Leon Slater vs. Marcus Mathers: An Electrifying Opener

The night began with a high-energy match between Leon Slater and Marcus Mathers, which set an exciting tone for the rest of the event. Both wrestlers demonstrated their athleticism and skill, with neither backing down from the relentless pace.

The match was filled with fast-paced sequences, daring aerial manoeuvres, and close near-falls that kept the crowd on their feet. Slater ultimately emerged victorious, earning a standing ovation from the fans, but Mathers impressed on his UK debut in front of his best friend Nick Wayne and the GCW regular will be welcome back anytime!

Six-Person Tag Team Action: Kanji & The Experience vs. Nina Samuels, Lena Kross, and Debbie Keitel

The second match of the evening was a thrilling six-person tag team contest featuring Kanji and The Experience against Nina Samuels, Lena Kross, and Debbie Keitel. This bout highlighted the depth of talent in the women’s division, with each competitor showcasing their unique strengths.

Kanji and The Experience displayed excellent teamwork, combining speed, power, and technical prowess to overcome their opponents. Despite the best efforts of the opposing team, which included some underhanded tactics, Kanji and her partners secured the win, much to the delight of the crowd.

Interestingly, Skye Smitson backed up her words of righting her wrongs of the past by taking the bullet for Kanji in this match, allowing her to go on an get the pin on Debbie Keitel – much to Nina Samuels disgust.

It is fair to say that their personal vendetta is far from done!

Triple Threat Match: Man Like Dereiss Declares His Intentions for 2024

Man Like Dereiss took on Gene Munny and a surprise entrant in the debuting Zozaya in a hard-fought triple threat match that had the crowd on the edge of their seats.

The match featured a mix of power moves, high-flying spots, and clever strategies as all three competitors battled for dominance. Dereiss’s athleticism and determination shone through, besting the freestyle of Zozaya and the hijinks of Gene Munny allowing him to pick up a decisive victory by pinning Zozaya.

After the match, Dereiss grabbed the microphone and boldly declared that 2024 would be “the year of the dragon,” signalling his ambition to chase championship gold in the coming year.

The passionate promo fired up the audience and led to a flurry of supportive tweets, with fans eager to see what the future holds for DeReiss.

DEFY World Championship Match: KENTA vs. Ricky Knight Jr.

In a highly anticipated match, KENTA defended his DEFY World Championship against Ricky Knight Jr. The bout was a thrilling display of technical wrestling and hard-hitting strikes, with both men pushing each other to the limit.

Knight Jr. will feel that he was unable to bring his A-game, as he was attacked on the entrance ramp before the nell had rung and ended up in a pool of blood. However, he fought valiantly against the odds, withstanding a lot of punishment and almost beat KENTA with his own GTS.

KENTA’s experience and resilience ultimately prevailed, allowing him to retain the championship with his original version of the GTS which of course struck with more venom as he is the master of the move. It must be noted that a removed turnbuckle pad also played a part in RKJ’s demise.

PROGRESS Women’s Title Match: Rhio vs. Session Moth Martina

 Rhio put her PROGRESS Women’s World Championship on the line against Session Moth Martina in a match filled with drama and excitement. Martina, now sporting a new attitude and wrestling style, put up a tough fight, challenging Rhio at every turn with her mind games.

A poorly masked Gene Munny, who then revealed himself to the sarcastic shock of the Ballroom, attempted to interfere on Martina’s behalf, but his efforts backfired, leading to Rhio capitalizing on the opportunity to retain her title with the package piledriver.

The crowd reacted with a mix of amusement and cheers at Munny’s failed interference, and Session Moth berated him on the ramp until he whispered something in her ear that appeared to appease her temper…

Two-out-of-Three Falls Match: Eddie Dennis vs. Tate Mayfairs

Eddie Dennis and Tate Mayfairs delivered a compelling two-out-of-three falls match, full of intriguing in-ring psychology. Dennis took the first fall with an underhanded fake injury, only to concede the second fall by DQ after hitting Dennis with his patented brass knuckles.

The final fall saw Dennis narrowly clinch the victory, much to the crowd’s excitement. Dennis appeared to set aside his anger after the match consoling a very upset Mayfairs on his defeat.

Fans on social media lauded the storytelling and competitive spirit displayed by both wrestlers, with many calling it one of the standout matches of the evening.

A big question coming out of this match will be on Mayfairs – did he create the 2 out of 3 falls stipulation – or was that Rufus Hound using his new power after taking over from Tom Campbell on hosting duties and why did Tate concede the second fall?!

PROGRESS Tag Team Title Match: SAnitY vs. Sunshine Machine & Smokin’ Aces

Tag team action was up next as SAnitY defended their PROGRESS Tag Team Titles against the teams of Sunshine Machine and Smokin’ Aces. Originally this was a tag team match between just SAnitY and the Aces after their heated exchange at Boxpark Wembley, but we saw a surprising and very well received return from Sunshine Machine! The three-way match was a chaotic affair, featuring a mix of brawling, high-flying moves, and strategic teamwork.

 SAnitY demonstrated their experience and cohesion, ultimately retaining their titles after a fiercely contested battle.

The audience was fully engaged, and social media was filled with praise for the tag teams, particularly for SAnitY’s ability to overcome the odds and retain their championship and the return of Sunshine Machine which was the second big surprise on an unpredictable night!

Main Event: Luke Jacobs vs. Kid Lykos for the PROGRESS World Championship

The main event of the night saw Luke Jacobs successfully defend his PROGRESS World Championship against Kid Lykos in a hard-fought battle.

Jacobs relied on his strength and resilience, while Lykos used his speed and technical abilities to keep the champion off-balance. Unlike last month where this was a complete mismatch, Kid Lykos levelled up and hung with the new champion for 22 minutes in a back and forth main event that could have gone either way.

The match featured several dramatic near-falls and high-impact moments, culminating in Jacobs securing the victory by rear naked choke forcing Kid Lykos to pass out to retain his title. The crowd erupted in applause, appreciating the intense effort put forth by both competitors.

Post-Match Confrontation: The Return of Cara Noir and a New Chapter for the Title Scene

After Jacobs’s successful title defence, the ring filled with potential challengers, including Eddie Dennis, Man Like Dereiss, Leon Slater and KENTA. Each wrestler made their intentions clear, seeking a shot at the PROGRESS World Championship.

Jacobs, sensing trouble, got in every single one of their faces but his jaw dropped when the lights went out and 16 months after his career threatening injury, Cara Noir returned to PROGRESS to an almighty pop from the sold out live crowd.

This left Cara Noir and Luke Jacobs facing off in the centre of the ring, that had fans buzzing with excitement, before the Black Swan turned his attention to KENTA and stared at the DEFY World Championship. Social media lit up with reactions, with many heartbroken and envious they weren’t in the Electric Ballroom to witness the atmosphere in person.

A Night of High Drama proving Wrestling Never Sleeps – what next?

The unexpected return of Cara Noir and the heated post-match confrontations made Chapter 170 a night that won’t soon be forgotten, leaving more questions than answers.

The best way to find out what happens next is to get your Chapter 171 tickets which are on sale now, and will showcase what PROGRESS Wrestling is all about on Sunday, September 22nd, featuring the debuts of Marina Shafir and 1 Called Manders plus much, much more.