As stories of misconduct and abuse continue to fill pro wrestling fans’ social media feeds, Progress Wrestling in the United Kingdom is announcing “structural changes” to their management team.
The British Wrestling scene has been a particular focus of the #SpeakingOut movement, with allegations leveled against Jack Gallagher, Jordan Devlin, Travis Banks, El Ligero, Joe Coffey, Jimmy Havoc and others. Most of the men accused have worked for Progress since it was established in 2011.
After first announcing a wave of “suspensions” against independent contractors accused of assault and abuse, the indie today announced “structural changes” as a way to change the culture and “make the wrestling industry the best that it can possibly be.”
Co-founder Jon Briley is “stepping back” to deal with “a major health issue” (Briley posted a statement on the movement under the meme-like headline “The Darkest Timeline” to the Progress website Friday; it’s since been deleted). Fellow founder Jim Smallman moved over to work for Triple H at NXT UK last year.
The management duo of Glen Robinson and Matt Richards are “stepping away” from Progress. In their place will be:
James Amner possesses a wealth of experience in artist and event management, in both sports and music. He has been involved in wrestling for over five years and has previously been responsible for PROGRESS events internationally. He will now be overseeing PROGRESS and all of its activities.
Vicky Haskins, whose 16-year career in wrestling includes working in PR, with media, as an interviewer, valet/manager, in merchandising, ring announcing and as backstage liaison, will be joining the new management team.
Michael Oku, one of the brightest future stars, both in and out of the ring, is part of the new team to make sure that a platform to perform is there for all talent.
Lucy Cave will be assisting with this new set up.
Our media team and event production team remain the same.
Each member of the new team is quoted in Progress’ press release, speaking on the trauma revealed by the #SpeakingOut movement over the past week, and their commitment to making the promotion a place where it can’t happen again. There’s also a list of things which Progress “will not tolerate” which concludes with “or any behaviours that put performers, production or fans at risk.”
By virtue of its popularity and its association with WWE, Progress became one of the most prominent promotions in the UK.
Here’s hoping its new management team can help the organization live up to its name and help transform wrestling.