From the 1950s through 1988, pro wrestling in the United Kingdom was really something special. With giant network ITV airing “World of Sport” on a weekly basis, the entire U.K. Was hooked on pro wrestling, packing arenas for live shows and idolizing organic British stars.
But in 1988, an array of pressures and politics caused ITV’s cancellation of British wrestling’s flagship show. With Vince McMahon’s WWF moving into the U.K., home grown British wrestling lay dormant for much of the 1990s and very early 2000s.
Greg Lambert’s story begins here, and he captures his struggle trying to bring British wrestling back to prominence in a roller coaster of a story, with Holy Grail: The True Story of British Wrestling’s Revival.
Greg joins myself and Faraaz for an hour to chat about all things British wrestling, including his incredible evolution from fan, to radio guest, to eventual promoter of the most dynamic promotion in the U.K., the Frontier Wrestling Alliance (FWA). We talk about everything from the nationally syndicated WrestleTalk radio program and its influence on pro wrestling throughout Britain, FWA’s huge 2002 “Revival” show, Greg’s relationship with the charismatic Alex Shane and how this affected FWA, the pros and cons to catering to a strictly internet-based audience, working as a heel manager, how some of the FWA’s greatest stars would do in a 2002 version of TNA’s “British Bootcamp,” and so much more. This is probably one of the most fun interviews I’ve ever done.
Buy the book either in Kindle or print edition right now on Amazon.com, or order a personally signed copy at XWAWrestling.com.
During the interview, Greg teased writing a sequel. Keep up with Greg’s Holy Grail-related plans on Twitter, @HolyGrailWres.
For our “Throwback Vibes” special looking at the now legendary “Revival” show, featuring Simon Rothstein, click here.
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Very nice job Des and Faraaz. Enjoyed this.