PROGRESS Wrestling Chapter 180 Preview – Super Strong Style 16

Masa Kitamiya

Masa Kitamiya brings brute force and Japanese strong style pedigree to SSS16. A mainstay of Pro Wrestling NOAH, the 36-year-old Kitamiya is a seven-time GHC Tag Team Champion who is now looking to carve his name into singles glory​. Known for his hard-hitting power offence and unbreakable fighting spirit, Kitamiya can flatten opponents with crushing suplexes and lariats.

He’s an elite tag specialist venturing into rare singles territory – which makes him both a wildcard and a dangerous threat. With nearly 15 years of experience and a chip on his shoulder, Kitamiya won’t be intimidated by anyone. If he can impose his power game, this powerhouse could smash his way straight to the finals.

Jack Morris

Representing Scotland by way of success in Japan, Jack Morris enters the tournament as one of the most internationally seasoned competitors. Fans may recall Morris held NOAH’s GHC Tag Team Championship (briefly alongside WWE’s Omos) and even captured NOAH’s GHC National Championship during his globe-trotting career​.

The 31-year-old combines British grit with worldwide savvy – he’s a versatile wrestler equally comfortable brawling or taking to the air. Morris has proven himself across Europe and Asia, and now returns home looking to add PROGRESS’ top tournament to his accolades.

With a confident swagger and nearly a decade in the game, he’s a cunning operator who can adapt to any opponent. Don’t underestimate Morris – he’s got the gold-winning pedigree and big-match experience to go all the way.

Ethan Allen

“The Young Gun” Ethan Allen is one of the UK’s brightest young talents, finally getting his long-awaited shot in SSS16. A cornerstone of Britain’s new generation, Allen’s comeback story has been one of quiet determination and grit​. A serious injury robbed him of over a year in his prime, but since returning, Allen has shown more focus and fire than ever.

In the ring, he’s a technical striker – expect precise grappling, stiff strikes, and no-nonsense intensity from the Manchester native. Allen’s hard-hitting style earned him respect in every locker room he’s entered​. Now he’s out to make up for lost time and prove he still belongs among the elite.

Focused, fearless, and fighting with something to prove, Ethan Allen won’t let this opportunity slip. He’s battled back from the brink; a tournament full of mere mortals might be nothing in comparison, with a potential match against his tag partner the prize.

Zozaya

Hailing from Spain, Zozaya injects a dose of high-flying chaos into this year’s field. The “Spanish sensation”​ has been making waves across Europe, impressing fans in Spain’s White Wolf Wrestling and the UK with his daredevil offence. A six-year veteran, Zozaya is an exciting aerial specialist who can springboard, dive, and fly with the best of them​. He’s tasted success back home – holding White Wolf’s top Absolute Championship – but now Zozaya has his eyes on a larger prize.

This will be Zozaya’s SSS16 debut, and he’s intent on a breakout performance. His relative lack of experience might make him an underdog, but that just makes him more unpredictable. One blink against Zozaya could mean you’re caught by a sudden 450 splash or wild corkscrew attack. Can the Spanish high-flyer shock the world? He’s certainly looking to make history in Camden.

Man Like Dereiss

Mic in hand and swagger in his step, Man Like Dereiss is set to bring the 0121 energy to Super Strong Style 16. This Birmingham native – nicknamed “The Lyrical Dragon” for his charisma and flow – is as entertaining as he is athletic. Don’t let the fun fool you: Dereiss is a dynamic high-flyer capable of explosive offence from any angle.

Last year he made it past the first round​ only for controversy to strike – a cheap-shot attack by a certain visiting legend in Shelton Benjamin cost him his tournament dreams. With that bitter experience fuelling him, Dereiss is coming in with extra motivation and a point to prove.

He feeds off the crowd’s energy and loves to pick up the pace, hitting crisp dropkicks, top-rope dives, and even the odd rap lyric mid-match. If he gets on a roll, Man Like DeReiss could very well flip the tournament script and leave his name etched in PROGRESS history.

Leon Slater

Leon Slater calls himself “The Youngest In Charge,” and for good reason – at just 20 years old, this prodigy is entering his third straight Super Strong Style 16. Each year Leon has turned heads with his jaw-dropping aerial offense and fearless mentality.

