My small circle of wrestling nerds began with the brothers Wezz - Sam and Lee - joining me for the monthly PROGRESS shows at the Electric Ballroom in Camden. We were witnessing something special, a promotion clocking into fandom unseen and unheard of on these shores for many, many years.
The evenings were boozy, sweary, violent, funny, hazy and genuinely cherished. We were watching the best wrestlers in an environment that let them shine. Gone were the days of waiting for an announcement of the latest import to see if we wanted to go to the next show, we had our heroes and villains and we were completely immersed in their characters.
From the sadistic champion Jimmy Havoc who reigned terror on the owners through his disregard for anything but violence and glory with his win at all costs mentality, to the tremendous athletic ability of Will Ospreay who kept fighting back against this axe-wielding maniac in spite of the amount of times he got beaten, curb stomped or even having his ear ripped off.
We simply couldn't keep this incredible Sunday experience a secret for long and our whispers became murmurs and then murmurs became bellows - PROGRESS was the must have ticket for any London based wrestling fan. Shows at the Brixton Academy, Alexandra Palace and this coming month at Wembley Arena are proof of their unbridled success from humble beginnings at The Garage in Highbury.
As the product grew, so did our group. I was no longer the introducer of new fans to the product, I was meeting new folk at the shows through friends of friends who are now a huge part of my day-to-day life.
What a brilliant choice it was back in May 2014 when I went to my first show...
Thanks to my fiancee Hannah for going with me for those first few shows - despite the fact she didn't care much for it - and she would also like to thank the lads for stepping up so she can have her Sundays back!
Little did I know the impact this new found group would have on my life, my wallet and liver.
In my next post I wish to introduce you to my gang...
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