Chapter by Chapter: The Tragedy and Triumph of PROGRESS Wrestling

“We are PROGRESS — and this is our religion.”— Jim Smallman, Chapter One (2012)

In the beginning, there was no titan of television, no corporate titan promising global eyes — only a cramped room above a pub, a homemade ring, and a feverish belief that British wrestling could be something more.

In March 2012, in London’s Islington Garage, a handful of dreamers rewrote the book — or rather, began a new one. They didn’t call their events “shows.” They called them Chapters, as if each night of blood and sweat was a living page in a story still being written.

This wasn’t just a wrestling promotion. It was a manifesto. Founded by Jim Smallman, Jon Briley, and Glen Robinson, PROGRESS Wrestling emerged as a reaction — a counterculture movement against the sterile sports-entertainment model that had come to define the scene. Everything about it screamed rebellion: the punk rock soundtrack, the standing-room-only crowds, the handmade championship made from staffs and shields instead of belts, and a roster of young, hungry wrestlers who didn’t just want to perform — they wanted to change the culture.

Chapter 1. Genesis & Debut Show (2011–2012)

In 2011, comedian-wrestling fan Jim Smallman and his agent/partner Jon Briley set out to fill a gap. Their vision: a London-based wrestling promotion rooted not in velour and corporate slickness but in live-music-venue energy, punk-rock ethos and British talent. Smallman had long been a fan of Japanese-style strong-style wrestling; Briley brought business acumen. They spent some seven months planning and constructed the concept of “shows as Chapters” — each event numbered and titled, giving a sense of serialized storytelling, progression and collectability. Wikipedia+2progresswrestling.com+2

This “Chapter” framing did two key things:

• It treated each show as part of an ongoing narrative rather than isolated cards.

• It emphasised the idea of a volume/book, a serial instead of standalone events — appealing to fans who follow from Chapter to Chapter.

The very first event: Chapter 1: “In the Beginning”, held on 25 March 2012 at The Garage in Islington, London. progresswrestling.com+1The Garage was chosen deliberately: a reputable music venue with roughly 300-400 capacity, giving that DIY, indie gig feel. Wikipedia+1

On that night the match card included a three-way elimination for the inaugural PROGRESS Men’s Championship (Nathan Cruz vs El Ligero vs Marty Scurll), with Cruz emerging the first champion. Wikipedia+1

Also featured: early appearances by rising stars such as Will Ospreay vs Paul Robinson, and the fledgling underdog figure of Mark Andrews.

From the first moments one could sense the tone: intros, chants, lights, rock-gig energy, the fans as part of the show. It was an alternative to the south-hall corporate model.

That inaugural card set templates:

• British/European heavy use rather than US imports.

• Titles that matter (with origins in character rather than just display).

• Audience participation and venue atmosphere as part of the identity.

• Promos and video packages with punk-rock overtones (e.g., skateboards, band-style entrances, back-stage “mini-films”).

Thus began the serial of PROGRESS, Chapter by Chapter.

Chapter 2. Early Growth & The “Chapter” Culture (2012–2014)

With Chapter 1 in March 2012, PROGRESS quickly followed up with subsequent events: Chapter 2, 3, 4, 5… each with a subtitle, each building storylines, each sold in the Dice app etc. The naming convention (Chapter X: Subtitle) gave uniformity and a sense of “next episode” momentum. Cultured Vultures describes it as “100 Chapters of PROGRESS”. Cultured Vultures

During 2012–2014, the promotion held eleven consecutive shows at The Garage, with crowds increasing (by Chapter 11 the venue was sold out at ~350). Then in March 2014 for Chapter 12 the move to the Camden Electric Ballroom (~700 capacity) happened. Wikipedia

The early years built the style:

• Video packages & presentation: Wrestler entries and promos looked like indie film clips, not just ring announcements.

• Match‐structure: Losses were meaningful; talent was built rather than burned rapidly. For example Mark Andrews lost several times before winning the Natural Progression Series.

• Titles and items: In a twist, the PROGRESS Championship (Men’s) was initially represented not solely by a belt but by a large staff with an eagle headpiece — giving the title an artefact, symbolic weight rather than just a standard strap. Wikipedia+1At Chapter 16 (30 Nov 2014) the staff was replaced by the more traditional belt. Wikipedia

• Tap-ins to international exposure: PROGRESS started working with overseas promotions (e.g., German wXw). By 2014 they placed appearances at music festivals (Sonisphere) and outside London. Wikipedia

In these years, story arcs matured: underdogs, betrayals, factions and club-crowd ambience lit the cards.

