Big Damo knows how to respond from SSS16 Disappointment…

If there is any way to respond emphatically from not winning Super Strong Style 16, then Big Damo is your man!

In 2022, Big Damo was eliminated in the first round of the tournament, and fate struck twice for the former WWE superstar, as he was eliminated at the same stage this year by eventual winner, Kid Lykos.

Twelve months ago, Big Damo responded by winning both the PROGRESS Men’s World Championship and the Atlas title to close out a successful 2022, and now his aim is to become a grand slam champion…

In an exclusive interview with PROGRESS Wrestling after Super Strong Style 16 2023, Big Damo reflected on this year’s tournament, his motivation for the second half of the calendar year and an injury update on his close friend from SAnitY, Axel Tischer.

Question: Damo, commiserations on your loss at Super Strong Style 16, what are your thoughts after this year’s event?

“It didn’t go my way last year and it hasn’t gone my way this year too. I felt at my very lowest 12 months ago after I lost at Super Strong Style and the ATLAS tournament, it was a real slap in the face. I had the hunger to respond last year to those setbacks and go and win the PROGRESS Men’s World Championship and Atlas title, and now I need to make sure I respond just as well this year too!

“The hunger is there to drive me forwards to be the very best that PROGRESS Wrestling has to offer, and I need to have that as there is so much great talent coming through, as we saw at this year’s Super Strong Style tournament.”

Question: Two of the big winners last weekend were Kid Lykos (Super Strong Style 16) and Rampage Brown, who won Simon Miller’s Ups and Downs Battle Royal! Two great competitors, don’t you agree?

“I completely agree. I have said it a million times before, anybody who beats me, then they must be special. It might have been a bit of the right place, right time, for Kid Lykos, and he had the difficult challenge of going on to beat two other former PROGRESS Men’s World Champions in Nathan Cruz and Mark Haskins, which isn’t easy!

“Rampage Brown is my favourite wrestler, hands down! I have some much respect for him as a person and I am happy he won the Simon Miller Ups and Downs Battle Royal.”

Question: There was bit of controversy surrounding your elimination from the Rumble, though?

“Too right! I eliminated Bullit from the Battle Royal and he came back in to eliminate me. So, let’s put our cards out on the table, Bullit, I am talking directly to you, I am coming for you!

“There is always someone bigger and stronger than you, and that is me, and I will kick your head in!

“We brawled outside the ring, and we even broke the glass on the wall near the ring. If I could break every glass window inside the Electric Ballroom with Bullit’s head, then I would!”

Question: Final question from us Damo, a word on your friend Axel Tischer on his road to recovery and your aspirations for the rest of the year?

“The Axe Man is killing it right now with his recovery. I have been in touch with him consistently and he is already back in training.

“He will be back very soon and when he is, we are going to team up and take those tag team titles!

“Your lowest moments will not define you or overshadow your past achievements. I will find the fire and hunger to go again and become a champion at PROGRESS Wrestling.

“I know I can succeed and be at the very top, but there is a difference, I want to do it with my very best friend and win the tag team championships.”

Can Big Damo respond in emphatic fashion and have a strong second half of 2023 at PROGRESS Wrestling? With Axel Tischer on the road to recovery perhaps Big Damo is a Grand Slam champion in the waiting, but Dominatus Regnum stand firmly in their way.

The next PROGRESS Wrestling show is on Saturday 26th August – PROGRESS and DEFY – A Historic Show.