World of Sports Wrestling is set to come back to ITV again. Lost in TV announced tapings will take place from May 10 to 12 in Norwich. Tickets are available for free to allow wrestling fans to witness the rebirth of Saturday afternoon wrestling.
“Expect fast-paced action, incredible acrobatics and some of the most impressive in-ring athletes from across the country as Britain’s best wrestling talent compete in this brand new TV series.” No words yet on the talents involved but Norwich’s promotion WAW will be a partner on the project “for the future of British Wrestling”, as announced in a joint statement on Facebook.
But because of the number of shows set to be tapped, we could expect a whole series to go on air very soon. What ITV confirmed today is they have commissioned a 10-part wrestling series of 60-minute episodes. They confirm “fans will get to see some of the finest pro wrestlers compete in various, intense bouts. At the end of each show, only one will get to take home the coveted WOS Wrestling Championship belt.
Tom McLennan, Creative Director of ITV Studios Entertainment, said: “There is a massive indie wrestling scene in the UK and a strong nostalgia for the wrestling shows of our youth. WOS Wrestling will combine the best of the past with the incredible talent available today to make a fun, exciting and thrilling show that the whole family can enjoy.”
On New Year’s Eve 2016, a World of Sport pilot episode was launched. Davey Boy Smith Jr., Johnny Moss, Sha Samuels, Kenny Williams, CJ Banks, Alexis Rose, Viper, El Ligero, Joe and Mark Coffey were all a part of the pilot which saw Dave Mastiff and Grado become successively World of Sport Champion. Jim Ross and Alex Shane were on commentary.
Because of the success of the pilot, a whole series was set to get started with Impact Wrestling partnering up with the project. Tapings were announced, then postponed. During contract negotiations between ITV and Impact Wrestling, the project fell apart, causing the tapings to be cancelled.
This announcement was made just 2 weeks after WWE announced a second UK Championship Tournament, set to take place on June 18 and 19 at Royal Albert Hall in London, England. The inaugural tournament took place just a few weeks after the World of Sports Wrestling pilot was aired.
Tapings are set on Thursday 10th May at 6:30PM, Friday 11th May at 2:00PM and 6:30PM, and on Saturday 12th May at 2:00PM and 6:30PM. All tapings will take place in Epic Studios in Norwich. Free tickets booking are available right now here.