Paul Robinson & PROGRESS Wrestling Part Ways

PROGRESS Wrestling announced in a new statement last night that Paul Robinson has decided to part ways with the promotion. 

The announcement follows on from a PROGRESS statement earlier this week which confirmed Robinson had been an agent at the most recent set of tapings. The company broadcast its first show on February 20 after a long hiatus.

Robinson's use at the tapings was quickly placed under scrutiny as allegations were levied against him during the Speaking Out movement.

The allegations are as follows: "On 6th December 2014, a group of us from IPWUK were flown over to Oberhausen, Germany, all paid for by Daniel Edler (or.... at least he paid for all of it for me). At this time I was 16. We spent the day being shown around the area by Jimmy Havoc. Whilst wandering the streets, Paul Robinson and myself started talking more and more and it was really fun, we felt comfortable around eachother. During the WXW show later that night (a show at which Daniel Edler purchased me lots of drinks, I think that should go without saying at this point.), we both went outside for a cigarette together, and one thing led to another and we ended up kissing. We were inseparable that whole weekend. In the following weeks, we would share phonecalls together just to chat and hear each other's voices. Somehow his children's mother ended up finding out we were talking and sent me nasty messages. I was 16 why would I want to be in a situation like that? We drifted apart and he eventually blocked me on social media, and that was that really."

The original post detailing the allegations has since been deleted, but screenshots can be found here. 

Within the statement announcing Robinson's departure, PROGRESS noted they used him at the tapings because they didn't believe he presented "a risk to talent and staff." The full statement can be read below:

"Our communication over the last number of days has not been good enough and we’re sorry.

"In the statements of the 20th and 22nd of February, we shared the talent feedback about their experiences at the tapings, specifically regarding safeguarding measures put in place, COVID safety precautions, and the overall work environment.

"The purpose of the statement on the 22nd of February was to address Paul Robinson. We were wrong to include the feedback of talent on the general work environment in this statement. It was not the correct time nor place, and we would like to take this opportunity to unreservedly apologise to the talent and crew for including them in the statement. PROGRESS are wholly responsible for their own staffing decisions.

"Moving forward there will be a group made up of talent and crew, who will be able to review any non-promotional communications that mention talent or crew. This group will be independent of company management and administrative staff.

"SAFEGUARDING

"Our safeguarding procedures can be found here. 

"PAUL ROBINSON

"We are aware of a number of posts on social media in regards to PROGRESS' decision to have Paul Robinson at the tapings. 

"In regards to Paul Robinson, no disclosures were made to PROGRESS about his conduct following a post on the social media platform, Twitter, originally shared on 22 June 2020 at 11:30 am (UK Time). A review took place by the Lead Safeguarding Officer, and findings were given to members of PROGRESS management, who were also made aware of the information posted online.

"In light of this, conversations were had with Paul Robinson and it was determined that he did not present a risk to talent and staff. As a result, a decision was made to move ahead with the measures in place and contact talent and personnel in readiness for production. 

"In our 22 February update, we confirmed Paul Robinson’s involvement in the production and requested that if anyone had any information, to contact us at progress@progresswrestling.com. To date, no disclosures have been made and no further information has been presented to us externally or internally.

"As of 25 February, Paul Robinson has decided to part ways with PROGRESS. 

"COMMUNICATIONS GOING FORWARD

"With this announcement, we would like to take the opportunity to say that it is not, has never been, and never will be our intention to stick our heads in the sand and ignore you, the fans and members of the public. 

"We must be responsible when making statements about matters that involve other people. We must make sure that due care is given to the needs, security, and rights of the human beings involved. 

"If anyone has any further information or wishes to make safeguarding disclosures, please submit these to the new dedicated inbox safeguarding@progresswrestling.com. Any and all communication will be treated in the strictest confidence. 

"Our goal is to create the most entertaining pro wrestling product that we can. We will continue to strive to make our industry safer and more professional and to do right by fans and talent.

"Thank you for reading."