Brit Escapist here:
But that's me personally, what about the rest of the nation? I think it might be something to do with the image that wrestling has. Most people think of wrestling to be this:
It's very Amerianised, very macho, very individualistic- heck they all look like super-hero's, none of which mean anything to stereotypically modest and introverted Britishers.
That's Liverpool FC at their home ground in Anfield. They're the pride of the city, and the pride of most people whom identify with scousers and perhaps anyone whom hates Man U. Football is something any city kid can play, all you need is a football and a few friends. It's something that practically all British children grow up playing, and when they are too old to play, they watch in their local pub. Football is a team game, and it's a game with it's heart in the city. It's rooted into the mindset of British working class culture.
Now, this is from a recent England V India cricket match. Cricket certainly appeals more to the wealthy rural classes, the middle England type i suppose, but is also very popular in places up north such as Yorkshire. Cricket is a living legacy of the British Empire, which perhaps at a subtle, subconscious level appeals to some people. However, for most i think it's something you just grow up with if you have a privileged upbringing in one of the many rural towns across the countryside. Many English villages have a cricket green, it's a very nice, comfortable game to play on warm summer days. Again, like football it's a team game, only this time in the countryside and perhaps with a dose of old British stiff upper lip.
If wrestling was a major British sport, i can only think that it got overtaken by football or perhaps boxing, which is a major sport in the UK. If anything, i think wrestling needs to lose it's American image and tone itself down a bit if it wants to appeal more to Brit's.
