Category: Wrestling News

WWE Hall Of Famer Dory Funk Jr. Passes Away At Age 85

The professional wrestling world is mourning the loss of one of its most respected legends.

According to the Ocala Gazette, WWE Hall of Famer Dory Funk Jr. passed away on Tuesday at the age of 85. The report cited Funk’s wife, Marti Funk, who stated that her husband died while under hospice care.

News of Funk’s passing quickly led to tributes from across the wrestling industry, with fellow wrestlers, organizations, and fans honoring his remarkable career and lasting influence on the business.

Wrestling World Pays Tribute

The Cauliflower Alley Club was among the first organizations to publicly honor Funk, sharing a memorial graphic on social media and remembering him as:

“A champion, a teacher, a gentleman, and an ambassador for our great sport.”

WWE Hall of Famer Brian Blair also paid tribute on social media, sharing memories of his longtime friend and reflecting on Funk’s impact on professional wrestling.

A Legendary Career Spanning More Than Six Decades

Dory Funk Jr. began his wrestling career in 1963, working for his father Dory Funk Sr.’s Western States Sports promotion.

Over the following decades, Funk built a reputation as one of the sport’s premier technical wrestlers, competing throughout the United States and internationally. His success in Japan helped establish him as one of the most respected performers of his era.

One of the defining accomplishments of his career came in February 1969 when he captured the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Funk held the title for more than four years, making him the second-longest reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion behind only Lou Thesz.

Success Around The World

Throughout his career, Funk competed for numerous major promotions, including:

  • All Japan Pro Wrestling
  • ECW
  • WCW
  • WWF/WWE
  • WWC

His relationship with All Japan Pro Wrestling was particularly notable, with multiple runs for the promotion spanning from the 1970s through the 2010s.

Although he officially retired in 2017, Funk continued making occasional appearances. His final match took place in August 2024 when he teamed with Osamu Nishimura in a victory.

Teacher And Mentor To Generations

Beyond his accomplishments inside the ring, Funk was widely respected for his work training future wrestlers.

In later years, he operated the Funking Conservatory in Ocala, Florida, where he helped develop aspiring talent and passed along decades of wrestling knowledge to the next generation.

Funk’s death comes less than three years after the passing of his younger brother, wrestling icon Terry Funk, who died on August 23, 2023.

Memorial Service Planned

According to the Ocala Gazette, a private service will be held for family members in the coming days.

A public memorial service honoring Dory Funk Jr.’s life and legacy is planned for Thanksgiving Day, with additional details expected to be announced at a later date.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, Dory Funk Jr. leaves behind a legacy that spans generations and helped shape professional wrestling around the world.

Adam Copeland Confirmed For Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling’s Northern Rising Event

Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling has officially revealed the mystery behind its recent “Who Will Answer The Call?” promotional campaign, and the answer is a Canadian wrestling icon.

During Wednesday night’s MLP MAYHEM broadcast, it was announced that AEW World Tag Team Champion Adam Copeland will appear at Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling’s Northern Rising event on October 3.

Emotional Video Tribute Reveals Copeland

The announcement came through a cinematic vignette celebrating both Copeland’s career and the history of professional wrestling in Canada.

The video opened with footage of the legendary Maple Leaf Gardens, a venue deeply connected to Canadian wrestling history. As images of a young Copeland appeared on screen, the WWE Hall of Famer reflected on the significance of the building and his connection to it.

The segment built toward Copeland appearing on camera and asking whether the venue was ready for “one more incredible night,” officially confirming his involvement with the event.

Returning To A Historic Venue

Although Maple Leaf Gardens has since been transformed into the Mattamy Athletic Centre, the building remains one of the most iconic locations in Canadian sports and wrestling history.

According to Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, Northern Rising will mark the first time Copeland has competed at the historic venue.

In a statement released following the announcement, Copeland spoke about the impact Maple Leaf Gardens had on him growing up.

The former AEW TNT Champion explained that much of his childhood was spent watching both Maple Leaf Wrestling and Toronto Maple Leafs games from the arena, making the opportunity to be part of Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling’s revival especially meaningful.

Copeland praised the promotion for helping restore a piece of Canadian wrestling history and expressed excitement about participating in what he described as a special night.

