British wrestlers Williams and Aldis are two-time tag team champions holding the IWGP and TNA World Tag Team Championships. Jul 12, 2025 · Welcome to the UK Wrestling Archive, the Home of UK/ Irish Wrestling Results, League Tables, Wrestler Profiles, Title Histories, and News From The Territories! Further information on our goals and considerations used throughout UK Wrestling Archive, can be found in the About section, you can make Contact using the Contact Form or Social Media links above, along with links to the Discord server Dec 21, 2024 · The year 2024 has already seen the deaths of multiple members of the professional wrestling community. Owned by Ricky & Zak Knight, WAW has been a force in British wrestling since 1994. Powered by EMP 2. These contests, though, receive little publicity and mostly go unnoticed by the general public. Trained by former wrestler "Dr Death" Ted Betley, he competed in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), Stampede Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Below are two photo galleries of wrestlers who worked in London during the Golden Age of Pro Wrestling. Quiz by Happ_Hazzard British Championship Wrestling (BCW) is an independent professional wrestling promotion [1] based in East Kilbride, Scotland, UK. See full list on prowrestlingstories. The programme documented the careers of four British professional wrestlers seeking a contract with the American professional wrestling promotion Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). Footage of a professional wrestling match taking place in Manchester, England in 1937 An upmarket rebrand of ITV's sports coverage, [3] alongside the entry of the American World Wrestling Federation into the market in the late 1980s, contributed to a decline in support for domestic British wrestling and stars. Oct 11, 2022 · British Wrestling 1970-1990. The match took place in Bristol sometime in April 1992. Cocker is a British and English freestyle wrestling champion [1][2] and has competed for England and Great Britain for fifteen years. ) He dubbed his wrestling style “All-In,” since Wrestlers Premier British Wrestling champions PBW - Heavyweight Championship Daz Black Thomas Billington (5 December 1958 – 5 December 2018), [3] best known by the ring name the Dynamite Kid, was a British professional wrestler. A classic encounter between two stalwarts of the British wrestling scene as Tina Martin takes on Lisa Jane. He was a staple of the UK and European independent wrestling scenes, working for companies such as PROGRESS Wrestling, Insane Championship Wrestling, Preston City Wrestling, Premier British Wrestling, Revolution Pro Wrestling, Westside Xtreme Wrestling, British Championship Wrestling, One Pro Wrestling, Total Paige Wooding (born 23 April 1995), better known by her ring name Jamie Hayter, is an English professional wrestler. Featuring: Burnley Pro Wrestling, Unstoppable British Wrestling Jun 14, 2019 · WWE capitalized on the growing popularity of British wrestling when they launched NXT UK, and now there are more British wrestlers than ever before. 10. See also British entertainers, Professional wrestlers by nationality, British wrestlers, Professional wrestling in the United Kingdom FLAG A gallery of Bellatrix roster wrestlers. Shirley Crabtree, Jr, better known as Big Daddy (14 November 1930 – 2 December 1997) was a British professional wrestler famous for his record-breaking 64 inch chest. Read More Pages in category "Olympic wrestlers for Great Britain" The following 99 pages are in this category, out of 99 total. The British Wrestling Association Ltd is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in 2001. See also Olympic wrestlers by country, British sport wrestlers, Summer Olympics competitors for Great Britain May 18, 2002 · See all the wrestling stats of The British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith, with Real Name, Height, Weight, Age, Titles Won, Finishers, Theme Songs, Tag Teams, Cagematch profile, Wikipedia, and more. May 9, 2014 · When a British wrestler achieves glory in professional wrestling, the patriotism levels rise to obscenely huge heights, and the pride that one of our 'own' is representing the country in style Nov 19, 2022 · When talking about UK wrestlers, fans' thoughts immediately jump to legends like British Bulldog. Jul 20, 2020 · A look back on the life, career, and tragic death of 'The British Bulldog' Davey Boy Smith, who is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Aug 25, 2022 · Recently a list of Ariel Helwani's top 10 British wrestlers of all time was posted on various WWE accounts: While I find quite a few placements very interesting, it got me thinking what a list would look like from more experienced wrestlers like those on