Like most of you, I’ve been on lock down due to Covid 19 and with a need to find shows to entertain myself, I thought I could put my Demand Progress subscription to good use, so I decided to go right back to the beginning of Progress Wrestling, Chapter 1. I then thought it would be good idea to put some articles together and chronicle the history of one of England’s top independent wrestling companies. So here its is, Vol. 1 of Progress on demand compromised of the first ten chapters of Progress wrestling, which I have so graciously dubbed the Rise of Jimmy Havoc.
Chapter 1: The Beginning
The very first show progress ever held took place Sunday 25th March 2012 at The Garage, Islington and was filmed live for release on DVD as they had yet to set up streaming service for their shows. To decide a champion for their promotion, they held 4 semi-final matches, the winner of each match would be entered into a fatal 4 way elimination match, with the final survivor being crowned champion, he would not have a title belt however as the champion was originally handed a championship staff.
The 4 semi-final matches had a mixed bag of British Wrestling main stays of the time and some of the very best up and coming talent, you had Noam Dar Vs Ligero, Nathan Cruz Vs Colossus Kennedy, Colt Cabana Vs Loco Mike Mason and Marty Scurll Vs Zack Sabre Jr. Of these matches the 4 that made it to the finals were, Ligero, Nathan Cruz, Mike Mason and Marty Scurll. With the four finalist confirmed the main event was set.
Prior to the main event they also had match featuring 3 emerging talents face of in triple threat match for the BWC Scarlo Scholarship Title. Darrell Allen, Zack Gibson and the champion Xander Cooper and Xander was able to successfully retain his title. Progress wanted to pride themselves on showcasing the very best young British talent, at this point announcing every show would have a BWC Scarlo Scholarship Title match.
In the Main Event the competitors, Nathan Cruz, El Ligero, Marty Scurll and Mike Mason would meet in fatal 4 way elimination match. Ligero was the first to be eliminated and he would go on to cause Mike Mason to be eliminated next. Leaving Marty Scurll and Nathan Cruz to decide who will be the first man to hold the Progress World Title Staff, in what was great match Nathan Cruz was able to prevail winning the Match and becoming the 1st Champion of Progress Wrestling.
Chapter 2: The March of Progress
With an incredible first chapter under their belt, the March Of Progress was ready to continue on Sunday 24th June 2012 at The Garage, Islington. In the Main Event Marty Scurll would be given another shot at the progress world championship staff, against the man that defeated him in the first chapter to become the champion, Nathan Cruz.
Stixx competed in his first match for progress against the Lion Kid in his first appearance as well, Lion Kid would come out victorious.
There was also another BWC Scarlo Scholarship Title match, due to the mission edict laid out by Progress to promote as much British talent as possible, they would always feature said title on their card. The Champion this time was Mark Andrews and he would face of against Mike Hitchman in the match that would see Mark Andrews retain the championship, previous champion Xander Cooper would go on to attack Mark Andrews after the match.
Noam Dar scored his first win at Progress when he faced off against Darrell Allen, in a fantastic match between the two young stars.
Also of note were the first appearances of Jimmy Havoc, known as a deathmatch wrestler at the time, he was looking to show that he could be more than just a deathmatch wrestler and started a petition on YouTube to become a member of Progress, he would face Danny Garnell in a loosing effort.
The London Riots made their first appearance anywhere as a team. James Davis and Rob Lynch had never teamed up before this, they would face the Velocity Vipers which featured a very young Will Osprey, unfortunately the Vipers were destroyed by the London Riots in this match.
RJ Singh also made his first appearance in triple threat match with Greg Burridge and El Ligero, Ligero would go on to win the match, with roll up on Burridge, which included a handful of tights.
The Main Event for the Progress Championship Staff, featured to the two finalists of the previous chapter, Marty Scurll and Champion Nathan Cruz they would face off in a two out of three falls match. Despite Scurll winning the first pin fall, Cruz would go on to win the match thanks to interference caused by El Ligero, after an accidental super kick which hit Scurll, he just shrugged his shoulders and walked off, giving Cruz the chance to win the match.
Chapter 3: Fifty Shades of Pain
Taking place on Sunday 30th of September at the home Progress the Garage Islington. Chapter 2 saw the crowning of a new number 1 contender in El Ligreo and in this chapters main event he would find himself teaming up with current champion Nathan Cruz as they take on Greg Burridge and the debuting Dave Mastiff.
Mr Wrestling Paul Robinson makes his Progress Debut in loosing effort to Noam Dar, in great opening match.
