A proposed wrestling academy formed by NXT UK's James Drake and Zack Gibson have been dealt a blow after planning officials advised the local council to reject the proposed school.

Drake and Gibson, who became the first NXT UK Tag Champions earlier this year, are looking to build a school in Bootle, UK, after founding Fighting Spirit Wrestling in Maghull, Merseyside.

Fighting Spirit, which bills itself as "the most in-demand training school in the UK", currently shares a building with a martial arts centre.

Sefton Council said it received over 200 comments backing the plans, alongside a petition signed by local residents.

Locals told the council the planned wrestling school would keep young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour, and improve health and wellbeing in the area.

But a council report recommended the plans be turned down, mainly due to concerns over a loss of employment space "without adequate justification".

Gibson said that "logic isn't prevailing," in response to the decision. 

The proposed school and plans are set to be discussed at a meeting on September 25.