PROGRESS Wrestling is thrilled to announce a monumental matchup for Chapter 170: Wrestling Never Sleeps. On Monday, August 26th, at the iconic Electric Ballroom in Camden, Ricky Knight Jr will answer the challenge and face DEFY World Champion KENTA.
The latter gained prominence in Pro Wrestling NOAH, where he captured the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship and later the GHC Heavyweight Championship, showcasing his versatility across weight classes. KENTA’s success continued in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he won the NEVER Openweight Championship and his over year-long reign as DEFY World Champion only adds to his legacy.
Ricky Knight Jr, a standout member of the esteemed Knight family, recently celebrated in the ring at Wembley Stadium with Saraya when she became AEW Women’s Champion at All In 2023. Now, he aims to close out the All In weekend 2024 by making history himself—becoming the first British DEFY World Champion on home soil.
In a powerful video message after seeing that KENTA would be defending his DEFY World Championship in Camden, Knight Jr. reflected on his near victory at the Super Strong Style 16 final against Luke Jacobs, which would have made him the #1 contender for the PROGRESS Men’s World Championship. Undeterred, he set his sights on KENTA, acknowledging the champion’s toughness but confidently asserting his own prowess. “KENTA is one of the best and toughest, but he’s never been in the ring with the Killer. It won’t be an easy night when you come to the UK, because in the UK I’m the baddest, and not only am I going to take your belt, I’m going to put you to sleep for my family’s legacy,” Knight Jr. declared.
PROGRESS Co-owners Lee McAteer and Martyn Best expressed their excitement about the upcoming match. “Our partnership with DEFY allows us to bring in top international stars and provide our fans with world-class wrestling. Our newly formed relationship with DEFY Wrestling allows us to bring in top international stars and provide our fans with world-class wrestling. This match is a testament to that,” said McAteer.
Martyn Best added, “Ricky Knight Jr. has been a rising star, and his journey with PROGRESS has been inspiring. This match against KENTA will showcase the very best of British wrestling talent on a global stage.”
DEFY Wrestling Co-owner Matt Farmer shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration and the upcoming match. “Working with PROGRESS has been fantastic, and it exemplifies the spirit of independent wrestling. KENTA making the DEFY World Championship a truly worldwide title is a testament to our shared vision. Ricky Knight Jr. is a formidable opponent, and this match will undoubtedly elevate the prestige of the DEFY World Championship,” Farmer stated.
Tickets for Chapter 170: Wrestling Never Sleeps are now available through DICE and the PROGRESS Wrestling website. Don’t miss the chance to witness history in the making as Ricky Knight Jr. strives to become the first British DEFY World Champion and solidify his legacy in the wrestling world.
For more information, please visit PROGRESS Wrestling and DEFY Wrestling.
