British wrestling legend Doug Williams retires

British wrestling legend Doug Williams, 46, called time on his storied career at last night’s historic PROGRESS show Hello Wembley at Wembley Arena.

Williams defended his PROGRESS Atlas title against Trent Seven with the stipulation that if he lost he would hang up his boots for good. Following his defeat, Williams was embraced by the crowd and the rest of the locker room for 10 solid minutes in an emotional send-off.

Overwhelmed by the amazing response I have received. Some totally unexpected! I will take this moment to formally announce my retirement. I am finished in the UK now but still have some international bookings to fulfil. Thank you once again and keep supporting British Wresting!

— Doug Williams (@DougWilliamsUK) October 1, 2018

The Reading-born grappler made his wrestling debut in 1993 and has enjoyed a career that has seen him enjoy stints with the FWA, ROH, Pro Wrestling NOAH, NJPW, TNA and a host of other groups around the world.

Early in his career Williams developed a reputation as being one of the most technically proficient wrestlers on the planet, receiving universal plaudits for his world class matches in the FWA, which helped put the promotion on the map.

Overseas Williams enjoyed title success wherever he wrestled, winning tag team gold in NJPW and NOAH, singles titles in ROH and singles and tag championships in TNA.

One of the most respected and revered athletes of his generation, Williams has a lot of fans on the inside of the business as well as the outside, with many of them flocking to thank him for his vast contributions to the industry:

https://twitter.com/EBischoff/status/1046479201103040513

https://twitter.com/FrankieKazarian/status/1046458191087697925

I owe Doug Williams my eternal gratitude.

British Wrestling and British Wrestlers owe Doug Williams their eternal respect.

Wrestling owes Doug Williams their eternal gratitude.#ThankYouDoug pic.twitter.com/ed7HvXAR5u

— Nick Aldis (@RealNickAldis) September 30, 2018

WrestleTalk would like to take this opportunity to thank Doug Williams for everything he has done in his career and wish him all the best in his retirement.

What is your favourite Doug Williams memory? Let us know in the comments below.

• retire
• Doug Williams
• PROGRESS
• Hello Wembley

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