More Announcements Expected

While Copeland’s appearance has now been confirmed, Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling is not revealing all of its plans just yet.

The company stated that additional Copeland-focused vignettes will be released in the coming weeks, suggesting more details regarding his role at Northern Rising are still to come.

Whether that means a major singles match, a special attraction bout, or another surprise remains unknown.

Busy Schedule Continues For Copeland

The announcement adds another notable appearance to an already active period for Copeland.

Currently one-half of the AEW World Tag Team Champions, Copeland continues to play a prominent role on AEW programming while also taking part in select appearances outside the promotion.

His involvement with Northern Rising gives Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling a major attraction for one of its biggest events of the year and provides Canadian wrestling fans with an opportunity to see one of the country’s most accomplished performers return to a venue tied closely to his childhood memories.

As October approaches, anticipation is likely to grow regarding exactly what Copeland has planned when he steps into one of Canada’s most historic wrestling buildings.

Copeland’s appearance instantly adds star power to Northern Rising, and the combination of his Canadian roots and the history of Maple Leaf Gardens could make for one of the most memorable moments on the promotion’s 2026 calendar.

Several Former WWE Stars Officially Become Free Agents Following Expiration Of Non-Compete Clauses

A significant group of former WWE talent officially entered free agency today as the 90-day non-compete clauses tied to April’s post-WrestleMania roster cuts came to an end.

More than 20 wrestlers were released by WWE following WrestleMania 42, and many of the biggest names from that group are now free to sign with or compete for any promotion they choose.

Among the newly available talents are Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Santos Escobar, Zoey Stark, Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Dexter Lumis.

While some released stars have already returned to the independent wrestling scene, others have remained quiet about their future plans, leaving fans speculating about where they could surface next.

Nikki Storm And Joe Gacy Already Planning Their Next Moves

Several former members of the Wyatt Sicks faction have already begun laying the groundwork for life after WWE.

Nikki Cross, who has resumed using the name Nikki Storm, is scheduled to appear for both PROGRESS Wrestling and Maple Leaf Pro in the coming weeks. Storm has also expanded her role within the industry outside the ring, as she and her husband Big Damo recently became owners of both PROGRESS Wrestling and DEFY Wrestling.

Meanwhile, Joe Gacy has started teasing the next phase of his character. Last month, he released a video featuring imagery connected to the Wyatt Sicks persona he portrayed in WWE, suggesting a darker evolution of his character may be on the horizon.

The futures of Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, and Dexter Lumis remain less clear, with none of the three having publicly announced their next destinations.

Kairi Sane Begins New Chapter

Of all the WWE departures, Kairi Sane’s release generated some of the strongest reactions from fans.

The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion was actively involved in a storyline alongside IYO SKY and Asuka before her exit, leading many to question the timing of her departure. Reports later indicated that Sane had requested her release and was interested in returning to Japan.

On the first day of her free agency, Sane marked the occasion by sharing a photo of herself alongside a motorcycle on social media, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in her career.

Motor City Machine Guns Continue To Fuel Speculation

Former WWE Tag Team Champions Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley have also kept fans guessing about their future.

The Motor City Machine Guns recently released a video on their YouTube channel featuring a comedic skit that ended with the duo discovering a mystery contract from an unnamed wrestling promotion. While the company was never revealed, many fans immediately speculated that All Elite Wrestling could be the destination being teased.

Both wrestlers have extensive histories with multiple promotions, making them one of the most intriguing tag teams currently available on the market.

Questions Surround Aleister Black And Zelina Vega

Aleister Black remains one of the most notable free agents available.

Despite widespread assumptions that he could eventually return to AEW, no official plans have been announced. Reports have suggested there may be reservations within AEW regarding a potential reunion, though nothing has been confirmed publicly.

His wife, Zelina Vega, may already be preparing for her next wrestling chapter. Recently, she filed a trademark application for the name “Xelina” for wrestling-related entertainment services, leading to speculation that an in-ring return could be in the works.

Zoey Serrano Set For Return

Formerly known as Zoey Stark, Zoey Serrano has already lined up her first major post-WWE appearance.

She is scheduled to compete in the RevPro Women’s Grand Prix 2026, where she will face Zeuxis in the tournament’s opening round.

