Blogs – PWI Pro Wrestling Illustrated

Posted on June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 by Lizzy Flanagan

PATIENCE, PERSISTENCE, & PRIDE: Anthony Bowens Has It All

Anthony Bowens stands at odds Katsuyori Shibara at Revolution 2026

From reigns as World tag and trios champion with The Acclaimed to his current membership in The Opps, AEW’s Anthony Bowens has continually made a strong impression on wrestling fans. In this PWI digital exclusive, “The Pride Of Pro Wrestling” reflects on his evolving role in All Elite Wrestling

Anthony Bowens at AEW Revolution 2026 — PHOTO BY DOMINIQUE DINH

TEXT BY LIZZY FLANAGAN

I DON’T THINK I’D be alone in saying that June feels more important than it has in recent years. Of course, Pride Month is always important, but in an increasingly hostile political climate, it offers a reminder that progress can’t come without a fight.

Queerness and professional wrestling have a complicated history, to say the least. Historically speaking, queerness was only portrayed in wrestling through caricatures, meant to mock and demonize the LGBTQ community. Things began to change in the early-2010s as athletes such as Fred Rosser (known in WWE as Darren Young) made themselves authentically known and shifted the public’s perception of what a pro wrestler can look like.

Anthony Bowens returns at AEW Dynasty 2025 — PHOTO BY KEVIN McELVANEY

Today, boundaries continue to be broken by wrestlers such as Toni Storm, Indi Hartwell, Mike Bailey, and the newest member of The Opps, Anthony Bowens. I was fortunate enough to speak with Bowens about his decision to join Samoa Joe’s group, the importance of representation, and his relationship with AEW’s fan base.

And really, who better to talk to during Pride Month than the “Pride Of Pro Wrestling” himself? Anthony Bowens came out to the public through a YouTube video he made with his partner, Michael Pavano, back in 2017. Before that, he said he was out to friends and family “on a need-to-know basis.” The first person he ever told was his best friend, an experience he would later refer to as “petrifying.” “I was so nervous he thought I was dying,” Bowens said. “But he was really supportive.”

But there’s a big difference between coming out to friends and family and being out to millions of people across the globe. Bowens, for his part, has been largely embraced by the AEW faithful. It’s been a refreshing change to witness as a queer wrestling fan. With that in mind, I asked the former tag team champion whether this reception came as a surprise. “No, not at all,” he said. “We have the coolest fans in the world. Every now and then, you’ll get a knucklehead yelling stupid stuff, but there’s always gonna be people like that in the world.”

We spoke in particular about the interaction between The Acclaimed and Harley Cameron on the June 23, 2023, edition of Rampage. In that memorable segment, Cameron came onto Bowens, who shut down her advances by asking, “Did you get kicked in the head too many times by a kangaroo when you were a kid?” before telling her, matter-of-factly, “I’m gay!”

The audience in attendance roared with laughter and applause before breaking into a supportive chant of “He’s gay! He’s gay!” It was a shockingly wholesome moment that drove home just how far wrestling (and society in general) has come these past few decades.

“I didn’t realize how big of a reaction it would get,” Bowens told me. “I especially didn’t think it would go viral every year, and that it would make so many people so happy. AEW has fostered an amazing fan base.”

A lot has changed since 2023, though. The Acclaimed have since gone their separate ways (an attempted reunion between Max Caster & Anthony Bowens, orchestrated by ECW legend and AEW coach Jerry Lynn, didn’t pan out). Instead, “The Pride Of Pro Wrestling” cast his lot with Samoa Joe and The Opps, the same faction that used underhanded tactics to cost fan favorite “Hangman” Adam Page the AEW Men’s World championship at Full Gear 2025.

Bowens wasn’t worried about whether his villainous turn would damage his relationship with AEW fans. Instead, his focus was on the need to better himself. “Part of wrestling is not relying on one thing and constantly evolving,” he noted, viewing the new alliance as a way to advance his career. And if he were to feel nostalgic and yearn to “scissor” again down the road? “There’s always the option to go back whenever you want to.”

Anthony Bowens and Max Caster form an uneasy alliance at the behest of Jerry Lynn — Anthony Bowens and Max Caster, after reforming The Acclaimed as an uneasy alliance at the behest of Jerry Lynn. (PHOTO BY GEORGE NAPOLITANO)

Since becoming an Opp, Anthony Bowens has embraced a more vicious in-ring style. This comes as no surprise, considering the ruthlessness of Opps leader Samoa Joe. Bowens spoke highly of the two-time AEW Men’s World champion. “Joe is a legend in the business,” he said. “He’s brought out a more violent, serious side of me.” In the ring, Joe has taught Anthony to work “a little bit more on the aggressive side, and clearly it works. I wasn’t winning much before that.”

One of the defining features of Bowens’ new style is his brand-new, yet-to-be-named submission maneuver, crafted in tribute to fellow New Jersey native Mario Bokara (a wrestler Bowens believes never got the credit he deserves).