Chapter 3. The First Main Characters: Andrews, Ospreay & Havoc (2013–2016)

Mark Andrews

Andrews debuted in PROGRESS at Chapter 2 in 2012, defeated Wild Boar Mike Hitchman, then returned at Chapter 3. WikipediaHe won the Natural Progression Series in 2013 — a tournament designed to showcase new or evolving talent — defeating Jonathan Windsor and Paul Robinson. progresswrestling.com+1That victory granted him a title shot, and at the same night he defeated Rampage Brown to become PROGRESS Champion, only for the title to be cashed in upon that same night by Jimmy Havoc. Wikipedia+1Despite the very short reign (<1 day) it became one of PROGRESS’s most famous moments — an underdog getting the moment, then being wronged, building audience sympathy.Later he teamed with Eddie Dennis as “FSU” and became the first Tag Team Champions of PROGRESS. WikipediaAndrews’ style: high-flying, punk-rock, skateboard in hand, building rapport with the crowd. His story exemplifies PROGRESS’s underdog ethos.

Will Ospreay

Although Ospreay’s greatest fame would come outside PROGRESS, he appeared early (Chapter 1) and engaged in marquee matches. He defeated Havoc for the PROGRESS Championship at Chapter 20, marking a symbolic passing of the torch from wild-hardcore to aerial future. (From earlier history)His presence brought wider attention to PROGRESS: he connected with the fans, the “new wave” of British wrestling.

Jimmy Havoc

Havoc debuted in PROGRESS at Chapter 2 (May 2012) and lost six successive matches, building babyface momentum. Cultured VulturesAt Chapter 9 (Nov 2013) he turned heel by attacking Smallman, aligning with the London Riots, and then cashed in his open contract to beat Andrews (who’d just won the title) to become PROGRESS Champion. (History from earlier sources)Havoc reigned for 609 days (a record) as a destructive heel champion — he embraced hardcore, no-DQ, weapons-heavy style, but always as a character with story. His eventual loss represented a catharsis for the crowd.

These three intertwine: Andrews’ underdog story, Ospreay’s rise, Havoc’s reign — and through them PROGRESS’s identity as a promotion where long build, risk-taking styles and fan–performer connection matter.

Chapter 4. The Rise, Reign, and Fall of Havoc

Despite the controversies surronding his name today, it is impossible to talk about PROGRESS Wrestling without mentioning Jimmy Havoc. He is perhaps the first truly big star that PROGRESS created before being left behind by his contemporaries. To discuss the direction of PROGRESS, we must go in depth into the times of Havoc.

“For a long time I lost. That made the fight mean more.”— a line that might have been written for Jimmy Havoc’s arc in PROGRESS: bruised, unpredictable, theatrical, and finally, terrifyingly dominant.

Prologue: Who was Jimmy Havoc to PROGRESS?

Before we step into Chapters, quick orientation. Jimmy Havoc (birth name James McAhren) arrived on the UK scene as a man whose look, moves, and in-ring choices promised two things: unpredictability and pain. He combined punk-era, self-destructive charisma with a willingness to use chairs, tables and fire-brand imagery. In PROGRESS he became the living embodiment of the company’s darker side — a heel you loved to hate and, on occasion, a tragic face you still couldn’t help but cheer. Wikipedia+1

Part One: The Debut & The Losing Streak (June 2012 — mid-2013)

Debut in the Garage — the set up

Jimmy Havoc’s first appearance for PROGRESS came early in the promotion’s life. He showed up at Chapter Two (held in late June 2012 at The Garage, Islington) as a raw, hungry act — not yet a fully formed monster. PROGRESS at this stage was still a tightly packed music-venue show where crowd reaction mattered as much as the matches. Havoc immediately connected with the audience… but not as a confident mat-star. He lost — and then kept losing. prowrestling.fandom.com+1

The deliberate underdog construction

Across the next months Havoc lost six straight matches in PROGRESS. This booking was deliberate and important: it built him as a tragic hero — someone the crowd could project sympathy onto. Those early defeats were the emotional fuel for his later heel turn. The booking plant was classical long-game storytelling: make the audience invest in a flawed, beaten man so that any turn or big win later would be earned and bitterly resonant. Wikipedia

Part Two: The Turning Point — Chapter Nine & The Attack on Smallman (Nov 2013)

(Due to the issues surronding Jimmy Havoc, it is somewhat difficult to find pictures of videos of him. I will do my best where I can)

The break-glass moment

At Chapter Nine (November 2013) the narrative pivoted. In a scene that read like a punk rock betrayal, Havoc attacked PROGRESS promoter Jim Smallman in front of the crowd. The assault was theatrical, vicious and calculated: it rewired Havoc from sympathetic underdog into furious antagonist. The attack—followed by the appearance of the London Riots and other allies—announced Havoc’s heel turn in no uncertain terms. Wikipedia+1

