SAnitY made their long awaited return at PROGRESS Wrestling Chapter 160: VENDETTA last night and we got to talk all things past, present and future with Eric Young, Axel Tischer and Big Damo.
Four years in the making, you have finally wrestled again as a trio. After such a long wait, did it make tonight even more special?
DAMO: First of all, I feel like my heart is full. As cheesy as it sounds, getting to enter the Ballroom with my brothers was incredibly special. I’m in front of some of the best fans in the world, and I’m flanked by two men I trust beyond belief. Axel and EY are incredible wrestlers and incredible people, and I get to fight alongside them. It doesn’t get much better than that.
AXEL: After so many years of being in contact but not finding the time and place to be back in the ring together creating magic again, the stage in PROGRESS was perfect in my opinion. I loved it. PROGRESS was the best place in Europe for our reunion, and we proved we are still a well-oiled machine. I can’t wait for the next time.
Eric, you have just made your debut for PROGRESS Wrestling in the promotion that Axel and Damo have made their European home as a tag team. Now that you have wrestled here, can you see why?
ERIC: Making my debut in PROGRESS Wrestling is a big deal. It’s something I’ve wanted for a long time, but the stars never aligned. Being in the Electric Ballroom and being part of a show like that—and more importantly, doing it with my brothers—was perfect. The venue, the promotion, and the fans made it so special. It’s something I’m going to remember for a long time.
Your match entrance with Dave Grunewald was spectacular. What was it like coming out to a show to a SAnitY-inspired track again after so many years?
AXEL: My good friend Dave Grunewald is a magician when it comes to music; he’s made two previous tracks for me, and this was his third. He told me it was a passion project for him, as he loves the stable just like everyone else. He was very keen on making it very special, and he did such a great job. He updated it, and in my opinion, made it better. It’s harder and more focused, which is exactly what this new version of SAnitY is all about. We are still chaotic, but this new chapter needed a new sound for our new journey, and he captured it perfectly.
It’s safe to say you are OVER with the PROGRESS Wrestling fans…
ERIC: I think pro wrestling fans are hard to fool. It’s equity; they have seen me for so long in the UK thanks to TNA being such a big part of the scene here. It never feels bad to feel over. The reaction solidifies things in my mind that I’m doing things right and giving them their money’s worth in terms of being entertained. SAnitY is a much-loved group, and it was ended abruptly. It was special to put it back together and get that reaction. It’s proof we were on to something and proof that the relationship between us and the fans is special.
You have just beaten a team that included the Smokin’ Aces. Is the clock ticking on their title reign with SAnitY around?
DAMO: Axel and I are undefeated as a tag team in Progress. We’ve now pinned the Tag Team Champions. I think it’s time Sanity gets a shot at the Tag Titles as soon as humanly possible, and then we will turn them into WORLD Tag Team Titles!
AXEL: We made our mission statement clear. Smokin’ Aces have done a great job of being PROGRESS Tag Team Champions, but they have never faced a force like me and Damo for the titles. The match needs to happen, and the match WILL happen—and when it does, we will be your PROGRESS Tag Team Champions!
You have stated already that SAnitY is WWE’s loss and PROGRESS’ gain, Damo. Was tonight proof to you that the rebuilding of the British wrestling scene that you have been a big part of is coming to fruition?
DAMO: Absolutely. The truth is there were huge holes to fill when so many of us left the scene in a short period. On one hand, it meant there were more spots for younger talent, but on the other hand, it meant there was a bit of the blind leading the blind. But just as they’ve started figuring it all out, COVID hits. Now this crop of young talent had to try and learn their craft in front of zero audience. What they had to do is unprecedented and will never happen again.
They had to grow up fast, and they had to do twice the work for less of the reward. However, now we are reaping the rewards of the hard work through that period. I would go as far as saying the British and Irish scene is better than any other region on the planet. The biggest companies in the world are looking at Britain right now, and I’m excited to see what we can produce in the years to come.
We can’t leave you without mentioning War Games, which you took part in almost exactly six years ago today. What are your memories of that match, and would you love to feature in one in PROGRESS Wrestling?
DAMO: I don’t know if I could handle another War Games! Haha, out of all seriousness, War Games was one of the best experiences I’ve had in wrestling. We were trusted to bring this match style back to television and be the first to do it for WWE. We absolutely knocked it out of the park and set a high bar for everyone following us. Could we bring War Games to PROGRESS? Well, if it means giving Dominatus another hiding, then I am all for it!
You can see all of Chapter 160: VENDETTA, including SAnitY vs Dominatus Regnum when it appears from Friday 2nd December by subscribing to DEMAND PROGRESS PLUS.
Photo credit to George Bass