He’s already a familiar face to PROGRESS fans, known for pulling off moves that most wrestlers twice his age wouldn’t dare attempt. (His spectacular 450 swanton has brought crowds to their feet more than once. Despite his youth, Slater has built up valuable experience, even competing internationally and bulking up his strength and agility.

Last year he was stopped in a showdown with Shelton Benjamin, learning painful lessons from the veteran. Now, in 2025, Leon looks to finally turn youthful potential into victory. He’s faster, stronger and more determined – openly declaring this is the year he’s coming for gold. With unmatched agility and growing confidence, the sky truly is the limit for the Youngest In Charge.

Marcus Mathers

Flying the flag for the USA, Marcus Mathers enters SSS16 as one of the field’s wildcard outsiders. This American up-and-comer has been lighting up independent rings stateside, earning a reputation for high-octane, high-risk wrestling.

At only 22 years old, Mathers has already showcased his skills in chaotic multi-man matches and gritty fights across the U.S., and now he’s ready to make a statement on UK soil. He’s no stranger to facing diverse opponents and thrives in scramble situations – which a 16-man tournament certainly is.

Mathers brings a blend of youthful fearlessness and creativity; he’s just as likely to floor you with a wild springboard cutter as he is to catch you off-guard with a quick roll-up. British fans got a taste of his ability during a visit last year, and those in the know have pegged him as a dark horse.

Mathers’ name recognition is gaining traction thanks to his WWE ID so Keep an eye on Mathers – he’s looking to steal the show.

Trent Seven

When it comes to British wrestling royalty, Trent Seven is a name that resonates deeply. The moustachioed master of the ring is a founding member of the famed British Strong Style faction and a former PROGRESS Tag Team Champion and ATLAS Division Champion​.

Surprisingly, the PROGRESS World Title has eluded Trent in his storied career – and that’s exactly why he’s entered this year’s SSS16 with something to prove. With his blend of old-school brawling and technical savvy, Trent brings an immense wealth of experience to the tournament.

He’s been in high-pressure, multi-day competitions before (including a past SSS16 that ended in shockingly quick defeat – a mere six-second loss he’ll be keen to avoid repeating​). Seven’s personality is larger-than-life; he can rally the Electric Ballroom faithful behind him with just a roar and a well-twirled moustache. But he’s also fully capable of chopping opponents down to size and delivering his trademark snap piledriver to end nights early.

This is Trent Seven’s first Super Strong Style appearance in years and possibly his most important. The beloved veteran’s tank is full, his motivation is sky-high, and a focused Trent Seven is a very real threat to every other competitor. Could this finally be Trent’s moment to add that missing trophy to his legacy?

Will Kroos

Will Kroos enters the fray as an intimidating force of pure power – and he’s got a newfound freedom that makes him even more dangerous. Once aligned with PROGRESS’s so-called “First Family” of villains, Kroos broke free from that faction’s influence at Chapter 178​, signalling that he’s now his own man.

Standing well over six feet tall with a powerhouse build, Kroos is likely the heaviest hitter in this year’s tournament. His offense is all about domination: crushing splashes, bone-rattling slams, and a ruthless mean streak he’s no longer forced to hold back.

This will be Kroos’s Super Strong Style 16 debut, and he’s making it with a giant target on his back – everyone knows eliminating the big man is a must. But that’s far easier said than done.

Unshackled from his past alliances, Kroos is on a mission to prove he’s the top brute in PROGRESS. If he starts steamrolling opponents early, the rest of the field will be in serious trouble. Who can stop a focused Will Kroos? We may find out the hard way when he starts throwing his weight around in Camden.

Kid Lykos

One half of the infamous Lykos Gym, Kid Lykos is a once-masked veteran who adds a dash of anarchy to this tournament. Lykos has been a fixture of PROGRESS’s scene for years – a multiple-time tag champion and former PROGRESS Men’s World Champion is known for cunning tactics and lightning-quick offence.

Now he’s looking to make a mark of history on his own as the first-ever two-time Super Strong Style 16 winner after his 2023 success.

