Former WWE Star Mark Andrews on WrestleMania London, AEW Success, and the State of UK Wrestling
The wrestling landscape has experienced dramatic changes in recent years, especially following the high-profile merger between WWE and UFC. Not only are major events consistently filling stadiums with record-breaking crowds, but the industry’s presence is expanding on a global scale, stirring excitement worldwide.
Next year, WWE will make a long-awaited return to Las Vegas after three decades, a move anticipated by industry insiders. However, international fans are buzzing about another headline-grabbing prospect—the possibility of WrestleMania coming to London for the very first time. Recent meetings between WWE’s Triple H and London mayor Sadiq Khan are fueling speculation that the UK may soon host WWE’s most iconic pay-per-view.
Meanwhile, WWE isn’t the only promotion capturing British fans’ attention. All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has made serious inroads, returning to Wembley Stadium for ALL IN, its second landmark UK event after a rapid sell-out in 2023.
Casino.org caught up with Mark Andrews—renowned for being the first Welsh wrestler to win a WWE title and a former TNA Tag Team Champion—to discuss the state of UK wrestling, WWE’s international ambitions, the impact of NXT UK, and whether WWE is simply reacting to AEW’s growing presence.
Listen to the complete conversation above or read the key highlights below for exclusive insights.
Is WrestleMania London a Response to AEW’s UK Breakthrough?
When asked if WWE’s renewed interest in staging a major London pay-per-view was triggered by AEW’s success at Wembley, Andrews didn’t hesitate:
“Absolutely. The history is clear—WWE sometimes misses opportunities and only catches up when forced to react. AEW’s ALL IN at Wembley sold out instantly last year, so it’s significant that serious talks about a WrestleMania in London only gained momentum after AEW confirmed its second Wembley event. London fans have craved this for years. It’s taken much longer than expected, but it’s clear WWE is now responding to AEW’s remarkable UK growth.”
NXT UK: WWE’s Quick Answer to British Wrestling on TV
Andrews traced WWE’s NXT UK initiative back to a competitive move, explaining: “Before it was even officially NXT UK, WWE rushed to launch a UK division as soon as ITV’s World of Sport wrestling revival was announced. The initial UK Championship tournament came together in mere months as a direct answer to ITV’s plans.”
Facilitating WWE’s Clash at the Castle: Behind the Scenes
Recalling his role in WWE’s first UK stadium show in Cardiff, Andrews shared: “There was a WWE house show in Cardiff—either RAW or SmackDown—while I was with the company. I was invited backstage to meet with members of the Welsh Government before Clash at the Castle was confirmed. My value came from being able to share Welsh wrestling’s real history—highlighting local stars, their hometowns, and where we trained, like the Cathays Community Centre in Cardiff. Those first-hand details probably helped persuade decision-makers that the event belonged in Wales.”
Released Before the Big Show: Impact on Local Talent
Despite his contributions, Andrews faced disappointment just before Clash at the Castle:
“Two days before the event was my wedding day, with the stadium visible from where I got married. I’d heard I might be booked for a match, and had several media projects lined up. Then, just weeks out, WWE released around 40 UK talents—including all Welsh wrestlers. It’s hard to believe the timing, given it was Wales’ biggest wrestling event ever. Sometimes the company is juggling so many things they lose sight of these crucial details.”
NXT UK and the British Indie Scene: A Positive Force?
The perception among some fans is that WWE’s NXT UK spell hurt UK’s independent wrestling. Andrews offered a different perspective:
- He argued most UK indie wrestlers struggled to earn a consistent living before NXT UK.
- He stressed the need for major companies—WWE, or even TV networks—to invest in the scene for it to thrive long-term.
- While some idealize the era before WWE’s involvement, Andrews believes its support ultimately benefited the industry by creating new opportunities and better financial security for wrestlers.
The Current State of UK Wrestling: Resilient and Thriving
Andrews remains optimistic about British wrestling’s future:
“The scene is as strong as ever. New stars need time to emerge, but the cycle is natural. For example, Michael Oku is now a standout global talent from the UK, regardless of whether shows sell out every week. ALL IN weekend shows how much interest still surrounds British wrestling, with multiple events selling out and countless eyes on UK talent.”
Dream Cast for a Revival of TNA British Bootcamp
Asked whom he’d recommend for a reboot of TNA’s British Bootcamp—where Andrews himself found fame—he highlighted:
- Leon Cage from Wales, already showing promise at only 17.
- Robbie X, an established standout long overdue for mainstream recognition.
- Exciting prospects like KANJI, Emersyn, and Jayne Rayne Leverkusen, whom Andrews sees as deserving a big stage.
He emphasized the buzz around ALL IN weekend and suggested a British Bootcamp revival would bring even more excitement to UK fans.
Pete Dunne’s WWE Evolution: From ‘Butch’ to Bruiserweight Elite
Addressing the career of fellow UK superstar Pete Dunne, Andrews reflected on the period when Dunne adopted the ‘Butch’ persona:
- Andrews acknowledged that name and gimmick changes are always divisive among fans and wrestlers.
- He believes the switch helped Pete reach WWE’s main roster and headline events like WrestleMania, but WWE could still do more to showcase his in-ring skills.
- Andrews ranks Dunne among the world’s top wrestlers and hopes his current role offers the opportunities he deserves.
Joe Hendry’s Rise: Branding, Entertainment, and Catchy Anthems
Another homegrown favorite, Joe Hendry, has recently achieved viral fame with his “I Believe in Joe Hendry” song and dynamic character work. Andrews credited Hendry’s:
- Long-term consistency and comedic timing.
- Business acumen and understanding of his role within the industry.
- Distinctive brand, which sets him apart from most in the business and makes him both memorable and entertaining.
Conclusion: UK Wrestling at a Crossroads of Opportunity
Mark Andrews’ reflections highlight a pivotal moment for wrestling in the UK. As WWE eyes London for a monumental WrestleMania and AEW cements its presence with back-to-back Wembley showcases, the British wrestling community stands poised for a major resurgence. With talented homegrown stars continuing to break out, and international attention at an all-time high, the conversation with Andrews reveals both the challenges and the immense potential ahead for UK wrestling.
Image credit: The official WWE website
