Wrestling fans are in for a night to remember this Saturday (10 May) as “The English Lion” Eddie Ryan returns to Swindon, where his professional wrestling journey began.
A young lion learning to wrestle in Swindon, Photo by Emma Meek
Originally from Plymouth, Eddie Ryan moved to Swindon to train at the renowned 4FW (Four Front Wrestling) Training School. While living and working in the town, including time at Nationwide, Ryan developed his craft and laid the foundations for a career that would take him around the world.
He has since competed for major promotions including WOS Wrestling and WWE’s NXT UK, and has shared the ring with global stars such as Rey Mysterio, Jake Hager (formerly Jack Swagger), challenged Drew McIntyre (then known as Drew Galloway) for the TNA Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship, and defeated former ECW Champion Hardcore Holly.
Now returning to the very town where it all began, Ryan will defend his title after recently defeating Bristol’s “The Stallion” Chris Bronson to become the new British Kingdom Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion.
Ryan said: “It’s great to return to Swindon, where I lived and worked for many years as I trained to become a professional wrestler. The town was my launchpad. It has produced some of the best in the world. I’ve wrestled internationally, but now to return as champion is a real full circle moment.”
Weighing 170 lbs (12 stone) when he began training, Eddie has packed on 62 lbs (4.4 stone) of lean muscle to compete as a Heavyweight, currently standing at 232 (16.5 stone).
The event, Kingdom Rising, will also feature Japanese star Ryoya Tanaka. Representing the renowned Dragon Gate promotion in Japan, Ryoya will travel from Nagoya to Swindon as part of a long-standing tradition in which promising Japanese wrestlers are sent overseas to gain experience, exposure to different wrestling styles and to test themselves against top talent in other countries.
Ryoya arrives fresh from a major victory over Hyo at Dragon Gate’s Dead or Alive 2025 event, held in front of four thousand fans in Japan. With Swindon’s strong wrestling heritage, it is a fitting stage for his next challenge.
British Kingdom Pro-Wrestling Live!
The Deanery Theatre, Deanery CE Academy, Peglars Way, Wichelstowe, Swindon, SN1 7DA
Saturday, 10 May 2025
Doors Open: 5.30pm | Event Starts: 6.00pm
For more information and to book tickets, visit: @BritKingPro
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