Rhio Reflects on Her PROGRESS Wrestling Journey in ‘Stories of PROGRESS’
PROGRESS Wrestling continues to deliver compelling insights into its stars with the latest episode of Stories of PROGRESS, featuring the much-discussed Rhio. In this in-depth interview, available now on DEMAND PROGRESS PLUS and the A2THEK Wrestling Show, Rhio shares her thoughts on her rise in PROGRESS, career-defining moments, and her mindset heading into 2025.
Rhio Breaking Through in PROGRESS
Rhio’s ascent in PROGRESS began in 2021 with her victory at Revelations of Divine Love. It was a moment of validation for her:
“I wasn’t sure if I was really ready because PROGRESS was always a place I wanted to get to. But winning showed me I compete.”
She later faced Gisele Shaw in the main event in Manchester, a match that she admits planted seeds of doubt in her mind:
“We were the main event in Manchester. I was representing the north and I fell short. It gave me an element of doubt… my mind isn’t the way it is now.”
The Thunderbastard Key & Championship Glory
One of Rhio’s major milestones was winning the Thunderbastard key, an unpredictable match with multiple competitors:
“The Thunderbastard match is mad, there’s so many moving parts to it.”
That key would ultimately unlock her path to the PROGRESS Women’s Championship, where she strategically outmanoeuvred Lana Austin and her entourage:
“I played the long game. I had to get Lana Austin alone. She had three people by her side at all times. I watched the cracks fall and found the right moment.”
A Fighting Champion & Representing PROGRESS Worldwide
Rhio’s reign as PROGRESS Women’s Champion wasn’t about sitting on the sidelines – she wanted challengers:
“I didn’t want to be a champion sat on the sidelines. If you want it… I welcome it. I got tired of having people jump me though.”
Beyond PROGRESS, she defended the title internationally, including in the U.S. with DEFY Wrestling:
“Working with DEFY was great. They make their division seem as dangerous as PROGRESS do. I hope for more crossover shows. I want competition, not collaboration. Let’s put a fight into it. I want Marina Shafir!”
Rhio Trailblazing Moments & Championship Heartbreak
Rhio played a pivotal role in pushing women’s wrestling forward in PROGRESS, including her performance at SSS16:
“It was huge pressure. Fans may have been sceptical of women’s wrestling on a weekend with one women’s match. So we wanted to outshine the men and we did.”
She also felt a strong personal connection to PROGRESS’ evolving women’s division:
“The new look of women’s wrestling in PROGRESS was me. I added to my legacy and it was special.”
However, her reign came to a crushing end at the hands of Nina Samuels, a loss that still weighs heavily on her:
“My anger comes from her. She couldn’t stand face to face with me. I should have known better. I should have checked my ego. It was an embarrassment how fast it was over. It hurt a lot. I had done so much with the division. We showed our division is the best in Europe and she doesn’t care. She doesn’t even care about PROGRESS. It’s all about the Nina Samuels show. I don’t want to be part of the Nina Samuels show. I want it cancelled.”
The Evolution of Rhio & Her Future in Wrestling
Looking back at her journey, Rhio believes her hardships have made her a stronger competitor:
“My experiences have made me better in every single way. You need to hit rock bottom to get to where you want to be. My mindset is different. It’s that of a champion. People say I’m lucky… no. People don’t see the hard work. Maybe that’s my fault because I only show the highlight reel on social media.”
Her next major challenge? A dream match against Japanese legend Meiko Satomura:
“Mentally I’m thinking the right process. I don’t want my ego to fail me again. I’ve never faced anyone on Meiko’s level. It’s her last singles match in the UK and she’s coming for blood. She’s probably coming to me for the worst night of my life. But I wouldn’t be put in this position if I wasn’t able. She wouldn’t have accepted the match if she didn’t want it, and for me to have her last match in the UK is crazy. I need someone like that. I’m doing it!”
Rhio Legacy & Future Aspirations
Rhio hopes that her time in PROGRESS will leave a lasting impression:
“I want people to think of PROGRESS and think of me. Over 400 days and 20 defences. The old PROGRESS you think of Toni Storm. The new PROGRESS… think of me.”
When asked about a dream opponent in PROGRESS, she didn’t hesitate:
“Natalya.”
With an electric future ahead, including a match in Las Vegas this April, Rhio continues to push her career to new heights:
“I was never really interested in America. Orlando changed that. If a job came around, it would have been cool, but I wasn’t really phased by it. I’m looking forward to Vegas… how Blackpool is it?!!”
With her sights set on proving herself against Meiko Satomura, reclaiming the PROGRESS Women’s Championship, and solidifying her place in wrestling history, Rhio’s story is far from over.
Rhio’s full interview is available exclusively on DEMAND PROGRESS PLUS.
