Nikki Cross and Big Damo Acquire PROGRESS Wrestling, Take Co-Ownership of DEFY Wrestling

Former WWE stars Nikki Cross and Big Damo have officially taken ownership of PROGRESS Wrestling while also becoming co-owners of DEFY Wrestling, with founders Martyn Best and Lee McAteer stepping away. In a statement the pair praised the UK and Irish talent pool, expressed an affinity for DEFY’s Seattle fanbase, and thanked Best and McAteer for steering PROGRESS through the pandemic and building international partnerships like Hooked On Wrestling TV and Pro Wrestling NOAH.

Cross and Damo outlined plans to guide PROGRESS into the coming years, spotlight new talent alongside current standouts such as Cara Noir, Charlie Sterling, Luke Jacobs & Ethan Allen, and Alexxis Falcon, and expand the company into new UK cities. Cross noted the rarity of female owners in wrestling and announced a standalone Women’s Super Strong Style 16 for 2027; she was among WWE’s April releases and is scheduled to wrestle at PROGRESS in July.

Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nikki-cross-and-big-damo-are-new-owners-of-progress-wrestling/.