Has NXT UK Killed The BritWres Scene?

Last week’s news regarding NXT UK stars’ contractual obligations has been contentious, to say the least. Since the brand’s inception, the roster has been free to meet contractual obligations and any bookings they wish to take, so long as the promotions weren’t tied to any streaming services. Here and there, certain WWE-approved promotions were able to slip in a few matches featuring the hottest names in the BritWres scene — Progress and ICW for example are still very NXT UK star heavy. Things are set to change, after it was announced that the likes of Pete Dunne, Moustache Mountain and Travis Banks are now exclusive to the WWE. No more will fans of the scene be able to catch the biggest names in the country at their local community centre for less than a tenner.

Of course this has torn the BritWres fandom down the middle with arguments coming from both sides. Yes, it is a shame that the WWE United Kingdom champion and his cohort of hard-hitters won’t be making special appearances in your local promotions, and yes this is very typical of the ‘big leagues’ monopolising a burgeoning scene. However, this is not a long-term issue. British wrestling has been on an exponential rise from all corners of the scene, with more names than just Pete Dunne, Tyler Bate and Flash Morgan Webster making waves across the world. BritWres can and will survive without them.

The renaissance that promotions like Revolution Pro, Attack and Fight Club have allowed to flourish was founded upon the undying passion of fans and aspiring superstars alike. That hasn’t been stripped by NXT UK. If anything, the prospect of achieving the same success as the likes of British Strong Style will continue to inspire the rising stars of the scene to perform at a phenomenal level. Fans need to continue to believe in those that are fighting to keep every promotion relevant in the UK, because it’s that belief that will make British wrestling shows the most exciting and diverse events to attend as a wrestling fan.

The British wrestling scene is a fragile place, despite the overwhelming success of recent years. I am willing to believe that it will sustain itself with the likes of David Starr, CCK, Aussie Open, Kip Sabian and ELP holding down the fort. If you’ve never made it to a local show to catch these guys, then do yourself a favour and get on it. Would I call them suitable replacements? No, I would not. I would call them suitable successors. These names are putting on absolute classics in the ring, which unfortunately might be missed if fans hold the unreasonable opinion that the scene wouldn’t survive without NXT UK involvement.

Let’s not forget that there are still modern legends making waves at home just as much as they are across the world. Zack Sabre Jr, Marty Scurll and Will Ospreay are still considered massive draws for smaller promotions as and when they can book them. Jimmy Havoc, Mark Haskins and the returning Pac are making regular appearances up and down the country to help elevate and support the next generation of the independent scene, names which can and will keep the life-long fans invested in the product.

As sorely as I personally will miss seeing the NXT UK stars tangle with the up-and-comers, there comes a time when we all, as fans, need to step back and appreciate just how far they have come in their careers and what they have done for everyone. Even if the independent and global markets are becoming more and more enticing for professional wrestlers, for many, the long-term goal is to make it to WWE. So, for the NXT UK stars to finally make it onto that mainstream stage and forge their own brand in the process is something beyond impressive. I believe that we owe it to them to be selfless and appreciate that they’re moving on with their dreams and cutting ties with their grass roots, as is expected of any new signee to WWE. Yes, it’ll be a shame to wave goodbye to regular appearances from NXT UK stars, but remember that it’s still early days for the brand. Who’s to say that NXT UK won’t be making more of an effort to reach the towns less likely to be touched by a WWE product?

As a die-hard supporter of our home wrestling scene, I urge that nobody gives up on BritWres. There has never been a better time to be a fan of the scene and those involved with making it what it is today. It might be considered a buzzword by now, but the fans are the lifeblood that motivates promotions to be as excellent as they can be. Throw your money at them, get to the merch tables, support and believe in British wrestling.