The stage is set for an epic encounter at PROGRESS Wrestling Chapter 169: The Devil On My Shoulder. The Electric Ballroom will witness the debut of Lena Kross, who steps in to replace the injured Emersyn Jayne and challenges Rhio for the PROGRESS Women’s Championship. Rhio has been a dominant champion for almost 300 days, but Kross, a rising star and regular tag team partner of Nina Samuels in Sendai Girls, is determined to make her mark. We caught up with Lena Kross to discuss her debut, her preparation, and her plans for the match.
Lena, congratulations on making your PROGRESS debut! How are you feeling ahead of your match against Rhio?
Lena Kross: Thank you! Honestly, I couldn’t be feeling any better. I’ve just come off a tour in Japan, and I think it’s fitting that not only will this match be my PROGRESS debut but also my UK debut. My debut is in a championship match against a champion who’s held that title for almost 300 days and within a major company. It’s setting a precedence for the type of wrestler I am, and it’s making a statement that I didn’t come to the UK just to have some fun. I came here to make sure when I leave, everyone knows who Lena Kross is.
For those PROGRESS fans that have yet to see you, how would you describe yourself as a wrestler?
Lena Kross: Think Presence, Power, Precision. Think Number 1.
You’ve been Nina Samuels’ tag team partner in Sendai Girls. How has that partnership prepared you for this big moment?
Lena Kross: I’m very grateful for the opportunity within Sendai Girls and being able to tag with Nina. She’s taken me under her wing, and I’ve been able to learn a lot about the UK scene and what I can expect coming in. It’s taken away that unknown feeling you get when coming to a new place, so I’m even more prepared.
Rhio has been the champion for almost 300 days. What strategies do you have in mind to counter her strengths?
Lena Kross: I’m coming into Sunday knowing exactly who Rhio is and the champion she has been at PROGRESS. On the other hand, Rhio doesn’t have the same knowledge of me. In this situation, she has everything to lose, and I have everything to gain.
Nina Samuels has a well-documented rivalry with Rhio and even interfered in her last match with Emersyn Jayne. How does this rivalry influence your approach to the match?
Lena Kross: Oh yes, I paid close attention to that rivalry and believe those interferences were valid considering she never got the rematch that was deserved following what happened last December. So when I win this Sunday and take the PROGRESS title from Rhio, it won’t just be for me but for Nina.
Emersyn Jayne’s injury led to your opportunity to challenge Rhio. This match is very different from what Rhio was expecting as Emersyn and she are tag partners in the UK and were going to have friendly competition. We assume you will be anything but?
Lena Kross: Firstly, I do wish Emersyn a speedy recovery! Secondly, if Rhio thinks I’m taking this opportunity as friendly competition, she’s in for a rude awakening. I’m here to prove exactly why Lena Kross is Number One, and that starts with winning the PROGRESS Women’s Championship this Sunday.
The Electric Ballroom is an iconic venue for wrestling. What does it mean to you to debut in such a historic setting?
Lena Kross: Well, Lena Kross is iconic, and it seems fitting that my debut is in a building that has so much history surrounding it. On Sunday, I’ll add to that history.
Finally, any last words for Rhio on Sunday, July 28th?
Lena Kross: I hope you’re ready.
As the countdown to Chapter 169 continues, the excitement is palpable. Lena Kross’s debut promises to be a defining moment in her career and a potential game-changer in the PROGRESS Women’s Championship scene. Will she dethrone Rhio and make her mark in the UK? Only time will tell. Don’t miss this thrilling encounter at the Electric Ballroom on Sunday, July 28th!
PROGRESS Wrestling tickets are available for all future shows via the dice app, including this July’s event, THE DEVIL ON MY SHOULDER featuring Rhio vs Lena Kross for the PROGRESS Wrestling Women’s World Championship. See you on Sunday, 28th July!
You can see Rhio matches in PROGRESS Wrestling, including her 10 successful defences by subscribing to DEMAND PROGRESS PLUS.
