By @TroopElliott

Following last year’s debut in Manchester, Progress returns to the north. This time, however, Progress is once more cast under the shadow of darkness. Chapter 25, at The Electric Ballroom, Marty Scurll defeated Will Ospreay in a phenomenal No DQ match to claim the Progress Championship. For the first time in a long time, Will Ospreay will not be at Progress as a new era begins. At Unknown Pleasures, an homage, presumably, to Joy Division, Marty Scurll makes is his first title defence in the main event against the unrelenting Mark Haskins, who earned the number one contendership at the last chapter show. Elsewhere, Damo and Mikey Whiplash make their Progress returns and Joe Coffey makes his Progress debut on what is a staked show that promises to set up their huge anniversary show next month.

Zack Gibson & Dave Mastiff vs Damo & Joe Coffey vs Sweet Jesus (Chuck Mambo & Pastor William Eaver) vs Dazzler Team (Earl Black Jr & Darell Allen)

I’m hyped for this one. I’m a huge fan of Joe Coffey and have been desperate get the opportunity to see him more often: at Unknown Pleasures, Joe Coffey makes his Progress debut, teaming up with Damo (who I’m damn pleased is making his Progress return), in a four corner tag match. Coffey is an incredible talent whom I would love to feature on Progress regularly, as is Damo. This match combines multiple sizes, styles, backgrounds and different levels of experience that will make for an intriguing match. The Dazzler Team make their Chapter show debut, also, with Sweet Jesus making their second appearance at chapter shows as both teams look to make an impression in the tag division.

The Origin, due to their propensity for doing whatever it takes to win regardless of any ethical questions, enter the match as favourites. Gibson and Mastiff look to regain some momentum following a loss to Mark Haskins and a suspension respectively.

James Davis vs Tommy End

Tensions grew between London Riots and Sumerian Death Squad as a miscommunication at Chapter 23 allowed The Origin to steal the tag titles from SDS. Since then, SDS and London Riots engaged in an intense battle that culminated at Chapter 24: the match did little to assuage the hostility between the two teams. This is the second of two singles matches between the members of SDS and London Riots that feature implications for Chapter 27, the anniversary show at The Ballroom in March. At Chapter 25, Rob Lynch defeated Michael Dante before stating the match at Chapter 27 would be a TLC.

The winner of Tommy End and James Davis will choose the second stipulation for Chapter 27 that will see the conclusion of an incredible rivalry between arguably the best two tag teams in Europe.

Jack Sexsmith vs Bubblegum

The sexually frivolous, morally ambiguous Jack Sexsmith brings his unique style of professional wrestling to Manchester for the first time in what is sure to be a match filled with antics, condoms, dildos and gimps. Last time out, Bubblegum was defeated by Mark Haskins at Chapter 24 and looks to gain some momentum with a victory over the rather unconventional Sexsmith. This match may potentially be a five dildo classic whilst serving to illustrate the diversity of talent Progress has to offer.

Timothy Thatcher vs Jack Gallagher

The world’s premiere grapplefucker Timothy Thatcher makes his Progress debut at Unknown Pleasures and oh boy am I excited to see this match. His opponent, Jack Gallagher, is a more than worthy adversary. Both men work grapple heavy, traditional British styles combined with fierce striking ability. Gallagher is a fantastic opponent for Thatcher, possessing a similar style that will mesh well with Thatcher’s style. As ever with Progress, this match is one of many that has the potential to steal the show and will serve as a fantastic platform for both men to deliver something incredibly special-which I have no doubt they will do.

South Pacific Power Couple (Daliah Black & TK Cooper) vs Flash Morgan Webster & Pollyanna

Last month, in the second women’s match in Chapter show history, the women made quite an impression in a really great match that showcased each participants talent. At Chapter 25, TK Cooper, one half of the South Pacific Power Couple, delivered a thunderous strike to Pollyanna that allowed Jinny to secure the win after sending Daliah Black to the outside. Pollyanna sought the assistance of Flash Morgan Webster to inflict some revenge on the South Pacific Power Couple at Chapter 26. Heading forward, the back to back booking of women on Chapter shows is excellent news and truly deserved. Each one of the ladies of Progress possess a great deal of talent and absolutely must regularly feature on Chapter shows.

Mikey Whiplash vs Rampage Brown

Mikey Whiplash makes his long awaited return to Progress in Manchester. Over the past couple of years, Whiplash has not only established himself as a hardcore icon but, also, as one of Britain’s premiere mat workers. His opponent, Rampage Brown, brings a power based offence that presents an intriguing clash of styles. Last time out, Rampage Brown, a former Progress Champion, impressed against Big Daddy Walter-expect more of the same here.

Marty Scurll vs Mark Haskins

Progress Championship

Marty Scurll: Face to Face

At Chapter 26, a new era of Progress begins: the era of the Villain. Marty Scurll, after dethroning Will Ospreay at the last chapter show, makes his first defence of the Progress Championship at Unknown Pleasures. Scurll’s ascension to the throne paralleled that of Will Ospreay’s except he took a different road, using nefarious tactics to secure victories over his adversaries to climb to the top.

His adversary this time is Mark Haskins, who defeated Zack Gibson in an excellent number one contendership match at the last chapter show. Haskins has proven himself as one of the finest workers in the UK, delivering consistently good matches over the past 18 months. Each time Haskins and Scurll have crossed paths in the past, they have delivered excellent matches: stylistically, Scurll/Haskins have great chemistry and that will translate into an fantastic match here for the Progress Championship.