By @specficluchador

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Progress returned to the Electric Ballroom for the final time in 2015, presenting an excellent card featuring Will Ospreay defending his Progress Championship against a returning Mark Andrews, a triple threat tag match between the Sumerian Death Squad, London Riots and Origin for the tag team titles, Zack Gibson challenging Flash Morgan Webster for the Natural Progression Series Trophy that entitles the holder to a championship match any time and the mouth watering prospect of Tomasso Ciampa facing Marty Scurll.

Progress concluded their London Chapter shows with one of their finest Chapter shows of the year. The show delivered from top to bottom, particularly the final four matches, as Progress continued to prove why they are one of the hottest promotions around.

For the first time in the company’s history, the show began with two pre-show matches recorded for an unnamed tv station.

So, lets get to the action.

Dave Mastiff vs Eddie Dennis

Pre-Show

Dennis made a hero’s return as everyone rose to their feet to welcome The Pride of Wales back to Camden. Mastiff, on the other hand, received the exact opposite reaction as he recently joined the despised Origin faction.

Mastiff’s brawn allowed him to have the better of the early stages before Eddie Dennis’ speed allowed him to land a series of offence punctuated by a tope con hilo. Mastiff soon gained the advantage following a reversal before delivering a german supex into the corner. Moments later, Mastiff secured the victory following a canonball in the corner met with a chorus of boos.

This was a solid match to get the pre-show underway. Personally, I wasn’t particularly a fan of Mastiff’s babyface work. Mastiff as a heel makes more sense to me and beating the fan favourite Eddie Dennis only added to the heat has received since joining the Origin.

Sweet Jesus (Pastor William Eaver & Chuck Mambo) vs The Dazzler Team (Darrell Allen & Earl Black Jr)

Pre-Show

This match didn’t feature any particularly great wrestling but it didn’t need to: it was fun. Beach balls accompanied Sweet Jesus’ entrance that was underscored by what can only be described as a funky version of Depeche Mode’s Personal Jesus. The Dazzler Team, the heels, got the heat immediate following a cheapshot before proceeding to work over Pastor William Eaver with frequent tags. Eaver eventually made the hot tag as Mambo burst into the ring with a meteora before connecting with a tope con hilo to the outside.

Sweet Jesus would secure the win following a crucifix powerbomb/inverted ace crusher combination. This was the first time I had seen Mambo and he was impressive in bursts: he rocks a hippy/surfer gimmick which has got over pretty well through his work on ENDVR and ProJo shows.

Rampage Brown vs Big Daddy Walter

There were no faces or heels in this match. In this rematch from the Progress world Cup, it was just two heavyweights beating the crap out of each other so much so that they broke the ring at one point following a hard irish whip into the turnbuckle: the top and middle rope fell from its fixture as the match continued. Rampage Brown blocked a powerbomb attempt before eating a lariat that sent him to another dimension.

Big Daddy Walter delivered, this time successfully, a powerbomb that nearly broke the ring as he appeared determined to wreak further destruction. Walter missed a splash from the bottom rope which allowed Brown to capitalise with a piledriver to secure an impressive victory.

I’ve always been a fan of Rampage Brown: at the last Chapter show, I was a little upset he had to partake in the GZRS antics but he got the chance to impress here and he delivered.

Shen Woo vs Jack Sexsmith vs Damon Moser

A lot of things could be said of this match: it certainly happened and I can honestly say I have never witnessed anything like it before, I spent the majority of the match in sheer disbelief.

Jack Sexsmith is a sexually frivolous pervert: that is his gimmick and, oh boy, does he play it frighteningly well. Sexsmith emerged to a great reaction on his Ballroom debut: he was proceeded by a gimp, an homage to Pulp Fiction. Sexsmith then joined Moser and Shen Woo in the ring, both of whom had stern expressions etched upon their faces as Sexsmith attempted to get his penis touched after brandishing a dildo from his trunks.

Some solid action early on worked mainly around Sexsmith’s gimmick: Woo attempted a sunset flip but only succeeded in exposing Sexsmith’s posterior which, coincidently, remained on display for the rest of the match. Sexsmith delivered consecutive rear views to both Woo and Moser before proceeding to stinkface Woo, still with his arse exposed.

Remember I told you about that dildo earlier. Well, this is where is comes in to play. Sexsmith, perhaps enjoyably, wasn’t successful with his attempts to deliver a second stinkface to Moser, who inserted the dildo into Sexsmith.

Sexsmith’s antics were not over: channelling his inner Mick Foley, Sexsmith delivered Mr Cocko to Shen Woo using a condom instead of a sock. Moser tossed Sexsmith to the outside before delivering a running knee to woo to secure the win and advance to the semi-finals of the Natural Progression Series.

A match like this was always going to divide opinion: some loved it, some hated it. What I will say is this: although not a matt classic, nor was it meant to be I may add, matches like this do contribute something that make Progress shows unique.

