PROGRESS Wrestling & DEFY Have Announced The Two Companies Will Merge

In a press release yesterday, PROGRESS Wrestling and DEFY made a huge announcement that could shake up the world of independent wrestling, as it was revealed that the two companies will merge.

The announcement reads,

“Following hot on the heels of the $21bn merger between WWE and UFC, this is the latest transaction in the wrestling world, highlighting the growing popularity in the sector. The merger will create a truly global presence for both organisations with mutual benefits for both parties and aid further expansion plans that will offer something really exciting for wrestling fans around the world.”

With PROGRESS being a UK-based promotion and DEFY being a US-based promotion, both will be looking to create more of a presence worldwide with this merger. Both sides have made comments on this historic announcement.

Jim Perry of DEFY had the following to say:

“I’ve been an admirer of PROGRESS from the start, and in some ways, they helped inspire the creation of DEFY. We have known each other for a number of years, and been working on many collaborations, including our successful double-show in London last August. I’m very excited about the opportunities of our more formal coming together, and the fans can expect to see some really neat ideas emerging.”

Martyn Best of PROGRESS following up with his own statement:

“Lee and I really welcome Jim [Perry] and Matt Farmer joining us at PROGRESS, and this is a major step in our wider plans for more international collaborations. We previously had a strong content partnership with WWE, and we have a developing relationship with Japanese promotion Pro Wrestling NOAH. With DEFY joining us, I am sure that our many combined fans will be very excited to see what happens next.

"We will be continuing our closeness in Philadelphia with us both having shows at The Collective immediately prior to WrestleMania 40, and we are planning our second joint show in London later in the year. DEFY will also soon be seen on DEMAND PROGRESS PLUS, our content and live streaming platform, in the very near future and we have some fascinating ideas to highlight the great wrestling talent we both work with.”