UPDATE: PROGRESS Says That It’s Shutting Down While Changes Are Made to the Company

UPDATE: PROGRESS Wrestling is taking its restructuring a step further, announcing that they are stepping down while they make the changes they need to make. The company issued an addendum to their previous press release noting that while they take steps that will make the promotion a safe place for all their talent, crew, and fans they will shut everything down “until we’re happy enough with the changes that we make, to re-open.”

The announcement, which was issued by Lucy Cave, clarified the company structure a bit as well. It notes that Cave, Vicky Haskins, Michael Oku, and James Amner are “in control of every single element” without involvement from anyone else and that while Jon Briley remains the owner, they have complete control. It further noted that Glen Robinson and Matt Richards are not “involved in any capacity, financial or otherwise, nor are they returning.”

The announcement also notes that online posts made with allegations about Oku will be investigated as well, noting, “None of us are above the high standards we want to set, and it will be a full and in-depth investigation.”

Burn It Down. Build It Back Up. Believe In Change.
The last 24 hours have been an eye-opener. Words are not enough. With that in mind, we will build this from the ground back up. We’re shutting everything down, until we’re happy enough with the changes that we make, to re-open. We will be the pioneer for change that this industry needs at this moment.

Our first priority is the safeguarding of talent, crew and fans. We are talking with the police and are close to finalising something that we are super proud of, and that we can share across every promotion.

We know people are keen to know the revamped company structure. Vicky, Lucy, Michael and James are in control of every single element; there is no involvement from anyone else. Jon remains the owner of PROGRESS but we have complete control of everything. Neither Glen nor Matt are involved in any capacity, financial or otherwise, nor are they returning. Jon has trusted us with this, and we applaud his bravery in both this and the health battle he finds himself in.

Starting as we mean to go on, we will be fully investigating the posts about Michael Oku that have been placed online. None of us are above the high standards we want to set, and it will be a full and in-depth investigation.

No one is above scrutiny.

Our emails will remain open: lucy@ progresswrestling.com

ORIGINAL: As we reported yesterday, PROGRESS Wrestling is getting new leadership after its previous owners, Glen Robinson and Matt Richards are stepping away after the recent allegations of sexual misconduct against several wrestlers that worked for them. They have now issued a press release detailing the structural changes in the company in the wake of the #SpeakingOut movement. It reads:

Structural Changes At PROGRESS
When it comes to PROGRESS, huge change is needed, and huge change has begun.

Therefore, we would like to introduce the new management team:

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.

Glen Robinson and Matt Richards will be stepping away from PROGRESS.

Jon Briley is dealing with a major health issue and, as a result, will also be stepping back.

There won’t be a show for a while, but we will be taking this time to ensure that PROGRESS is a safe space for talent and fans alike. Our priority is to make the wrestling industry the best that it can possibly be.

PROGRESS will not tolerate:
Discriminative behaviour
Verbal abuse
Sexual abuse
Domestic abuse
Emotional abuse
Grooming of an adolescent
Cyber bullying/bullying
Online abuse
Psychological abuse
Financial/material abuse
Abuse of power
Physical abuse
Economic abuse
Using privilege
Intimidation Threats
Shame dumping
Racism
Sexism
Transphobia
Homophobia

Or any behaviours that put performers, production or fans at risk.

It’s very early days for us, as you would imagine, and while we won’t have all the answers straight away, we will be asking the right questions. We welcome your input, too.

James Amner: “ I want a safe space for wrestlers to compete in, and to be safe backstage and travelling to and from events. I want crew to be protected at all times. I want fans to be able to enjoy themselves with only good people around them. People will be on hand to talk to, always.”

Vicky Haskins: “ It’s obvious from recent events that the wrestling industry isn’t as safe a place as we thought it was. I’ve been in the business sixteen years, working in a number of roles whether it be as a performer or backstage, and have experienced some of the inexcusable behaviour that has come to light recently. Quite simply, that will not be tolerated. We need to implement structure, we need to prioritise safety of our fans, performers and staff. It’s of the upmost importance that we provide not only the finest entertainment, but a welcoming environment that is safe for everybody who comes through our doors – fans and wrestlers alike. I’m looking forward to working at PROGRESS, helping in whatever way I can to shape this industry for the better.”

Michael Oku: “Our industry needs a deep clean – from top to bottom. Before it’s legal and ethical to run shows in this country again, I want to make sure that major promotions, in this case PROGRESS, have done everything possible to ensure that a safer and fairer environment for all has been created.“

Lucy Cave: “With the trauma that has transpired in Independent Wrestling, nearly all of the brave people that have come forward have asked for a safe place to return. We want to do everything in our power to make sure this is a reality, learning from failings in the past.”

We look forward to the future

Vicky, Michael, James and Lucy