Professional wrestling and church services might seem like an unlikely pairing, but for St. Peter’s Church in Shipley, UK, the two go hand in hand. Every month, the church transforms into an arena for Kingdom Wrestling, a faith-based wrestling promotion that blends high-flying action with an even higher message—the Gospel.

Wrestling with Purpose

Founded in 2018 by Gareth “Angel” Thompson, Kingdom Wrestling isn’t just about putting on a show—it’s a ministry. Thompson and his team use the classic wrestling trope of good versus evil to connect with audiences, drawing parallels to biblical teachings. Whether attendees are regular churchgoers or newcomers stepping into the building for the first time, the goal remains the same: to share the message of Jesus Christ in a unique and engaging way.

In an interview with Channel 5 News, Thompson explained how wrestling serves as the perfect platform to capture people’s attention:

“Whenever I shared my story with people to tell them about what Jesus has done for me, when I told them I was a wrestler, they paid attention.”

From Hardship to Hope

Thompson’s personal journey is one of resilience and redemption. His early life was filled with hardship—he endured abuse as a child, his father left, and his mother struggled with alcohol. By the age of 15, he found himself homeless, living in a skip (dumpster).

But wrestling provided an escape. Spending Fridays at his grandmother’s house, he found solace in World of Sport and later the WWF, dreaming of one day stepping into the ring himself. Now, he’s not just living that dream—he’s using it to inspire others, proving that faith and perseverance can change lives.

Bringing the Fight to the Faithful

With each event, Kingdom Wrestling delivers action-packed matches infused with meaningful storytelling. Wrestlers embody the classic battle between good and evil, echoing themes found in scripture. The events not only entertain but also serve as a way to reach those who may never have considered attending a church service.

By combining faith and wrestling, Kingdom Wrestling is breaking barriers and showing that inspiration can come from anywhere—even inside the squared circle.