Paul Robinson vs Mark Haskins

Robinson has changed my opinion of him over the past three shows: I admit, at first, I was sceptical about his place in the main event but he has delivered some of the best matches on each card and this was no different.

Robinson, as ever, drew the ire of the crowd early on with chants of “chat shit, get banged” and “Robbo, you’re a cunt”. Haskins out grappled Robinson early on before Robinson fought back with some windmill like shots. Despicable as ever, Robinson snotted on the front row before stomping Haskins, who raised a defiant finger to only have it bit.

Regalvanised, Haskins delved into his impressive submission arsenal with a sharpshooter, triangle choke and a fujiwara arm bar. Robinson gained a near fall with a curbstomp on his suspended opponent before Haskins’ class really shone through in a great finishing stretch: Haskins applied the stretch muffler before delivering a michinoku driver followed by a transition into the fujiwara arm bar to force Robinson to tap.

Haskins’ transition from high flier to technical master has been a pleasure to witness: over the past year, Haskins has solidified himself as one of the best workers in the UK that will surely attract the attention of America in the near future.

The Villain Marty Scurll vs Tomasso Ciampa

Following victory against Flash Morgan Webster at Chapter 22, Marty Scurll celebrated his victory with a diatribe against the Progress fans. Scurll’s comments were cut short by Ciampa before Jim Smallman revealed that, at Chapter 23, Scurll would be facing Ciampa.

This was an intense battle.

Ciampa received a huge welcome before Scurll blindsided him: Scurll applied the chicken wing before Ciampa reached the safety of the ropes. The brawl spilled to the outside as Ciampa caught a tope before delivering his trademark suplex into the ring post.

Ciampa delivered a series of brutal knees and chops before Scurll regained the advantage following a scoop slam into the ropes followed by some of his signature offence. Scurll delivered the pecker wrecker-Ciampa no sold, delivering a thunderous lariat followed by the Project Ciampa. Soon after, the ref took a bump as Scurll attempted to pull an Eddie Guerrero. Ciampa, wise to Scurll’s intentions, cracked Scurll across the back with The Villain’s umbrella as a shotgun like sound reverberated around the Electric Ballroom. Scurll sought reprieve on the outside, but Ciampa’s assault continued with a knee that sent Scurll three rows back in the crowd.

Ciampa proceeded to dismantle the ring, exposing the wooden underbelly: Scurll was dragged back to the ring before spitting beer in Ciampa’s face. Dastardly as ever, The Villain took advantage of the referee’s attempts to repair the ring as he applied the chicken wing with the assistance of a ring tie to choke out Ciampa.

This was a brilliant match, as expected. Scurll has rightfully earned the epithet of Villain: over the past couple of shows, Scurll has really honed the gimmick, appearing more nefarious each time out. Not only is Scurll one of the best in the UK, I firmly believe he is one of the best in the worlld: Scrull possess charisma, technical ability and a brilliant gimmick. Essentially, all the tools to make it big in this business. Despite wrestling in the US the previous night, Ciampa brought his A game. In my opinion, some of Ciampa’s best performances this year have come in a Progress ring and this is another one to add to the collection.

Sumerian Death Squad vs London Riots vs Origin

Progress Tag Team Title Match

Accompanied by Dave Mastiff, El Ligero and Nathan Cruz of The Origin received vociferous boos as they emerged from the curtain: a stark contrast to the cheers of fan favourite teams of the Sumerian Death Squad and the London Riots.

Origin took a leaf out of the Cactus Jack heel book early on, working a limited moveset consisting solely of side headlocks to pique the crowd. Tommy End put an end to the charade before a wild brawl ensued ringside: SDS incapacitated Cruz whilst the London Riots took care El Ligero.

Duelling chants of SDS/London Riots filled the Ballroom as the two teams traded offence as the action returned to the outside: Tommy End delivered a beautiful moonsault before Michael Dante took to the skies with a tope con hilo into a mass of bodies.

Back in the ring, Dante delivered a devastating powerbomb followed by a spear on Cruz before Rob Lynch of the Riots pulled Dante to the outside: Tommy End and Cruz squared off in the ring before Davies misdirected a shot with his cricket bat intended for El Ligero hit End. Nathan Cruz took advantage with a small package to secure the victory for his team as Origin were crowned new Progress Tag Team Champions.

Following the match, Sumerian Death Squad and London Riots took their frustrations out upon one another in a fantastic pull apart brawl that was only curtailed when half of the Progress locker room broke the teams up.

Nathan Cruz is a heat magnet: Cruz’ arrogant attitude and constant mocking of the fans is brilliant and rings true with the sometimes self-congratulatory crowd. That is what makes a great heel, the element of truth. Such an ability to play such a despicable heel testifies to Cruz’ ability as a performer considering he is the top babyface in numerous promotions throughout the UK. In fact, the whole concept of Origin is intriguing: four under appreciated and under utilised guys sticking it to the fans by ascending to the top of the mountain.