The open contract — a heel’s opportunism

Smallman had, as part of the show’s drama, given Havoc an “open contract” — an in-story device that allowed Havoc to demand any match at any time. Immediately after the Smallman attack, Havoc used that contract to cash in on the freshly victorious Mark Andrews, who had just wrestled multiple matches and taken a hell of a beating. The result: Havoc picked up his first PROGRESS victory — and it was for the company’s top prize. That moment crystallized Havoc’s character: ruthless, opportunistic, and unconcerned with aesthetics if it meant achieving domination. Wikipedia+1

Part Three: From First Win to Champion — Building Terror (Late 2013 — 2014)

Rapid escalation

Havoc’s first title win was not a gradual ascent — it hit like an avalanche. The character that lost repeatedly was now a champion who used fear and tools to secure victories. Early title defenses were savage, appointment-style main events meant to consolidate Havoc’s new identity and convince audiences that the monster was no accident. He leaned hard into no-disqualification psychology and the aesthetics of hardcore wrestling, but PROGRESS always kept those matches within character play (story meaning first, violence second). 411mania.com+1

The Regression stable — a philosophy of destruction

Havoc combined with other players — including Paul Robinson and later associates — forming factions (often referenced by fans as Regression or simply the London Riots’ allies) that doubled as both muscle and thematic framing: they weren’t merely a tag team, they were an ideological critique of PROGRESS’s optimistic “progress” — a group that wanted chaos rather than forward motion. That gave Havoc the theatrical allies he needed to control rings and crowds. 411mania.com

Part Four: The Reign — Not Just Time, but Tone (2013 — July 2015)

Statistical dominance

Jimmy Havoc’s PROGRESS World Championship reign officially clocked in at 609 days with multiple successful defenses (nine defenses recorded during his run). That reign wasn’t just long by numbers — it became the spine of PROGRESS’s main narrative for a sustained period: an era defined by a violent champion who warped the feel of the promotion’s main events. (PROGRESS title history lists his 609 days as second only to later Cara Noir). Wikipedia

Match psychology & signature defenses

Havoc’s defenses were textbook character matches: they often featured stipulations (no-DQs, ladder stipulations, weapons), carefully chosen opponents whose strengths contrasted with Havoc’s savagery, and promos that emphasized his nihilistic worldview. Notable defenses included bouts against technical threats like Zack Sabre Jr. (where the juxtaposition — Sabre’s cerebral mat work vs Havoc’s messy violence — created compelling TV) and multi-man main events in which Havoc used interference and opportunism to prevail. These matches expanded PROGRESS’s palette: the company could run high-skill technical bouts and visceral, hardcore-pitch conflicts without losing coherence. 411mania.com+1

Crowd dynamics — making a hero’s fall matter

Part of what made Havoc’s reign effective was the crowd reaction. In PROGRESS’s tight rooms the audience became an omniscient chorus: their white-hot hatred of Havoc made his matches feel like public-vengeance rituals. Book Havoc as the antagonist and the room would respond like a living organism — curses, chants, and the desire for catharsis. That emotional investment is why his eventual loss had real impact. 411mania.com

Chapter Five: The Rivalry with Will Ospreay — Poetry vs. Pyrotechnics (2014–2015)

The set-up — young flyweight vs. hardened hardcore

Will Ospreay first crossed paths with Havoc in the earlier days of their careers. In PROGRESS the contrast was narratively perfect: Ospreay represented a new generation of British wrestling — dazzling aerial offense, athletic bravado, a near-mythic ability to flip the ring on its head. Havoc, by contrast, brought the vicious counterpoint: he wanted to break limbs, spirits, and images. The matchup became framed as ideology: cleanliness and spectacle versus dirty, nihilistic dominance. Voices of Wrestling+1

Escalation to the No-DQ title match

By mid-2015 the feud reached a crescendo. Havoc, the reigning champion who delighted in no-rules chaos, agreed to defend against Ospreay in a No Disqualification match. The build was classic PROGRESS: a series of promos and a cinematic package that amplified the stakes, intercut with sequences of Ospreay picking up momentum and Havoc leaning into brutality. Critically, Havoc asked for the No-DQ stipulation — illustrating his confidence that rulelessness was his advantage. The story logic was clean: Havoc would weaponize lawlessness; Ospreay would have to overcome it with speed, ingenuity and crowd belief. 411mania.com+1

The match — Chapter Twenty (July 2015)

At Chapter 20: Thunderbastard / Beyond Thunderbastard (July 26, 2015), Ospreay challenged Havoc for the PROGRESS World Championship in that No-DQ main event. The match was a violent, athletic, and dramatic affair — about 26 minutes — mixing the high-flying spots of Ospreay with Havoc’s chair shots, ring-post violence and opportunistic psychology. In the end, Ospreay found the opening: using speed, desperation, and one of his signature aerial counters, he overcame Havoc’s brutality and captured the PROGRESS World Championship, ending Havoc’s 609-day reign. The crowd’s release was seismic. cagematch.net+1