The appearance marks a significant milestone following the severe knee injury she suffered in May 2025 during a match involving Kairi Sane and Rhea Ripley. The injury sidelined her for an extended period and raised concerns about the future of her career.

Santos Escobar Takes Aim At WWE Leadership

Santos Escobar also acknowledged his newly acquired free-agent status this week.

In a social media post, the former WWE star reflected on his six-year run with the company while also directing criticism toward WWE President Nick Khan and Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

While Escobar did not reveal where he intends to wrestle next, his comments quickly generated discussion among fans as the next stage of his career begins.

Wrestling Free Agency Heats Up

With so many recognizable names now officially available, the wrestling free-agent market has become one of the industry’s biggest stories.

Some talents appear poised for immediate returns to the ring, while others are expected to take their time evaluating offers from promotions around the world. Whether the next destination is AEW, NJPW, TNA, independent wrestling, or somewhere entirely unexpected, the coming weeks could bring a wave of major signings and surprise debuts across the wrestling landscape.

AJ Styles’ Son Avery Styles Set To Make GCW Debut

Avery Styles, Son Of WWE’s AJ Styles, Set For GCW Debut

The next generation of the Styles family is beginning to make waves on the independent wrestling scene.

Avery Styles, the son of WWE legend AJ Styles, is continuing to build momentum early in his wrestling career and is now set to make his debut for Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) later this month.

The young prospect recently stepped into the ring for his first official match at a Squared Circle Action event, with his father accompanying him to ringside. The bout generated significant buzz among fans, eventually being elevated to the night’s main event after interest in the match continued to grow.

Avery made the most of the opportunity, picking up the victory after delivering his father’s iconic Styles Clash. Following the match, AJ Styles publicly praised both his son and opponent Ashton Martin, saying he was highly impressed by their performances.

GCW Debut Scheduled For July 31

Now, Avery is preparing for another major milestone.

GCW has announced that Styles will make his debut for the promotion on July 31 in Omaha, Nebraska. As of now, his opponent for the event has not been revealed.

However, his second appearance for the company is already set. On August 1, Styles will face Marcus Mathers at the legendary First Avenue venue in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mathers is a familiar name to GCW fans and has established himself as one of the promotion’s rising stars. He is also part of WWE’s ID program, making the matchup an intriguing test for the younger Styles as he continues gaining experience.

Interestingly, the August 1 event takes place on the same night as the opening night of WWE SummerSlam, which is also being held in Minneapolis.

Tag Team Match Set Before GCW Run

Before making his way to GCW, Avery will participate in another unique matchup on the independent circuit.

On July 26, he is scheduled to team with CJ Gallows, the son of Luke Gallows, at a Next Generation Wrestling event in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The duo will take on The Good Brothers, creating a matchup with strong ties to wrestling history. AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson famously worked together in New Japan Pro-Wrestling as members of Bullet Club before later reuniting in WWE as part of The OC.

The bout will provide Avery with another opportunity to gain experience while sharing the ring with veteran performers who have known his family for years.

A Promising Start

While Avery Styles is still in the early stages of his wrestling journey, his first few appearances have already attracted considerable attention. Carrying one of the most recognizable names in modern wrestling naturally brings expectations, but his early performances have generated positive reviews from fans and veterans alike.

With upcoming matches in GCW and elsewhere on the independent scene, Avery appears committed to carving out his own path while learning from one of the most accomplished performers of his generation.

The next few months could offer a clearer picture of how quickly the young Styles develops as he continues to gain valuable in-ring experience.

Motor City Machine Guns Tease Post-WWE Future In New Video

The Motor City Machine Guns may be getting closer to revealing their next move in professional wrestling.

Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley were among the WWE talents released shortly after WrestleMania 42, and both men have remained inactive due to the standard 90-day non-compete period attached to their departures. With that restriction nearing its end, the veteran tag team has begun dropping hints about what could be next.

In a recently released video on their YouTube channel, Shelley and Sabin took a humorous approach to addressing life after WWE. The skit centered around Sabin working through the five stages of grief following the duo’s release, with Shelley acting as his guide throughout the process.

As the segment progressed toward the final stage—acceptance—Shelley revealed a box filled with wrestling contracts from a variety of promotions. The pair jokingly sorted through offers from several companies, including well-known Japanese organizations such as FMW and WAR, along with promotions connected to the CyberFight group.

