UK based promotion PROGRESS Wrestling recently posted a video to Twitter hyping their return. The promotion were originally hoping to run the annual ‘Unboxing’ shows at the end of December. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions meant that these plans needed to be changed.
The tweet simply says “in 2021, a new story begins…” and the highlight video heavily features PROGRESS Champion Cara Noir.
Although there do not appear to be any publicly announced concrete plans for an official return? The company have been putting the pieces in place behind the scenes. It was confirmed last year that James Amner and Lucy Cave would be taking over the operations of the company and bringing forth a new vision for the UK promotion into the new year. One of the company’s original owners Jon Briley took a step back last year due to health issues.
PROGRESS in 2021
The company also appears to be stepping away from the iconic logo and styling of the ‘punk rock pro wrestling’ aesthetic. Looking at their new logo, it appears as though the company are going for a youth crew/hardcore punk image (something that stemmed from the 80s hardcore music scene in the United States).
The #SpeakingOut stories that were posted from last year of course still resonate within British wrestling. Many performers, some of which were huge elements of PROGRESS’ past, were subject to allegations of sexual abuse and harassment; among other distressing allegations.
PROGRESS have made it clear that they intend to make the company a safe space for their performers, crew and fans for all events going forward. James Amner stated back in June, “I want a safe space for wrestlers to compete in, and to be safe backstage and travelling to and from events. I want crew to be protected at all times. I want fans to be able to enjoy themselves with only good people around them. People will be on hand to talk to, always.’
Lucy Cave also addressed #SpeakingOut back in June. “With the trauma that has transpired in Independent Wrestling, nearly all of the brave people that have come forward have asked for a safe place to return. We want to do everything in our power to make sure this is a reality, learning from failings in the past.’
Check out the preview for PROGRESS Wrestling in 2021 below:
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