Former WWE stars Nikki Cross and Big Damo are now the proud owners of two top indie promotions.
As confirmed in a press release, Cross and Damo, also known as Nikki Storm and Killian Dain, have acquired PROGRESS, one of the UK’s premier promotions, and DEFY Wrestling, a popular indie in the United States. In both cases, the couple has vowed to elevate the promotions and its talents to new heights.
Big Damo, who wrestled in PROGRESS before and after his WWE success, and is a former PROGRESS Men’s World, Tag Team and Atlas Champion, said,
“We are delighted to be the new co-owners of PROGRESS,” Damo said. Both started in the UK and Ireland and fully believe this is host to the greatest talent pool on earth and PROGRESS is well positioned to showcase this generation and the next generation. We are also very excited to be the new co-owners of DEFY Wrestling. Home to the most feverish fan base in the Pacific North West. Nikki and I have an affinity with Seattle, and I always had an incredible experience wrestling on the DEFY shows in front of the Defyance.”
PROGRESS initially launched in 2012, with Martyn Best and Lee McAteer coming aboard as owners in 2022. Since then, the company has showcased its talents across the world, while simultaneously establishing working relationships with others promotions, such as DEFY.
Nikki Cross Comments
“It is not lost on me that there are few female owners in professional wrestling, so I want to bring my experience and insights to the table and elevate PROGRESS and DEFY to new levels,” Cross said. “We were deeply encouraged by the first PROGRESS Women’s Super Strong Style 16 tournament. Rhio and Gisele competed in an incredible main event, and Rhio proved to be a worthy winner! We will soon be announcing that next year, in 2027, we will host the first stand alone female Super Strong Style 16. We are also in the process of bringing PROGRESS to new cities across the UK, and will be excited to announce those details soon.”
As is pertains to PROGRESS, fans can expect Cross and Damo to drive new collaborations, talent initiatives, and a “renewed” focus on the UK scene. Damo himself is a former PROGRESS Men’s World, Tag Team and Atlas Champion. Meanwhile, Cross will compete at PROGRESS’ Chapter 196: Scorchio, marking her first post-WWE appearance.
Specific details on Damo and Cross’ involvement with DEFY have yet to emerge.
