Kid Lykos, Rhio, and Luke Jacobs Named Among Daily Star’s Top Wrestlers of 2024
The Daily Star, in collaboration with the Eat, Sleep, Suplex, Retweet podcast, has unveiled its Top 20 Wrestlers of 2024, shining a spotlight on standout performers from across the wrestling world. Among the elite are three of the UK’s brightest talents, each representing PROGRESS Wrestling: Kid Lykos, Rhio, and Luke Jacobs. Here’s a closer look at why they’ve earned their place on this prestigious list.
Kid Lykos: Crafting Chaos in 2024
Kid Lykos has long been a fan favourite in PROGRESS Wrestling, but 2024 marked a particularly standout year for the “soul of PROGRESS.” Despite enduring personal and professional challenges, Lykos FINALLY became the PROGRESS Men’s World Champion in a blood-soaked steel cage match against Spike Trivet.
He may have lost his mask in 2023 to his adversary, but as he promised his friends are not his weakness and they all played a part in dispersing Dominatus Regnum from the ring to leave Spike one on one with Lykos – who now sporting a crimson mask – took Spike’s prize gold from him!
He defended the title on Wrestlemania weekend against Man Like Dereiss in Philadelphia, representing the company he bleeds and sweats for across the pond.
He has consistently delivered thrilling tag team and singles matches in PROGRESS this year. His rivalry with Luke Jacobs that saw him lose his friendship and Championship to his former ally and his recent feud with Lykos II against Connor Mills and Nico Angelo showcased his grit and resilience, while his unwavering connection with the crowd keeps him one of PROGRESS’s most beloved stars.
Whether in tag team warfare as part of Lykos Gym or venturing solo, Lykos embodies heart, soul, and high-flying innovation. His ability to adapt and remain relevant in an ever-changing wrestling landscape has cemented his place among the year’s best.
Rhio: Reigning Queen of PROGRESS
As PROGRESS Women’s Champion, Rhio has redefined dominance in the division. Her title defences throughout 2024 have been nothing short of spectacular, with standout victories against stars like Lizzy Evo, Zayda Steel, and Vert Vixen. Rhio’s presence as champion has elevated the women’s division, combining technical prowess with raw intensity.
She has main evented the Electric Ballroom for the first time in her career in 2024, been named in the top 25 wrestlers in the world in the PWI 250 and travelled to the States where she has continued her path of dominance whilst also being seen at NXT which has got tongues wagging about her future!
What sets Rhio apart is her ability to adapt to any opponent, showcasing a blend of power, agility, and strategy that keeps fans and challengers guessing. That has been shown recently where she has been using the dragon sleeper to put some opponents away who won’t succumb to the package piledriver! Her reign has not only solidified her as one of the UK’s top wrestlers but also positioned her as a future global star.
Luke Jacobs: The Workhorse Champion
At just 24 years old, Luke Jacobs continues to prove why he’s one of the best wrestlers in the world. As the reigning PROGRESS Men’s World Champion, Jacobs has carried an immense workload, delivering match-of-the-year contenders at every turn.
His battles against the likes of Kid Lykos, Leon Slater, and Man Like DeReiss have been nothing short of legendary, blending hard-hitting intensity with a storytelling ability that belies his age. Jacobs’ ability to compete against a variety of styles—from Japanese strong style to high-flying UK talent—has made him a standout on the international stage.
In 2024 the man who was already a former ATLAS World Champion went one step further in his PROGRESS journey, and he did it by throwing away his friendship with Kid Lykos, attacking him at the Super Strong Style 16 tournament and going on to win the 16 man tourney and then decimating Lykos to win the championship.
Why They Were Chosen
The inclusion of Kid Lykos, Rhio, and Luke Jacobs underscores the strength of UK wrestling and the global influence of PROGRESS Wrestling. Each has not only excelled in their respective roles but has also represented British wrestling with passion, creativity, and excellence.
2024 has been a landmark year for wrestling, and with stars like Lykos, Rhio, and Jacobs leading the charge, the future is brighter than ever. Their inclusion on this list is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and ability to captivate audiences across the world.
For the full Top 20 list and more standout wrestling stories, visit the Daily Star’s official website!