Mark Andrews faced of against the man that attacked him after his match on chapter 2 Xander Cooper. This would match would be for the BWC Scarlo Scholarship Title, in another great match from white Lighting Mark Andrews he is able to pick up the win retaining his title.
The London Riots were back and this time the face off against the Bastard Squad, Darell Allen and Danny Garnell in another dominant match the London Riots would pick up the win.
Jimmy Havoc gets his second match facing off against fellow deathmatch competitor Jon Ryan, in normal one on one match, Jon Ryan gets him self disqualified, not wanting to pick up his first win like that, Havoc demanded the match be restarted in a no DQ match, Jon Ryan would win in what was violent match.
RJ Singh picked up his first win over the debuting Rob Cage, thanks to constant interference by his handlers and the most feared move in all of wrestling, the ethnic submission (Camel Clutch)
Lion Kid faced of with Stixx once again in a rematch from the previous chapter, this time Stixx is able to avenge his loss, after Lion Kid injured his leg during the match.
In the Main Event No. 1 contender Ligero and champion Nathan Cruz faced off against the Bastard Dave Mastiff and Greg Burridge, Marty Scurll was the guest referee. Dave Mastiff was able to pick up the win following Ligero super kicking his own partner before walking off. This allowed Dave Mastiff to hit his cannonball finisher, pinning champion Nathan Cruz. Mastiff then delivers a promo about beating the champion on his debut, Cruz then tries to deliver a promo after Mastiff left the ring, but Ligero returns to ring and attacks Cruz one last time. Jim Smallman announces that at Chapter 4 the main event will be El Ligero Vs Nathan Cruz for the Progress Championship Staff.
Chapter 4: The Ballard of El Ligero
This is the first show to not take place at the Garage in Islington, the event took place at The Boston Dome in Tuffnell Park, on Sunday the 25th November the 2012. Following on from the last chapter the Main Event is current champion Nathan Cruz putting his champion Staff on the line against El Ligero. Also notable, Progress is no longer holding the champion BWC Scarlo Scholarship Title matches as they introduce the Natural Progression series, the first match taking place on this show would be Mark Andews vs Will Osprey, making his first appearance as a single star.
The London Riots were back and looking to keep their dominant undefeated streak going as they faced the Hunter Brothers, who were making their debut. Although the brothers put up their best fight yet against the London Riots, It was the Riots who once again came out on top, maintaining their unbeaten run.
RJ Singh is able to pick yet another win at Progress after defeating the very game Paul Robinson, once again RJ Singh had constant help from his handlers.
Noam Dar faced of against Jimmy Havoc, still looking to pick up his first win at progress, but once again he falls short and Dar is able pick his 3rd win a row since loosing in the first chapter.
The first Match of the natural progression series kicks off with an incredible match between, Mark Andrews and Will Osprey, with Mark Andrews picking up the win and progressing in the tournament.
Stixx, Marty Scurll and Dave Mastiff faced off in triple threat match, Poor Marty Scurll looked so diminutive compared to other two fully fledged heavyweights. In spite of this obvious disadvantage Scurll is able to hold his own, that is until Nathan Cruz gets involved dragging Scurll out the ring. With just the two big lads left in ring to finish the match, it is Mastiff who is able to win the match, picking up his second win in row.
The Main Event Champion Nathan Cruz takes on El Ligero after fighting throughout the arena and back to the ring, it is El Ligero who wins the match following a variation of a guillotine choke, becoming the new Progress Champion and the 2nd champion in company history.
Chapter 5 For Those About To Fight, We Salute You
Taking place on the 27th of January 2013, back at the first home of progress, the Garage in Islington, the card was stacked. With the undefeated London Riots facing off against one of the top tag teams in the UK, Leaders of the New School Marty Scurll and Zack Sabre Jr. Rampage also made his debut for Progress and Champion El Ligero put the championship Staff on the line against Dave Mastiff. The Natural Progression series also continued with Wild Boar Mike Hitchman taking on Lord Jonathon Windsor.
Danny Garnell faced off against Stixx, Danny Garnell picked up his second win with progress.
In the Natural Progression series’ second match Lord Jonathon Windsor, making his progress debut, is able to beat Wild Boar Mike Hitchman, also making his first appearance. Refree Mike “Paz” Parry also made his first appearance for Progress.
Rampage Brown made his debut for Progress as he took on former champion Nathan Cruz, unfortunately it was loosing effort as Cruz’s body guard, who he had hired to protect him from Marty Scurll, gets involved in the match allowing Cruz to get the win.