With his new ring style and no-nonsense attitude, Bowens is reshaping himself into a dangerous contender. “I’m taking all the puzzle pieces and putting them together,” he said. “A lot of wrestling is trial and error, but that’s a lot harder when you have to do it on live TV.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgRJVehIqhU

It’s tough to think of two men with more varied philosophies on professional wrestling than Bowens’ past and current mentors, Billy Gunn and Samoa Joe. “Joe prioritizes violence, Billy prioritizes entertainment,” Bowens noted. “I’m lucky enough to be able to blend those two worlds together and find what works for me.”

With his decision to join The Opps, Bowens also unlocked an opportunity to work with one of his closest allies outside of the ring, Hook. But, with Samoa Joe temporarily out of the picture, their relationship is showing some early signs of strain now that they’re teammates.

“Hook is one of my best friends, but I have been having my issues with [him],” admitted Bowens. “He seems to think he’s the leader of The Opps now, which I disagree with. I’m the one who should be leading this faction to the future.”

Anthony Bowens is flanked by Billy Gunn during his surprise return at AEW Dynasty 2025. (PHOTO BY KEVIN McELVANEY)

Still, the new Opps recruit remains optimistic about the partnership … at least for now. “This happens in friendships,” he added. “I’m happy to be working with him.”

With the group’s menacing leader away from AEW TV, will The Opps aim to shore up its reduced numbers with a new member? “I gotta give Joe a call about that,” Bowens said. “I think I would do a better job than Hook did, but Joe’s the one who gets the final say.”

When pressed further, Bowens added, “I have two people in mind, but I won’t say their names here. We’ll keep it a mystery for now.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFkgvF-oDgQ

Anthony Bowens’ mind isn’t solely on Opps business. He remembers what it was like to be a kid, dreaming of being a pro wrestler but not having any openly gay role models to look up to. And he’s grateful for the fans—some of whom are aspiring wrestlers from the LGBTQ community—who remain in his corner.

His message to them:

“I thank them for supporting me. I hope I can make a difference. If you’re wondering if you can do this, I’m here to tell you that you can. You have me, and you have a slew of other LGBTQ wrestlers now, helping make wrestling a safer space.”

This is an exciting time to be an AEW fan. It’s an exciting time for the athletes, too. Anthony Bowens, a former collegiate baseball player and baseball fanatic, is particularly excited for Brawl in the Ballpark, coming up on July 10 at Target Field. Ever the company man, he encourages fans to tune in—and hopes to see further collaboration between AEW and MLB in the future.

Since joining The Opps Anthony Bowens has been batting one thousand. While we can’t predict the future, this writer is confident that the “Pride Of Pro Wrestling” will knock this opportunity out of the park.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZjXzuZj-yI

Posted on May 26, 2026May 26, 2026 by Kevin McElvaney

Big Damo & Nikki Storm (Nikki Cross) Purchase PROGRESS Wrestling, DEFY

Hailing from Northern Ireland and Scotland, respectively, the former WWE stars (and longtime fan favorites of the U.K. wrestling scene) have purchased the leading BritWres promotion along with its U.S. partner group, DEFY Wrestling.

THE GLOBAL WRESTLING LANDSCAPE has once again shifted with today’s news that Damian “Damo” Mackle (formerly Killian Dain) and Nicola Glencross (formerly Nikki Cross) are the new heads of PROGRESS Wrestling, as well as the Seattle-based DEFY Wrestling. The enterprising couple assumes the PROGRESS reins from the promotion’s previous owners, Lee McAteer & Martyn Best, who purchased the company back in 2021.

“We are delighted to be the new co-owners of PROGRESS,” said Mackle, a former multi-time champion for the promotion as Big Damo, in the official press release. “We both started in the U.K. and Ireland and fully believe this is host to the greatest talent pool on earth [and that] PROGRESS is well positioned to showcase this generation and the next generation.”

PROGRESS, the influential British wrestling promotion cofounded by Jim Smallman & Jon Briley in 2011, has long been a top destination for wrestlers on the rise in the United Kingdom and beyond. Through the years, the likes of Gunther, Will Ospreay, Toni Storm, Zack Sabre Jr., Jonathan Gresham, Chris Brookes, and Jordynne Grace have earned major accolades and notoriety in PROGRESS rings. In recent years, PROGRESS has become a proving ground for internationally recognized talent such as Man Like DeReiss, Rayne Leverkusen (Lizzy Rain), Rhio, and Will Kroos (Mason Rook). And the 2024 merger with DEFY (founded in 2017 by Matt Farmer & Jim Perry) has coincided with PROGRESS’ return to international touring and an expanding influence outside the United Kingdom.

BIG DAMO (COURTESY OF PROGRESS WRESTLING)

“We would like to thank Martyn Best and Lee McAteer for being wonderful custodians and bringing new levels of professionalism to our industry,” said Mackle, speaking via today’s official press release from PROGRESS. “They steered PROGRESS after a worldwide pandemic, created an incredible wrestling network in Hooked On Wrestling TV, created a phenomenal working partnership with Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan and DEFY in [the] USA, and showed ambition and an incredible drive to give multiple talented men and women visas to compete in the USA [as well as] opportunities in so many other countries.”