sites like PWO. British Wrestling: Mitzi Mueller, the legendary lady professional wrestler from the UK. [5] The family runs the World Association of Wrestling (WAW) promotion in Norwich, while her mother also owns and operates the female-only Bellatrix Female Warriors (BFW This is a non-diffusing parent category of Category:English female wrestlers and Category:Scottish female wrestlers and Category:Welsh female wrestlers The contents of these subcategories can also be found within this category, or in diffusing subcategories of it. [2] She was Britain's sole wrestler the 2012 Summer Olympics. Feb 4, 2018 · True fact: tens of thousands of Londoners happily attended professional wrestling shows during the 1930s. They are best known for their time spent in the American promotion Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). British wrestler Dynamite Kid Tom Billington was one of the best to lace up a pair of wrestling boots. May 14, 2025 · Here is the list of the top five British WWE superstars of all time. You will be credited unless you decline. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) article, "The Immortal Legends of British Professional Wrestling. We will also periodically have a look at modern day British wrestling which is booming! Let’s celebrate all that is good in British wrestling and keep the great memories alive. We're always happy to receive your e-mails and comments regarding our British wrestler database, so please don't hesitate to shout in our lug holes if you'd like a word! Let's get straight to the wrestlers information, which we've split up in the following handy sections below: We cover the men elsewhere on the site, now here are 10 of the best British female wrestlers that WWE did NOT sign for the brand. It was thanks to the big and bold stars of the era that help it gain such popularity, so today we take a look at the most memorable stars from four decades ago. With his cousin Davey Boy Smith, he was also known for being David "Davey" Boy Smith (November 27, 1962 – May 18, 2002) was a British professional wrestler, also known as (The) British Bulldog, who was born in Golborne in North West England. Though he was never a world champion, Smith nevertheless headlined multiple pay-per Jun 7, 2018 · While no British wrestler has ever broken through and won the WWE's top prize, there have been a number of highly-successful superstars hailing from the United Kingdom. However, over her short career, she was one of the best female wrestlers in WWE. The series was commissioned from TNA Productions by Sky UK and started airing on Challenge from 1 Apr 15, 2023 · Professional wrestling has a long and storied history in Great Britain, in a tradition that dates back well over a century. The reaction Wade Barrett We cover the men elsewhere on the site, now here are 10 of the best British female wrestlers that WWE did NOT sign for the brand. This includes the list of all WWE Wrestlers from Raw, SmackDown, ECW, NXT, LFG, NXT UK and 205 Live, division between Men and Women Rosters, active Tag Teams & Stables, the current reigning Champions, as well as Managers, Announcers, Authority figures, Producers and other personalities in World Category:British wrestlers This category features wrestlers from England. Oct 5, 2023 · The British independent wrestling boom of the mid to late 2010s was amazing for fans within the United Kingdom, as they got to watch a plethora of exciting young talents mix it up with imported superstars from across the world. Wikimedia Commons has media related to British professional wrestlers. TNA British Boot Camp is a British reality television programme focusing on the professional wrestling industry. They have paved the way for others by challenging conventions and setting new standards for what can be achieved in wrestling. Hayter has also wrestled internationally with stints in England's RevPro, where she became a two-time RevPro British Women's Champion, and Japan's Stardom, where she became a one-time SWA World Champion Feb 2, 2021 · The brothers of "Black Butcher" Johnson and Johnny Kwango were UK wrestling stars from the 1930s to 1980s, inspiring generations. Sep 11, 2025 · British Wrestling (BWA) is the National Governing Body for wrestling in the UK, including the Olympic and Commonwealth styles of wrestling and other styles within the remit of United World Wrestling, as well as other indigenous forms of wrestling. Made with & by Rocca. Smile, who fought on the UK and Irish independent scene for promotions such as OTT and Rev Pro, had been … Feb 3, 2024 · » British Wrestling Classic, Jade Vs London, Rough, Tumble, Efficiently Handled | Grapplinstars,com San Francisco's Best Female Wrestlers A selection of wrestling matches I recorded between 2004 and 