British Wrestling Legend Martin Kirby Retires

Will Ospreay pays tribute following Kirby's retirement.

Martin Kirby No Regrets Champion
WCPW

Martin Kirby has announced his retirement from professional wrestling.

The British wrestling legend broke the news on Twitter last night, posting the following:-

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A 14-year ring veteran, Kirby made his pro-wrestling debut back in June 2006. He was a pillar of the British indie scene for years and one of the biggest names on the circuit to not eventually sign with WWE when NXT UK came around, opting instead to continue his work as a freelancer. Always one of the most respected names on the scene, he'll go down as a tremendous entertainer, and underrated worker, and a versatile, charismatic personality.

Kirby was last seen working for Japan's Dragongate promotion, embarking on several tours with the company from August 2019 onwards. He had a long, notable run with the WhatCulture-affiliated Defiant Wrestling and WCPW, becoming an ace-like figure whilst winning the WCPW World Title, Defiant Internet Title, and enjoying a spell as General Manager.

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Will Ospreay paid tribute to Kirby on Twitter this morning. The two worked together extensively in WCPW:-

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There's currently no word on whether or not Kirby will hold a retirement match. If he doesn't, his last match could be a 1 March Dragongate trios bout.

All the best to Kirby in his retirement.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.