Luke Jacobs Reaches One Year as PROGRESS Men’s World Champion

Next Defence: TLC Match vs. Man Like Dereiss at Chapter 183: 100 Volts

On 28 July 2024, Luke Jacobs began his reign as PROGRESS Men’s World Champion by defeating Kid Lykos at Chapter 169: The Devil On My Shoulder. A full year later, Jacobs remains atop the promotion, a champion defined by relentless strength, no-nonsense promos, and a long line of vanquished challengers.

As he approaches his biggest challenge yet—a TLC match against Man Like Dereiss at Chapter 183: 100 Volts—we take a look back at every match that has shaped Jacobs’ championship year.

Luke Jacobs’ Complete Title Reign: Match by Match

28.07.2024 – Chapter 169: The Devil On My Shoulder
Luke Jacobs defeats Kid Lykos to win the PROGRESS Men’s World Championship.
26.08.2024 – Chapter 170: Wrestling Never Sleeps
Luke Jacobs defeats Kid Lykos in a rematch to solidify his reign.
08.09.2024 – NOAH UK Tour 2024: Day 3
Luke Jacobs defeats Masa Kitamiya and Yoshiki Inamura in a tag-style showcase, proving his dominance on the NOAH stage.
22.09.2024 – Chapter 171: History Is Written By The Victors
Luke Jacobs defeats Eddie Dennis, further establishing his reign with another hard-fought win.
05.10.2024 – PROGRESS/DEFY/NOAH Crossover
Luke Jacobs defeats Timothy Thatcher in a critically acclaimed technical showcase.
27.10.2024 – Chapter 172: Werewolves Of London
Luke Jacobs defeats Man Like Dereiss in their first singles title encounter.
24.11.2024 – Chapter 174: VENDETTA 2
Luke Jacobs defeats Leon Slater, shutting down one of the division’s brightest rising stars.
29.11.2024 – DEFY/PROGRESS Onslaught: Night 1
Luke Jacobs defeats Kevin Knight, furthering his international résumé.
01.12.2024 – DEFY/PROGRESS Onslaught: Night 2
Luke Jacobs defeats Man Like Dereiss again, marking his second victory over the SSS16 finalist.
29.12.2024 – Chapter 175: Unboxing VII: The Curtain Call
Luke Jacobs defeats Leon Slater, Man Like Dereiss, and Ricky Knight Jr. in a fatal four-way defence.
23.02.2025 – Chapter 177: My Own Destiny
Luke Jacobs defeats Tate Mayfairs, fending off a brash and ambitious challenger.
17.04.2025 – Chapter 179: PROGRESS Las Vegas
Luke Jacobs defeats Michael Oku, showcasing his dominance in the US market.
05.05.2025 – Chapter 180: Super Strong Style 16
Luke Jacobs defeats Cara Noir in a heated title clash during PROGRESS’ most prestigious tournament.
29.06.2025 – Chapter 181: Far From Ordinary People
Luke Jacobs defeats Cara Noir once more, solidifying his control over one of PROGRESS’ most celebrated names.

Luke Jacobs Looking Ahead: Chapter 183 and the TLC War

Now, on 25 August 2025, Jacobs will defend his title against Man Like Dereiss in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match at Chapter 183: 100 Volts.

Dereiss, winner of the 2025 Super Strong Style 16 Tournament, has declared his intention to cash in on Jacobs, seeking redemption after three failed attempts. Their last confrontation at Chapter 182 ended in chaos, with Dereiss attacked by Jacobs and Ethan Allen after a volatile in-ring exchange. Jacobs’ cutting promo—calling Dereiss a “cheap pop journeyman”—fired up both the crowd and the challenger.

The Luke Jacobs Legacy at Stake

Jacobs enters this match after 14 major bouts across the UK, US and Japan, having seen off every kind of challenger—high-flyers, technicians, brawlers and powerhouses. But with weapons legal, outside control removed, and a hungry Dereiss entering his final shot with nothing to lose, this could be the most dangerous test of Jacobs’ reign yet.

One year on, Luke Jacobs stands tall. Whether he can walk out of 100 Volts the same way remains to be seen.