The Super Strong Style 16 tournament is off to a blistering start, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing down!
PROGRESS Wrestling is turning up the heat with the announcement of yet another blockbuster showdown that’s sure to have fans talking across the World!
This March, two worlds collide in Milan as Mirko Mori steps back into the PROGRESS ring to face an old foe in Spike Trivet in what promises to be a fierce, high stakes encounter in the fashion capital of the world.
The stage is set for Saturday, 14th March at SAJ, and fireworks are guaranteed as one man will advance to the next round of the prestigious tournament.
Speaking ahead of his clash with Trivet, a fired-up Mori made it clear he’s ready to remind the world what he’s made of.
“I’m truly excited to be returning to PROGRESS Wrestling after such a long time. It’s where I took my first steps, and it taught me so much about this discipline,” Mori said.
“My first and last PROGRESS match back then was on Freedom’s Road, before I returned to Italy.
“I know Spike very well and I’m expecting something unique and special. He remembers me as the skinny, inexperienced Italian, but a lot has changed.
“After my time in Japan and travelling across Europe, I’ve become a completely different performer with a hunger to prove myself.
“I’ve never taken part in Super Strong Style 16 before; I simply wasn’t ready then. But now, this will be an unforgettable experience. The Electric Ballroom is on my checklist, and if I don’t make it there this year, I know my time will come.”
Before Spike and Mirko go face to face, SAJ will host a first round women’s match this weekend where a local favourite will look to make history on home soil.
Irene, cheered on by a passionate Italian crowd, will lock up with the Kanji as the line up at May’s showpiece finale at Camden’s Electric Ballroom is becoming clearer.
The tournament has already delivered plenty of twists worthy of its legacy.
In the men’s division, Elijah Blum became the first to punch his ticket to the next round after toppling Bobby Gunns at wXw in Germany on 10th January.
A week later, Peter Tihanyi triumphed over his student Zoltan, proving that experience still counts for everything.
At Chapter 189, Jay Joshua, accompanied by Connor Mills and Nico Angelo, secured his spot in round two after Kid Lykos threw in the towel to protect Joshua’s opponent, Lykos II.
The history-making women’s edition of Super Strong Style 16 blasted started with equal ferocity. The crowd erupted as The Experience reunited, with LA Taylor and Sky Smitson both in singles competition. Smitson powered through Anita Vaughan, while LA Taylor faced Session Moth Martina, stepping in for the medically sidelined Safire Reed, and recorded the win.
First-round battles continue as the stakes grow higher and the rivalries sharper.
Up next, Simon Miller officially enters the Super Strong Style 16 fray when he finally goes one-on-one with Josh Holly, the rival who’s spent months antagonising him. Now, they settle it in the ring.
Meanwhile, at Chapter 191: “For the Love of PROGRESS 4” on Friday 20th February at Manchester’s Bowlers Exhibition Centre, former WWE star Shotzi Blackheart faces former PROGRESS Women’s Champion Lana Austin in a can’t-miss first-round clash.
Across the channel, Charles Crowley, the first competitor confirmed for this year’s tournament, battles Tucker on Saturday 14th March at BZW/Rixe in Dreux, France.
And the international matches continues as Gisele Shaw will meet AEW’s Billie Starkz on Sunday 26th April in a Destiny Wrestling Championship Match that also doubles as a Super Strong Style 16 first-round encounter.
For fans who can’t get enough of the action, every suplex, strike, and shocking moment can be watched on Hooked on Wrestling TV, bringing the chaos of PROGRESS directly to your screen, anytime, anywhere.