Where to watch Pro-wrestling in London
- Martyn Hayes
- Apr 25, 2019
- 3 min read
One thing that can be said of the 1980s is that it was awesome! We had the A-Team, Ninja Turtles and Arnie!
It seamed everywhere you looked, pop culture was churning out muscle bound, macho men saving the world from bad guys! And the best part was that you got to see this type of action every weekend with WWF wrestling.
Remember how thrilling it was to see Hulk Hogan or the Ultimate Warrior slam their way to victory!? You'd gossip about the latest Wrestlemania with your mates at school while nursing injuries caused by your brother in your own living room bouts. Your parents told you not to copy the performers. The TV even told you not to, but you still did! (Well I did anyway)
Those were the days!
But luckily there's a resurgence in the UK scene of Wrestling. A new golden age is speculated to be on the rise. With top WWE talent from these shores, it's easy to see why. Home grown talent like Wade Barrett and William Regal have slammed their way to the top over in North America. So now is a good time to catch tomorrow's superstars here in London Town!
A number of promotions exist in the Big Smoke. While it's possible to catch mainstream spectacles from WWE and Impact Wrestling. It's still worth checking out the independent circuit.
The following sports entertainment organisations are based in London. Each have an impressive roster of male and female performers who know their way around the squared circle.
Where: North London
Website: progresswrestling.myshopify.com
This promotion is prestigious. From set designs, entrance music and well thought-out story lines, Progress has it all.
Bouts usually take place in Highbury, Camden and Harringey. However the roster has also been slamming their way to events Stateside and Germany.
In 2017, the promotion also hosted a title defence for WWE's United Kingdom Championship. You will notice from this video that the athletes' abilities are hugely impressive. The match displays why Progress has gathered such a loyal following. Contests can be watched online but there's nothing like seeing it in person, highly recommended.
Where: Tooting, Mitcham
BEW has a very international edge to its entertainment. I found watching cartoon like characters to be fun!
Often performing in Tooting's Tram and Social, the location is a great setting for pints and pile drivers! This footage will give you an idea of what to expect. To me, sipping a few pints while watching acrobatics and reversals are a real selling point. BEW's style of entertainment is enjoyable to watch, especially the in ring techniques of the women's division.
Where: Bethnal Green, London Bridge
Website: www.luchabritannia.com
Arguably one of the most fun things you can watch in London. Whether or not you're a wrestling fan, Lucha Britannia offers a lot fun and excitement to make a good night out! Shows are based on the Mexican Lucha Libre style. To me, in ring performances are a combination of "high-flying" Latino with technical UK styles.
Performances pack some extra punch with cabaret and comedy interlude acts. The colourful, against the ropes action has also attracted crowds at Glastonbury and Download festivals! It wouldn't surprise me if us Londoners can catch a performance at WinterVille in Clapham this Christmas.
The "sexy mayhem" claim in their promo video is on point! The trailer reveals it's wild, wonderful and not for the faint hearted!
If you're looking for a bit of pizzazz in your power-slams, this show is for you!
Where: Croydon
Website: www.becw.co.uk
Although small and intimate, I'd still say BECW events are still enjoyable for all the family. At £8 for adults and £2 for kids, ticket prices are very affordable. Footage of last year's Autumn Conflict shows what a ball youngsters have.
An interesting fact about BECW is that it runs it's on Wrestling School. Meaning if you too can step inside the squared circle.
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