Part Six: Aftermath & Legacy in PROGRESS

What Havoc left behind

Havoc’s reign had structural consequences for PROGRESS. He demonstrated that the promotion could sustain a gruesome, long-term antagonist in the main event slot and that those chapters could have a coherent narrative arc from underdog to tyrant to dethroned. The matches during his era also broadened PROGRESS’s audience: fans of hardcore style would come for Havoc, while traditional and technical fans stayed because the booking usually paired Havoc with technically credible opponents. This cross-pollination increased the company’s creative flexibility. 411mania.com+1

The loss to Ospreay as narrative catharsis

The Ospreay win was more than a title change: it was narrative catharsis. Ospreay’s victory symbolized a generational shift — athletic spectacle overcoming cynical, nihilistic domination. For a promotion that prized long arcs, the payoff felt earned. That moment also helped launch Ospreay further into stardom while preserving Havoc’s aura: he departed as a hated, believable figure — not a forgotten punching bag. 411mania.com+1

Later years and context

Havoc continued to work in PROGRESS through later years (returning for various chapters and storylines), but the 609-day reign and the defeat by Ospreay remain the central spine of his PROGRESS legacy. That reign later stood in the record books as one of the promotion’s longest modern runs and a crucial storytelling experiment that PROGRESS pulled off: long-term heat, brutal finishes, and a payoff that served both the company and the eventual new champion. Wikipedia+1

Why Havoc’s Run Worked (and Where It Risked Overreach)

1. Slow burn booking — The initial losses gave Havoc emotional resonance; the swing to brutality felt earned. Fans who experienced his trajectory felt the arc genuinely. Wikipedia

2. Psychology of rulelessness — The No-DQ stipulation wasn’t a lazy choice; it was a logical expression of Havoc’s character, and therefore the Ospreay match’s stakes were coherent and dramatic. 411mania.com

3. Crowd as co-author — PROGRESS’s small-venue energy amplified Havoc’s heel heat to near-mythic levels; his presence turned arenas into communal catharses. 411mania.com

4. Risk of saturation — A long hardcore reign can desensitise fans if the promotion doesn’t rotate match psychology. PROGRESS mitigated this by matching Havoc with technically diverse opponents (e.g., Sabre Jr., Ospreay), which kept matches fresh. 411mania.com+1

Key Matches & Moments (recommended viewing)

• Chapter Two (June 2012) — Havoc’s debut and early losses (to grasp the underdog setup). prowrestling.fandom.com

• Chapter Nine (Nov 2013) — Havoc attacks Jim Smallman; heel turn and open-contract angle. Slam Wrestling

• Title cash-in vs Mark Andrews (Chapter 9/10 sequence, Nov 2013) — Havoc’s first title win via opportunistic cash-in. 411mania.com

• Defense vs Zack Sabre Jr. (Chapter 11) — David vs Goliath of psychology: Havoc’s weapons vs Sabre’s technical nuance. Wikipedia

• Chapter 20: No-DQ vs Will Ospreay (26 July 2015) — The defining end of the Havoc era; violent, athletic, cathartic. cagematch.net+1

Epilogue: Havoc’s Place in PROGRESS Mythos

Jimmy Havoc’s arc in PROGRESS reads like a short, brutal gothic novel folded into a wrestling card:

• He began as a lovable loser, a protagonist in need of story;

• He became the monstrous antagonist that tested the company’s moral center;

• He held the crown for an era defined by its brutality;

• His defeat to Will Ospreay was a precisely constructed payoff that reshaped the promotion’s trajectory and helped elevate Ospreay — while preserving Havoc’s infamy.

PROGRESS trusted long-form storytelling; Havoc rewarded that trust by providing a villain whose mere presence made each Chapter feel heavier, darker and more urgent. That is his legacy inside PROGRESS: not merely days counted on a title reign, but a texture he brought to the company’s narrative voice. Wikipedia+1

Chapter 5. The Expansion Era & British Strong Style (2015–2018)

By 2015, PROGRESS had grown beyond Camden’s small venues: it began touring, running shows in Manchester, Birmingham, and even international stops. They launched the major tournament Super Strong Style 16 (SSS16) which became a signature weekend-festival format. BritWrestling+1

This era saw the formation of the stable British Strong Style (Pete Dunne, Tyler Bate, Trent Seven) inside PROGRESS. They blended catch wrestling, strikes, Japanese strong-style and held the tag and singles divisions. Bate’s win of the first WWE UK Championship (in 2017) was partly enabled by their work in PROGRESS. Sportskeeda+1

The heavyweight dominance of WALTER (also known as Big Daddy WALTER) emerged too. WALTER debuted in PROGRESS in May 2015, and his run as PROGRESS Atlas/World Champion became legendary. For example at Chapter 51 (2017) he defended the Atlas title. Wikipedia+1