2012. Jun 11, 2023 · From Giant Haystacks and Big Daddy, to 'not the ears' Mick McManus, the heyday of British wrestling was a world of colourful characters. But whatever happened to the likes of Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks? On this page you find the full WWE Roster & Alumni across the All-Time History of the company. We're always happy to receive your e-mails and comments regarding our British wrestler database, so please don't hesitate to shout in our lug holes if you'd like a word! Let's get straight to the wrestlers information, which we've split up in the following handy sections below: Speaking Out pretty much exposed dark side of British Wrestling, in fact when they finally do a Dark Side of The Ring episode for the Speaking Out Movement then I wouldn’t be surprised if a huge chunk of the episode is about the male British wrestlers. , but in 2011, a young star named Paige signed with WWE and changed that. British wrestlers This list has 8 sub-lists and 8 members. (In his later years, long after his wrestling career ended, he became the 7th Baronet of Shrewsbury. British Wrestling is the national governing body for the sport of wrestling in the UK, including the Olympic and Commonwealth styles of wrestling and other styles within the remit of United World Below is a photo gallery of wrestlers who worked in Leeds during the Golden Age of Pro Wrestling. Many have never been released before. These comprehensive policies cover all […] Aug 21, 2020 · Can you name the British Wrestlers? Play this fun quiz and test your trivia knowledge. See also British entertainers, Professional wrestlers by nationality, British wrestlers, Professional wrestling in the United Kingdom FLAG Fighting with My Family is a 2019 biographical sports comedy-drama film written and directed by Stephen Merchant. Oct 28, 2024 · This article will rank the nine best UK imports WWE has ever seen from William Regal to The British Bulldog. To compile May 15, 2018 · The United Kingdom has become one of the world's best pro wrestling markets over the past decade, but has decades behind it as well. 1 No other British wrestler was as loved and respected as The British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith throughout the 80's and 90's. Initially making a splash in North America performing for Canada’s Stampede Wrestling, Smith moved on to WWE, where he first performed as one half of the tag team The British Bulldogs before going solo with the name. Kris Travis (16 December 1983 – 31 March 2016) was a British professional wrestler. This list has 6 sub-lists and 8 members. The following wrestlers come from United Kingdom. Sep 3, 2025 · Here are twelve British wrestlers who were critical to the evolution of British wrestling and influenced some of the very best of today. A number of rock songs written in the 60s and 70s have gone onto become popular rock anthems. Explore the profiles of legendary British wrestlers like Alan Dennison, Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks, and more on Online World of Wrestling. com Sep 11, 2025 · This list celebrates some of the most influential British pro wrestlers, each bringing something unique to the sport. This category lists British professional wrestlers, or professional wrestlers whose characters are purportedly from Britain. 0. Sierra Loxton 20-year old has had a strong year, wrestling for some of the top promotions in the country including RevPro, PROGRESS and Pro Wrestling Chaos. The British Lightweight Championship is a top British wrestling championship found throughout the country's circuit. This resurgence in the “sport” was thanks to one Sir Edward Atholl Oakeley, whose autobiography I really gotta read. RKJ can be seen wrestling for Rev Pro UK, British Wrestling Revolution, World Association Of Wrestling and more. 17-pre. Please contact us if you can name the unidentified wrestlers or make corrections. Shirley Crabtree's brother Brian was a wrestling The Northern Wrestling Network: A Network of Wrestling promotions from the Northern parts of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. With pictures and videos of Mitzi in action. Davey Boy Smith started competing on ITV's World of Sport when he was only British Wrestling is pleased to release the selection policies for the 2025 European and World Championships for Freestyle and Women’s Wrestling. December 5th at 10pm ONLY on @extremechanneluk Fridays at 10 belong to VALOR! December 5th at 10pm we debut on the legendary Extreme! The home of extreme sports! And it don’t get any more extreme that VALOR! Re runs on the following Sunday at 10pm!! British Bulldog’s official WWE Hall of Fame profile, featuring bio, exclusive videos, photos, career highlights, classic moments and more! We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Marking a significant milestone in the history of amateur wrestling in the UK, the BWA was formed with the intention of Great Britain competing at the 1908 London Olympics. Jun 7, 2018 · While no British wrestler has ever broken through and won the WWE's top prize, there have been a number of highly-successful superstars hailing from the United Kingdom. May 2, 2020 · 10 Greats From The Golden Age Of British Wrestling Back in their glory days, British wrestlers were huge - both literally and figuratively Keeping British Wrestling Remembered From the World Of Sport Years. " BBC Black Country article on Kendo Nagasaki's 2008 comeback. 