Kid Lykos II

Carrying on the pack mentality is Kid Lykos II, the younger, hungry member of Lykos Gym. Don’t call him a sidekick – Lykos II has been forging his own reputation, even scoring a first-round victory in last year’s tournament​ to prove he’s a threat in singles competition.

He’s an agile daredevil, always ready to sacrifice his body with a moonsault or hurl himself into harm’s way to advance. What Lykos II may lack in size and seniority, he makes up for with boundless energy and unpredictability. Under the guidance of Kid Lykos, he’s learned all the nefarious tricks of the trade as well.

That means if you’re up against Lykos II, you’re effectively fighting two people – one in the ring and the one who has mentored him outside it. Lykos II is chasing respect, determined to show he can succeed without solely relying on tag team glory.

In SSS16, Lykos II has the chance to truly step out of his mentor’s shadow. With high-risk offence and tag-team style shenanigans on his side, Kid Lykos II is a chaotic dark horse who could surprise the field (and maybe even his teacher in the process).

After pinning Man Like Dereiss in Las Vegas, he has the momentum to do it aswell!

Charles Crowley

Step right up to the Carnival of Chaos that is Charles Crowley. Arguably the most theatrical participant in this tournament, Crowley is equal parts showman and scoundrel – and he’ll use mind games just as readily as he uses wrestling holds.

With his flamboyant jackets and sinister grin, Crowley thrives on manipulating the audience and his opponents. He’s been steadily climbing the ranks in PROGRESS.

Inside the ropes, Crowley is as unorthodox as they come. One moment he might feign fear or play possum, and the next he’s hitting a surprise low blow or a crafty roll-up. But it’s not all smoke and mirrors – Crowley can go when the bell rings, mixing technical skill with a hardcore edge.

He’s shown he’s willing to go to any lengths to win, embracing chaos as his ally. That unpredictable offence, combined with an uncanny ability to get under opponents’ skin, makes him a serious contender.

As he likes to remind everyone, the ring is his stage. At Super Strong Style 16, Charles Crowley will look to deliver his grandest performance yet – and steal the show along with the tournament.

Simon Miller

Simon Miller may be all smiles on YouTube, but in a PROGRESS ring he’s an absolute force to be reckoned with. The popular wrestling presenter-turned-wrestler is coming off a milestone achievement as a former Proteus Champion in PROGRESS​ and now he’s hungry to prove himself in the biggest tournament of them all.

Physically, Miller is a specimen – heavily muscled and deceptively quick – and he brings a powerhouse style that stands out in this field. Spears, spinebusters, and raw strength are his bread and butter. What truly sets Simon Miller apart, however, is his infectious enthusiasm and connection with the crowd.

Fans have taken Miller into their hearts, admiring his passion for wrestling and improvement in the ring. That support fuels him when the going gets tough. This will be Miller’s first SSS16 after injury rule him out last year and while he lacks the experience of some rivals, he has shown he can rise to the occasion when gold is at stake.

He approaches every match with a positive mindset, but make no mistake: he takes this very seriously. In a tournament full of sly veterans and international stars, Simon Miller is the wildcard act who could shock them all. After all, what’s more positive than a Super Strong Style 16 win on your honours list?

Tate Mayfairs

Love him or hate him, Tate Mayfairs is never short on confidence – and that bravado will be on full display during Super Strong Style 16. The self-proclaimed “Greatest Professional Wrestler To Ever Walk Planet Earth” is known for his loud mouth, flashy ring gear, and willingness to bend any rule in sight to win.

He’s no mere comedy act, though; Mayfairs can back up his talk when motivated. In last year’s SSS16, he impressively fought his way to the quarter-finals and even more recently he earned a shot at the PROGRESS World Championship. Although he fell short in that title bid, it’s given him a taste of the main event scene – and he’s desperate to return.

Interestingly, Tate has been pleading with fans to rally around him this time, claiming he “can’t do this on my own.” Whether genuine or just another ploy, it shows that Mayfairs knows he’ll need every advantage in a tournament this stacked. In the ring, expect bursts of real talent – a crisp superkick here, a clever counter there – reminding everyone how he got this far.