Importantly, PROGRESS formed working partnerships:

• With wXw (Germany) — allowing talent exchange and international flavour. (user comments show recognition) Reddit+1

• With WWE — starting in 2016, PROGRESS hosted qualifying matches for the WWE Cruiserweight Classic (Chapter 29) and became a partner in the UK scene. WikipediaThese partnerships raised exposure but also began to create tensions: fans worried about losing indie edge. BritWrestlingStory-wise the expansion allowed: bigger venues (Chapter 36 at Brixton Academy ~2400, Chapter 55 at Alexandra Palace ~2000). WikipediaPROGRESS’s match structure matured: tournaments like Thunderbastard (for example Andrews won Chapter 43) built arcs; title unifications happened; wrestlers traded wins across styles; international names appeared.It was a golden era of growth, exposure and creative boldness.

Chapter 6. Women’s Division Introduced (2016–2018)

While PROGRESS began as a male-dominated show, by 2016 the decision was made to build a women’s division. On 24 April 2016 it was announced that the Natural Progression Series IV would feature the first Women’s Championship tournament. Wikipedia+1On 28 May 2017 the title was officially created (PROGRESS Women’s Championship). WikipediaInitial focus: tournaments (Revelations of Divine Love) showcased emerging women talent such as Candyfloss, Millie McKenzie, Sierra Loxton. Last Word On SportsFirst champion: Toni Storm. Jinny won at Chapter 69 (20 May 2018) defeating Toni Storm. Diva DirtLater champions: Jordynne Grace (#Unboxing Dec 30 2018) etc. wrestlezone.comIn 2024 a new belt design was unveiled (Chapter 169) to emphasise parity with Men’s title. progresswrestling.com

The build of the women’s division mirrored the men’s: long arcs, underdog stories, tournaments, multi-chapter narratives, not just “match of the night”. The introduction of the division gave PROGRESS further depth and affirmed its progressive identity (no pun intended).

Chapter 7. Mid-Era Peak & Partnerships (2018–2019)

By September 2018 PROGRESS held Chapter 76: Hello Wembley at the SSE Arena, Wembley – attendance ~4,750 — its largest independent show in England in 30 years. Wikipedia+1

At this point PROGRESS was arguably at its peak: major tournaments (SSS16), big venues, heavy talent roster, crossover into USA, Europe, streaming via WWE Network (for some shows). Partnerships:

• With WWE: In 2016 PROGRESS hosted qualifying matches for the WWE Cruiserweight Classic at Chapter 29. Wikipedia+1Their talent (Pete Dunne, Tyler Bate, Mark Andrews) appeared in WWE UK tournaments (2017) etc. WikipediaThe relationship offered exposure, but also created critique among indie fans who felt PROGRESS might lose some identity. BritWrestling+1

• With wXw (Germany): Talent flow and co-promos built European interconnectedness. One of the major matches of Hello Wembley was WXW's Ilja Dragunov vs PROGRESS's Pete Dunne. (Reddit commentary) Reddit

• With NOAH: In later years a working relationship with Japanese Pro Wrestling NOAH emerged (February 2024 discussions) signalling global reach. Reddit

During this era storylines converged: WALTER’s dominance, British Strong Style’s tag/singles wars, Andrews/Ospreay’s high-fly arcs, women’s division maturity. Each Chapter felt part of a larger serial.

But simultaneously, the WWE linkage meant many top stars departed or had diminished availability — a tension built into PROGRESS’s evolution.

Chapter 8. Crisis, Pandemic & The Shifting Landscape (2020–2021)

Two big external shocks hit PROGRESS almost simultaneously: the internal crisis triggered by the UK independent scene’s sexual-harassment revelations (the “Speaking Out” movement) and then the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking Out Movement

In June 2020 PROGRESS issued a public statement acknowledging the issues raised by the #SpeakingOut movement within UK wrestling. The promotion declared it would no longer work with certain performers (e.g., David Starr, Travis Banks, El Ligero) and suspended titles. Wikipedia+1This shook many fans — both in trust and perception — and forced PROGRESS to reassess internal culture, creative oversight and governance.

Pandemic and “Behind-Closed-Doors” Shows

From early 2020 live-venue shutdowns cascaded. PROGRESS held “Chapter 104: Natural Progression” on 20 Feb 2021 at Theatre Peckham with no live fans. Over 23 shows were produced behind closed doors and featured on WWE Network. Wikipedia+1The vibe necessarily changed: the crowd-chant energy, live visceral feel of Camden Electric Ballroom was muted. Fans and performers both felt the loss of that “gig” ambience.Meanwhile the roster exodus continued: the tie-in with WWE/NXT UK meant many talents left or had restricted bookings. That in turn impacted the independent-edge that PROGRESS had cultivated. Sportskeeda+1In December 2021 ownership changed: Lee McAteer & Martyn Best took over from Briley. progresswrestling.com+1

It was a reset moment — PROGRESS had to rebuild while preserving its soul.

