PROGRESS Wrestling's adventure to New York got a little heated.
On August 12th, PROGRESS Wrestling came to New York City for a particularly large event. The promotion teamed with WWN and Evolve to put on a show under the banner of PROGRESS: NYC. The card featured names like Matt Riddle, Deonna Purrazzo, Tyler Bate, and Trent Seven. James Gallagher and Pete Dunne were originally scheduled to wrestle but Dunne suffered an injury the night before.
Controversy reared its head during and after the event. Soon fans were tweeting about the conditions at PROGRESS: NYC. Complaints included overcrowding and excessive heat. Evolve held a show earlier the same night, in the same building but in front of a smaller crowd. Those in attendance have speculated the audience for PROGRESS was nearly 1,500 people.
Wrestling media member David Bixenspan tweeted a copy of the "certificate of occupancy" which said the venue should only hold 626 people.
#ProgressNYC has ~1,500 people right now in a gym w/ a maximum occupancy of 626. Should Earl Cooter end the show or should we call the NYFD? pic.twitter.com/EWpPdYXixF
— David Bixenspan (@davidbix) August 13, 2017
Some videos of the crowd have emerged including PROGRESS' own twitter. PROGRESS also tweeted they were still selling tickets at the door before the event.
Holy shit. New York. #ProgressNYC has arrived. pic.twitter.com/0weCMmHG6A
— PROGRESS Wrestling (@ThisIs_Progress) August 13, 2017
Tickets for #ProgressNYC are now OFFSALE online. The only way to get tkts for our debut in NY tonight is on the door! General admission $25
— PROGRESS Wrestling (@ThisIs_Progress) August 12, 2017
Other reports from the audiences included: the venue running out of water immediately but replenishing supplies relatively quickly, two people passing out due to heat, and extremely wet floors. No public statement has come from Evolve or PROGRESS on the criticisms.
Fightful Wrestling will provide coverage of any significant updates to the situation.
