When Did Wrestling Start on UK TV?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling When Did Wrestling Start on UK TV? Wrestling has been a popular form of entertainment for decades, captivating audiences with its unique blend of athleticism and storytelling. In the United Kingdom, wrestling has had a long and storied history on television, entertaining fans of all ages. Let’s take a closer look at when wrestling first made its way onto UK TV screens. The Early Years: 1950s-1970s The origins of televised wrestling in the UK can be traced back to the 1950s, when small regional promotions started broadcasting their matches on local channels. These early broadcasts featured a mix of British wrestlers showcasing their skills in front of a live audience. During this period, wrestling shows were typically presented in a straightforward manner, with little emphasis on storylines or character development. The focus was primarily on the athletic prowess and technical abilities of the wrestlers. As the popularity of televised wrestling grew, so did the demand for more national coverage. In 1965, ITV (Independent Television) launched a new program called “World of Sport,” which dedicated a significant portion of its airtime to professional wrestling. The Golden Era: 1980s-1990s The 1980s marked a turning point for wrestling on UK TV. This era saw the rise of larger-than-life characters and captivating storylines that captivated audiences across the nation. One promotion that played a significant role during this period was Joint Promotions. They showcased legendary British wrestlers such as Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks, who became household names thanks to their regular appearances on World of Sport. World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE) also made its presence felt in the UK during this time. ITV secured exclusive rights to broadcast WWE’s flagship show, “WrestleMania,” which helped introduce a whole new generation of fans to the world of professional wrestling. Modern Era: 2000s-Present In the early 2000s, wrestling on UK TV underwent a significant transformation. The emergence of satellite and cable television allowed for greater variety and accessibility in terms of wrestling programming. One notable development during this era was the launch of TNA Wrestling’s flagship show, “Impact!,” on Bravo TV. This marked the first time a major American wrestling promotion had secured a regular weekly slot on UK television. Furthermore, WWE expanded its presence in the UK market with the creation of WWE Network, an online streaming service that provides access to a vast library of wrestling content, including live pay-per-view events and original programming. In conclusion, wrestling has had a long and eventful history on UK TV. From its humble beginnings in the 1950s to the larger-than-life characters of the 1980s and the modern era of streaming services, wrestling continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of athleticism and storytelling. The early years saw regional promotions broadcasting their matches on local channels. The golden era brought larger-than-life characters like Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks into the spotlight. The modern era saw increased accessibility through satellite TV and online streaming services like WWE Network. So next time you tune into a wrestling show on UK TV, take a moment to appreciate its rich history and the hard work that goes into entertaining fans week after week!