The video also featured several fictional or tongue-in-cheek promotion names, leading to some comedic moments. At one point, Sabin expressed frustration that one particular unnamed company had even attempted to recruit them.

The biggest tease came at the end of the skit. After reviewing multiple contracts, the duo arrived at a final offer that was never shown on camera. Neither wrestler revealed the name of the promotion, but their reaction spoke volumes. Both appeared excited by what they saw, and Shelley declared that Sabin had finally reached the acceptance stage of grief.

The mystery has naturally fueled speculation throughout the wrestling world.

Many fans believe All Elite Wrestling is the most likely destination for the former WWE Tag Team Champions. Sabin and Shelley have previous history with AEW and were heavily linked to the company before ultimately choosing to sign with WWE in 2024.

TNA Wrestling has also emerged as a possibility given the team’s long and successful history with the promotion. Reports in recent weeks have indicated that TNA would be open to bringing the Motor City Machine Guns back into the fold if the opportunity arose.

However, according to sources close to TNA, there remains a belief that Sabin and Shelley are ultimately AEW-bound once their non-compete clauses expire.

For now, the Motor City Machine Guns are keeping fans guessing, but their latest video has only intensified speculation that a major announcement could be on the horizon.

Jerry Lawler And Jimmy Hart Set For Memphis Wrestling Reunion Benefiting St. Jude

Two of the most iconic figures in Memphis wrestling history will reunite this summer for a special event supporting a worthy cause.

Memphis Wrestling has announced that WWE Hall of Famers Jerry “The King” Lawler and Jimmy “Mouth of the South” Hart will appear together at the Memphis Wrestling Tupelo SuperShow on August 21, 2026, at the Tupelo Furniture Market in Tupelo, Mississippi.

The event is being presented in partnership with the Pontotoc Run Club, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Lawler and Hart remain synonymous with the glory days of Memphis wrestling and both have deep ties to the Mid-South region. Their appearance at the Tupelo SuperShow brings together two legendary personalities who helped define an era of professional wrestling that remains beloved by fans decades later.

Memphis Wrestling owner and host Dustin Starr expressed his excitement about welcoming the Hall of Famers to the annual fundraising event.

“We’re honored to welcome Jerry Lawler and Jimmy Hart to this year’s Tupelo SuperShow,” Starr said. “They inspired generations of wrestling fans, including me, and having them join us in raising money for St. Jude makes this event even more special.”

The Tupelo area played an important role in the history of the Memphis territory during the 1970s and 1980s. Fans may remember classic events held in the city, including the legendary Tupelo Concession Stand Brawl in 1979.

The annual fundraiser has continued to grow over the years. Organizers reported that the event raised more than $15,000 in 2023, followed by more than $19,000 in 2024. Last year’s event set a new record by generating $25,005 for St. Jude, and organizers are hoping to surpass that total in 2026.

Pontotoc Run Club founder Murray Collum, known to many as Coach Pillar, has been a driving force behind the fundraising efforts. Since its founding in 2019, the organization has raised more than $55,000 for St. Jude and related charitable projects, while North Mississippi St. Jude Heroes have collectively contributed more than $300,000 to support the hospital’s mission.

Tickets for the Memphis Wrestling Tupelo SuperShow are currently available through Memphis Wrestling’s official website.

The event promises not only a rare reunion between Lawler and Hart but also another opportunity for the wrestling community to come together in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the families it serves.

AJ Styles’ Son Made Pro Wrestling Debut

WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles’ 19-year-old son, Avery Styles, made his professional wrestling debut on June 26, 2026, at a Squared Circle Action (SCA) event in Royston, Georgia. Avery wrestled Ashton Martin in the main event, winning the match with his father’s signature finishing move, the Styles Clash.

AJ Styles, who recently retired from in-ring competition, was in his son’s corner for the event and even stepped into the ring to personally count the 1-2-3 pinfall. Viral footage of the moment shows Avery performing his father’s iconic slide under the ropes into a Phenomenal Forearm before hitting the match-winning finisher

AJ later praised the bout, noting the in-ring chemistry and pacing both young athletes displayed.

