The Sunshine Machine, comprising Chuck Mambo and TK Cooper, has made a significant impact in PROGRESS Wrestling. Their journey began somewhat unexpectedly. Initially, they were just friends filming a vlog called “Escaping The Midcard” and hadn’t planned on becoming a tag team.

Their tag team formation was an unplanned development, arising when a company asked them to participate together in a tag team gauntlet match in 2018. This opportunity clicked for them, and they decided to pursue it further, especially as wrestling events resumed with live audiences after the lockdown period​​.

Their debut in PROGRESS Wrestling was at PROGRESS Chapter 107 on March 27, 2021, where they defeated The Young Guns (Ethan Allen and Luke Jacobs). They achieved a major milestone by winning the PROGRESS Tag Team Championship, defeating The 0121 (Dan Moloney and Man Like DeReiss). Their reign as champions was notable, setting a record at 358 days before eventually losing the titles to Smokin’ Aces (Charlie Sterling and Nick Riley) at PROGRESS Chapter 153 on May 28, 2023​​.

A particularly memorable moment for Sunshine Machine was at Unboxing V: Deal or No Deal, where they defeated the original champions FSU (Eddie Dennis & Mark Andrews), setting a record for the most title defences in PROGRESS history. Both Mambo and Cooper expressed how influential FSU had been in their careers, noting the parallels between the two teams and the significance of this victory in cementing their own legacy in the modern British wrestling scene​​.

Another significant storyline involved their rivalry with Lykos Gym. Leading up to PROGRESS Chapter 148, Sunshine Machine was poised to break the all-time tag team record for the number of defences, with their match against Lykos Gym being crucial.

This matchup was not just about the record but also carried personal significance, especially for Chuck Mambo, who had faced confidence challenges and personal attacks from Lykos, culminating with his head being shaved. The team expressed their commitment to not only breaking records but also enjoying wrestling and acknowledging their unexpected success and the support of their fans​​.

At Chapter 149, held at the O2 Ritz in Manchester, Sunshine Machine defended the PROGRESS Tag Team Championships against Smokin’ Aces (Charlie Sterling and Nick Riley). The match ended in a double count-out, allowing Mambo and Cooper to retain their titles and continue their reign as champions.

Having won the titles in a ladder match at Super Strong Style 16 in 2022, Sunshine Machine entered Chapter 149 with an already impressive legacy. They continued to reinforce their dominance with numerous title defences across the year, including key victories over 0121 (Dan Moloney and Man Like Dereiss), FSU (Eddie Dennis and Mark Andrews), and other top contenders. Their reign was notable for its consistency, crowd connection, and match quality.

Sunshine Machine became embroiled in a heated three-way rivalry with Smokin’ Aces and 0121. This culminated in a dramatic three-way ladder match at Super Strong Style 16, which became one of the most talked-about matches of the year. The build-up was driven by competitive respect and tension, with Mambo and Cooper often speaking about their love for tag team wrestling and their desire to elevate it within PROGRESS.

Their first reign as PROGRESS Tag Team Champions eventually ended at Chapter 153, after an impressive 358-day run. They dropped the titles to Smokin’ Aces, concluding a reign that helped define a golden period for tag team wrestling in the promotion.

Despite the setback, Sunshine Machine remained key players in the division. As of mid-2025, they have reclaimed the PROGRESS Tag Team Championships, becoming two-time champions. Their resilience and ongoing popularity have ensured they remain central to the company’s tag team narrative.

Since their debut in PROGRESS in 2021, Sunshine Machine have built a legacy grounded in athleticism, crowd connection, and emotional storytelling. Their chemistry, both in and out of the ring, has made them fan favourites. From ladder wars to gritty title defences, they have consistently delivered high-calibre performances, pushing the importance of tag team wrestling within the promotion.

In summary, the Sunshine Machine’s journey in PROGRESS Wrestling is marked by unexpected beginnings, significant achievements like setting record title defences, and emotionally charged storylines, showcasing their evolution as a dominant force in the tag team division.

PROGRESS Wrestling tickets are available for all future shows via the dice app, 

You can see Sunshine Machine matches, including their incredible ladder matches by subscribing to DEMAND PROGRESS PLUS.