Chapter 9. New Wave & Re-Emergence: Cara Noir, Gresham, Fresh Talent (2019–2023)

Amid the shake-up, PROGRESS leaned into new storytellers and characters.

Cara Noir

Cara Noir emerged September 2019 via the Natural Progression Series. progresswrestling.comHis character: theatrical, balletic, gothic-punk, “The Black Swan” of wrestling. At Chapter 101 (January 2020) he captured the PROGRESS World Championship; his reign lasted 791 days and 17 defences — the longest in the title’s history. Wikipedia

Noir’s presence symbolised PROGRESS’s story evolution: still underground energy, but layered characters, cinematic entrances, mood, psychology. He bridged the old days with fresh creative direction.

Jonathan Gresham

On 20 March 2022 at Chapter 130, Jonathan Gresham (ROH World Champion) defeated Cara Noir to become the first American to hold the PROGRESS World Championship. Wrestling Inc.

However, his reign was abruptly ended on 15 May 2022. Gresham was stripped after a DQ finish due to interference, leaving the title vacant. Wikipedia

This slugged out finish emphasised PROGRESS’s meta awareness: title changes not just via simple match, but via layers of inter-stable conflict, interference and real-life booking dynamics.

Man Like Dereiss

When Man Like Dereiss first stepped into the PROGRESS Wrestling ring back in 2018, few could have predicted how far his journey would take him. Initially, Dereiss made waves as one half of The 0121, a tag team alongside DRILLA Moloney that perfectly captured the energy and swagger of Birmingham. Their chemistry, charisma, and brash confidence led them to PROGRESS Tag Team Championship gold, establishing Dereiss as more than just a promising newcomer — he was a star in the making.

As time went on, Dereiss struck out on his own, evolving into “The Lyrical Dragon,” a nickname that reflects both his rhythmic flow on the mic and his fluid, athletic in-ring style. His singles career gathered serious momentum in 2025 when he outlasted some of the best in the world to win Super Strong Style 16, PROGRESS’s most prestigious tournament. That victory paved the way for an even bigger milestone: capturing the PROGRESS Men’s World Championship in a brutal Tables, Ladders & Chairs match against Luke Jacobs at Chapter 183: 100 Volts.

From tag team beginnings to the very top of the mountain, Dereiss’s story in PROGRESS is one of constant elevation — a rare mix of charm, grit, and genuine connection with the fans that has made him one of the faces of the modern PROGRESS era.

North West Strong (Chris Ridgeway, Ethan Allen & Luke Jacobs)

The group known as North West Strong has become a cornerstone of PROGRESS Wrestling’s modern identity. Led by the technically relentless Chris Ridgeway, the faction embodies the hard-nosed, no-nonsense spirit of British strong style — and each member’s rise within PROGRESS tells part of that larger story.

Chris Ridgeway first came to PROGRESS as a sharp-shooting submission specialist, earning a reputation for precision and punishment. His breakthrough came in 2021 when he won a four-way bout to become number one contender for the PROGRESS World Title. In the years that followed, Ridgeway evolved from respected technician to championship-level competitor, ultimately capturing both the Super Strong Style 16 trophy and the World Title, solidifying his place as one of the company’s most formidable wrestlers.

Beside him, Ethan Allen and Luke Jacobs emerged as the hungry young prodigies of the group. Allen debuted in 2021 during the Natural Progression Series, instantly impressing fans with his composure and crisp technical game. Together, Allen and Jacobs formed a bruising tag team that mixed youthful energy with a seasoned sense of aggression — the kind of team that looked born to fight.

Jacobs, in particular, has carved out a headline career of his own. After winning the Natural Progression Series and claiming the ATLAS Championship, he went on to win Super Strong Style 16 in 2024 and later the PROGRESS Men’s World Championship. For a while, North West Strong ruled every division they touched, and Jacobs stood at the very top.

When Dereiss eventually dethroned Jacobs for the title, it felt like a passing of the torch — but North West Strong’s influence on PROGRESS remains undeniable. Together, they’ve reshaped what British wrestling toughness looks like in the modern era.

Lykos Gym (Kid Lykos & Kid Lykos II)

No tag team in PROGRESS embodies reinvention quite like Lykos Gym. What began as Kid Lykos’s return from injury and retirement evolved into a full-fledged wrestling movement — one that blends mischief, high-octane offense, and underdog heart into something uniquely their own.

The original Kid Lykos first appeared in PROGRESS in 2017, earning a cult following as part of the Calamari Catch Kings. After injuries forced him to step away, few expected him back. But in 2020, he returned — this time with a protégé, Kid Lykos II, forming the unpredictable duo known as Lykos Gym. The pair quickly captured the PROGRESS Tag Team Championships by defeating The Young Guns in 2021, marking the beginning of a wild, meme-filled, yet intensely emotional run that endeared them to fans across the country.