In El Ligero’s first title defence he is able to see off the challenge of Dave Mastiff, in a classic David Vs Goliath match up.
RJ Singh holds an open challenge, which is answered by his former Bhangra Knights tag team partner Darell Allen, after RJ Singh’s handlers were sent back stage, Darell Allen picked up the win. following the match RJ Singh’s handlers attempt to attack Darell Allen only for RJ Singh to stop them.
In the main Event Marty Scurll and Zack Sabre Jr reunite as the Leaders of the New School tag team, to try a put a stop to the London Riots dominance. Despite a valiant effort from Scrull and Zabre, they just could not over come Rob Lynch and James Davis, the London Riots who’s unbeaten run still continued with this as their biggest victory to date.
Chapter 6 We Love Violence
Once again from the home of Progress, The Garage in Islington, taking place on the Sunday the 21st March 2013, the Main Event saw Ricochet make his first appearance for Progress in a match for the championship staff against current Champion El Ligero. The Card also featured the Bhangra Knights in their first tag team appearance as they take on the debuting Eddie Dennis and his partner Mark Andrews, Team Defend Indy Wrestling. The progress natural progression tournament continued with Paul Robinson talking on MK McKinnan.
Dave Mastiff and Noam Dar opened the show and despite the obvious size disadvantage, Noam Dar is able to pick up his 4th win in a row, becoming the new number 1 contender.
In the Natural Progression series Paul Robinson is able to pick up the win over MK McKinnan, picking up his first win and progressing through to the next round.
Jimmy Havoc makes his return to Progress hoping to pick up his first win against former champion Nathan Cruz but unfortunately for Jimmy Havoc, Nathan Cruz is able to pick up yet another win with the help of his bodyguard.
The Hunter Brothers make their return to Progress, to face off once again with the London Riots, this time in a no rules weapons match. The Hunter Brothers put up a hell of fight but once again the London Riots pick up the win bringing their unbeaten run to 5 matches.
Loco Mike Mason took on the Mexican Eagle and the less said about this match the better.
Team Defend Indy Wrestling, Mark Andrews and Eddie Dennis make their tag team debut along side the team of Bhangra Knights, Rj Singh and Darell Allen also making their tag team debut, in great match that saw Bhangra Knights pick up the win.
El Ligero defended his championship staff against the high flying Ricochet in main event, El Ligero would go on to win the match in his 2nd title defence.
Chapter 7: Every Saint Has Past, Every Sinner has a Future
Chapter 7 Took place on the 19th of May at the Garage in Islington. Martin Kirby makes his first appearance alongside his Project Ego tag partner Kris Travis as they attempt to put an end to London Riots run. Mark Haskins also made his first appearance teaming with Nathan Cruz as part of Screw Indy Wrestling. El Ligero defended his championship staff, in a rematch from chapter 1 against Noam Dar. Will Osprey returned in a rematch of the first natural progression match against Mark Andrews, if Will Osprey wins he will take Mark Andrews place in the tournament, if he loses he will not compete in progress again.
The Championship match opened the event with El Ligero facing off against Noam Dar once again, in match that was better than their first. El Ligero once again walks away victorious, taking his successful title defences up to 3.
The final quarter final match for the Natural Progression series, saw Darell Allen, Eddie Dennis, Xander Cooper and Joey Lakeside compete in a 4 corner survival match with a one fall finish, Eddie Denis picked up the win and becomes the final semi finalist.
London Riots, annoyed that they have not been crowned tag team champions in progress due to there not being any tag titles and feeling disrespected by Progress, they brought their recently won titles from IPW, to defend and they also took their chance to run down progress management and fans.
Project Ego then head out for their match with London Riots in what was a great match and one of London Riots toughest to date. The London riots managed to pick up another win. Much to Jim Smallman’s displeasure, who enters the ring after the match and hands the London Riots their money for the night, before telling them to do one.
Jimmy Havoc is set to take on Zack Sabre Jr, with Nigel McGuiness as the special guest referee, and try as hard as he might, Jimmy Havoc is just out done by the technical prowess of Zack Sabre Jr, who picked up the win. Nigel Mcguiness delivers a promo following the match in which he lets Jimmy Havoc know that he is a good wrestler and does not have to rely on being a deacthmacth wrestler.
Will Osprey and Mark Andrews have their natural Progression rematch, and somehow their match was even better than the last. Unfortunately for Will Osprey, it was Mark Andrews who picked up the win yet again, retaining his spot in natrural progression series but costing Osprey his Progress career.
RJ Singh was defeated by Dangerous Danny Garnell who is still undefeated in singles action, and has never been pinned in progress.