2,692 likes · 34 talking about this. Steve Cook ranks the Top 5 British Wrestlers! Apr 14, 2024 · We have studied the tapes to find the greatest British WWE wrestlers, from outstanding athletes to some of the best brains the industry has ever seen. She is signed to AEW, where she is a one-time AEW Women's World Champion. . The latest news, results and interviews from British Pro Wrestling stars around the globe Jan 12, 2022 · RKJ is a member of the famous Knight family and is the cousin of WWE superstar Paige, RKJ (21) went toe to toe with one of the best wrestlers in the world right now in Will Ospreay at Rev Pro UK’s High stakes show and did not look out of place. The British Invasion was a professional wrestling alliance stable and later tag team consisting of Nick Aldis, Doug Williams and Rob Terry. Click on a wrestler to learn more about them, including where you can find them on social media. May 8, 2020 · The British independent scene has already been cherry-picked for the best talent during NXT UK’s initial run, forcing the promotions into building up new stars to use as their latest draws. AEW personnel consists of professional wrestlers, managers, referees, commentators (including Spanish, French and German commentators), ring announcers, coaches, executives, and various other positions. Shirley Crabtree's brother Brian was a wrestling British Bombshells – The Best in Women's Pro Wrestling from the UK! 💥👊 Welcome to British Bombshells, your go-to channel for the hard-hitting, high-flying, and action-packed world of women List of All Elite Wrestling personnel All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is an American professional wrestling promotion founded in 2019. The British Bulldogs were a professional wrestling tag team consisting of cousins Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid. See also the categories for Scottish wrestlers and Welsh wrestlers. We’ve also got an entire month of podcasts with black wrestlers planned, with the likes of Warren Banks, Leon Slater, Mercedez Blaze, The British Heavyweight Championship is a top British wrestling championship found throughout the country's circuit. It is currently owned and operated by promoter Graham McKay (who also performs under the name Charles Boddington) [2] after being founded by his brother Colin McKay (who performed as The Highlander) [3] in 2003. This list has 140 members. . This list may not reflect recent changes. We’ve undertaken the task of compiling a list that showcases some of the most recognisable, successful and influential wrestlers to have emerged from British shores. The championship was recognised and defended on matches screened by UK national television network ITV as part of the professional wrestling slot on World of Sport as well as standalone broadcasts. Other questions popped up A page dedicated to traditional British professional wrestling reminiscing about the 'glory days' of the sport. Big DaddyBig Daddy, real name Shirley Crabtree, was a legendary figure in the world of British professional wrestling. [1] Both men died prematurely. After starting her career at the age of 13, this Professional wrestling entered the mainstream British culture when the newly formed independent television network ITV began broadcasting it in 1955, on Saturday afternoons and then also in a late-night midweek slot. Feb 20, 2024 · When it comes to British wrestlers, one of the all-time greats is Davey Boy Smith, otherwise known as The British Bulldog. Pages in category "English female professional wrestlers" The following 32 pages are in this category, out of 32 total. Saraya-Jade Bevis was born in Norwich on 17 August 1992, [12][13] the daughter of professional wrestlers Julia Hamer-Bevis and Patrick Bevis. Based on the 2012 documentary The Wrestlers: Fighting with My Family by Max Fisher, it depicts the career of English professional wrestler Paige as she makes her way to WWE, while also following her brother Zak Zodiac, as he struggles with his failure to achieve similar success British Bombshells – The Best in Women's Pro Wrestling from the UK! 