Tate Mayfairs is as cocky and crafty as they come, and if he can channel that into focused performance (instead of getting in his own way), he might just charm his way to the top of SSS16.

Charlie Sterling

Freshly unshackled from tag team ties, Charlie Sterling enters Super Strong Style 16 with a brand new attitude and everything to prove. Once half of the renowned “Smokin’ Aces” tag team, Sterling shocked fans at Chapter 178 by betraying the handshake from his long-time partner Nick Riley after they lost the PROGRESS tag titles​.

In that moment, the three-time tag champion made it clear: he’s done being half of anything. Now it’s all about Charlie. Branded “Worth Every Pound,” Sterling is a superb athlete – a powerhouse build with surprising agility – and he intends to show that his former tag success can translate to singles glory.

There’s a newfound ruthlessness in Sterling since his heel turn; blaming his partner for holding him back, he’s taken on a mean streak that could serve him well in a grind like SSS16. He’s also no stranger to tournament settings, though this will be his first solo campaign.

With his confidence at an all-time high (and perhaps a tinge of bitterness driving him), Sterling is laser-focused on one goal: prove he never needed a partner to become a champion​.

Expect a hard-hitting approach – big boots, suplexes and maybe even some top-rope flying – all delivered with extra venom. Charlie Sterling has nothing left to lose and everything to gain, which makes him one of the most dangerous and unpredictable entrants in this year’s field.

Michael Oku

Fresh off a string of career-defining performances, Michael Oku enters Super Strong Style 16 with sky-high momentum and unfinished business at the very top. Widely regarded as one of the brightest stars in British wrestling, Oku brings a blend of heart, speed and undeniable fire to the PROGRESS stage – and this year, he’s aiming to make it his.

Super Strong Style 16 offers him the perfect platform to showcase the full spectrum of his skills – and silence any doubts about his place among the elite.

What sets Oku apart is more than just his athleticism. It’s his story: the underdog who never stops believing, the crowd favourite who wears his heart on his sleeve. But don’t let that fool you – behind the affable exterior lies a competitor with laser-sharp focus and a deep hunger to etch his name in PROGRESS history – all with Amira by his side.

This isn’t Michael Oku’s first dance with destiny – but it could be the most important. With every dropkick, every rope rebound, and every perfectly timed half-crab, Oku will be fighting not just for a shot at the Men’s World Championship, but for validation on the biggest stage PROGRESS has to offer.

Expect passion, expect precision, and expect a man with nothing but victory in his sights. Michael Oku isn’t just here to compete – he’s here to claim what many believe he’s already earned: the top spot in British wrestling.

PROGRESS Women’s World Championship: Nina Samuels (c) vs. Rhio

PROGRESS Wrestling has confirmed a blockbuster Women’s World Championship match for Sunday 4th May, where former champion Rhio will challenge current titleholder Nina Samuels in a career-defining final encounter. The bout comes with the ultimate stipulation: if Rhio loses, she must leave PROGRESS Wrestling forever.

This dramatic match-up was made official following Rhio’s heartfelt challenge after their controversial clash in Las Vegas. Now accepted by PROGRESS management, the match promises to settle one of the fiercest rivalries in recent memory.

The animosity between Rhio and Nina Samuels has been simmering since Chapter 175: Unboxing VII – The Curtain Call, when Samuels shocked fans by ambushing Rhio during an open challenge. In mere moments, Rhio’s impressive 434-day reign as PROGRESS Women’s World Champion was ended by a steel chair and a sneak attack, leaving many questioning the legitimacy of Samuels’ victory.

Since that betrayal, Rhio has been on a mission to reclaim the title she never truly lost in a fair contest. The feud intensified further at Chapter 177, when Rhio shared a moment of respect with Meiko Satomura, only for Samuels to once again steal the spotlight with an unprovoked attack.

Their most recent clash in Las Vegas, as part of a triple threat match with Vert Vixen, was mired in controversy. Rhio had the match won until Vert’s interference stopped the referee’s count, allowing Samuels to escape with the title once more. Frustrated but undeterred, Rhio made it clear she wanted one final chance – winner takes all, and if she can’t get her revenge, she leaves leaves PROGRESS forever.