Over the past few shows, Origin have gained significant momentum which continues to grow with every passing Chapter show. Origin are taking over.

Sumerian Death Squad’s Progress Tag Title reign provided numerous outstanding matches that helped solidify them as one of the top tag teams in the world.

Zack Gibson vs Flash Morgan Webster

Natural Progression Trophy Match

In a rematch of the Natural Progression Series II Final, this match spawned from Zack Gibson challenging Webster to a match for the Natural Progression Series Trophy that entitles the holder to a match for the title at any time.Duly, Flash Morgan Webster accepted.

This was an outstanding, incredibly well put together match that got Gibson over big as an even more loathsome heel and Webster over as a never say die babyface. Gibson was despicable throughout, working over Flash Morgan Webster’s arm for the majority: but everything Gibson hit him with, Webster just kept on fighting. Flash looked to have the match in the bag following a spectacular 450 splash to a suspended Gibson between the ropes. Ever wily, Gibson rolled to the outside as Nathan Cruz, member of Origin, emerged from behind the curtain: the distraction allowed Gibson to deliver a codebreaker followed by a brainbuster but Webster just wouldn’t quit.

Gibson applied the Shankley Gates as Webster reached the ropes before Cruz pushed Webster’s legs from them. Soon after, Webster tapped out as Gibson was crowned the new Natural Progression Series Trophy winner. Gibson stated he would be cashing in his opportunity at the Progress Championship next week in Manchester much to the chagrin of those in attendance. Origin left with the Natural Progression Series Trophy and the Tag Titles, mocking the fans one last time as they disappeared behind the curtain.

This was a defining moment for both men: I think it would be fair to say Webster was popular before this match, but not a top calibre talent. This match, however, changed that: Webster displayed abundant fighting spirit that helped get him over on the next level. Gibson, as ever, was brilliant: he was vicious, violent and reprehensible: Gibson has really come into his own as part of Origin with impressive mic work and even more impressive in-ring work.

Will Ospreay vs Mark Andrews

Progress Championship Match

This match was worthy of headlining any card around the globe. Following Andrews’ departure to the US, not only has Ospreay solidified himself as the best high-flier in England but he has, also, gained the reputation of being one of the very best in the world. Ospreay and Andrews have a storied history tracing back to the beginning of Progress: this match delivered and then some.

Perhaps surprisingly, the match began grapple heavy, reminiscnet of a World of Sports style match with both men trading leverage on their opponent’s arm. Andrews took advantage of Ospreay’s growning confidence, attempting to apply a surfboard: Ospreay blocked, Andrews stomped his thighs before continuing to work the legs with an indian death lock.

Ospreay reversed a hurricanrana, landing on his feet before a dropkick sent Andrews to the outside. Ospreay delivered a springboard corkscrew moonsault to the outside before a casa dora bulldog from Andrews shifted the momentum once again. Andrews drove home the advantage with an impressive reverse-rana followed by a springboard hurricanrana for a near fall.

Ospreay attempted a brain buster but was reversed into into a stunner before Andrews attempted a yoshi-tonic which was reversed into an ace crusher. Sensing his opportunity, Ospreay headed up to the top rope to deliver a beautiful shooting star press for a near fall as a look of shock/doubt/horror crossed the champion’s face. Andrews, after regaining his footing, delivered a breathtaking flipping sto from the top rope but he, too, couldn’t put his opponent away. Andrews attempted a shooting star press but was greeted by Ospreay’s knees before the champion earned the victory following an Essex Destroyer followed by a 630 splash.

Post match, Ospreay and Andrews hugged it out: a fitting end to their journeys throughout the year.

Wow. This was phenomenal. A masterpiece, their best encounter to date. I know I say it every time but Ospreay just keeps getting better. And better. And better. His grappling early on was great, his high flying some of the best in the world, his selling and facial expressions outstanding, I really can’t think of anyone of his age and experience anywhere close to him. Ospreay is a man with the wrestling world at his feet, capable of achieving anything he so desires. Mark Andrews once again proved how underutilised he has been at TNA. When given the opportunity, Andrews is one of the best fliers around and performances like this only confirm how poorly TNA have handled him.

Final Word: Progress finished their London shows for the year in style proving why they are making such an impression on the world wrestling landscape. Everything on the card offered something different with the final four matches being incredible. Not only did this show provide some of the best wrestling in the world but it provided some of the best story telling in wrestling today: the progression of the Origin from an underutilised guys to holding the Tag Titles and the Natural Progression Trophy being a perfect example of this. In Progress, everyone has their role on the show and each wrester is presented as important regardless of their position on the card. Other promotions, take note!

I can’t recommend this show highly enough, there is some unmissable stuff on this show: if you don’t already, do yourself a favour and subscribe to their on demand service. I promise you wont regret it.