Lykos’s story didn’t stop there. In 2023, the veteran masked wolf shocked everyone by winning Super Strong Style 16, then followed it up by claiming the PROGRESS Men’s World Championship, a crowning moment that transformed him from cult favorite to legitimate main-eventer. Lykos II, meanwhile, has grown from an apprentice into a credible star in his own right, helping the team reclaim the tag titles in 2025 and proving that Lykos Gym is far more than a gimmick — it’s a brotherhood built on resilience, creativity, and a lot of chaos.

Gene Munny

Gene Munny might be PROGRESS Wrestling’s most unorthodox success story. For years, Munny was seen as the comic relief of the roster — a man with a loud personality, a big heart, and an even bigger sense of humor. But behind the laughs was a fiercely dedicated performer who gradually transformed that entertainment value into undeniable legitimacy.

Munny’s “quest” to prove himself became one of the most beloved long-term stories in PROGRESS. His campaign to be included in Super Strong Style 16 — complete with self-made posters, fan petitions, and endless determination — showcased his blend of charm and perseverance. Over time, he began to back it up in the ring with hard-hitting performances that reminded everyone he could wrestle as well as he could entertain.

That journey paid off in 2025 when Munny captured the PROGRESS ATLAS Championship at Chapter 183: 100 Volts. It was a career-defining victory that felt like validation for years of effort, humor, and heart. In a company built on grit and intensity, Gene Munny proved that charisma and comedy could still lead to championship gold.

Charles Crowley

Few wrestlers in PROGRESS have undergone as striking a transformation as Charles Crowley. He began his tenure not in the ring, but behind a microphone — part of the commentary and presentation team during the Peckham era of PROGRESS. But Crowley is, above all else, a showman. It didn’t take long before he decided to step through the ropes himself, bringing his theatrical flair and larger-than-life presence into full focus.

As an in-ring performer, Crowley’s evolution has been fascinating to watch. He’s faced international stars like Blake Christian and competed in high-profile tournaments like Super Strong Style 16, all while refining his mix of villainous charm and crowd-pleasing bravado. His persona — equal parts actor, manipulator, and competitor — makes every Crowley appearance feel like theatre with a wrestling heartbeat.

In PROGRESS, Charles Crowley represents something different: the blending of performance art and professional wrestling into one eccentric, captivating package. Whether behind the desk or in the spotlight, he’s proven that charisma can be just as dangerous a weapon as any submission hold.

Chapter 10. Full Circle — Modern Day & Future (2022–2025)

Post-pandemic, PROGRESS under new ownership (McAteer & Best) has attempted to reclaim and refresh its identity.

The Company returned to shows in January 2022, e.g., Chapter 127 “And The Word Was PROGRESS” at the Electric Ballroom. Reddit

They continue to run large roster shows, tournaments (Super Strong Style 16 returned May 2025 at Chapter 180) and have merged/partnered with US-based DEFY Wrestling (announced Feb 2024) for global expansion. WikipediaTheir current roster mix reflects legacy stars (Andrews, CCK, Lykos), new blood (Man Like Dereiss), and international guests. The women’s division continues, with champion Rhio marking 365 days as Women’s World Champion by October 2024. 411mania.com

Though the scene is changed — competition, streaming, global presence — PROGRESS still markets itself as “punk rock wrestling”. The challenges remain (roster churn, fan expectations, live-event energy) but the brand endures.

Chapter 11. Why PROGRESS Matters — Its Unique DNA

• “Chapter” style: Every event labelled and tied into a serial narrative, emphasising story continuity and fandom investment.

• Venue experience: The crowd is a character — chants, crowds doing hand signals, rock-gig energy — not passive spectators.

• Title symbolism: Early use of staff rather than belts, creative title designs, belts used as narrative props (e.g., women’s belt redesign for parity) reflect deeper storytelling than just “gold on waist”.

• Home-grown talent with global exposure: PROGRESS nurtured British/European talent and offered them arcs — not just one-off appearances — before major promotions came calling.

• Style-diversity: High-flying (Andrews/Ospreay), technical (Sabre, Gresham), heavy-striker/strong-style (WALTER, British Strong Style), tag comedy/innovative (CCK) — all under one roof.

• Cross-brand partnerships: Despite being indie-rooted, PROGRESS worked with WWE, wXw, NOAH, DEFY — giving talent and fans linkage to global wrestling while keeping indie roots.

• Resilience & reinvention: The company weathered major crises (Speaking Out, pandemic, roster exodus) and re-emerged, showing adaptability while maintaining culture.