Former WWE Stars Nikki Cross & Big Damo Take Over PROGRESS Wrestling, Become Co-Owners Of DEFY

Two well-known names from WWE and the international wrestling scene are stepping into major leadership roles in professional wrestling.

Former WWE stars Nikki Cross and Killian Dain — also known worldwide as Big Damo — have officially acquired PROGRESS Wrestling in the United Kingdom and have also become co-owners of Seattle-based DEFY Wrestling.

The announcement marks a major shake-up for the independent wrestling landscape, especially considering both promotions have built strong reputations over the years. DEFY, in particular, has become closely linked with AEW talent, hosting appearances from stars such as Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Swerve Strickland, Brody King, and Marina Shafir. The promotion also helped launch the careers of Darby Allin and Nick Wayne, while AEW’s Bryan Keith currently reigns as DEFY World Champion.

In the official statement released by PROGRESS, Damo and Nikki emphasized their commitment to growing both companies while continuing to spotlight rising wrestling talent from the UK, Ireland, and beyond.

Damo called the acquisition a huge opportunity to continue building on PROGRESS’ legacy.

“We both started in the UK and Ireland and fully believe this is host to the greatest talent pool on earth,” Damo stated. “PROGRESS is well positioned to showcase this generation and the next generation.”

He also praised the previous ownership group for steering the company through difficult years following the pandemic while helping create international relationships with promotions like Pro Wrestling NOAH and DEFY.

The former WWE star made it clear that developing new stars will remain a major priority moving forward, highlighting current PROGRESS names including Cara Noir, Luke Jacobs, Ethan Allen, Alexxis Falcon, Rhio, Kanji, and others as examples of the promotion’s deep roster.

Meanwhile, Nikki Cross becomes the first female co-owner in PROGRESS history, bringing a unique perspective after years competing at the highest level in WWE. During her WWE run, Nikki captured the RAW Women’s Championship, won Money in the Bank, and held multiple Women’s Tag Team Championships.

Nikki said she hopes to help elevate both promotions while expanding opportunities for women’s wrestling.

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

One of the biggest announcements coming from the new ownership team is plans for the first standalone women’s Super Strong Style 16 tournament in 2027 following positive reactions to this year’s women’s tournament.

The duo also revealed that PROGRESS plans to expand into additional cities across the UK in the near future.

PROGRESS Wrestling has long been viewed as one of the most influential promotions in Europe, helping elevate names like Gunther, Pete Dunne, Toni Storm, and Will Ospreay before they became global stars.

Outgoing owners Martyn Best and Lee McAteer praised Nikki and Damo as the right people to lead the company into its next era, pointing to their worldwide experience and credibility within the wrestling business.

The new era officially begins with PROGRESS Chapter 195: Wonderbrawl II in Manchester on June 7, followed by Chapter 196: Scorchio! at London’s Electric Ballroom. The London event will also feature Nikki Cross making her first UK wrestling appearance since leaving WWE earlier this year.

With major industry connections, strong ties to both WWE and AEW talent, and plans for expansion already underway, the future of both PROGRESS and DEFY could become one of the more interesting stories in independent wrestling moving forward.

The full announcement from PROGRESS on both acquisitions can be read below:

In a seismic shift for British and Irish wrestling, two globally renowned figures are coming home. Damian Mackle, known internationally as former WWE star Killian Dain and Big Damo and his wife, Nicola Glencross, known as Nikki Cross and Nikki Storm, fresh off a decade-long tenure with WWE, are taking ownership of PROGRESS Wrestling, the UK’s premier independent wrestling promotion, as well as DEFY Wrestling, one of the biggest independent wrestling promotions in the United States.

The couple, who first made their names in the UK scene before achieving global fame, have vowed to ensure PROGRESS remains a launchpad for today’s and tomorrow’s stars.

Big Damo, who wrestled in PROGRESS before and after his WWE success, and is a former PROGRESS Men’s World, Tag Team and Atlas Champion, said,

“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.

“We are also very excited to be the new co-owners of DEFY Wrestling. Home to the most feverish fan base in the Pacific North West. Nikki and I have an affinity with Seattle, and I always had an incredible experience wrestling on the DEFY shows in front of the Defyance.”