In the Main Event Marty Scurll, Paul Robinson and Rampage Brown are waiting for their opponents Screw Indy Wrestling. Mark Haskins and former champion Nathan Cruz, are the only two who come to the ring. To everybody’s dismay the 3rd member of Screw Indy Wrestling is Rampage Brown who attacks his two former team mates, Scurll and Robinson. The three members of Screw Indy wrestling then begin a one sided beat down on two. It is Dave Mastiff who comes to Scurll and Robinson’s aid, despite the help of the Bastard Mastiff, it is Screw Indy Wrestling who pick up the win.
Chapter 8: The Big Boys Guide to Strong Style
As Chapter 8 kicked off, from the Garage in Islington on Sunday 28th of July 2013, Jim Smallman is looking to punish the London Riots for their actions in the last chapter. As such he sets up single matches for the pair, Rob Lynch is set face off against the undefeated Danny Garnell and James Davis is to face off against Jimmy Havoc in a hardcore match. The first semi-final of natural progression series, took place between Lord Jonathon Windsor and Mark Andrews. El Ligero defended his championship staff against Rampage Brown. Doug Williams made his first appearance for Progress.
Stixx and Mark Haskins kicked the night off with Stixx coming out victorious.
Mark Andrews progresses to the natural progression series final as he is able to overcome Lord Jonathon Windsor.
Dangerous Danny Garnell is able to get a touch of revenge for Progress as he beats Rob Lynch keeping his unbeaten singles run going.
However despite the efforts of Jimmy Havoc, it is James Davis who is able to come away with the victory in their hardcore match, which is an extremely violent contest.
One of best British wrestlers to ever lace up wresting boots, Doug Williams made his first appearance for Progress Wrestling, picking up a win in a triple threat contest against two young up and comers in Darell Allen and Eddie Dennis.
Hunter Brothers were back in action for Progress as they took on the Project Ego, in a match full of shenanigans from Martin Kirby and Kris Travis, helping Project Ego pick up their first win at Progress.
Rampage Brown and El Ligero went to war over the championship staff, but in the end the Champion El Ligero could not overcome the Power of Rampage Brown, and a new Champion is crowned. Rampage Brown became the 3rd Progress Champion.
Chapter 9: Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kick Me, Kill Me
A new Champion was crowned in the last Chapter, Rampage Brown is the 3rd person to hold the Championship Staff and was set to take on British Legend Doug Williams. The future Aleister Black (then Tommy End) made his debut as well as the Scottish star Grado. The continuation of the natural progression series would see the final semi final between Paul Robinson and Eddie Dennis. This Chapter took place on Sunday the 28th of June, live from the Garage in Islington.
The Bastard Dave Mastiff made his return to progress as he took on the Debuting Tommy End, in an incredible match, Tommy End picks up his first win in Progress.
Paul Robinson made his way to final of the natural progression series, beating Eddie Dennis who was unable to make his considerable size advantage count during the match.
Ricochet returned to Progress to face off against Zack Sabre Jr and Mark Haskins in triple threat match, in what was a great match featuring 3 of best young talents anywhere, Zack Sabre Jr is able to come out on top.
Following Jimmy Havoc’s Match at last chapter, he is brought out to ring by Jim Smallman to help with the raffle that show.
Stixx took on another member of Screw Indy wrestling, after beating Mark Haskins in the last chapter, this time he faced off with Nathan Cruz, Stixx picks up yet another victory against the members of Screw Indy Wrestling.
Bhangara Knights were in action with the debuting Grado in 6 man tag against Project Ego and Tyson T-Bone also making his first appearance, in a match that's not everyones cup of tea, full silly spots and more shenanigans than necessary. It was Project Ego and T-Bone who managed to pick up the win.
As Jim Smallman is about to introduce the main event, he is interrupted by the London Riots, luckily Jimmy Havoc makes a save, chair in hand. As Jim Smallman then starts to deliver a promo on the London Riots, Jimmy Havoc delivers a chair shot to Smallman. Havoc then delivers a promo about how progress used him and endangered him in a hardcore match, after Nigel Mcguiness had said that he did not have to be that type of wrestler and he then joins forces with the London Riots.
The Main Event saw a clash of two true British heavyweights in Rampage Brown and Doug Williams, the two put on a true wrestling clinic but it was Rampage who managed to win the day retaining the progress championship staff.
