Wrestling in Wales has a long and storied history. From Orig Williams running Reslo on S4C, all the way to the likes of Welsh Wrestling and Attack! Pro Wrestling in the 21st Century.
However, the interestingly named Slammasters Wrestling is quickly becoming one of the biggest names in Cymru. Since their formation in 2019, the company have run 15 shows across Wales. This includes their first show in Beddau, as well as trips to Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Bargoed, Abadare and Pontyclun.
The promotion have made Cardiff their home base in recent years. Four of their last six shows have been at Portland House down Cardiff Bay, and have featured some big international stars in marquee matches.
Their last Back to the Banking Hall show featured NJPW star Lio Rush, former NXT UK Tag Team Champion Mark Andrews and OVW star Hayley J. That show was a sell-out, with over 400 fans in attendance. SMW also help nurture local talent, with fan-favourite Big D wrestling alongside future stars like James Ellis and Lizzy Evo.
AEW star Danhausen is booked for their next show, showing the incredible reach of the small Welsh promotion. While it began in the small town of Beddau, it has quickly become one of Wales’ top promotions.
It gives local fans to see wrestling, similar to what they see from the WWE and AEW on TV, but with a more personal, local flavour. While promotions like this may be a dime a dozen in the US, they are a much-welcomed rarity in the small mining towns of the Rhondda Valleys and beyond.
Since Orig Williams shut up shop in the 1990s, wrestling has not been on the radar for most in Wales. WWE and TNA were the dominant force, with no local representation for fans to get behind. However, with stars like James Ellis and Big D to get behind, people have begun to believe again.
The company are growing fast. With over 1500 followers on Facebook, Slammasters Wrestling have a solid and faithful audience who boo who they hate, and cheer who they like. At the last show, I saw a group of children literally carrying Man Like Dereiss into the ring, willing him to victory against the dastardly Martyn Grant.
If that doesn’t mean wrestling is back, what does?