“We would like to thank Martyn Best and Lee McAteer for being wonderful custodians and bringing new levels of professionalism to our industry. They steered PROGRESS after a worldwide pandemic, created an incredible wrestling network in Hooked On Wrestling TV, created a phenomenal working partnership with Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan and DEFY in USA and showed ambition, and an incredible drive to give multiple talented men and women visas to compete in the USA, and opportunities in so many other countries.

“Our job now is to guide PROGRESS through the coming years, identify new talent and integrate them with the current phenomenal roster. I’m proud to say we have some of the best wrestlers in the world performing for us right now. Our men’s World Champion Cara Noir and Charlie Sterling are performing at the highest level. Our Tag Team Champions Luke Jacobs and Ethan Allen are two of the best wrestlers in the world under 30. Our women’s division is host to some of the best women wrestlers alive. Women’s champion Alexxis Falcon, Rhio, Kanji, Emersyn Jayne and so many more. We also have Hollywood actor Paul Walter Hauser regularly walking the Hollywood red carpets with his PROGRESS Proteus Championship belt. Then there is Gene Munny, Charles Crowley, former WWE star Axel Tischer, Hollie Barlow, Simon Miller, Man Like DeReiss, Spike Trivet, Lykos Gym, and so many more.

“I could go on all day but Nikki and I want to continue to give these amazing athletes a platform to create engaging stories, while also leaving plenty of room for absolute masterpieces in ring.

“We also want to capitalise on our great relationships with talent and promotions worldwide, and create new partnerships that not only bring phenomenal talent to our shores, but also export our best talent to new ventures abroad.”

Nikki, a former WWE Women’s RAW World Champion, Money in the Bank Winner and also WWE Tag Team champion with Alexa Bliss and Rhea Ripley, becomes PROGRESS Wrestling and DEFY Wrestling’s first female co-owner, bringing a completely fresh point of view.

“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.

“We were deeply encouraged by the first PROGRESS Women’s Super Strong Style 16 tournament. Rhio and Gisele competed in an incredible main event, and Rhio proved to be a worthy winner! We will soon be announcing that next year, in 2027, we will host the first stand alone female Super Strong Style 16.

“We are also in the process of bringing PROGRESS to new cities across the UK, and will be excited to announce those details soon”

PROGRESS Wrestling has been a cornerstone of British wrestling for 14 years, paving the way for stars like Pete Dunne, Toni Storm, Gunther and Will Ospreay. Now, with Damo and Nikki at the helm, the promotion is poised for its next chapter.

Expect exciting collaborations, new talent initiatives, and a renewed focus on the UK scene, all the while maintaining PROGRESS’s gritty, intimate atmosphere, and building upon their growing global presence.

PROGRESS was established in 2012, and dramatic and ground-breaking growth came to a halt in 2020 with the impact of the pandemic. Two years later, Martyn Best and Lee McAteer revived the promotion and have since delivered over 70 shows across the UK, USA, Germany, Canada and Dubai whilst re-establishing it as the leading UK promotion with many fine relationships across the globe.

Fresh from their success at the Collective in Las Vegas over WrestleMania weekend and the annual Super Strong Style 16 two day event which featured both a Men’s and Women’s tournament for the first time, Best & McAteer recognised that the influence and impact of Big Damo and Nikki Storm was needed to maintain this momentum.

Best added, “It’s been a fascinating and interesting journey with PROGRESS and I’ve personally made some very fine friendships. I’m so proud of what Lee and I have achieved and as with every successful and growing business it’s now time for its next chapter. Big Damo and Nikki Cross bring that extra massive oomph of global credibility and legitimate experience that PROGRESS now needs and I will certainly be supporting them and following their “progress” with huge interest.”

Lee McAteer said, “Being a custodian of PROGRESS Wrestling has been one of the greatest honours of my life and with fellow owners Martyn Best and Matt Buczek we have restored and protected PROGRESS and leave it in a stronger place for it to grow to the next level. I have been so proud of the connection we have nurtured with our loyal fans and it will be something I will always treasure.

“I am delighted that we are handing the company over to two people I have great admiration for, and are highly respected throughout the wrestling community. Big Damo and Nikki Cross are British and Irish wrestling royalty and after hearing their thoughts, I know that the most exciting chapter in PROGRESS’s history is still to come.

