British wrestling is in a very good place at the moment. and Progress is at the heart of it. I recently attended one of 5 star wrestling’s shows in Liverpool and though there was a pool of overseas talent such as Rey Mysterio, AJ Styles, Jay Lethal and John Morrison, it was the British names who caught my eye.

Since then I’ve been scouring the web and watching some of the finest wrestling around. And though you get a feel for what British wrestling is about by watching it online through various on-demand services, I decided to get a first-hand view by getting tickets for Progress’ Chapter 26 show in Manchester.

At the 02 Ritz, with around 700 vocal fans in attendance, the stage was set for ‘Unknown Pleasures’.

Four way tag team match

The show began with a monstrous four way tag team match between the Origin (Dave Mastiff and Zack Gibson), Sweet Jesus (Chuck Mambo and Pastor William Eaver), The Dazzler Team (Darrell Allen and Earl Black Jr) and Damo O’Connor and Joe Coffey. It was an entertaining opener, packed with chaos. Each team’s style meshed well and there were some memorable altercations – particularly when heavyweights Mastiff and Big Damo squared off.

It was the Origin who picked up the win courtesy of a roll-up from Zack Gibson. After the match, Damo and debutant Coffey cleaned house and brought out their vicious side.

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Bubblegum vs Jack SexSmith

The next match was very different and demonstrated just how Progress isn’t particularly suitable for those under 16. You can probably tell by the latter’s wrestling name what he is all about – in fact, he wrestled a good portion of the match with his backside showing and had a fair few tricks up his sleeve, or down his pants.

The actual action was decent, though, Bubblegum picking up the win with a pedigree.

Flash Morgan Webster and Pollyanna vs The South Pacific Power Couple

Then we got back into the swing of things with a mixed tag match and it was absolutely incredible. Often mixed tag matches are throwaway matches but this one was anything but that and went on for over 16 minutes. Webster, an engager in the Mod subculture, paired with the aggressive Pollyanna against the heel team.

In fairness, this had no right to be as good as it was but the tempo was brilliant and there were a plethora of near falls where the crowd believed it was all done and dusted.

The finish was an incredible 630 splash from Flash, who displayed incredible athleticism throughout. His partner, Pollyanna, also looked a star in this bout and received a great reaction from the crowd.

TK Cooper and Dahlia Black played their part though and it was a well-executed match from four talented workers.

Flash Morgan Webster and I tonight at @ThisIs_Progress : Chapter 25 in the Ritz, Manchester. Fantastic time. pic.twitter.com/EEjjmDmrN6 — Pollyanna (@GothicLolly) February 14, 2016

Jack Gallagher vs Timothy Thatcher

Following this was a grappling contest between established British wrestler Jack Gallagher and Timothy Thatcher, who was endorsed by WWE.com along with Zack Sabre Jr. It was a slower paced match but was still aesthetically pleasing for those in attendance.

It featured a number of creative locks and submissions but it was the hometown boy who got the win with an elevated crab.

Mikey Whiplash vs Rampage Brown

As ‘good old JR’ would say, this one was an old-fashioned “slobberknocker”. The returning Whiplash slugged it out with Rampage Brown – who has had brief stints with WWE and TNA. In typical Progress fashion, the action spilled out of the ring and Whiplash was hurled towards the bar.

But Brown took his fair share of punishment with a couple of dangerous slams on the outside. Leeds man Rampage got the win, though, catching Whiplash as he went for a spear through the ropes before delivering a wicked piledriver to seal victory.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f47S96h-5YY[/embedyt]

Tommy End vs James Davis

Things have really boiled over between The Sumerian Death Squad and The London Riots in recent times and the battle here was the next chapter in the script, as Tommy End and James Davis locked up – the winner would be able to choose a second stipulation for the upcoming tag match between the two teams.

Both of these guys looked very smooth and pulled out all of the stops. End was the victor, though, via an octopus hold. He picked a very intriguing stipulation for the highly anticipated tag match: That the losers of the match will never be able to tag in Progress again.

A final note is that End has a great look and persona and is destined for big things.

Progress Title – Marty Scurll (C) vs Mark Haskins

Then came the main event, ‘The Villain’ Marty Scurll defended his championship against No.1 contender Mark Haskins. The match lasted just short of 25 minutes and was full of great sequences, psychology and solid back and forth action.

Scurll has a great presence about him and has nailed his gimmick completely in terms of his move-set and the way he carries himself. Haskins was a match for him for the best part, though, with a stern resistance and never-say-die attitude.

But as expected, the Villain retained when he was finally able to lock in his deadly chickenwing submission after a number of vicious stomps to the head. He wasn’t finished, however, and proceeded to land one more final blow; stamping on a chair with Haskins’ injured arm trapped within.

All in all, a thoroughly entertaining show featuring some outstanding wrestling. Progress as a company are really soaring at the moment and long may it continue.

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