PROGRESS

PROGRESS Wrestling is a professional wrestling promotion based in the United Kingdom that has grown to become one of the most innovative and exciting independent wrestling companies in the world since its inception in 2011.

PROGRESS has a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim from both fans and industry insiders due to the company's commitment to storytelling, character development, inclusivity, and showcasing the best in-ring talent from around the world.

PROGRESS' commitment to storytelling and character development has been a key factor in its success. Co-founders Jim Smallman, Jon Briley, and Glen Joseph set out to create a promotion whose focus would be developing compelling storylines and characters that fans could invest in from the start. This approach helped PROGRESS stand out from other independent wrestling promotions and laid the groundwork for the promotion's success.

PROGRESS has built a reputation for presenting some of the most innovative and engaging storylines in the industry over the years. The promotion's willingness to take risks and explore complex themes has contributed to its popularity among fans seeking something more than the standard "good guy vs. bad guy" dynamic. The feud between Jimmy Havoc and Will Ospreay, which culminated in a deathmatch at PROGRESS' Chapter 20 event, and the ongoing rivalry between British Strong Style and The Origin, which saw the formation of several sub-factions and a variety of twists and turns, are two of PROGRESS' most memorable storylines.

PROGRESS has been committed to developing its wrestlers and showcasing some of the best in-ring talents from around the world, in addition to its commitment to storytelling. PROGRESS has been a breeding ground for up-and-coming talent since its inception, with many wrestlers using the promotion as a stepping stone to success on a larger stage. PROGRESS has produced notable wrestlers such as Pete Dunne, Tyler Bate, Trent Seven, Zack Sabre Jr., Will Ospreay, and Ricochet.

PROGRESS has also pledged to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for both fans and wrestlers. The promotion has been outspoken about its support for diversity and inclusion in the wrestling industry, and it has taken steps to make all fans and wrestlers feel valued and respected. PROGRESS, in particular, has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, with many of its wrestlers and staff members self-identifying as LGBTQ+.

Relationship between PROGRESS and WWE

PROGRESS' commitment to talent development has also helped the promotion attract some of the biggest names in wrestling. In addition to the aforementioned stars, WWE legends such as Mick Foley have appeared, as have current WWE superstars like AJ Styles and Finn Balor. These appearances aided in raising PROGRESS's profile and introducing the promotion to a broader audience.

PROGRESS's relationship with WWE, on the other hand, has not always been smooth sailing. WWE announced in 2018 that it had formed a partnership with PROGRESS, which would see the promotion become a part of the WWE's "United Kingdom Championship Tournament" events. Fans reacted differently to this announcement, with some applauding it as a way to give PROGRESS more exposure and financial stability, while others were concerned that the promotion would lose its independence and unique identity.

PROGRESS has continued to collaborate with WWE on various projects in the years since the announcement, including the aforementioned United Kingdom Championship Tournament events, as well as the WWE Network's now-defunct NXT UK brand. While these collaborations have undoubtedly helped to raise PROGRESS's profile and increase the promotion's exposure, some fans are concerned that the company's relationship with WWE may jeopardize its independence and creativity. Despite these reservations, PROGRESS has thrived, becoming one of Europe's best wrestling promotions.

While the Global Pandemic and the closure of NXT UK might have brought a standstill in WWE's partnership with PROGRESS, that may change soon with WWE intending to launch NXT Europe.

PROGRESS Wrestling Championships

In its short life of about a decade, the London-based promotion also has an Inactive Championship: the PROGRESS Proteus Championship. On July 21, 2019, it was officially confirmed that the old Progress Atlas Championship, which was unified with the PROGRESS World Championship, would be replaced so that the promotion can have an active mid-card title. Proteus, the shape-changing Greek god, was the main inspiration behind the title and was the source from where the championship's name was derived. In the same announcement, PROGRESS co-founder Jim Smallman mentioned how this title was different from others in existence, with the champion having the ability to select the stipulation for the championship matches, subject to promotion approval.

A 30-person rumble match determined the inaugural champion. Paul Robinson last eliminated Danny Duggan to become the first PROGRESS Proteus Champion, with him choosing the stipulation that he could only lose the title if he was knocked out or tapped out. Following his 529-day reign, champion Paul Robinson left the promotion, and the title was deactivated, making this the only Proteus Championship reign in PROGRESS history.

Following the deactivation of the Proteus Championship, the then-defunct PROGRESS Atlas Championship was reactivated, with Luke Jacobs winning the reactivated title in a tournament final in April 2022.