It is also notable that Glencross (who, following her recent WWE departure, will once again perform as Nikki Storm on the U.K. wrestling circuit) is the first woman to have an ownership stake in PROGRESS. “It is not lost on me that there are few female owners in professional wrestling, so I want to bring my experience and insights to the table and elevate PROGRESS and DEFY to new levels,” said Glencross, also speaking in today’s press release.

NIKKI CROSS/STORM (COURTESY OF PROGRESS WRESTLING)

News of the change in ownership arrives on the heels of some significant events in the PROGRESS Wrestling canon. The most recent of these was the annual Super Strong Style 16, a prestigious international tournament presented in London, England. The 2026 edition featured both men’s and women’s brackets for the first time ever. The two-day SSS16 followed PROGRESS’ recent return to Las Vegas, Nevada—an exciting WrestleMania Week card that saw, among other things, Damo battle wrestler/award-winning actor Paul Walter Hauser for the PROGRESS Proteus championship.

“We are over the moon,” Mackle told Pro Wrestling Illustrated when reached for additional comment. “PROGRESS Wrestling is one of the top independent wrestling promotions on the planet and is full of incredible talent. Nikki and I are excited to bring our experience both in ring and behind the scenes to the table and drive PROGRESS even further forward.

“We have been hard at work already getting prepared for our first show, Chapter 195: WonderBrawl 2, June 7 at the O2 Ritz in Manchester, and preparing for Nikki’s first U.K. independent appearance in 10 years at Chapter 196: Scorchio!, at the fabled Electric Ballroom in Camden, London,” says Mackle, adding the location is “the spiritual home of PROGRESS.”

For more information on upcoming PROGRESS events, visit progresswrestling.com

Posted on May 19, 2026May 19, 2026 by Lizzy Flanagan

PURE ARTISTRY: Lee Moriarty vs. Cheeseburger Is A Must-See Wrestling Match

Lee Moriarty vs. Cheeseburger, Labor of Love (April 25, 2026) [Shot by PWI]

SPOTLIGHT MATCH: Lee Moriarty vs Cheeseburger (“The Exhibition,” Labor of Love, 4/25/26)
The longest-reigning Pure champion in Ring of Honor history makes another remarkable defense in the city that ROH once called home.

TEXT BY LIZZY FLANAGAN
PHOTOS BY KEVIN McELVANEY

SINCE WINNING THE ROH PURE championship from Wheeler YUTA at Death Before Dishonor 2024, Lee Moriarty has quietly amassed an undeniable reputation as one of the best competitors in the division’s history. He is the longest-reigning Pure champion of all-time, with nearly 700 days as champion under his belt at the time of this writing (Nigel McGuinness’ previous record of 351 days has been left in the dust). Despite this massive achievement, the quality of each of Lee’s defenses is even more impressive than the quantity. Indeed, the 15^th challenge to his crown—a technical masterclass with ROH veteran Cheeseburger—arguably stands among his finest showings to date.

Lee Moriarty has mastered the science of Pure wrestling. He is in a league of his own, and, in this author’s opinion, he knows it. Over the course of his reign, Moriarty’s inner perfectionist has surfaced. Challenges to his championship feel more like tests than genuine threats. The “TAIGASTYLE” practitioner is a true student of the game who heads into every defense intending to ace it.

Unfortunately, there are some things that studying tape just can’t prepare you for. Moriarty, the pride of Western Pennsylvania, was heading into Philadelphia on a night when the city’s beloved Flyers were set to play their archrivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Heading into the 2026 playoffs, the Flyers had not reached the postseason since 2021. And, before their victory on Wednesday, April 22, they hadn’t won a playoff game at home in a decade.

To say Philadelphia was excited about the Flyers’ recent run would be a gross understatement. There were brand-new orange flags adorning patios citywide. T-shirts and windbreakers had been pulled out of closets where they had been collecting dust.

So, when Labor of Love ring announcer Brian “Box” Brown introduced Lee Moriarty as hailing from the Steel City, the champion (who is not a hockey fan) was ill-prepared for the onslaught of jeers and boos that rained down on him. I was able to speak briefly with Moriarty after the match, when I asked him if he knew about the ongoing NHL playoffs series. With a sudden look of recognition, he brought a hand up to his forehead. “Oh,” he said softly. “I thought I might get some reaction, but I was like, damn, I didn’t know it was like that!”

Moriarty isn’t the first wrestler to face the wrath of Philadelphia, and lord knows he won’t be the last. The context of the NHL playoffs wasn’t the only thing working against him, either; his challenger was a true Philly fan favorite in Cheeseburger. When it comes to influence within the current local wrestling sphere, few men are held in such high regard as the “World Famous CB.” Cheeseburger is a Ring of Honor original, world-traveled veteran, and the respected head coach at the Worldwide Dojo. His extensive international grappling experience has made him adept at any in-ring style, and his connection with the local community has earned him a dedicated following.

Moriarty may have been the loneliest man in the city that night.

The bell rang, and the match got underway as one might expect. Lee, a champion in his prime, forced Cheeseburger to use his first rope break just three minutes into the bout after trapping the challenger in the Border City Stretch. He was obviously very pleased with himself, like a cat playing with its food. The tide changed rather quickly, though, as Cheeseburger managed to get Moriarty in a painful, rather humiliating-looking submission hold, with a foot on the champion’s back and both arms wrenched backward. Lee grimaced and bit the middle rope in order to escape.

The A+ student could no longer pass this test with a perfect score, as he was down a rope break. Something visibly changed within Moriarty at this point. Cheeseburger offered the champion a hand to help him up, but Moriarty shoved him away, barking insults at his challenger.

The incumbent found himself on his back foot. However, a cornered tiger is the most dangerous. Within another 60 seconds of wrestling, Moriarty forced Cheeseburger to use his second rope break with an inverted butterfly deathlock. A mounted rear-naked choke forced the third a few moments later.

With Cheeseburger out of rope breaks, the match took on a “sudden death” feel. It was then that “World Famous CB” kicked the action into a higher gear, catching the younger competitor with several roll-up attempts. The audience bit hard when Cheeseburger trapped Moriarty with a seatbelt pin, a maneuver popularized by another Philadelphia native, Wheeler YUTA. Alas, the champion escaped the maneuver just before referee Adam Gault counted three, and the bout continued.

Moriarty was shaken, though. More than that, he seemed angry. A fan in the front row attempted to start a “this is awesome!” chant. Moriarty scowled at him. The champion and challenger exchanged quick, heated blows. At one point the champion, genius technician, resorted to pelting the challenger’s face with open-hand slaps. After a pair of elbows to Cheesburger’s face, the fan favorite went down to his knees. Commentary worried that the bout might end in a technical knockout.

But the challenger rose to his feet. The pair exchanged a flurry of elbows, knees, and kicks before Moriarty took Cheeseburger to the ground and secured the Border City Stretch once again. Cheeseburger reached the bottom rope, but since he had exhausted all of his rope breaks, the ref couldn’t pull Moriarty off of him.

The champion, however, elected to let Cheeseburger out of the hold anyway. He had a much more brutal finish in mind: Moriarty secured Cheeseburger in the Camel Clutch, using the steel-cable ropes for additional leverage and pressure. His foe had no escape besides submission. It felt eerily similar to how Moriarty had conceded his single rope break in the match, with the victim’s face out of the ring and facing the crowd. Maybe he took that embarrassment personally … and wanted to get even as precisely as he could.

Moriarty’s temper had subdued enough for a post-match handshake. He promptly left Cheeseburger in the ring, allowing the crowd a chance to shower the Philadelphia hero with adulation. Moriarty walked quietly through the curtain, title belt over his shoulder.

Despite being a member of the vicious and cunning Shane Taylor Promotions, Lee Moriarty tends to be applauded by fans in most of his appearances. This night marked a rare exception.

When asked how it felt to get on the wrong side of Philadelphia’s notorious wrestling fans, the champion shrugged and smiled warmly. “I am whatever the fans make me,” he said. It’s a statement he proved on this evening, and one that speaks to Moriarty’s dynamism as a performer. But Lee Moriarty is so much more than what fans make him. He is the creation of his own expert artistry.

Posted on April 22, 2026April 22, 2026 by Candace Cordelia Smith

Let’s Go, LFG: WWE’s Nattie Neidhart Talks New Role On Season 3 Of “Legends & Future Greats”

From her role as an influential veteran grappler to her Dungeon-inspired character honed on the independent circuit, one of the most respected women in the WWE locker room shares stories and useful insight that will appeal to wrestlers and wrestling fans alike.

TEXT BY CANDACE CORDELIA

ONE OF WWE’s CURRENT legends and greats, Natalya “Nattie” Neidhart, is taking her passion for the wrestling business to greater heights on the third season of WWE LFG. Over WrestleMania Week, I sat down with the WWE superstar for an exclusive PWI TV interview, where I got an inside look at Nattie’s role as one of the series’ veteran mentors.

“I ended up getting on with the latest season, and I was so honored that they came to me,” Neidhart reflected.

“I think it’s just continued to teach me about staying open-minded and not judging a book by its cover. And that talent come from different walks of life, and I think that unique background that each talent brings to the table is what makes them special.”

With an illustrious wrestling career spanning several decades, Neidhart has certainly seen countless in-ring talent from a variety of pedigrees and athletic backgrounds. Despite the many challenges and obstacles that come with a career in professional wrestling, the “BOAT” believes that individuals from different walks can learn how to work within the WWE training tableaux.

The two-time World champion explains, “I like working with people that, [for example], somebody has an indie background. Or somebody was a cheerleader. Or somebody did track and field, or somebody was an amateur wrestling champion. I find it really fun to work with people that have different backgrounds, and I think staying open-minded is the way to be.”

Throughout the latest season of WWE LFG, viewers can witness Neidhart mentoring current WWE NXT upstart Kendal Grey, known for her stellar amateur wrestling record and for being voted 2025 Rookie of the Year by PWI readers.

Another thing wrestling fans can look forward to in the show’s third season: the conversations had between the professional mentors, as well as those shared with the developing talent. Neidhart praises the palpable camaraderie throughout each episode, noting the unique, yet valuable, perspective each experienced mentor provides.

“I love how this season is a little bit more collaborative,” she said. “It’s the most collaborative, I feel, of all the seasons. Everybody brings something different to the table, whether it’s myself, Bubba Dudley, Booker T, Kevin Owens … we’re all just bringing something very different to the table. But who’s to say that my way is better than Booker T’s? Who’s to say that Booker’s ideas are better than Kevin Owens’? We all can share our opinions. At the end of the day, we all want to see the talent grow.”

The brick walls are there for a reason. They are there to keep the other people out, the people that don’t want this badly enough.
Natalya neidhart

Among the topics covered in our interview, the self-styled “Lowkey Legend” discussed the power of social media as a tool for pro wrestlers awaiting their next big opportunity, referencing how she used it to promote her widely acclaimed appearances at GCW/Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport events. “The machine isn’t going to get behind every single solitary person. It’s impossible,” she said. “So, you have it within your power with social media. If you’re getting a match, let’s cut a promo for it. … from the very first Bloodsport I did, I was writing a promo, cutting a promo, producing the promo about [TJPW standout] Miyu Yamashita.

“I was like, I’ve gotta tell the story in order to sell this fight, so that when we have the match, everybody understands the story. If there’s no story, there’s no match,” Neidhart continued. “I try to teach that to new, up-and-coming talent, that it’s great to be really, really good in the ring, but be your own best advocate. And I learned that from Paul Heyman. Don’t just wait for people to give you great stuff; fight for your own stuff. Make your own stuff happen, so that you can keep rising up.”

Speaking of fighting for one’s own stuff: While reflecting on her work training with the next generation, the 25-year ring veteran acknowledged another concept she’d like to see take off. “I would absolutely love to have a faction in WWE of women that wanna kick ass,” she said. “Women that I can take under my wing. I think we’re due.”

Of course, wrestling is a tough industry, and it’s no guarantee that even top prospects will find success. “Not everybody is meant to be in this business,” admitted Neidhart. “I say this to talent all the time, especially students that I train at the Dungeon [Neidhart and husband TJ Wilson’s wrestling training facility in Florida]. The brick walls are there for a reason. They are there to keep the other people out, the people that don’t want this badly enough. That’s a famous quote from a book that I love called The Last Lecture.

“I think it’s so true as far as people making it in professional wrestling. Not everybody is meant to do this, and the ones that are meant to do it … they will not only survive, but they will rise to the occasion.”

"WWE LFG" Season 3 Cast — “WWE LFG” Season 3 Cast/c/o AEGM

Season 3 of “WWE LFG” premieres April 26 at 10 p.m. EDT on A&E.

The full-length interview with Natalya Neidhart can be found on the official PWI YouTube channel (and below). While you’re at it, make sure to read more on Natalya’s thoughts about WWE LFG Season 3, WWE’s flourishing Women’s division, and much more in the upcoming Summer 2026 issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated!

Posted on January 16, 2026January 16, 2026 by Lizzy Flanagan

GOODBYE, MONSTER FACTORY … HELLO, LINEAGE PRO WRESTLING!

PHOTO COURTESY LINEAGE PRO WRESTLING/MONSTER FACTORY

Tracing its roots to the legendary Buddy Rogers, the Monster Factory remained, for many years, a wellspring of fundamentally sound pro wrestling talent. Today, its legacy lives on by way of a new school and a new promotion founded by its alumni.

TEXT BY LIZZY FLANAGAN

TUCKED AWAY IN THE quiet neighborhood of Paulsboro, New Jersey, there lies a gem of wrestling history. The Paulsboro Wrestling Club is an unsuspecting building—a little worn around the edges, sure, but there is a much deeper story under the surface. From 2011 on, it was home to the Monster Factory, one of the first publicly available wrestling schools established in the United States.

The Factory’s history dates back to 1984, when it was known as the Buddy Rogers Pro Wrestling School. Classes were originally held in a converted hangar at the Burlington County Airport before the school later found its way to Paulsboro. After helping the school get off the ground, the aging veteran Rogers stepped away, leaving it in the hands of coach “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe. The school was promptly rechristened as the Champion’s Choice Pro Wrestling School before eventually becoming the Monster Factory. Under this title, Sharpe’s school would achieve international acclaim.

The Factory saw countless aspiring wrestlers walk through its front doors. Some of these wrestlers went on to become major stars: Damian Priest, Preston Vance, QT Marshall, Bam Bam Bigelow, and Steve Maclin, among others. The success of its alumni cemented the Monster Factory as one of the strongest wrestling academies in the country. In 2023, a Vox Media series about the school premiered on Apple TV, bringing further attention to its coaches and students.

The Factory saw countless aspiring wrestlers walk through its front doors. Some of these wrestlers went on to become major stars: Damian Priest, Preston Vance, QT Marshall, Bam Bam Bigelow, and Steve Maclin, among others. The success of its alumni cemented the Monster Factory as one of the strongest wrestling academies in the country. In 2011, the school was taken over by Danny Cage, who relocated it to Paulsboro. And, in 2023, a notable Vox Media series about the Factory premiered on Apple TV, bringing further attention to its coaches and students.

Alas, nothing lasts forever. After 40 years, the Monster Factory closed its proverbial doors on November 22, 2025, with the Paulsboro Wrestling Club remaining in operation as a facility for junior and high school amateur wrestlers. But to say the Factory, with its decades of history, went out on a high note would feel like an understatement; its final show was serendipitously its biggest annual event, Turkey Slam. The show was held at the famous 2300 (ECW) Arena. It was the perfect venue to lay to rest a local beacon of wrestling history.

In the opening match, fans saw the crowning of new Monster Factory tag team champions, Christian Darling & Stevie Brooks. Chris Desmond finally claimed revenge on Notorious Mimi, regaining the Monster Factory heavyweight championship in a Philly streetfight. It was a bloody fairytale ending, suitable for a wrestling school with so much love—so much blood, sweat, and tears—poured into it.

To conclude the affair, trainer Missy Sampson led a touching farewell to the Monster Factory, as well as a send-off for the affiliated promotion’s final set of champions. One thing was clear as the champions laid their belts in the ring: The fans in attendance were eager to follow these wrestlers into their next chapter.

Today, the Monster Factory is no more. But Travis Jacobs and David Goldy will be carrying on its legacy through their new venture, Lineage Pro Wrestling.

THE LINEAGE CONTINUES

Wrestler David Goldy is the owner of Lineage Pro Wrestling. Fans may recognize him from his appearances on GCW, AEW, and NJPW STRONG. He trained at the Monster Factory for eight years, in addition to honing his skills under Katsuyori Shibata at NJPW’s L.A. Dojo.

Goldy isn’t seeking to train Lineage’s students in any one style. Instead, he is looking to produce “complete, well-rounded wrestlers” by focusing on solid fundamentals, storytelling, and adaptability. “That way,” Goldy says, “our students can succeed anywhere, with any opponent. We create wrestlers that everyone will want to work with.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lineage Pro Wrestling (@lineageprowrestling)

But as he looks to the future, Goldy will remember where he started. He hopes to carry the Monster Factory’s standard of excellence into Lineage Pro Wrestling:

If you came from the Monster Factory, people knew it without ever needing to ask. It showed in your work ethic, your fundamentals, your respect, your professionalism, your discipline. The way you carried yourself in and out of the ring. That’s the part I want to keep alive in Lineage. The name is changing, but that standard set over the past 40+ years isn’t.

Travis Jacobs will be stepping up as a coach and promoter for Lineage. He made his wrestling debut in 2017 and has since traveled across the East Coast. Most recently, Jacobs has made appearances for Major League Wrestling. He is a three-time Monster Factory heavyweight champion, so it’s safe to say he understands what made the school successful for so long.

Jacobs spoke to PWI about the significance of the word “lineage” in this new venture. “I feel the name is a fitting way to honor the past and what the Monster Factory represented, not only to the ones that walked its halls, but for the ones carrying the mantle today,” he said. “I truly feel that Goldy, Missy, and I will live up to that incredible standard.”

Missy Sampson, a member of the 2300 Arena’s Hardcore Hall of Fame, will also be lending her wisdom to Lineage Pro Wrestling. Missy made her professional wrestling debut in 1995 and has since garnered a reputation as one of the toughest women in the industry. She is eager to guide her former students into these uncharted waters.

While Lineage will be its own promotion, there are some aspects of the Monster Factory that Missy hopes to carry on. She points to their proven training program, as well as the school’s sense of community and inclusion.

Lineage Pro Wrestling is setting sail during an interesting, if not tumultuous time for the independent wrestling scene. While indie companies are certainly more in favor of collaboration over competition these days, keeping a wrestling school and promotion in operation is no easy task. It’s a good thing that Goldy, Jacobs, and Sampson have more than enough knowledge, experience, and passion to pursue such an arduous task.

Follow Lineage Pro Wrestling on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/lineageprowrestling

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TheWorldFamousMonsterFactory

Posted on September 25, 2025September 25, 2025 by Jason McVeigh

SPOTLIGHT FEUD: One Of These Wrestlers Will Leave PROGRESS For Good!

Kanji and Nina Samuels are on a collision course in PROGRESS Wrestling. On September 28, it comes to a head.

IN EARLY-JUNE, PWI SAT down to mediate a virtual face-off between two of British wrestling’s top women. Kanji and Nina Samuels had been goading each other for months, and the simmering tensions were threatening to boil over as summer arrived.

While the two had never been on good terms, things had gotten decidedly worse after Samuels became PROGRESS Women’s champion in December 2024. During her reign, “The Star Of The Nina Samuels Show” was accused of ducking a match with Kanji … something she denied. The rumors persisted, however, driven in no small part by Kanji herself, who was adamant that the champion was avoiding her.

