Over a year ago, we highlightedGlobal Force Wrestling as one to watch, citing its claim to be "the most fan-interactive and immersive wrestling experience in history". Late last year we praised GFW's innovative global approach to wrestling, with its showcase of Japan's Wrestle Kingdom 9 and earler this year we pushed GFW's founder Jeff Jarret on whether we'd see the company in the UK. True to form, he has delivered, and delivered big.
After taping its first ever 'Amped' TV shows in Las Vegas, GFW will be making its debut outside of the US in October in the UK! GFW will invade the Grimsby Auditorium in Grimbsy, Lincolnshire, on October 28 and the Lynnsport and Leisure Park in King's Lynn, Norfolk, on October 30. Not only that, GFW will be bringing the promotion's co-founders Jeff and Karen Jarrett to town together with former women's champion Mickie James. As if to showcase their global appeal and aptitude, they'll also be hosting former heavyweight champion Nick Aldis (known to some as Magnus) and his former tag partner, the British wrestling star Doug Williams. There'll be other British talent taking part too, including WrestleTalk TV host Marty Scurll and although its not yet officially confirmed it certainly looks like friend of the Royal Ramblings, SoCal Val will be on hand to start the shows off with a bang.
Jeff told us that he's "thrilled" to be heading to the UK to share the GFW brand with the "incredible fans". "Since day one no fan base has inundated us with more requests to bring a show to them than those in the United Kingdom" he said.
As we have previously outlined, Jarrett is a smart promoter and is starting GFW's engagement with the interest of the fans at heart. "What's unique about this is we wanted to bring high-caliber shows to towns that haven't previously had access to them" he said, "with most touring companies staying exclusively in major cities like London, Manchester and Glasgow. We decided to give new towns an opportunity to experience a great live wrestling event."
Nick Aldis, who recently made a successful debut in GFW, is from King's Lynn and told us that he was "excited and proud" to be part of GFW's first UK shows. "It will be great to finally appear on a major show in my hometown" he said, "I hope the fans feel as excited as I do."
Speaking as fans ourselves, the answer has surely to be yes. Looking at the success of the recent GFW 'Grand Slam Tour' in the US, it's clear to see that the promotion is great at scouting talent. It has sought out top wrestlers and treats the fans with meet and greets and other interactions at the shows. This of course is only the start for GFW in the UK but there is a clear determination to do things differently and fans can expect the British shows to be a wonderful wrestling and entertainment showcase.
When we last spoke to Jeff Jarrett, he told us that the British crowds were "rowdy - and rowdy would almost be an insult, they are much rowdier than rowdy!" he told us that "The British Wrestling fans - they are very educated, on what they like, or more importantly on what they don't like and they let you know it. They come out and have a good time!" continuing "British wrestling fans have been interactive before interactive was a word - and you have to love that!!" Hopefully, when GFW comes to town, Jarrett will be reminder again why the British fans are the best and we'll see an expansion of the GFW brand across the country, the future is very much in our hands where GFW is concerned. Time to #JoinTheForce!
Global Force Wrestling is online here, the Grimsby Auditorium here and LynnSport here. Keep your eyes on the GFW twitter account @GFW for more informaion.