On 31 March 2016, UK wrestling lost one of its brightest stars. Kris Travis passed away at the young age of 32 after battling stomach cancer. Travis performed all over the UK and was universally loved in whatever promotion he competed in.
Tributes poured in from the likes of WWE’s Kevin Owens, NXT’s Samoa Joe and independent starlet Zack Sabre Jr. Jim Smallman of UK independent promotion PROGRESS Wrestling, which Travis wrestled for, wrote this particularly moving piece.
Travis performed for most UK independent promotion with matches in the aforementioned PROGRESS, Preston City Wrestling and Attack Pro Wrestling. His big break came when he auditioned for TNA’s British Bootcamp 2. Travis wowed the judges with his match against long-time friend and eventual winner Mark Andrews. Travis progressed to the next round but was unable to join his friend in America after being diagnosed with cancer. His skills, physique and natural charm would have made him a natural fit for either TNA or WWE’s NXT.
Travis battled back and even made his return to the ring last year. He later announced his retirement from Pro Wrestling. Many inside the business backed Travis for a bright future. He will be remembered as one of the UK’s funniest and friendliest wrestlers. His comedic style can be clearly seen in the video below from Cardiff based Attack Pro Wrestling where Travis wrestles as one half of the video game characters The Mario Bros:
