Professional wrestling tends to be associated with the likes of John Cena and The Rock in the WWE, or even MJF and Samoa Joe in AEW.
Netflix’s recent broadcast deal with WWE has fuelled a surge in popularity, and the continued success of promotions like AEW and NJPW means it’s easy to assume that professional wrestling thrives only in the United States, Mexico, and Japan.
That assumption, however, overlooks a thriving scene much closer to home.
The UK wrestling scene is stronger than ever, and chances are there’s an exciting promotion happening right on your doorstep in Merseyside.
Liverpool and the North West is currently one of the hottest markets for independent wrestling in the UK, with numerous shows in the area putting their heart and soul into their craft.
The promotions that make the North West wrestling circuit
Many promotions in the North West are on a streak of brilliance right now, gaining more and more popularity and highlighting the best talents that the region has to offer.
Whether it’s Atomic or TNT Extreme Wrestling in Liverpool, FutureShock in Manchester, or INFAMOUS Wrestling in Runcorn, fans in the North West are spoiled for choice when it comes to getting their wrestling fix.
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These promotions tend to work together, highlighting each others events. There are surprise appearances from champions of another promotion and they even distribute each other’s flyers at shows. The dynamic in the North West is in stark contrast to the globally recognised promotions.
This isn’t translated in the wrestling however, as they put on intense matches, even brutal at times, in order to entertain those who have spent their hard-earned money on attending a show.
Is Liverpool the star of the wrestling scene in the area?
Liverpudlian Scott Oberman is one of the biggest names in the picture right now, a champion across promotions who is more than willing to defend his titles, and he is one of the biggest advocates of the city’s indie scene.
He said: “It’s probably one of the strongest hotbeds city wise for wrestling currently, and I think what makes it exciting is the high quality across the board.”
His pride for his city is up there with his love for wrestling, looking to put the sport in Liverpool on the map, with his ambition knowing no bounds.
“There’s a lot of scousers in wrestling, and even more so in Merseyside who have made a name for themselves.
“I think we’re still playing catch up to the stature of football in this city, but there’s a lot of good scousers out there currently, so who’s to say one of those out there right now isn’t the person to make the most noise yet.”
How has wrestling grown in the city over the years?
Undoubtedly, professional wrestling has become more and more popular throughout the years in Liverpool, with the emergence of many different shows, schools and fans clear to see.
Oberman shared his experience: “When I started, there was pretty much no wrestling whatsoever in Liverpool. I had to travel to watch any show nearby on the train.
“Nowadays, there’s schools that are very accessible and several promotions in Liverpool.”
As wrestlers like Oberman continue to champion the independent circuit, the city’s appetite for the squared circle is only getting stronger, opening the door for more fans to experience the action up close.
What comes next for Liverpool’s wrestling?
The indie promotions in Liverpool will certainly be hoping to grow even further in popularity, allowing for greater resources to go into their shows and the opportunity to entertain a whole new wave of fans.
This will be a challenge, but those involved appear determined to make it a success.
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Oberman, the Atomic Pro Wrestling Champion, shared his thoughts on what the future holds:
“There’s a lot of scousers coming through who are proud of where they’re from, myself included, who want to help build the wrestling scene in this city.
“That can only attract more like-minded people and with that I think you’re in for something quite exciting.”
It may not be the giant of WWE and AEW, and it probably won’t ever reach the global status of those companies, but independent wrestling can put on just as good a show
While the likes of The Undertaker and Stone-Cold Steve Austin will always be bigger than an indie star, who’s to say that the next great of sports entertainment isn’t coming through, plying their trade in a nightclub or brewery in Liverpool.
The accessibility to the main promotions across the world has never been easier, but the experience that comes along with the live shows of independent wrestling could be exactly what die-hard wrestling fans are looking for.
