Author: Gareth Slade

Or Smash vs PROGRESS depending on where your loyalties lie. The two companies last did this dance three years ago. The rosters have changed dramatically for both in the intervening years. It’s a big card for a big week in Toronto leading to SummerSlam. Let’s have a gander. David Starr, Chris Brookes, Paul Robinson and Travis Banks vs. Idris Abraham, Joe Coleman, Sebastian Suave and Daniel Garcia Team Smash against Team PROGRESS. Three heels and a face taking on two heels and two faces. It’s like Survivor Series ’95 all over again! The Smash tag team champions, Halal Beefcake team…

The British wrestling scene was dealt a bit of a shock, today: Jim Smallman announced his intent to leave PROGRESS. He had been with the company since co-founding it in in 2011, along with Jon Briley and Glen Joseph. The company has been seen as one of, if not the best in the UK over the last three years. Starting the company eight years ago, the intent of PROGRESS was to promote strong style wrestling. JJG also sought to incorporate a punk rock aesthetic in order to help set PROGRESS apart. It was not a quick process, but the company…

On Sunday, August 4th, Revolution Pro Wrestling returns to the Cockpit in London for the 44th time. The biggest news concerns the tag title tournament in conjunction with NJPW. Beginning on the 4th, a four-team tournament will decide who goes to NJPW Royal Quest to face GOD. A shot at the IWGP tag team champions on the Japanese behemoth’s first big UK show is a damn fine prize. And it all kicks off at Live at the Cockpit 44. We have the brackets fully announced, along with the rest of the card. So let’s take a look at the talent…

Yesterday, Grizzled Young Veterans shockingly dethroned Aussie Open to win the PROGRESS tag titles. This marks the team’s third run with those particular titles. The teams’ second reign had been terminated by Aussie Open at Wembley last September. The finish of the match came via submission, to the Shankly Gates. Zack Gibson and James Drake have proven themselves to be massively reliable heat magnets. Since first winning the PROGRESS tag titles from CCK in 2017, they have gone from strength to strength. A quick title switcheroo with Jimmy Havoc & Mark Haskins saw them become two-time champs. Their stock rose…

On Sunday, July 28th, PROGRESS returns home to the Electric Ballroom in Camden for their 93rd full Chapter, Cheer Up Juice. The company is in an interesting place right now. A section of the hardcore fanbase (the Ultras) seem to have moved on from the company. This could be attributed to one of a few different developments. Firstly, the company’s close association with WWE has undermined its punk rock, underground presentation. Secondly, the men’s and women’s championships rarely appear on shows. I can’t remember the last time I saw Jordynne Grace wrestle in a PROGRESS ring. And finally, a lot…

On the 17th of July, RevPro made a big announcement for the coming month involving NJPW. A tag team tournament whereby the victors would earn a shot at NJPW tag team champions GOD at Royal Quest. That would, of course, be New Japan’s first big show in the UK. Dubbed the Road to Royal Quest, you’d have to say that this is a huge opportunity for all parties involved. The Copper Box Arena holds around 7,000 fans, and by all accounts is well on course to sell out. Couple that with the fact that the show will be broadcast on…

Wow! Just, wow. On the day of Sunday, July 7th, Walter retained the Unified PROGRESS Wrestling World Title in an absolute war against his old wXw foe Ilja Dragunov. On day two of this year’s Super Strong Style 16 tournament, World Champion Walter and Atlas Division Champion (205 lbs and above) Trent Seven put it all on the line to create a unified title. The Ring General was victorious, although he won in somewhat controversial circumstances (Seven’s foot was on the ropes for the finish). As a result of this, in addition to his signing for WWE, Walter has undergone…