During Super Strong Style 16 weekend in May, Samuels lost the championship back to Rhio. The special referee for the match? None other than Kanji. Feeling aggrieved by the loss and the manner in which it had happened, Samuels placed the blame firmly on the shoulders of Kanji. The following evening, a vengeful Samuels challenged Kanji to a Loser Leaves Progress match, which would be scheduled for July 27.

Things only escalated from there.

PROGRESS Chapter 181: Far From Ordinary People took place on June 29. PWI was on hand at a sweltering o2 Ritz in Manchester, England, to see matters heat up even more between Kanji and Samuels. In the run-up to the show, both women had agreed to “Pick Your Poison” matches, in which they would each choose the other person’s opponent at the event.

Samuels wisely selected Lana Austin to face Kanji—someone Kanji openly admitted she has struggled against throughout her career. For Samuels’ opponent, Kanji looked further West. She chose someone shaking up the American independent scene in Shotzi Blackheart. Just a month out from the Loser Leaves PROGRESS match, would either Kanji or Samuels be able to gain an upper-hand over the other?

As it turned out, no.

At PROGRESS Chapter 181, Kanji was able to finally defeat Austin in a hard-fought match. In the process, she showed her superlative submission skills that had made her a former two-time PROGRESS Women’s champion in her own right. When PWI caught up with her after the match, she was in a buoyant, but focused mood.

“I walked into that match knowing who Lana Austin is and what she was capable of,” said Kanji. “But I came out on top. I feel relieved that I’m now walking into the match with Nina with momentum on my side.”

Kanji makes her entrance at PROGRESS Chapter 181 (PHOTO BY JASON McVEIGH)

In her match later that night, Samuels also had an impressive showing, defeating the visiting Blackheart. Any goodwill Samuels may have gained with such an impressive outing was undone after the match, as she targeted the already broken arm of Blackheart. Thankfully, Kanji was able to make the save before any further damage was done to the American.

“Shotzi was able to come in here and wrestle with a cast on,” Kanji reflected. “Knowing Nina like I do, I was keeping a close eye on the match. I have too much respect for Shotzi, and for British wrestling, to allow someone like Nina to use disgusting and horrific tactics and try and hurt her.”

As you might have expected, Samuels cared little for the fact that Blackheart wrestled the match with a broken arm.

“Is it my fault she was hurt?” Samuels asked, indignantly. “Did I force her into the match? Call her ‘ballsy’ if you want, but I call it stupid! Shotzi put herself in that position, and I’d have been the stupid one to not take advantage of it.”

Nina Samuels controls Shotzi Blackheart during their “Pick Your Poison” match. (PHOTO BY JASON McVEIGH)

When asked about how she felt after the win, Samuels paused for a moment before answering.

“I’m actually feeling quite emotional about it,” she said. “I’m emotional because we are now one step closer to our match, and Kanji has had such an amazing career in PROGRESS, and it’s going to be really sad to see that end. So, I’m sorry to all the fans that I’m going to disappoint, but ridding PROGRESS of Kanji is something that I have to do.”

The scheduled match for July 27 did not take place. After targeting an injured Shotzi Blackheart, it was with somewhat ironic karma that an injury to Samuels ended up pushing back her showdown with Kanji. It seems that time has done nothing to soothe the bad feelings, however; nor slow down the collision course the two combatants are on. With both women cleared and ready for combat, the eagerly-anticipated match will finally go down on September 28.

With the Loser Leaves PROGRESS match now only days away, PROGRESS Wrestling is poised for one of the highest stakes contests in its history, with one of its top women wrestlers poised to take a final bow.

“I know that going into this match, I’m the most confident I’ve ever felt,” said Kanji. “I’m relaxed, and, mentally, I’m 100%. I’m having the best matches of my career right now, and I’m not about to let anybody stop it. Especially Nina Samuels.”

Samuels is feeling as equally confident heading into the encounter.

“I’m on the run of my life right now,” she told PWI. “I’m the best I’ve ever been, and you saw that against Shotzi. You’re going to see it against Kanji, too. The Nina Samuels Show is going to run forever. In fact, it’s going to run longer than Raw, or Smackdown, or anything. Do you know why? Because it’s all about me. And everyone needs more Nina!”

PROGRESS Chapter 184: Camden Lock Up goes down on September 28 at the Electric Ballroom in Camden.

For more information, visit: https://progresswrestling.com

For tickets, visit: https://progresswrestling.com/tickets/

Posted on April 14, 2025April 14, 2025 by Candace Cordelia Smith

Maxxine Dupri Reveals How Her JAUNTY Clothing Line Got Its Name

TEXT BY CANDACE CORDELIA

Maxxine Dupri is a woman of many talents, including being the face and designer of her very own clothing range, JAUNTY. And, as the Alpha Academy stable member told me in an exclusive interview for PWI (excerpted in our June 2025 issue), she has her mom to thank for giving her the name of her apparel brand that’s become a sensation with her fans and wrestling peers alike.

