abian Aichner in PROGRESS Wrestling a glimpse of greatness to come
Before he became known globally as a key member of Imperium in NXT and WWE, Fabian Aichner made a brief but noteworthy impact in PROGRESS Wrestling His appearances in 2016 were limited to just two matches but they showcased the raw talent athleticism and intensity that would soon propel him onto the international stage
Fabian Aichner debuted in PROGRESS Wrestling at Chapter 37 A Sudden Sense of Liberty on 16 October 2016 held at the O2 Ritz in Manchester Facing off against James Drake Aichner entered the match as something of an unknown to the PROGRESS audience but quickly turned heads The bout was hard hitting and athletic with Aichner demonstrating a crisp impactful style that balanced European technical wrestling with explosive aerial offence Although he was defeated the match gave fans a clear glimpse of Aichner’s potential
Just over two months later Aichner returned to PROGRESS at one of the company’s most unique events Chapter 41 Unboxing Live held on 30 December 2016 at the Electric Ballroom in London With no matches announced in advance the crowd erupted when it was revealed that Aichner would be challenging Pete Dunne for the PROGRESS World Championship Despite entering the bout as the underdog Aichner put in a standout performance against one of the UK’s most dominant champions In a high paced technically sound 11 minute contest Aichner held his own and even looked close to victory at times before ultimately falling to Dunne
His willingness to step up on a major stage against the top man in the company earned him the respect of the PROGRESS faithful and although his run was short he departed the promotion with his stock significantly raised
Match highlights in PROGRESS Wrestling include Fabian Aichner vs James Drake at Chapter 37 and Fabian Aichner vs Pete Dunne at Chapter 41 Unboxing Live for the PROGRESS World Championship
Though he did not return to PROGRESS after Chapter 41 Aichner had done enough to solidify his place as one of Europe’s brightest prospects It was clear that larger opportunities awaited him
Aichner’s breakthrough came shortly after his PROGRESS appearances when he represented Italy in WWE’s inaugural Cruiserweight Classic in 2016 Though eliminated in the first round he impressed scouts and fans with his agility and strength which earned him a developmental contract with WWE
Initially competing in NXT Aichner gradually evolved his persona and style showing off a dynamic mix of power and precision that set him apart In 2018 he formed a tag team with German technician Marcel Barthel and the duo quickly developed chemistry that led to the formation of Imperium alongside WALTER now Gunther and Alexander Wolfe
As a tag team Aichner and Barthel wrestling under the names Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel later Ludwig Kaiser captured the NXT Tag Team Championships in May 2021 solidifying their status as one of the brand’s premier duos Their matches were marked by methodical pacing clinical execution and an old school European aesthetic that contrasted sharply with the flashier teams in NXT
Imperium driven by their mantra of the mat is sacred became a defining act within NXT and later on the main roster While Aichner was briefly repackaged as Giovanni Vinci in NXT 20 he later rejoined Imperium in WWE proper aligning once again with Gunther and Kaiser on the SmackDown brand
Fabian Aichner’s time in PROGRESS Wrestling may have lasted only two matches but it served as a vital stepping stone in his career His match with Pete Dunne was a clear early indicator of the calibre of wrestler he would become From the intimate atmosphere of the Electric Ballroom to the global stage of WWE Aichner’s journey has been a story of refinement patience and execution
Whether performing as a singles star or within Imperium he has established himself as one of the most technically gifted powerhouses in modern wrestling And for PROGRESS fans who saw him take on the Bruiserweight in 2016 his rise has come as no surprise
With Imperium continuing to feature prominently on WWE television and Aichner still evolving the best may yet be to come for a wrestler whose first shot at a world title came in the heart of Camden under the lights of the Electric Ballroom.
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Fabian Aichner – Precision and Power on the PROGRESS Stage
Before making his name in NXT and WWE as a member of Imperium, Fabian Aichner brought his explosive style and European athleticism to PROGRESS Wrestling in 2016. Though his appearances were brief, Aichner’s blend of strength, speed and technical prowess stood out in an era packed with rising international talent.
Aichner debuted at a time when PROGRESS was drawing top names from across Europe and beyond. His presence added legitimacy to the mid-card and hinted at the elite performer he would soon become. Whether wrestling emerging UK names or taking on the champion himself, Aichner left his mark with clinical precision and undeniable impact.
Notable matches in Fabian Aichner’s PROGRESS history include:
Fabian Aichner vs. James Drake – Chapter 37: A Sudden Sense of Liberty
Fabian Aichner vs. Pete Dunne – Chapter 41: Unboxing Live! (PROGRESS World Title Match)
Aichner’s standout performance came at Chapter 41, where he challenged Pete Dunne for the PROGRESS World Championship at the Electric Ballroom. Though unsuccessful, Aichner pushed the Bruiserweight in a tightly contested 11-minute match that showed his world-class calibre. It would be his final appearance in PROGRESS before signing with WWE.
While his run in the promotion was short, Fabian Aichner brought elite execution and physicality to the PROGRESS ring, a glimpse of the excellence he would later display on the global stage.