Chapter 12. Championships & Their Unique Flavour

PROGRESS’s championships distinctive features:

• PROGRESS World Championship (Men’s): Created 25 March 2012. Unique early artefact: the championship was symbolised by a staff with an eagle head-piece rather than a conventional belt. This staff lasted until Chapter 16 (30 Nov 2014) when a belt replaced it. Wikipedia+1The staff symbolised PROGRESS’s identity: quirky, rebellious, symbolic.Title history: Nathan Cruz inaugural; most reigns Marty Scurll; longest reign Cara Noir (791 days) etc. WikipediaOn 5 May 2019 WALTER unified the World and Atlas titles, creating the “Unified” designation. Everything Explained Today+1

• PROGRESS Atlas Championship: Introduced in 2016 as a heavy-weight specialist title, to give heavier athletes prominence in a style-heavy company. For example Rampage Brown inaugural champ; WALTER held it before unification. progresswrestling.com

• PROGRESS Women’s/World Women’s Championship: Announced April 24 2016 that the Natural Progression Series IV would crown its first Women’s Champion; officially created 28 May 2017. Wikipedia+1Champions include Toni Storm (first), Jinny, Jordynne Grace, Meiko Satomura. The belt redesign (recent) symbolised parity and excellence. progresswrestling.com

• PROGRESS Tag Team Championships: The Tag Title division began early (Andrews & Dennis first champs) and has hosted tag names like CCK, British Strong Style, Aussie Open. Unique for giving tag teams headline flavour in a singles-driven era.

• PROGRESS Proteus Championship: More recently uses “Proteus” concept (flexible rules) and adds meta-story dimension.

These championships are more than titles; they signify a chapter in a wrestler’s journey, often carrying narrative baggage (e.g., the staff of old, the unification of Atlas/World, the women’s belt redesign). PROGRESS uses the belts as story-devices rather than just props.

Chapter 13. Closing—Why PROGRESS Is Special

In the era of global televised wrestling, with multi-million-dollar productions, PROGRESS stands out because it reminds us of what wrestling can be at its heart: community, rebellion, risk, creativity, character and story. From its punk-rock beginnings in a music venue in Islington to days of 4,700 fans at Wembley, PROGRESS never lost its core DNA: the crowd is part of the show, titles mean stories, chapters count.

Watching PROGRESS is not just watching matches — it’s watching characters evolve across chapters, bearing scars, growing underdogs, monsters, artists, storytellers. It’s about arcs that span years, not just weeks. It’s about a Loser Leaves PROGRESS match in a basement club feeling just as significant as a televised “special”. It’s about the skateboard-carrying underdog Mark Andrews who climbs, the monstrous WALTER who reigns, the theatrical Cara Noir who transforms, the tag team CCK who charm and innovate. It’s about British wrestling not aspiring to be American, but to be itself — loud, raw, real.

In short: PROGRESS is more than wrestling promotion. It is a movement. A series. A Chapter we keep turning. And what makes it special is that you feel part of the story.

Bibliography (APA Style)

Andrews, M. (n.d.). Mark Andrews – PROGRESS Wrestling – Mandrews – FSU – Subculture. PROGRESSWrestling.com. Retrieved from https://progresswrestling.com/fighter/mark-andrews/Cultured Vultures. (2019, December 6). Punk Rock Wrestling: 100 Chapters of PROGRESS. Retrieved from https://culturedvultures.com/punk-rock-wrestling-100-chapters-of-progress/Daly, W. (2016). PROGRESS World Championship explained. EverythingExplained.today. Retrieved from https://everything.explained.today/Progress_Wrestling_Unified_World_Championship/Haulotte, K. (2022, March 20). Progress Wrestling Releases Statement On Jonathan Gresham’s Title Win. Wrestling Inc. Retrieved from https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2022/03/progress-wrestling-releases-official-statement/“Indie Watch: The Women of PROGRESS.” (2018, January 20). Last Word On Pro Wrestling. Retrieved from https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2018/01/20/prospect-watch-the-progress-women/McAteer, L., & Best, M. (2021). About Us – PROGRESS Wrestling. PROGRESSWrestling.com. Retrieved from https://progresswrestling.com/about-us/Rehal, S. (2014, May 26). Progress Wrestling – “If we didn’t have such talented guys in Britain, then the promotion wouldn’t be doing as well as it is,” says co-founder Jim Smallman. The Independent.“PROGRESS Wrestling.” (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved [date] from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_Wrestling“The Women’s Championship: A New Era.” (n.d.). PROGRESSWrestling.com. Retrieved from https://progresswrestling.com/unveiling-the-new-progress-womens-world-championship-belt/“WWE and PROGRESS: Partnerships & Exposure.” (n.d.). BritWrestling – The Ultimate Guide. Retrieved from https://britwrestling.co.uk/progress-wrestling-the-ultimate-guide/