EVOLVE, PROGRESS, wXw & ICW Set To Debut On WWE Network On 8/15
Independent wrestling promotions are finally coming to WWE Network.
As first reported by Sports Illustrated, events from EVOLVE, wXw, ICW, and PROGRESS are coming to WWE Network.
Speaking with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre admitted that this is a surreal moment for him but he’s glad to see these promotions get a bigger platform.
“That’s the period where I started to become the man I am today,” said McIntyre. “I found myself on the microphone and in the ring. Independent wrestling, as a whole, was really growing during that period of time. There were a number of incredible superstars in America and the U.K. that are now part of WWE, and it’s going to be incredible to relive that part of history.
“When you watch those shows, you’ll see people that were so hungry and wanted to make the industry grow. For me, it’s one of the coolest eras ever, and I was so grateful to be a face of independent wrestling. I was so excited to be on these shows, and I’m blown away that those matches, my history, are going to be on the Network.”
WWE also released a statement regarding the promotions coming to WWE Network beginning August 15th:
EVOLVE, PROGRESS, wXw & ICW debut on WWE Network this Saturday
Starting this Saturday, the best independent promotions in the world are coming to WWE Network.
EVOLVE, PROGRESS Wrestling from England, Germany’s wXw and Scotland’s ICW will debut for subscribers to the award-winning streaming service, giving the WWE Universe the chance to see some of their favorite Superstars like never before. And this is just the beginning! You’ll continue to see footage from their libraries, as well as new and exciting content from all of these promotions on WWE Network in the weeks and months to come.
The first drop features a pair of compilations highlighting two of WWE and NXT’s top stars, along with full shows from each promotion.
The Best of Drew McIntyre in EVOLVE features the WWE Champion in action before his 2017 return to the company. You’ll see McIntyre in thrilling matches against the likes of Ricochet, Johnny Gargano, Roderick Strong, Aleister Black and Matt Riddle.
The Best of Keith Lee in EVOLVE features the NXT Champion coming into his own before making the jump to the black-and-gold brand. In this compilation, The Limitless One takes on Timothy Thatcher, WALTER and Riddle. The special also features a pair of early battles against his rival and close friend, Dominik Dijakovic.
Fans will get a look at Germany’s wXw and see different styles of combat on display. wXw AMBITION 11 is a one-night, smash-mouth tournament featuring NXT UK Champion WALTER and Timothy Thatcher setting out to punish the competition. Also featured from the wXw library is a one-night, all-women’s tournament, Femmes Fatale 2019.
PROGRESS Wrestling has been hailed as the jewel of the British independent scene, having catapulted Superstars like Pete Dunne, Mark Andrews, Flash Morgan Webster, Toni Storm and Grizzled Young Veterans onto a worldwide platform. PROGRESS Chapter 92 is highlighted by a hard-hitting battle for the PROGRESS Championship between WALTER and Ilja Dragunov.
The WWE Universe will also be introduced to the Scottish underground with Insane Championship Wrestling. Night 2 of Shug’s Hoose Party 5 sees WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett take over as commissioner for the evening, NXT UK’s Piper Niven in action, as well as viral video sensation Grado.
Check out the full list of shows debuting, and be sure to watch them all, starting this Saturday on the award-winning WWE Network!
EVOLVE
The Best of Drew McIntyre in EVOLVE
The Best of Keith Lee in EVOLVE
wXw
wXw Femme Fatales 2019
wXw AMBITION 11
PROGRESS Wrestling
Chapter 92
Insane Championship Wrestling
ICW Shug’s Hoose Party 5 – Night 2
It all starts this Saturday on WWE Network!