Shotzi Blackheart returns to PROGRESS Wrestling for Super Strong Style 16.

Former WWE superstar Shotzi Blackheart is excited to make history in her highly anticipated return to the PROGRESS ring at Chapter 191: For The Love of PROGRESS in Manchester next month!

Following her debut against Nina Samuels in June 2025, Shotzi now has her sights set on taking on former PROGRESS Wresting Women’s Champion, Lana Austin, in a Super Strong Style 16 first-round match of the women’s tournament.

It promises to be an epic showdown at Bowlers’ Exhibition Centre on Friday 20^th February as Shotzi and Austin collide at PROGRESS.

The American wrestler will compete in the historic women’s tournament at Super Strong Style 16, and spoke exclusively to progresswrestling.com ahead of her upcoming match.

You will be seen as a favourite with your WWE and global experience. Do you embrace the expectations?

“Yeah, I do. Expectations don’t scare me, they sharpen me. I’ve been under microscopes and being a favourite just means people expect more violence, creativity, and heart, and I plan on overdelivering.”

How pivotal is PROGRESS’s first women’s SSS16 for the promotion and for yourself?

“It’s huge. This is a statement moment for Progress not a “women get a turn” moment, but a women take the wheel moment. For me personally, it’s a chance to be part of something historic and leave fingerprints all over it. “

What emotions would come with winning as the inaugural women’s winner?

“It would be emotional, no doubt but not soft. It would feel like relief, rage, pride, and proof all wrapped into one. Being first means you don’t get to hide behind history, you become it. And I’d love knowing every woman after me has to chase something I built. Which comes with a lot of respect, and I feel like every wrestler thrives to be respected.”

By winning the tournament, you would get a title shot at the women’s champion. Is that additional motivation?

“Absolutely. Being champion in PROGRESS means everything. This isn’t just any title this is a company with history, credibility, and real respect behind it. I don’t just want to have great matches here, I want to lead. I want to represent PROGRESS at the highest level, and you can only truly do that when you’re the champion. “

Having debuted in PROGRESS last year, how excited are you to return for SSS16?

“I’m beyond excited. PROGRESS crowds are loud, passionate, and brutally honest exactly how I like it. Coming back for something this important feels like unfinished business turning into a full-on takeover.”

You’ve competed in Manchester before for PROGRESS but with the later rounds being held in London at the prestigious Electric Ballroom, does that add extra incentive?

“Of course. Electric ballroom has history, energy, and that grimy magic you can’t fake. So many of my favourite bands have played there, you can feel it in the walls, like the building still remembers the noise. If you’re going to make history, you might as well do it on a stage that demands something raw, unforgettable, and unapologetically punk rock. Which totally oozes Shotzi!”

Your opponent has a love/hate relationship with the crowds, but the event is very close to where she calls home, does the audience factor into your thoughts here?

“Crowds are unpredictable, just like fights. If they’re behind her, that pressure gets heavier. Either way, I feed off it. One thing’s certain though, no matter who’s side they’re on, PROGRESS fans never disappoint.”

You’ve wrestled worldwide what draws you back to PROGRESS for this tournament?

“PROGRESS is honestly one of my favourite promotions in the world. When I came back to the indies, it wasn’t to play it safe it was to make historic moments. So, when PROGRESS announced the first ever women’s SSS16, there was no question. If history is being made here, I have to be part of it. This is exactly why I came back, to stand in moments that matter and help shape what comes next.”

Get your tickets to watch Shotzi in action on Friday 20th February 2026 at Chapter 191: For The Love of PROGRESS (Bowlers’
Exhibition Centre, Manchester).