Nikki Cross and Big Damo Purchase PROGRESS and DEFY Wrestling

In a major development for the global independent wrestling scene, husband-and-wife duo Nicola Glencross, formerly known as Nikki Cross in WWE, and Damian Mackle, famously known as Big Damo, have officially acquired PROGRESS Wrestling. The historic announcement on May 25, 2026, confirms that the couple has stepped into principal ownership roles, taking control of both the London-based promotion and Seattle’s DEFY Wrestling due to an existing corporate merger between the two brands.

The acquisition marks a monumental homecoming for both performers. Glencross, who is reverting to her iconic independent ring name Nikki Storm, wrapped up a highly decorated decade-long tenure with WWE in April 2026. Prior to her time in the United States, she was an absolute mainstay of the British independent renaissance. Mackle has also maintained a deep connection to the promotion, having previously held both the PROGRESS World Championship and the ATLAS Championship.

In an official statement released by PROGRESS, the new owners expressed immense pride and responsibility regarding their new roles. Storm noted that professional wrestling has always been about community and passion, adding that the opportunity to guide two deeply respected independent promotions was something she and Mackle take very seriously. Mackle echoed those thoughts, emphasizing their shared goal of cultivating a platform that creates fresh opportunities for rising talent while preserving the fierce, distinct identities that fans expect from both the PROGRESS and DEFY banners.

The news has sent shockwaves through the United Kingdom locker room, where PROGRESS has long stood as the gold standard for launching European talent into the global spotlight. By placing the promotion into the hands of two widely respected veterans who have navigated both the grassroots independent loop and the highest levels of corporate sports entertainment, the locker room gains ownership with invaluable industry insight.

Fans will not have to wait long to see the new era in action. PROGRESS officials confirmed that the upcoming cards will feature Storm making her highly anticipated first in-ring appearance in the United Kingdom since her WWE departure. With the summer touring season rapidly approaching and a freshly energized management structure at the helm, PROGRESS and DEFY are uniquely positioned to spearhead an aggressive creative resurgence across the international wrestling landscape.