British Wrestling

The UK government is being urged to act now to allow British wrestling fans to watch big WWE shows in bars and pubs. WWE's move to Netflix happens on January 1 which will signal an end to “watch parties” across the country, where wrestling lovers gather inside pubs and bars to watch WWE's big monthly Premium Live Events – or PPVs for the older crowd.

And with WWE launching all of its live content on Netflix on January 6, the parties at pubs and bars will end as they are not allowed to show Netflix-streamed content in the way they were allowed to show content on Sky Sports or TNT Sports Box Office in the past.

One of the main organisers of the watch parties, Hooked on Wrestling, announced that their last set of events took place on last month with the Survivor Series War Games event, which saw fans launch a petition in a bid to force WWE to act on the issue.

And now MP Mike Reader – who has taken part in wrestling training in the past and is a diehard wrestling fan – has backed calls for WWE to make a deal with Netflix and the UK's pub industry.

Speaking to the Daily Star, he said: “ Watching wrestling with friends and fellow fans can be inspiring. It isn't only a social good but economically important too.

“I support the campaign to ensure wrestling watch events can continue. I know the issue is being looked at by government officials, and will keep a close eye on this.”