The UK wrestling scene has been booming for the past 3/4 years with companies such as PROGRESS, Rev Pro, ICW and OTT leading the charge. Some of the biggest stars to come out of these promotions have gone on to join New Japan (Will Ospreay, Zack Sabre Jr, Marty Scurll), Impact Wrestling (Grado) and even WWE (Trent Seven, Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne).
But who will be the next batch of stars emerging from the British Isles? Well, here are 3 up and coming performers that you should know about:
James Castle
Photo Credit: Portrait of a Wrestler @Y2Jimbob
The ‘Anarchist’ James Castle has been slowly honing his craft over the past few years, his current accolades include Rev Pro and IPW:UK Tag Team Champion and he holds the Heavyweight Title for smaller East Anglia promotion Wrestling League. Castle has a ton of potential, he has the ability to work as either a Heel or Face (Villain or BlueEye for all you BritWres fans out there!) and can seemingly drag the heat out of even the most apathetic of crowds. Castle is certainly one of those performers whose character is driven by their true to life personality, his love for Hardcore Punk, particularly that of the 80’s CBGB equation, drives his anarchistic persona and will certainly see him connect with audiences on the bigger UK independents, especially PROGRESS.
Check out this free match against Matt Riddle:
Chris Brookes
Photo Credit: Turning Face
Those of you who currently follow UK wrestling will certainly know Chris Brookes. One third of team #CCK, Brookes recently broke into the upper echelons of the UK scene (alongside tag partner Kid Lykos) when he captured the PROGRESS Tag Team Championship.
Brookes also appeared for Ring of Honor during their UK tour earlier this year and his 2018 looks to be even more prosperous. #CCK are such a unique act, their branding and merchandise is top notch and they present themselves in a way unlike anyone on the scene right now.
Check out this free match from wXw:
Session Moth Martina
Photo Credit: John Morrissey Photography
Session Moth is a breed unto herself. Character driven with a unique comedic flair but most importantly a technical ability in the ring that sets her apart from other performers on the independent scene. Moth has had a truly breakout year in 2017, she has graced the stages of OTT, PROGRESS, ICW and Pro Wrestling EVE as well as a plethora of smaller independents while building her profile. Expect 2018 to be an even bigger year for ‘Da Moth from Da Flats’ and possibly a move to even greater heights….New Japan maybe?
Check out this free match below from GWF in Germany:
