was held at The Garage in London, a venue known for its intimate atmosphere and raucous crowds.

The early days of Progress featured a mix of up-and-coming British talent and established names, setting the tone for the promotion’s identity. As the promotion grew, so did its ambitions.

By 2015, Progress had moved to larger venues, including the Electric Ballroom in Camden, which became its spiritual home. The roster was brimming with talent like Jimmy Havoc, Will Ospreay, and Zack Sabre Jr., who became synonymous with the promotion’s meteoric rise.

At its peak, Progress hosted Chapter 76: Hello Wembley in 2018, a monumental show at the SSE Arena in Wembley, drawing over 4,000 fans—its largest crowd ever.

Progress also partnered with WWE in 2016, showcasing its stars on the WWE Network and NXT UK. However, this partnership alienated some fans, leading to a decline in its “punk rock” identity.

Progress Wrestling’s Star-Making Legacy

Progress Wrestling has been a launching pad for some of the biggest names in wrestling today. It played a pivotal role in the rise of talents who went on to achieve global fame.

Some of the standout names from Progress include:

Pete Dunne
Tyler Bate
Trent Seven
Jimmy Havoc
Will Ospreay
Mark Andrews

Progress gave these stars a platform to shine, helping them develop their skills and grow their fan bases before moving on to larger promotions like WWE, AEW, and NJPW.

Progress Wrestling’s Events

Progress Wrestling organizes its events into “chapters,” with each one serving as part of an overarching narrative. This unique storytelling approach makes every show feel like a continuation of the last.

Some of their most iconic events include:

Super Strong Style 16
A multi-day tournament showcasing the best wrestlers from around the world, featuring unforgettable matches and career-defining moments.
Unboxing Live
A year-end event where the card is kept a secret, creating an air of mystery and surprise for fans.
Hello Wembley
The biggest show in Progress history, held at the SSE Arena, featuring marquee matches that cemented its legacy.

Progress also embraces the digital age with its streaming service, Demand Progress, where fans can watch live events, past chapters, and exclusive content for an affordable price.

The Progress Training School

To ensure a steady flow of talent, Progress Wrestling established its own training school, the Projo (short for Progress Dojo).

The Projo has been instrumental in developing the next generation of wrestling stars, offering high-quality training and a chance to perform on Progress shows.

Many Projo graduates have gone on to achieve great success, proving that Progress isn’t just about showcasing stars—it’s about creating them.

What’s Next for Progress Wrestling?

While its partnership with WWE and the effects of the Speaking Out movement hurt its reputation, Progress Wrestling remains a cornerstone of British wrestling. It continues to run shows, develop talent, and entertain fans with its unique brand of storytelling and passion for the sport.

If you’re a fan of wrestling that’s bold, creative, and full of heart, Progress Wrestling is an essential chapter in the history of British wrestling.