World Of Sport’s Justin Sysum posted the following on Twitter, calling it his self-proclaimed open letter to British wrestling. Sysum wrote the post after recent reports surfaced over NXT UK talents and the restrictions they are rumored to have in their new contracts with WWE:
An open letter to British wrestling from Justin Sysum
These words are entirely my own and do not represent any promotion or individual other than myself.
Last week it came to light, through independent UK promotions who have been left uncertain of the future, that WWE NXT UK talent have apparently been signed to new contracts allegedly preventing many of them from wrestling for any promotion outside of the WWE banner from the start of 2019. Talent may honour independent bookings until the end of the year but are seemingly being prevented from wrestling anyone who is currently contracted to NJPW, IMPACT, ROH, WOS and other major promotions. You can read more about this and the potential impact it will have on many wrestling news websites.
WWE have a history of trying, and succeeding, to conquer smaller promotions. Many believe that the NXT UK brand was only reignited this year once they caught wind of wrestling returning to British television without them, signing their roster within weeks of the TV tapings being announced. I personally fear for a future not too far away where WWE has succeeded in its mission and as a consequence destroyed much of our thriving domestic scene.
If they eventually decide that they no longer need the expense of a UK brand and pack up, this will leave us with a decimated British independent scene. Wrestlers will find themselves with less places to work and yet still have to bow to the king that is WWE, so that one day they may be considered for a job.
I understand completely why my friends in this business would take these contracts, as for many it’s been their dream since they were little kids to work for the WWE. I’m very proud of their achievements and wish them the greatest success. Fortunately for me, my dreams are different…
I hereby pledge to follow in the footsteps of the great British wrestlers that have come before me, to continue to build the UK scene into something to be reckoned with, one that can and deserves to stand alone. Despite WWE’s best efforts, unintentional or otherwise, to halt all the incredible progress, I will not pander to anything that restricts our thriving scene. I will not tip toe around it, I do not want a job with them.
I want to let every promoter, ring crew member, event staff and fellow wrestler know that we can band together and lead our industry out of these potentially stormy waters. We do not have to take anything lying down and we can continue to provide a thriving scene for fans and talent alike.
I encourage the fans of our great wrestling scene to continue to attend independent shows. I promise you, the depth of talent in this country means you will not leave disappointed. It’s your choice who the next stars are. All of the NXT UK talent got their start here with support from you and it doesn’t have to end with them.
I’d sooner die on my sword in defeat than watch what makes our industry so free, diverse and inclusive for both wrestlers and fans alike, get eroded away as part of a ‘corporate strategy’ to get a bigger share price and global market position.
Thank you,
Your #Superhuman – Justin Sysum
New Details Surface About NXT UK Deals, Four Promotions Reportedly Joining WWE Network
Sysum’s post was met with some criticism however, including the following comments from NXT UK talents Pete Dunne, Trent Seven and Tyler Bate and many other wrestlers involved in British wrestling:
Every step myself and other members of the NXT UK roster have taken within WWE over the past two years has been nothing but a benefit to the independent scene. Don’t disregard that because of hear say and rumours.
— Pete Dunne (@PeteDunneYxB) December 5, 2018
NXTUK is a great opportunity for all UK based performers to showcase their talents and make a living doing what they love doing. This open letter to British Wrestling is based off of nothing but rumours, don’t believe everything you read.
— Tyler Bate (@Tyler_Bate) December 5, 2018
Hang your head in shame Justin. We’ve all worked incredibly hard over the past few years to create a thriving scene for all levels of talent to perform on. Delete your tweet and stop attention seeking.
— Trent Seven (@trentseven) December 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/GlasgowJester/status/1070392147524927488
https://twitter.com/TheJackSexsmith/status/1070411271944749057
