Nikki Storm Was Met With PROGRESS Deal Two Days After WWE Release

Nikki Storm had a whirlwind week earlier this year as she was released from WWE and offered the chance to acquire PROGRSS Wrestling within a matter of days. 

In April 2026, it was confirmed that Storm, fka Nikki Cross, and her husband Big Damo, fka Killian Dain, had acquired both PROGRESS and DEFY Wrestling. 

Speaking to “PW Ponderings“, Damo and Storm were asked what went through their head when they decided to take PROGRESS on.

Big Damo: “Obviously I had to bring it up to Nikki, and she was like, ‘What?’

Nikki Storm: “It was like, what, two days after I had gotten the call. It was like two days later, and Damo was like, ‘Since your schedule is freed up, how do you feel about this?’ We thought about it, and it was the right time, and it was the right fit. We’re the right people for the job.”

Damo added that, while he has experience as a promoter, he is still learning on the job, and that he and his wife are enjoying things for the most part so far. 

Big Damo: Yes, there have been a few sleepless nights, and there’s been a couple of anxious days. But genuinely, it’s been such an eye-opener for us because, you know, for me, obviously I’m 41 years old, so my career realistically only has a few years left. Nikki may have a bit longer, but after that, what? I always thought I’d go into coaching, but this is something that came about at a really cool time in our careers.

Nikki Storm: “The stars aligned. It felt very serendipitous, the timing. Damo says it best: we have a great team at PROGRESS. The talent is there. We want to make PROGRESS Wrestling the number one independent in the world. We got the talent to do that.”

Storm and Damo are gearing up for some major events, including PROGRESS’ debut in Scotland, as well as a three-night tour in the UK in September.