At PROGRESS Wrestling’s Chapter 169: The Devil On My Shoulder, the wrestling world witnessed the unveiling of the newly designed PROGRESS Women’s World Championship belt. The moment was made even more special as the championship was handed over to Rhio following her successful title defence against a formidable Lena Kross. This new design not only marks a new era for the women’s division but also symbolises the commitment of PROGRESS Wrestling to parity and excellence in wrestling full stop.
The History of the Women’s Division in PROGRESS Wrestling
Since its inception, the women’s division in PROGRESS Wrestling has been a cornerstone of the promotion, showcasing some of the most talented and fierce competitors in the industry. Legendary champions such as Toni Storm, Meiko Satomura, Jinny, Lana Austin, Gisele Shaw, Kanji and Jordynne Grace have all held the PROGRESS Women’s Championship, each bringing their unique style and tenacity to the ring. These women have set the standard for excellence, delivering unforgettable matches and compelling storylines that have elevated the division’s prestige and popularity.
A New Era of Equality
The unveiling of the new PROGRESS Women’s World Championship belt is a testament to the promotion’s dedication to equality and representation. Co-owner Lee McAteer highlighted the importance of this redesign, stating, “I always thought that it was wrong that the inner design of the PROGRESS Women’s World Championship was different to the Men’s design so we wanted to change that. Parity is beyond important and we care deeply for our women’s division. We are incredibly proud of the women and our women’s roster.
The Design Process
The journey to the new belt design was collaborative and thoughtful. Working closely with Khalil Butt, the team aimed to create a design that would honour the legacy of the division while heralding a new era. Initially, the design considerations included a purple crocodile skin strap. After extensive testing and debates, it was decided that the Women’s Title should mirror the Men’s Title, ensuring an equal playing field and symbolizing that no women’s title would be considered lesser within the company, but for it to stand out by having a different coloured leather.
The Final Touches
The final decision on the strap colour was made with great care. After much deliberation, it was decided that white, reminiscent of the iconic Intercontinental Title, would be the chosen colour. This choice not only sets the PROGRESS Women’s World Championship apart, but also imbues it with a sense of prestige and timeless elegance.
Rhio’s Reign Continues
Rhio, the reigning PROGRESS Women’s World Champion, received the new belt after her thrilling victory over Lena Kross. Her reign, now standing at 282 days, has been marked by fierce competition and remarkable resilience. Accepting the new belt, Rhio truly embodies the spirit of the PROGRESS Women’s division and the promotion’s commitment to offering the best women’s wrestling it can.
Looking Ahead
For the talent, management, and fans of PROGRESS Wrestling, the new Women’s World Championship belt is more than just a symbol, it’s a promise. A promise of continued dedication to showcasing the best women’s wrestling, fostering equality, and delivering the high-quality entertainment that fans have come to expect. As PROGRESS Wrestling looks to the future, we want the new Women’s World Championship belt to stand as a beacon of our promotion’s values and its unwavering commitment to its talent and fans. The unveiling at Chapter 169 marks not just a new chapter for the women’s division, but a proud moment in the history of PROGRESS Wrestling and in particular the evolution of women’s professional wrestling.
PROGRESS Wrestling tickets are available for all future shows via the dice app, including this August’s event, WRESTLING NEVER SLEEPS featuring Rhio defending her PROGRESS Wrestling Women’s World Championship. See you on Monday, 26th August!
You can see Rhio matches in PROGRESS Wrestling, including her 10 successful defences by subscribing to DEMAND PROGRESS PLUS.
