From the early days of The Garage to selling out Wembley Arena. From unforgettable nights in Camden to taking British wrestling all the way to Las Vegas. PROGRESS Wrestling has delivered some incredible moments over the years, and now, after almost 200 Chapters, we’re approaching another milestone.
But before we start getting all emotional about Chapter 200, there’s the small (yeah, right, more like HUGE) matter of Chapter 199: Bonestorm.
And what a show the promotion – now under new ownership with Big Damo and Nikki Storm – has got lined up.
A returning wrestling legend. A Hollywood actor defending championship gold. A ThunderBastard with massive implications. And enough beef between wrestlers to keep your local butcher in business until Christmas.
Just another perfect PROGRESS Sunday, then.
On Sunday 25 October, the Electric Ballroom welcomes back the promotion that has made Camden one of the most recognisable destinations in independent wrestling. With Chapter 200: Vendetta 4 taking place on 29 November, this is the final stop before a landmark event.
And, knowing PROGRESS, I wouldn’t expect everyone to arrive at that milestone in one piece.
Eddie Kingston vs Luke Jacobs – Violence Is Definitely on the Menu
Let’s start with a match that has the potential to steal the entire show.
Eddie Kingston. Luke Jacobs.
Just reading those two names together makes my chest hurt.
Originally, Jacobs was scheduled to face Tommy End, a match that would have been fascinating in its own right. However, a change to the card means Kingston returns to PROGRESS to take on one of British wrestling’s most physical competitors.
And I absolutely love this.
Jacobs has built a reputation on his uncompromising style, combining technical ability with strikes that look like they could rearrange someone’s internal organs. Kingston, meanwhile, has spent years becoming one of wrestling’s most beloved fighters precisely because he makes everything feel real.
There is nothing particularly glamorous about what these two do.
They hit hard. They fight harder. And they make you believe every second of it.
I don’t expect a technical masterpiece filled with elaborate sequences. I expect two men standing opposite each other, trading chops, questioning their life choices and then deciding another chop is probably the sensible option.
Brilliant.
For Jacobs, this is another opportunity to demonstrate that he belongs alongside internationally recognised names. For Kingston, it’s a return to the sort of intimate, passionate wrestling environment where his personality can really shine.
Give these two 15 minutes and let them batter each other.
I’ll be watching through my fingers.
ThunderBastard – One Match, Six Wrestlers, One Huge Opportunity
Few match types capture the wonderful madness of PROGRESS quite like the ThunderBastard.
Six competitors. Staggered entrances. Eliminations. And a prize that makes every single second matter.
The winner earns a shot at Cara Noir’s PROGRESS Men’s World Championship at Chapter 200.
Now that’s what I call stakes.
The announced participants include Simon Miller, Drilla Moloney, Man Like DeReiss, Gene Munny and RKJ, with one remaining entrant still unconfirmed in the latest card information I could verify.
What I love about this line-up is the sheer variety of characters and styles.
DeReiss has already shown that he can operate at the very top of PROGRESS. Drilla brings aggression and intensity. RKJ possesses the sort of explosiveness that can change a match in seconds.
Then there’s Gene Munny.
A man who can make you laugh one minute and remind you why he’s a serious wrestling competitor the next. That’s a difficult balance to get right, but Gene makes it look effortless.
And Simon Miller? Well, anyone who has followed his journey knows how much wrestling means to him.
The beauty of this match is that there’s no obvious certainty. Every entrant has something to prove, and every elimination changes the complexion of the contest.
Whoever wins gets Cara Noir at Chapter 200.
No pressure, lads.
Rhio vs Raven Creed – The Champion Has a Problem
If there’s one thing PROGRESS has consistently delivered, it’s women’s wrestling that feels important.
And Rhio against Raven Creed is another example.
Rhio has become one of the promotion’s defining performers, combining physical intensity with a confidence that makes her feel every inch a champion.
But Raven Creed isn’t arriving to admire the championship belt.
After winning a number-one contender’s match at Chapter 198, Creed confronted Rhio following her successful defence against Steph De Lander and laid the champion out with a headbutt.
Not exactly a friendly introduction.
This is the sort of rivalry I enjoy because it doesn’t need unnecessary complications. The champion has something the challenger wants, and the challenger has made her intentions very clear.
Rhio’s physicality is well documented, but Creed has the intensity to make this a genuine battle.
I expect aggression, emotion and a champion who will have to dig deep to retain her title.
And if Rhio does emerge victorious, you can guarantee she’ll have earned it.
Tommy Tanner vs Sha Samuels – Youth Meets Experience
There’s something wonderfully traditional about this Atlas Championship contest.
On one side, Tommy Tanner, a rising talent whose development has been remarkable. On the other, Sha Samuels, a man who has seemingly been involved in British wrestling for as long as I’ve been paying council tax.
And I’m not exactly new to that particular monthly disappointment.
Tanner’s rise has been extraordinary. Becoming Atlas Champion so early in his career, alongside earning a WWE tryout, demonstrates just how highly regarded he is.
But Sha isn’t coming to Camden to congratulate him.
This is a classic clash of generations, and exactly the sort of match the Atlas Championship should showcase. Physical wrestling, big personalities and a young champion facing someone who knows every trick in the book.
Tanner might have youth on his side, but Samuels has experience, ring intelligence and the ability to turn a contest into an uncomfortable afternoon.
A fascinating test for the champion.
Paul Walter Hauser – Hollywood Comes to Camden
From winning awards in Hollywood to defending wrestling gold in the Electric Ballroom.
Not a career trajectory you see every day.
Paul Walter Hauser continues his remarkable relationship with professional wrestling by issuing an open challenge for the PROGRESS Proteus Championship.
And the identity of his opponent adds another layer of intrigue.
The Proteus Championship has always offered something different, and having a recognisable actor genuinely embrace the world of independent wrestling is fantastic exposure for the promotion.
But celebrity involvement only works when there’s genuine respect for the business.
Hauser clearly has that.
The question is whether his mystery challenger will share the sentiment.
Something tells me they won’t.
Tag Team Battles and Unfinished Business
Elsewhere, CPF’s Danny Black and Joe Lando face Kid Lykos and Kid Lykos II in a number-one contenders’ match, with a future shot at the PROGRESS Tag Team Championship on the line.
Expect speed, innovation and the sort of sequences that make you wonder whether anyone involved has ever heard of gravity.
Meanwhile, Nikki Storm teams with Angel Hayze against Alexxis Falcon and Myla Grace.
Hayze replaces Xelina, who, like Tommy End, is unavailable due to a personal matter. It’s an unfortunate change, but one that creates an intriguing Scottish partnership.
Falcon and Grace have already demonstrated their willingness to cause chaos, and their attack at Chapter 198 ensures this contest carries more than a little personal animosity.
There’s a story here, and I’m interested to see where it goes.
One More Chapter Before 200
From technical wrestling to absolute brutality. From established names to tomorrow’s stars. From genuinely emotional storytelling to moments that make you laugh out loud.
This is why I love PROGRESS.
Chapter 199 isn’t simply another show before a big anniversary. It’s an opportunity to develop rivalries, create new contenders and remind everyone why this promotion has remained such an important part of British wrestling.
The Electric Ballroom crowd will be loud. The wrestling should be excellent. And somewhere in Camden, someone will probably spend Monday explaining to their colleagues why they’ve lost their voice.
As for me?
It’s a PROGRESS Sunday.
And after all these years, I still can’t think of many better ways to spend one.
Bring on Bonestorm. Get your tickets here
