Matt Farmer on DEFY Wrestling and Its Rising Stars
Photos by Victor Jones
Matt Farmer, co-founder of DEFY Wrestling, recently stopped by The Day With Trae with Besa Gordon filling in for Trae Holiday as host of this episode. In this segment, Farmer discussed DEFY Wrestling, how the Seattle-based independent wrestling circuit has become a hub for many emerging talents, and what the organization currently has in the works.
Operating out of the historic Washington Hall in Seattle's Yesler Terrace neighborhood, DEFY Wrestling was founded by Matt Farmer and his business partner Jim Perry in 2017. Since its inception, the organization has consistently hosted events at this iconic venue, which DEFY's dedicated fan base recognizes as an integral part of its identity.
"They like to call themselves the 'defiance,' and it's like their home away from home," Farmer said. "Some of those fans, you know, that's like there place they go. It's like their safe spot they go, and the electricity in that building is unique."
Continuing, he said, "No matter how big we grow, we want to continue with our roots in that building because that's the building that we really grew our brand out of. So we're very happy to be there."
Over the past seven years, Farmer and Perry have established DEFY Wrestling as a renowned home for notable talent, particularly wrestlers who have made names in the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) circuit. Notable stars like Darby Allin, Swerve Strickland, and rising talent Nick Wayne have all been part of DEFY's impressive roster.
"One of the reasons why we continue to work with those people is because, not only is it an entertainment industry, but you're building relationships," Farmer explained. "Somebody like Nick Wayne, you know, started with us when he was 16, and just to see them develop over the years. We work with them to help them develop, and vice versa."
A critical factor in building DEFY's fanbase has been their creativity in crafting themed matches. "I've been into wrestling my entire life, pretty much," Farmer said. "So it's just something that when I see a good idea, or I hear a good idea, I write it down and say, how can we develop this to fit in with DEFY, and that's what we do."
For Farmer, having great ideas is only one part of the equation. Without exceptional talent, the concepts don't work. That's why the independent circuit has made it their mission to scout talent from around the globe and bring it to Washington Hall.
"We'll scout talent in Japan, Mexico, Canada," Farmer explained. "We have a visa program where we actually have visas for a lot of wrestlers in other countries. And that's something unique to DEFY that not many independent companies have."
Many wrestlers who started at DEFY have built successful careers in various circuits nationwide through this program. Additionally, their network extends overseas, offering opportunities for talent to compete internationally.
"We also have a lot of inroads in the United Kingdom," Farmer said. " You know, our partners 'Progress Wrestling' in the United Kingdom, we have a talent-sharing program with them as well. So we are just constantly on the phone with people all around the country and all around the world."
When it comes to finding talent, whether local or abroad, Farmer cites one crucial criterion for someone to have a chance on the DEFY circuit: potential.
"A lot of the talent that we use, maybe they are ready, but maybe they just haven't been seen yet globally," Farmer said.
Farmer cites DEFY wrestler Cody Chhun as an example.
"Family is from Cambodia. He has a unique charisma that we see, but not everybody sees it yet," Farmer said. "Just because he hasn't had that opportunity to be seen on a global scale yet. That's a guy that we like to look [for]. That's the guy we want to help develop to get to that next level."
In terms of developing talent, DEFY has produced some rapidly rising stars, most notably Nick Wayne, a third-generation pro wrestler.
"It's awesome to see his growth in the industry," Farmer said. "Nobody expected it to happen as quickly as it did. Nobody, when they turn 18, gets signed and appears on national television. Nobody's headlining pay-per-views when they're 18 years old. It just doesn't happen. So he's like a unique case, but when he was a teenager, we already saw that something special in him."
Wayne has been with DEFY since his teenage years and is the son of the late Buddy Wayne, a Northwest wrestling icon. Farmer has known the younger Wayne since he was a child, thanks to his connections with his father and grandfather.
"Even when he was young, I'd have him come into Washington Hall and work with me and help me. He would be like a gopher," Farmer said. "I did that just to get him in the building so he could be around some of these other stars. He remembers watching Swerve eight years ago when Swerve was very young and Nick was 12 years old."
He continued, "He was running messages for me, but it was my way to bring him into the building and into the business to where he could just get that exposure and be around those stars, and so to see his progression has just been it's been amazing."
As for DEFY Wrestling's future and continued growth, Farmer stated that its status as an independent wrestling circuit will not change any time soon.
"I think we're always going to remain independent because, at the end of the day, that's what helps us thrive," Farmer said. "We could work with AWE one day, we could work with WWE the next day, we could work with New Japan Pro-Wrestling one day. I think that's what makes us different because we have that ability to work with everybody, showcase the best talent from around the world, and I think that's best for what we're doing."
Farmer emphasized the importance of good mentorship, especially in trick wrestling, for young, up-and-coming wrestlers looking to get involved in a circuit. He highlighted schools in the Northwest, such as Buddy Wayne Academy in Everett, Oregon Professional Wrestling School, and Lions Gate Dojo in Vancouver, Canada, as excellent places to start.
"I would recommend finding a great school, trainers that have a reputation of producing legitimate pro wrestlers," Farmer said. "There's a lot of places out there that you might not learn what you need to learn, [so] seek out the ones that are good, reputable places."
As for what is currently in the works at DEFY, there is some exciting news for wrestling fans. DEFY will return with a full-scale event on Friday, July 19, at Washington Hall in Seattle. The show will feature top talent from AEW, including the dynamic duo Anthony Bowens and Max Caster, better known together as The Acclaimed. Don't miss out on this exciting event and click here to get your tickets now!
"We haven't announced the entire card yet, but I can guarantee you, you're going to see some stars from around the globe and some of the best wrestlers DEFY has to offer," Farmer said.
For more exciting events and organizations in Seattle, tune into Trae every weekday at 11 am on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