💥👊 Welcome to British Bombshells, your go-to channel for the hard-hitting, high-flying, and action-packed world of women List of All Elite Wrestling personnel All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is an American professional wrestling promotion founded in 2019. The reaction Wade Barrett Jul 16, 2025 · In a recent interview ahead of Forbidden Door London, Tony Khan said he expects British Heavyweight Champion Michael Oku to make more appearances in AEW/ROH. Wild life story. Known for wearing his various Big Daddy leotards, Crabtree's original one was emblazoned with just a large "D" and was fashioned by his wife Eunice from their chintz sofa. British Wrestling Big Daddy Print. Sep 23, 2021 · History of the British Women's Pro-Wrestling Title. These WWE superstars brought their unique style, presentation and offense. She is also a two-time European Championship bronze medalist (2011, 2014) and a 2013 Commonwealth Championship silver medalist. K. [2][4][5][3][6] In 1985, World of Sport ended, [7] [8] and a subsequent stand-alone The British Lightweight Championship is a top British wrestling championship found throughout the country's circuit. Art of 70s 80s TV Legend. The UK has rebuilt itself into a cornerstone of the wrestling world, but the rise of British and Irish wrestlers across the globe in the past year has only proved how much talent originated on our shores – let’s check out the Top 10 British wrestlers to watch in 2024. Nov 27, 2018 · Despite the modern era of the WWE Network, various streaming services and YouTube it’s easy to have a blind spot for the role that British wrestling and British wrestlers played in shaping the type of hard-hitting and fast-paced action which is a foundation of contemporary wrestling. Fighting with My Family is a 2019 biographical sports comedy-drama film written and directed by Stephen Merchant. For 20 years Joe D'Orazio was resident referee at Mark Cocker (born 14 June 1982) is a freestyle wrestler, Ju-Jitsu and Judo player who trains with Bolton Olympic Wrestling Club. We’ve also got an entire month of podcasts with black wrestlers planned, with the likes of Warren Banks, Leon Slater, Mercedez Blaze, Oct 12, 2023 · She is renowned for her contributions to Scottish and British wrestling promotions, including the Scottish Wrestling Alliance, Fierce Females, and Insane Championship Wrestling. To be clear, this is a list of the greatest professional wrestlers from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – so incredible stars from the Republic of Ireland, like Becky Lynch and Finn Bálor, are not eligible. Based on the 2012 documentary The Wrestlers: Fighting with My Family by Max Fisher, it depicts the career of English professional wrestler Paige as she makes her way to WWE, while also following her brother Zak Zodiac, as he struggles with his failure to achieve similar success Shirley Crabtree, Jr, better known as Big Daddy (14 November 1930 – 2 December 1997) was a British professional wrestler famous for his record-breaking 64 inch chest. Her older brother Zak, older half-brother Roy, and nephew Ricky are also wrestlers. [1] He was also a well known referee, [2] presiding over bouts held in Blenheim Palace, Olympia, Cafe Royal & Lyceum Ballroom (London), Paisley Ice Rink, Paris, Belgium, Big Top Berlin and Big Top Hanover, King Hussein Stadium Jordan and Italy. The British Heavyweight Championship is a top British wrestling championship found throughout the country's circuit. The title's broken history dates back to the 1930s and it has most recently been claimed actively since 2021 under the auspices of Rumble Promotions who have named their version in honour of late referee Mal Mason. Joe D'Orazio (27 July 1922 – 9 March 2022) was a British professional wrestler from the golden era. Paige, who is only 26 at this time, is retired from wrestling due to neck injuries ending her career. [1][2] Pre-publicity for these championship match broadcasts was given in ITV's David Smith (27 November 1962 – 18 May 2002) was an English professional wrestler best known for his appearances in the United States with the World Wrestling Federation under the ring names Davey Boy Smith and The British Bulldog. [6] Jan 10, 2024 · This could be the year Zander and Nino Bryant become big names in the British wrestling scene. Sep 16, 2014 · For decades, Britain has been known across the world for producing some truly great wrestlers. Here are ten British WCW wrestlers you forgot about. Though he was never a world champion, Smith nevertheless headlined multiple pay-per May 19, 2018 · UK's wrestling scene is seeing an unprecedented global boom, thanks in part to a strong collective of indie promotions from the last 20 years. Harley Hudson Still very early into Sep 20, 2023 · When people think of British professional wrestling, one name is sure to come to mind: “Big Daddy” Shirley Crabtree. Jun 8, 2019 · At one time Layla El was the most celebrated female wrestler to ever come from the U. Jun 15, 2024 · The British style of wrestling is one of the most popular in the industry, featured in these iconic promotions from the past and present. To compile British Wrestling Association is responsible for the training and development of wrestlers and organising wrestling events nationwide. Some of the video quality is poor and there is British Bombshells – The Best in Women's Pro Wrestling from the UK! 