“To all the PROGRESS fans, wrestlers, colleagues and partners, thank you. I am incredibly excited for the future of PROGRESS under Big Damo and Nikki.”

The first order of business? The next show is in Manchester on 7th June at the O2 Ritz Academy, Chapter 195: Wonderbrawl II followed by the undoubted excitement of a homecoming show in London, at the Electric Ballroom.

Chapter 196: Scorchio! will feature Nikki making her first UK appearance since leaving WWE in April. Damo and Nikki will no doubt raise the roof with the PROGRESS faithful in the iconic Ballroom home of the company and set the tone for what’s to come. Tickets for those shows are available here.

Wrestling fans, both in the UK and worldwide, won’t want to miss what promises to be a landmark moment in the industry, and both shows will be available to watch live on Hooked On Wrestling TV.

TNA Slammiversary 2026 Set For Afternoon Start To Avoid Direct Clash With AEW Forbidden Door

TNA Wrestling and AEW may both be running major pay-per-view events on June 28, 2026, but fans likely won’t have to choose between the two shows after all.

New details released by Ticketmaster and Boston’s Agganis Arena confirm that this year’s TNA Slammiversary will begin at 3 p.m. ET. The earlier start time creates a significant gap between Slammiversary and AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, which is scheduled to begin later that evening from the SAP Center in San Jose, California.

Forbidden Door is currently set for a 4 p.m. PT start time, meaning the AEW event won’t begin until 7 p.m. ET — giving viewers several hours between the two pay-per-views.

The scheduling setup appears designed to minimize overlap between the promotions, especially considering both events are among the bigger wrestling shows planned for the summer.

TNA originally announced Slammiversary for Boston before AEW revealed the date and location for Forbidden Door 2026. Reports later surfaced that AEW faced challenges locking down a venue and date for the crossover event. Chicago was reportedly considered as the original host city before the company settled on San Jose.

Had Forbidden Door taken place in Chicago, the time difference between the events would have been much smaller, potentially creating a more direct competition for viewers.

Slammiversary remains one of TNA’s flagship annual events and will serve as the company’s next major pay-per-view offering. Meanwhile, AEW still has Double or Nothing coming up later this month before turning its attention toward Forbidden Door in June.

Dark Side Of The Ring Returning For Season 7 With First-Ever Multi-Part TNA Story

VICE TV’s acclaimed wrestling documentary series Dark Side of the Ring is officially coming back this summer, and Season 7 is shaping up to be one of the show’s biggest undertakings yet.

According to details released through Variety, the new season premieres on July 7 and will feature the series’ first-ever three-part documentary focused on TNA Wrestling. The episodes will center around TNA co-founder Jeff Jarrett and explore the company’s early years, including the successes, setbacks, and controversies that defined the promotion during its rise.

Series creators and executive producers Evan Husney and Jason Eisner described the upcoming season as the most ambitious in the show’s history. They specifically pointed to the TNA project as a major highlight, noting that Jarrett’s personal story of perseverance and redemption serves as the perfect backdrop for examining the promotion’s complicated legacy.

Since debuting in 2019, Dark Side of the Ring has become one of the most talked-about wrestling docuseries ever produced, diving deep into some of the industry’s most controversial and tragic stories through interviews with those directly involved.

Season 7 won’t stop with TNA. The new lineup will also include episodes focused on several notable names and moments from wrestling history, including:

  • The brutal and infamous Samoa Joe vs. Necro Butcher match
  • Former wrestling valet Missy Hyatt
  • One-legged WWE star Zach Gowen
  • WWE legend Big Boss Man
  • “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff
  • Rick Wilson, a former exotic dancer who portrayed “The Renegade”, a generic version of Ultimate Warrior.

Wilson’s story is expected to revisit his time portraying a character heavily inspired by The Ultimate Warrior during his WCW run.

VICE will kick off the season with two back-to-back episodes on premiere night before settling into its regular Tuesday night schedule at 9 PM ET for the remainder of the season.

With a mix of legendary names, controversial moments, and a deep dive into TNA’s turbulent beginnings, Season 7 looks set to continue the series’ reputation for uncovering wrestling’s most fascinating behind-the-scenes stories.