Super Strong Style 16 has started in blockbuster fashion, as Elijah Blum became the first competitor to advance in the tournament across the men’s and women’s competitions!
Elijah beat Bobby Gunns at wXw’s We Love Wrestling in Rüthen, Germany, on Saturday 10th January, to kick-start his SSS16 journey.
Super Strong Style 16 has this year firmly established itself as the number one international tournament in wrestling, with first-round matches taking place across Europe and North America, showcasing PROGRESS’ commitment to its fans around the world.
Meanwhile, another blockbuster first round match has been confirmed as title Gisele Shaw and AEW’s Billie Starkz will meet in the ring on Sunday 26th April for a Destiny Wrestling Championship Match, which will also decide the winner of a first-round Super Strong Style 16 clash.
The 2026 edition of Super Strong Style 16 will make history, as men’s and women’s competitions run side-by-side, in a world-first tournament including stellar names of professional wrestling.
It is something that excites Shaw, who is looking forward to competing at the inaugural women’s Super Strong Style 16.
Shaw said: “The SSS16 presents a unique set of challenges. As professionals we like to pride ourselves on our preparation, but how do you prepare for the possibility of facing any of the seven competitors.
“On top of that, people who advance will have to compete in multiple matches in one day. It’s going to take a blend of strength, stamina, technique, and strategy. All categories that I score highly in.
“The tournament will be bringing some of the best women’s wrestlers in the world and outlasting each and every one of them and emerging victorious in the end puts me one step away from righting one of the worst injustices in pro wrestling.
“Winning this tournament guarantees me a title shot for the Progress Women’s World Championship and it’s time for The Quintessential Diva to take her title back.”
However, before we get to Shaw vs Starkz, this weekend it is the turn of young prospect Zoltan against his mentor, Peter Tihanyi at wXw in Bielefeld for another first-round match in Germany.
It promises to be a pulsating afternoon of action, with both men standing up to the challenge.
Zoltan said: “It has given me a lot of motivation, being able to take part in such a prestigious tournament at such a young age.
“I have never had the chance to step into the Electric Ballroom but if this is my ticket to let it happen, then I will give it my all to finally get there.
Peter had a strong message for his former pupil: “Zoltan, you are going to be my first opponent, and I know how great you are. You are my former student, but I won’t go easy on you. I will beat you up so bad that you will finally realise you can never be as good as me.”
Elsewhere, other matches announced include hometown favourite Irene taking on the most decorated Women’s Champion in PROGRESS history, Kanji, in Milan on 31st January, before Shotzi Blackheart returns to PROGRESS against Lana Austin at Chapter 191: For the Love of PROGRESS in Manchester on 20th February, as a historic Super Strong Style 16 begins to take shape in the most exciting of ways.
Tickets for upcoming PROGRESS shows can be purchased below:
Sunday 25th January 2026: Chapter 189: In Darkest Night (Camden Electric Ballroom).
Sunday 15th February 2026: Chapter 190: In Brightest Day (Camden Electric Ballroom).
Friday 20th February 2026: Chapter 191: For The Love of PROGRESS 4 (Bowlers’ Exhibition Centre, Manchester).
Fans can stream PROGRESS Wrestling anytime, anywhere, on Hooked on Wrestling TV.