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By Elliott Troop.

PROGRESS hosted the first day of their annual Super Strong Style 16 tournament to determine the number one contender to Marty Scurll’s PROGRESS World Championship. Last year, Will Ospreay emerged victorious from a star-studded field to go on to successfully dethrone Jimmy Havoc, the then 600+ day champion, to be crowned the PROGRESS Champion for the first time. This year began with a statement of intent, producing a number of excellent matches up and down the card.

Mark Haskins vs Pete Dunne

SSS16 Match

Given five-ten minutes longer, this could have been great: given the limited time that it was, this was a very good match that could have been better considering the talent on display. In the early stages, this was grapple heavy and worked predominantly on the mat, with both men attempting to submit their adversary. Dunne gained the advantage through chicanery, working over Haskins with a series of submissions before Haskins began his comeback. Despite little work on the arm, Haskins secured the victory following the Fujiwara arm bar.

Mikey Whiplash vs Damon Moser

SSS16 Match

Mikey Whiplash returned to PROGRESS at Chapter 28, when he made an immediate impression by costing Tommy End his opportunity at the PROGRESS Championship. Here, he received an opportunity of his own to face the nefarious champion, Marty Scurll. This was short-perhaps due to the delay before the show- with Whiplash securing the victory following the Zombie Maker. Although this couldn’t be considered a break out performance by Moser, the Pro-Jo graduate, he delivered a decent, but ultimately unsuccessful, performance. This match, more so than any others, would have benefited from more time.

Zack Gibson vs Kenny Williams

SSS16 Match

Following an ignominious exit to last year’s SSS16 in the first round at the hands of finalist Zack Sabre Jr, Zack Gibson atoned for last year’s performance with an emphatic performance here. For the majority of the match, Gibson worked over Kenny Williams’ arm. Williams, who was making his PROGRESS chapter debut, had his offence cut off continually by Gibson, who ensured Williams couldn’t take to the skies. Gibson advanced to the quarter finals after applying the Shankley Gates. Gibson is legitimately one of the most underrated talents in Europe: everything he does makes so much sense, his facial expressions are on point and his psychology is second to none in Europe.

TK Cooper vs Jack Gallagher

SSS16 Match

Cooper’s attempts to gain the immediate advantage were soon thwarted by Jack Gallagher, who applied a leg bar following an attempted boot to send the crowd into a frenzy. Gallagher proceeded to tie Cooper in knots: Cooper would only gain reprieve when Daliah Black, who, as always, accompanied him to ring side, distracted Gallagher. Although Black would grant Cooper the advantage on numerous occasions, Cooper would be distracted by the demands of his significant other: a fatal mistake which lead to Gallagher securing the victory following a drop kick. This was a good match, with TK Cooper being the star: his constant PDA with the inimitable Daliah Black, as always, drew the ire of the crowd. In a couple of years, The South Pacific Power Couple could be major players in PROGRESS.

Dave Mastiff vs Big Daddy Walter

SSS16 Match & ATLAS Championship Match

Before the match, Jim Smallman announced that this would not only have implications on the SSS16 tournament but ramifications on the ATLAS Tournament, too. The winner of this match would advance to the quarter finals as well as accruing two points in the ATLAS Tournament. This was an excellent big man’s match that utilized the traditional big man tropes well. Following the opening exchange, Mastiff gained the momentum following an eye poke before proceeding to land a series of impressive power moves. A super-plex from Mastiff was not enough to gain a victory for The Origin member: moments later, Big Daddy Walter secured the victory via submission to gain his first two points in the ATLAS Tournament and advance to the next round of SSS16.

Chris Hero vs Mark Andrews

SSS16 Match

Chris Hero made his PROGRESS debut at Chapter 30 and what a debut it was: over the past year, Hero has made a compelling argument to be considered the best in the world with show stealing performances in EVOLVE, PWG and various other independent companies across the world. This was no different and was easily the best match of night one. Dueling chants underscored the match as Hero bullied Andrews, cutting off every comeback with a series of ferocious strikes. The indefatigable Mark Andrews, however, would prove a worthy adversary, kicking out of a piledriver before Hero secured the victory with the rip cord elbow. Really fantastic match that made both competitors look excellent. The series of near falls towards the end of this match were incredibly and gave the impression either man could emerge victorious.

Sami Callihan vs Matt Cross

SSS16 Match

In some what of a rarity for PROGRESS, Sami Callihan and Matt Cross, both imports from the US, competed for the opportunity to win the SSS16. This was a clash of styles between the striking offence of Callihan and the aerial ability of Matt Cross. Callihan gained the immediate advantage, landing numerous tope suicidas before unloading a series of strikes on Cross, who’s aerial offence was negated for the most part by Callihan. When Cross managed to gain the advantage, his aerial ability gained a number of nearfalls. Via duplicitous means, Callihan would gain the victory: after pulling the ref, Callihan delivered a low blow followed by a piledriver to secure his place in the next round. Decent if not memorable first round match that, again, could have been better if given longer.

Tommy End vs Rampage Brown

SSS16 Match

Tommy End’s presence is incomparable in PROGRESS; as soon as he emerges from behind the curtain, everything about him screams legit. End possesses a silent charisma that is both intimidating and compelling. The beginning of the match set the tone for the rest of the match: End and Brown immediately laid into each other trading venomous strikes before Brown caught End following an attempted moonsault to the outside. Rampage Brown gained a couple of near falls before End secured the victory following a combination of strikes. Real good match that utilised the short time granted well.

The Origin (El Ligero & Nathan Cruz) The London Riots

PROGRESS Tag Team Title Match

For almost a year, The Origin have held dominion over the tag team division of PROGRESS, retaining the titles via hook or crook on every defence. Night one of SSS16 marked the end of The Origin’s tyrannical reign as London Riots defeated The Origin underscored by raucous cheers from the crowd. This was an excellent match that was high in drama, nuance and tension. Although the London Riots aren’t technical wizards, something Rob Lynch admitted following the match, the Riots bring the fight and they brought it here.

Despite Zack Gibson and Dave Mastiff being banished from ringside early in the match, the duo emerged towards the conclusion in an attempt to make their presence known. Two ref bumps later, The Origin appeared on their way to retaining their titles once again. However, the indefatigable Riots negated the numbers advantage to gain the tag team titles from the grasp of The Origin following the District Line.

As champions, The Origin did a great job of establishing the tag titles as meaningful through their unwavering desire to keep hold of the titles. The London Riots’ victory is the beginning of a new era as Rob Lynch proclaimed they will defend the titles with Honour, proclaiming they would EVOLVE to deliver the very best of tag team wrestling.

Final Word: Despite some of the matches feeling slightly rushed, this was an excellent first night to the two day tournament. Excellent matches between Hero(what’s new?)/Andrews, End/Brown and the main event make this must see viewing.

The quarter final line up is as follows:

Mark Haskins vs Mikey Whiplash

Zack Gibson vs Jack Gallagher

Big Daddy Walter vs Chris Hero

Sami Callihan vs Tommy End.