In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Kanji, one of PROGRESS Wrestling’s brightest stars, as she prepares to face ongoing challenges from her rival, Nina Samuels. Despite Nina’s claims that she is responsible for Kanji’s success, Kanji stands firm in her belief that her journey is her own.
Throughout this conversation, Kanji addresses Nina’s attempts to take credit for her achievements, the bitterness behind Samuels’ words, and her focus on growth and resilience. From Nina’s backstage attack at Chapter 170 to her aspirations for a shot at the PROGRESS Women’s Championship, Kanji reflects on how she navigates rivalries, respect, and the evolving women’s division.
Nina claims that your success is because of her influence. How do you feel about her taking credit for your achievements?
I believe in dependant origination. And Nina has been apart of my journey in wrestling and has influenced my path, however, to claim the success of my career is all down to her is laughable and is said through hate for herself.
Nina says you ‘know what you need to do’ for this all to stop. Have you any idea what she means?
Maybe to look in a mirror and say ‘Nina Samuels 3 times’? The woman is drowning in delusion, and is a victim of her own brainwashing, it could mean anything.
You have never lost to Nina in a PROGRESS ring. Do you feel like you have her number?
Nina is the only wrestler I know that is and has carried the amount of championships she does. Although I have never lost to Nina at Progress, there is a reason for where and how she stands. But there is also a reason as to why I am where I stand. It takes great spiritual resilience to not hate the hater whose hands are around your throat, to be able to be controlled through facing injustices and to be wise in peace and defeat. Even if Nina was to pin me, she’d never come out on top, because she will always fail to make me submit myself to believe the collection of myths that make Nina Samuels.
Do you draw a line under your beef with The Experience now they have righted their wrongs to you – and were you surprised with Debbie Keitel joining Nina Samuels?
I wholly believe people are always capable of change, and forgiveness is something that shouldn’t be demanded or earned, it’s the natural giving of the soul, and that’s what has happened between The Experience and I. And Debbie Keitel? She has loyalty to coffee and only coffee, and she’s never hidden that, so I can’t be mad or surprised! She saw an opportunity and took it, well done to her. I hope she comes back.
You haven’t had a singles match for the PROGRESS Women’s Championship since 2022. How much do you want to get back into the title picture?
Rhio is a champion I respect and appreciate. She knows her role and her division. To understand all the wrestlers that work under the Progress banner, and to trust that we can handle our business without bringing the division into disrepute takes a real one to hold the company strong, and Rhio is doing it. So to get into the title picture with someone like Rhio will only be something that will help me grow.
Speaking of the Championship. Rhio has long been advocating for a Women’s SSS16. Is 2025 the year it should happen?
A Women’s SSS16 has been LONG awaiting, but not just Women, we want the They’s too. We have too much talent in this country and not enough of a platform to showcase it. SSS16 should be open for WRESTLERS.
Lastly, what are your thoughts on Marina Shafir debuting in PROGRESS Wrestling this month?
Marina Shafir is a great talent, with a unique style. And I look forward to being introduced to her, and seeing how she copes with the British Strong Style.
Tickets are now on sale for our next show, Chapter 171 – History Is Written By The Victors, which will take place at the Electric Ballroom, Camden, London, on Sunday 22nd Sepetember, 3pm start. To purchase tickets for the event, please CLICK HERE.
