Former WWE Wrestler Launches Ambitious New Wrestling Venture
A British wrestler, Ben Webb, known in the wrestling world as Trent Seven, is seeking financial backing to launch an innovative wrestling series aimed at reshaping the landscape of professional wrestling in Europe. With an estimated £5 million required, Webb envisions this venture, dubbed Project Fight, as the leading televised wrestling brand in Europe.
Funding and Strategic Alliances
According to reports from Sky News, Webb is collaborating with Oakwell, a renowned sports advisory firm, to facilitate fundraising efforts for Project Fight. The initiative is targeting a pre-money valuation of approximately £10 million as discussions with potential investors have reportedly been ongoing for several weeks. Should the funding be secured, it is anticipated that Project Fight could reach a break-even point by its third year of operation.
With aspirations to create a business valued at over £100 million within five years, Webb’s project aims to tap into the significant wrestling fanbase in the UK, which is believed to comprise up to six million enthusiasts. Not only is the project focused on these core fans, but it also aims to connect with more casual viewers and bolster the independent wrestling scene.
Creative Collaborations
To strengthen Project Fight’s brand and reach, Webb’s team has been in talks with notable production companies, including Sunset+Vine and Paramount, the parent company of Channel 5 in the UK. These partnerships could play a pivotal role in the venture’s success and help establish a robust content distribution strategy that utilises the existing social media followings of its wrestlers.
Wrestling’s Growing Popularity
The renewed interest in professional wrestling, exemplified by Netflix’s success with its RAW wrestling event attracting nearly five million viewers, alongside All Elite Wrestling’s lucrative broadcasting deal, highlights a fruitful market opportunity. Webb cited the lack of a domestic promotion catering specifically to UK fans as a gap that Project Fight intends to fill.
“There is a huge, passionate professional wrestling fanbase in the UK that lacks a domestic promotion to follow and is underserved by existing promotions,” Webb commented, reflecting on his journey from modest beginnings to becoming a recognised figure in the wrestling community.
Wrestler Roster and Gender Balance
Webb’s venture plans to ensure a gender-balanced roster, featuring wrestlers from diverse backgrounds and countries, including the UK, US, China, Japan, Australia, France, India, and Canada. It is estimated that the assembled roster will collectively boast a remarkable social media following of over 12 million, providing a significant platform for marketing and outreach.
A premium pilot event is in the works, tentatively scheduled for next year, subject to the successful completion of the fundraising efforts. With Webb’s extensive experience in wrestling, spanning 16 years and numerous accolades, including being a two-time Tag Team Champion, the prospects for Project Fight’s success look promising.
Background
Trent Seven’s previous ventures, including his ownership of Fight Club Pro, which has hosted events internationally, demonstrate his capability in the wrestling domain. The ambition to expand the UK wrestling scene through Project Fight reflects a broader trend of increasing demand for entertaining, locally produced wrestling content in a country with a rich wrestling heritage.
Source: Original Article
