
One of the UKโs fastest-rising wrestling prospects, Tommy Tanner, is already making waves across the British independent scene. Trained by veteran Greg Burridge and having shared the ring with names like Robbie X, Tate Mayfairs, and Connor Mills, Tanner has quickly built a reputation as one to watch.
In this exclusive interview with PWMania.comโs Andy London, Tanner opens up about his journey so far, the lessons heโs learned from his mentors, his ambitions to wrestle globally, and his ultimate dream of stepping into a WWE ring.
Fans can check out the complete interview below:
What made you step into the ring for the first time, and did you expect things to move this quickly?
“Wrestlingโs always been the dream for me. I did gymnastics and rugby for years, but it was all leading to this. I didnโt think things would move this quickly, but once I committed, Iโve thrown myself into it 100% and opportunities just started coming.”
Greg Burridge has trained some huge names. Whatโs the biggest lesson heโs drilled into you so far?
“Gregโs biggest lesson is that wrestling is all about connection. You can be the best athlete in the world, but if the crowd doesnโt care, it doesnโt matter. Everything you do in there is for them. Itโs not about popping yourself, itโs about making sure the audience feels something every time you step through the ropes.”
Youโve already faced top-tier talent like Robbie X, Tate Mayfairs, and Connor Mills. Which of those matches taught you the most, and why?
“Each of those opponents has taught me something different in the ring, and Iโve taken bits from all of them. But the wrestler Iโve learnt the most from is Mickey Long at Kick Out Wrestling. His feedbackโs been top tier – showing me how to slow things down, make the moments matter, and really connect with the crowd on another level.”
Do you see yourself staying in the UK scene for a while, or are you already eyeing the U.S. and Japan?
“I know people say to look around and enjoy what youโve accomplished, but for me, I want to get signed as quickly as possible. The big companies in the U.S. and Japan have the best talent in the world, which means Iโll be able to learn more from them than anyone else. At the end of the day, thatโs all I want – to keep getting better. But I won’t forget where I started and Iโd always like to come back and perform in the UK whenever possible.”
Wrestling on the UK indie scene means juggling travel, training, and shows every week. Whatโs the most challenging part of the grind?
“The travelโs definitely the toughest part, because it knocks onto everything else. Youโre up late on the road, grabbing food where you can, then youโre straight back into training the next day. Trying to balance all of that isnโt easy. But thatโs the job, and if you want to make it youโve got to crack on, no excuses.”
British wrestling has had some big ups and downs over the past few years. Whatโs your take on the current state of the UK scene, and where do you see it heading?
“I think the sceneโs in a really exciting place right now. Thereโs loads of hungry talent coming through and the crowds are proper lively again, which makes a massive difference. If British wrestling follows the global trend, itโs only going to keep building, and I reckon it wonโt be long before we see it reach another peak – maybe even bigger than before.”
If you could wrestle any opponent in the world tomorrow, who would it be, and why?
“If I could wrestle any opponent, it would be AJ Styles. Watching him in TNA is what first made me want to be a wrestler, so to share a ring with him one day would be surreal. Heโs still one of the best in the world, and wrestling him one day would be a privilege. In fact, Iโm sure it would be phenomenal.”
Whatโs the weirdest or funniest fan interaction youโve had so far, either online or at a show (or both)?
“One fan actually asked me to sign their baby once – I had to respectfully decline. Iโm not sure permanent marker on a newborn wouldโve gone down too well.”
Wrestling locker rooms can be full of strange moments. Whatโs the most bizarre backstage encounter youโve experienced since starting your career?
“Listen, Iโve been in rugby locker rooms for the past 15 years. Iโve seen and heard it all before, so itโs all just normal to me now. The most out of the ordinary thing I can think of is one wrestler putting each boot on the wrong foot, lacing them up completely, going out to wrestle, and only realising afterwards. Course we had to give him some stick when we got to the back. What a plonker!”
NXT Europe was once seen as a major opportunity for European wrestlers, but recent reports suggest WWE has completely paused talking about it. How does that uncertainty affect you and other UK or EU talents? Does it change your career outlook, or does the strength of the indie scene mean opportunities are still thriving regardless?
“Itโs always disappointing when a pathway like that disappears, but I donโt think you can rely on one option. The indie scene in the UK and across Europe is thriving right now, and there are plenty of international companies to aim for. For me, itโs about working hard, building momentum, and making enough noise that the bigger opportunities come.”
WWEโs UK tryouts have opened doors for a lot of British talent over the years. Is that something youโre targeting soon?
“Absolutely. WWE was my goal when I set out to become a wrestler, and that hasnโt changed. Iโve been grafting hard so when the opportunity comes, Iโll be ready.”
Fans can follow Tommy Tanner on Instagram @thetommytanner and X (Twitter) @thetommytanner for updates on his next moves.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this interview, please credit PWMania.com with a h/t to PWMania.com for the transcription.