Chapter 10 Glory Follows Virtue As If It Were Its Shadow
As Chapter 10 kicked off many were still left reeling following the actions of Jimmy Havoc, as Chapter 10 brings another debut from yet another one of the best British wrestlers, Mikey Whiplash and the first appearance of American Indy wrestling star Adam Cole. The Finals of the first Natural Progression series took place between Mark Andrews and Mr Wrestling, Paul Robinson. Chapter 10 also saw the kick off of a new tournament to crown tag team champions. Stixx would continue his crusade against Screw Indy Wrestling by taking on Progress Champion Rampage Brown. Chapter 10 took place Sunday November 24th 2013, live from the Garage in Islington.
Micky Whiplash made his first appearance of Progress wrestling in a back and forth contest with Tommy End, in the end Tommy End stood victorious.
Project Ego took on the team of Grado and Mad Man Manson in the first match of tag team tournament, Project Ego came through victorious in match that, if Jim Cornette had seen it, he would of had a heart attack.
Nathan Cruz went one on one with Doug Williams, showing of his incredible wrestling acumen, Doug Williams was able to pick up a win following his defeat in the last chapter for the championship staff.
Mark Haskins representing screw Indy Wrestling took on one of the best Independent wrestlers on the planet, Adam Cole Bay Bay, in a fantastic match Mark Haskins pushed Adam Cole to the limit, but it was the future NXT champion who picked up the win.
Bhangra Knights took on the London Riots in the 2nd tag team tournament match, the match quickly got out of hand, and in the end the referee had no choice but to throw the match out, eliminating both teams from the tournament.
Stixx, after defeating Mark Haskins and Nathan Cruz of Screw Indy wrestling earned his shot at the Champion and member of Screw Indy Wrestling Rampage Brown, in a true heavyweight clash. The two behemoths slugged it out back and forth with hard hitting shots and high impact moves, in the end Rampage would successfully defend the championship staff for the second time.
The final of the Natural Progression series would see two of the best young talents in Paul Robinson and Mark Andrews face off one on one, in the end Mark Andrews be victorious.
Having won the Natural Progression Series Mark Andrews is able to bring back one of the competitors for the next year’s series and is given a title shot that he can cash in at any time. After reinstating Will Osprey and allowing him to come back to Progress, he cashes in his title opportunity there and then.
Rampage Brown heads back down to ring to defend his title once more, this time against Mark Andrews, Andrews is visibly tired from his last match and is rag dolled around the ring by the much bigger and stronger Rampage who had seemingly recovered from his earlier match. However no matter how hard he tried he could not put Mark Andrews away, Andrews eventually rolls rampage up for a three count to become the 4th Progress Champion.
Whilst celebrating his victory with tag team partner Eddie Dennis, Jimmy Havoc surprises everyone showing up with the London Riots and attacking Mark Andrews and Eddie Dennis. As the London Riots beat down and tie up Eddie Dennis. Havoc pulls out a contract given to him by Jim Smallman for the Hardcore fight with James Davis, which entitled him to match against anyone, any time, any place and well he wanted to cash it in now.
Jim Smallman tries to refuse, when Havoc pours lighter fluid over Mark Andrews threatening to light him on fire, Jim Smallman reluctantly accepts giving Jimmy Havoc a Championship match.
Jimmy Havoc covers Mark Andrews Lifeless body for the pin but Mark Andrews Kicks out, he valiantly tries to fight back but Jimmy Havoc quickly puts a stop to it and eventually pins Mark Andrews for the three count becoming the 5th Progress champion. The Reign of Jimmy Havoc has started.
Top Ten Matches from Vol. 1
10) Noam Dar Vs Darell Allen Chapter 2
9) Rampage Brown Vs Doug Williams Chapter 9
8) Marty Scurll Vs Nathan Cruz Chapter 2
7) London Riots Vs Leaders of the New School Chapter 5
6) Jimmy Havoc Vs Zack Sabre Jr Chapter 7
5) Mark Haskins Vs Zack Sabre Jr Vs Ricochet Chapter 8
4) Adam Cole Vs Mark Haskins Chapter 9
3) Mark Andrews Vs Will Osprey Chapter 4
2) Mark Andrews Vs Will Osprey 2 Chapter 7
1) Marty Scurll Vs Zack Sabre Jr Chapter 1
So that's it, that is the first ten chapters of Progress wrestling, the rise Jimmy Havoc. Keep an eye out for Vol. 2 The Reign of Havoc, a New Hero will Rise. You can check out all these chapters on Demand Progress, currently have two week free trail after which it's £6.74 a month, its great way to keep up to date will Progress Wrestling, the site also feature many International Independent wrestling shows as well such as DEFY wrestling, AAW Pro and many more.
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