💥👊 Welcome to British Bombshells, your go-to channel for the hard-hitting, high-flying, and action-packed world of women Apr 30, 2014 · More now than perhaps ever before, Superstars from the British Isles are rising to the top of the WWE pecking order. In the WWF he was tag team champion Olga McGlinchey[4][5] (née Butkevych; born 3 January 1986) is a Ukrainian-British wrestler. May 15, 2018 · The United Kingdom has become one of the world's best pro wrestling markets over the past decade, but has decades behind it as well. The charismatic bleach-blond giant was never a stellar athlete, though what he lacked in athletic ability, he more than made up for with showmanship and charisma. Founding of the British Wrestling Association (BWA) The British Wrestling Association (BWA) was founded in January 1904. Born on November 14, 1930, in Halifax, West Oct 19, 2017 · With an exodus of British superstars in the last couple of years and also an influx of new talent, we look at the best to compete in the WWE. British Wrestling Archive Wrestling Heritage ITV Wrestling British Wrestlers Reunion * Special thanks to David Mantell and Steve Ogilvie for updates and corrections. [a] Our round-up of the best British WWE wrestlers of all time, from Finlay to British Bulldog. Although just a small island nation with a population of 60 million, the worldwide impact of British The official home of British Championship Wrestling news, results, events, tickets, and wrestlers. See also British martial artists, Wrestlers by nationality, Wrestling in the United Kingdom Nov 22, 2023 · British wrestling was at its hight throughout the 1970s and 80s. Performing on ITV 's primetime show World of Sport, the Oct 7, 2023 · October marks Black History Month UK and to celebrate we’re using the entire month the shine a light on some of the best black wrestlers these shores have to offer. Smith won titles within the WWF in three decades, from the 1980s to the 2000s. He was the face of British Wrestling for a generation of fans, connecting with the everyday individual while Aug 28, 2024 · Professional wrestling has come a long way since the days of ITV 's World of Sport which ran between 1955 to 1988. Their fast paced and high flying style has already brought them fans across London and the south, but we want to see them EVERYWHERE this year. [3] He is also a 1st Dan black belt in Judo under Steve Pullen MBE and 1st Dan Black Belt in Ju-Jitsu under Professor Trevor Roberts. S British sport wrestlers (5 C) Pages in category "British wrestlers" This category contains only the following page. Courtney started to appear internationally in promotions in Spain, France and Japan around 2015. The quality from video to video varies. The company was featured in the film Fighting With My Family. She became Britain's first medalist at the World Wrestling Championships by winning bronze in 2012. But there's been a groundwork of over 100 years to get here. British Wrestling's golden days The latest news, results and interviews from British Pro Wrestling stars around the globe Jan 12, 2022 · RKJ is a member of the famous Knight family and is the cousin of WWE superstar Paige, RKJ (21) went toe to toe with one of the best wrestlers in the world right now in Will Ospreay at Rev Pro UK’s High stakes show and did not look out of place. They competed throughout the 1980s in Britain, North America and Japan and have consistently ranked among the top tag teams in history. Smith is known for his appearances with Stampede Wrestling, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). But whatever happened to the likes of Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks? This list has 6 sub-lists and 8 members. - Etsy UKimage size:570x571 Nostalgic Pro Wrestling Memories: Relive the Golden Era of WWF image size:1060x1057 Rey Mysterio - Wikipediaimage size:960x1200 Wrestling icon returning to the ring at 83 years old to break image size:646x423 Discover 490 Wwf/wwe Childhood Memories and Wwf Superstars Ideas image size:474x841 Oct 15, 2020 · THE wrestling world has paid tribute to Ryan Smile after he tragically passed away aged 31.