In Shipley, England, a unique blend of wrestling and Christianity has emerged at St. Peter's Anglican church, captivating a diverse audience. Known as Wrestling Church, this innovative initiative was conceptualized by Gareth Thompson, a passionate 37-year-old who claims that both professional wrestling and Jesus played pivotal roles in transforming his life. During events, attendees gather around the wrestling ring to witness local favorites like Billy O'Keeffe deliver body slams and engage in thrilling matches, all while cheering beneath the church's stained-glass windows.
Thompson believes that the dramatic narratives and morality plays inherent in professional wrestling align seamlessly with Christian teachings. “Boil it down to the basics, it’s good versus evil,” he states. He draws parallels between biblical stories—such as David and Goliath and Cain and Abel—and the theatrical rivalries of wrestling, suggesting that these narratives can be effectively retold through the lens of wrestling
Church attendance has been on a downward spiral in the U.K. for decades. The 2021 census revealed that less than half of the population in England and Wales identified as Christian, with the number of individuals claiming no religion surging from 25% to 37% over the past decade. In response to this trend, churches are adopting more innovative approaches to attract attendees.
Rev. Natasha Thomas, the priest at St. Peter's, acknowledges the initial uncertainty she felt when agreeing to host wrestling events, stating, “It’s not church as you would know it. It’s certainly not for everyone, but it’s bringing in a different group of people, a different community.” At a recent Wrestling Church event, nearly 200 individuals—ranging from older couples to enthusiastic teenagers—filled the aisles, creating a vibrant atmosphere ready for two hours of wrestling spectacle after a brief homily and prayer from Thomas.
The energy in the room is palpable, with fans eagerly waving foam fingers and chanting animatedly as wrestlers execute their moves. Many long-time churchgoers have expressed delight in the renewed energy this event brings. Chris Moss, a longtime parishioner, shares her perspective: “I think it’s absolutely wonderful. You can look at some of the wrestlers and think… But talking to them made her realize you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.”
Gareth Thompson, who wrestles under the moniker Gareth Angel, embodies both the roles of preacher and ringmaster. With a shirt that reads “Pray, eat, wrestle, repeat,” Thompson has leveraged his troubled past—as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and homelessness—into a passion for wrestling that integrates his faith. “Wrestling was a lifeline for me,” he reflects, explaining how iconic wrestlers provided him a means of escape during difficult times. After embracing Christianity in 2011, he initiated his first Wrestling Church event in 2022 and moved to St. Peter's in 2023.
Beyond the monthly wrestling events, Thompson's charity, Kingdom Wrestling, also offers training sessions for adults and children, women's self-defense classes, and support groups for mental health. Although many wrestlers come primarily for the sport, some begin to appreciate the intertwining of faith and wrestling. Wrestler Liam Ledger, known as Flamin' Daemon Crowe, admits it's surreal to see baptisms occur between matches.
Kiara, the reigning women's champion of Kingdom Wrestling, credits the organization with boosting her confidence to incorporate her Catholic faith into her wrestling life, stating, “It’s thanks to Kingdom Wrestling that I’ve had the confidence to pray in the locker room now before matches.”
While only a few attendees have transitioned from wrestling events to Sunday services at St. Peter's, Wrestling Church has managed to baptize 30 individuals in its first year. Thompson aims to expand this concept to other British cities, expressing the possibility of establishing his own church one day. The relationship between Christianity and wrestling has historical roots in the U.S., where figures like Shawn Michaels openly declare their faith, yet the reception in the less religious U.K. remains an intriguing challenge.
Despite skepticism surrounding the combination of wrestling and Christianity, Thompson remains undeterred. “If you don’t believe in it, of course you will think that of it. But my own personal experience of my Christian faith is that it is alive and living, and it is true.” He believes that participating in wrestling allows fans to temporarily suspend disbelief and find enjoyment in the stories being told. Through Wrestling Church, Thompson seeks to create a vibrant community around faith and entertainment.
