Big Damo and Nikki Cross Take Ownership of PROGRESS and DEFY Wrestling

In a significant shift for the independent wrestling landscape, former WWE stars Big Damo and Nikki Cross have officially acquired PROGRESS Wrestling and secured co-ownership of DEFY Wrestling. The transition marks the end of the tenure for previous owners Martyn Best and Lee McAteer, who have guided PROGRESS through a period of immense industry change.

A New Chapter for PROGRESS and DEFY

The acquisition was formally announced on Monday, signaling a new direction for two of the most respected promotions in the international wrestling scene. For Big Damo, the move is deeply personal, rooted in a commitment to the talent-rich wrestling cultures of the UK, Ireland, and the Pacific Northwest.

“We are delighted to be the new co-owners of PROGRESS. We both started in the UK and Ireland and fully believe this is host to the greatest talent pool on earth and PROGRESS is well positioned to showcase this generation and the next generation,” Damo stated in the official announcement. He further highlighted an affinity for the Seattle-based DEFY, noting his positive experiences performing in front of the promotion’s dedicated fanbase.

Honoring the Previous Administration

The new ownership team expressed gratitude toward outgoing stewards Martyn Best and Lee McAteer. During their leadership, Best and McAteer successfully navigated the promotion through the challenges of a global pandemic and fostered critical international partnerships, including collaborations with Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan and DEFY in the United States.

“We would like to thank Martyn Best and Lee McAteer for being wonderful custodians and bringing new levels of professionalism to our industry,” Damo added, acknowledging their efforts to secure international opportunities for talent.

Strategic Vision and Future Growth

The new owners have laid out an ambitious roadmap for the future, focusing on talent development and expanded visibility. Damo emphasized the depth of the current roster, citing World Champion Cara Noir, Charlie Sterling, and Tag Team Champions Luke Jacobs and Ethan Allen as cornerstones of the promotion. The vision includes a blend of established stars and rising talent, with a focus on creating engaging, long-term storylines.

Nikki Cross, who was released by WWE earlier this year, brings a unique perspective to the ownership group. Recognizing the historical underrepresentation of women in executive roles within professional wrestling, Cross is eager to leverage her experience to elevate both promotions.

“It is not lost on me that there are few female owners in professional wrestling, so I want to bring my experience and insights to the table and elevate PROGRESS and DEFY to new levels,” Cross said.

Key Developments on the Horizon

• Female-Focused Initiatives: Following the success of the inaugural PROGRESS Women’s Super Strong Style 16 tournament, the promotion has confirmed plans to host a standalone female Super Strong Style 16 tournament in 2027.
• Expanded Touring: The ownership group is actively working to bring PROGRESS events to new cities across the UK.
• International Partnerships: A primary goal for the new management is to capitalize on global relationships to facilitate talent exchange, bringing international stars to the UK while exporting top-tier local talent to global ventures.

As Cross prepares for her first post-WWE match in July with PROGRESS, the industry will be watching closely to see how this wrestler-led ownership model shapes the future of independent professional wrestling.