To ensure this final chapter is settled fairly, PROGRESS management have announced that a special guest referee will be appointed to oversee the match. The identity of this official will remain a mystery until the event itself, but their role will be crucial in controlling what’s expected to be a volatile, emotional showdown.

On Sunday 4th May, everything is on the line. Will Rhio find redemption and reclaim her title, or will Nina Samuels end her rival’s PROGRESS journey forever? One way or another, history will be made.

 

PROGRESS Men’s World Championship: Luke Jacobs (c) vs. Cara Noir

As if the tournament wasn’t enough, PROGRESS Chapter 180 will also host a colossal showdown for the PROGRESS Men’s World Championship. Reigning champion Luke Jacobs is set to defend against the unique former champion Cara Noir, in a match loaded with history, symbolism, and bad blood.

This bout has been brewing ever since Cara Noir made his dramatic return to PROGRESS earlier this year, immediately setting his sights on the title he once held. For Luke Jacobs, it’s an opportunity to cement his reign by vanquishing a modern PROGRESS icon – and he hasn’t been shy about his confidence. The young champion recently blasted Cara Noir’s challenge as “embarrassing,” making it clear he doesn’t think the black swan belongs in his ring​.

 The hard-hitting Mancunian then cashed in that triumph to capture the PROGRESS World Championship, achieving in 2024 what Cara Noir had dominated in 2020-21. Jacobs is a no-nonsense fighter – a product of the North West Strong style – who dishes out suplexes and lariats with vicious intent. Since becoming champion, he’s turned back all challengers, and his confidence has only grown.

Jacobs carries himself like an entrenched veteran, dismissing Cara Noir’s return as yesterday’s news. There’s an edge to Luke Jacobs; he’s felt disrespected that some fans dare to long for Cara’s fairy-tale comeback. Expect Jacobs to come into this match with a chip on his shoulder and a point to prove – he wants to not only beat Cara Noir, but embarrass him. The champion’s intensity and youth versus the challenger’s seasoned resilience will be a major theme.

On the other side stands Cara Noir, one of PROGRESS Wrestling’s most captivating figures. The enigmatic “Royal Black Swan” reigned as PROGRESS World Champion through the empty-arena era and beyond, using his theatrical presence and iron will to become an almost mythic hero for the promotion.

That all came crashing down in a brutal feud that saw him lose the title and be exiled from PROGRESS at the hands of Spike Trivet andd a foot injury sustained in their brutal cage match. After over a year away, Cara Noir has risen from the ashes in 2025, determined to reclaim the throne. And he hasn’t lost a step – in fact, he’s sharpened his edge by facing some of the world’s toughest competitors.

Just recently in Las Vegas, Cara Noir endured a vicious war with Japanese legend Minoru Suzuki​, proving his toughness and resolve remain second to none. In the build-up to this title fight, Cara has also notched victories over top UK names (even pinning Trent Seven in singles action). He is a master of mind games and endurance; Cara’s almost otherworldly ability to absorb punishment and rise from the dead can unnerve even the hardest hitters like Jacobs.

For Cara Noir, this match is about redemption and restoration. He never lost his title to someone like Luke – and he’s hell-bent on showing the new champion and all of PROGRESS that the heart of the Royal black swan beats as strongly as ever.

Super Strong Style 16 weekend is shaping up to be an unmissable extravaganza. With 15 (and counting) warriors poised to tear into each other for tournament glory and a World Championship grudge match that has the entire PROGRESS fanbase buzzing, the stage is set in the Electric Ballroom for two days of drama, surprises, and incredible wrestling.

Will a newcomer rise and claim the SSS16 crown, or will a familiar face etch their name in the trophy’s history? And in the climax of it all, will Luke Jacobs cement his reign, or will the reborn Cara Noir complete his storybook comeback? PROGRESS Wrestling is about to find out – and we can’t wait to watch it unfold.

PROGRESS WRESTLING CHAPTER 180: SUPER STRONG STYLE DETAILS

Date: Sunday, 4th & 5th May 2025

Venue: Electric Ballroom, Camden, London

Time: 3:00 PM London

Watch live on: TrillerTV+ and DEMAND PROGRESS PLUS

Tickets: On sale now via DICE