“My mom is extremely creative,” began Dupri. “She is my ChatGPT. If I am like, ‘What’s a cute catchphrase? What’s this?’ … and my mom will have 15 [off] the top of her head. I don’t know how she does it. She’s very, very creative.”

She continued, “I knew I wanted something that started with a ‘J’ because the middle names in my family all start with a ‘J.’ My mom sent me a bunch of different options, and jaunty was one of them. I’ll read you the meaning of it because when I had it I was like, Oh — this is it!”

Maxxine Dupri in JAUNTY activewear — Photos by Bella Piety (@bellacreative.co)

Reading from her phone, Dupri then recited the definition of the word “jaunty” as “having or expressing a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner.” She added, “I just felt like that was exactly what I wanted my brand to embody even as it evolved. Through each step, that always aligned.”

And just like that, JAUNTY was (and continues to be) JAUNTY. But, when Maxxine’s not busy trying to get in Natalya’s good graces and working hard in the WWE ring, she’s constantly thinking of new ways to bring her brand to the next level.

“Because I have a creative mind, I will wake up one day and be like, JAUNTY needs a perfume! My brain is always going 100 different ways, and then next week I’ll be like, Wait, is that a good idea?”

She admitted, “To be totally honest … I’m a really big goal setter. I always set goals for the business with followers, profit, all of that kind of stuff. I always write out different goals for each year. But I think for where the brand actually evolves … my success in that realm has come from letting that happen authentically and letting it flow as my life flows, and let it grow with me. It’s not something that I have pinpointed, but it’s something that I’m always thinking about. And honestly, if I wasn’t getting married so soon [to WWE NXT wrestler Anthony Luke], I would have done a whole bridal line.

“There’s some brands, like ALT SWIM is one, where they make amazing bikinis and they embroider your new last name on them. So many cool things for bachelorette parties and honeymoons, and I am so inspired by all of that. I don’t know what’s next for JAUNTY, but I’m excited to see where my life goes and what that means for JAUNTY.”

Check out the full conversation between Maxxine Dupri and PWI’s Candace Cordelia (including relevant stories about Chelsea Green and Nikki Bella) in the video below.

Posted on April 2, 2025April 2, 2025 by Candace Cordelia Smith

Thekla On Mercedes Mone: “Seeing Her Walk Around With Four Belts? I’m A Little Concerned For Her Well Being”

TEXT BY CANDACE CORDELIA
PHOTOS BY ISSA MARIE

AT THE TIME OF my interview with the larger-than-life Austrian pro wrestler Thekla, for PWI’s May 2025 issue, she expressed her excitement about the possibilities of taking her athletic, artistic, and stylistic talents to America. And as much as she dreams of starting her own fashion line and taking wrestling fashion “to the next level” (“I have some pretty crazy stuff coming up … like, big gears”), she has some even more pressing concerns. One of these is the opportunity for STARDOM’s “Idol Killer” to face some dominant women wrestlers who’ve had a head start on becoming American idols in today’s wrestling industry.

Take, for example, Mercedes Mone. Mone currently holds three titles: the AEW TBS championship, NJPW STRONG Women’s championship, and RevPro Undisputed British Women’s championship (which was unified with the Southside Women’s title). In Thekla’s forthright opinion, all three titles (and four physical belts) are simply too many for one woman to possess.

“I saw her at the Tokyo Dome. She had a bit of a thing with Mina Shirakawa. Now, she’s got four belts. I think that’s a little much,” begins Thekla. “Seeing her walking around with four belts? I’m a little concerned for her well being. It looks a little heavy. I think somebody outta help her out with carrying those, if you know what I mean. I’d love to step in the ring with her for sure.”

Along with Mone, Thekla would also love to reunite with former AEW Women’s World champion Mariah May, yet in a way the one-time Owen Hart Foundation Tournament winner might not appreciate very much. “Mariah May and I used to be in Stardom together,” says Thekla. “I think she really needs a good kick in the face again, to be honest. She’s somebody who’s got it coming.”

Mercedes Mone poses with her four belts backstage at the Tokyo Dome.

Thekla also has designs on staring down two of WWE’s most popular wrestling superstars in the squared circle—Iyo Sky and Giulia. She recalls, “I ran into Iyo Sky the other day. She’s cool. Seeing her reminded me of the fact that I got trained by Mio Shirai (Iyo Sky’s sister). I was like, Damn! That could be something cool if I ever got to test her skills.”

As for her former Donna Del Mondo team member, Giulia, Thekla adds, “Obviously, number one is always, the one person [I] always get tagged with, Giulia. Great look. Great girl. I would love to run it back with her sometime.”

According to Thekla, “anything can happen these days.” And, with plans to descend into Las Vegas during WrestleMania Week, she’s looking toward a future filled with generational matches involving Mercedes, Mariah, Iyo, Giulia, and more … with no regrets concerning the past.

“I’ve been on a roll lately,” Thekla proclaims. “I got suspended like two or three times. I stopped counting. This has been happening, but I’m still proud of myself ’cause I just do what I have to do. I think it’s always a little bit of a grey area, a difficult situation, when I get suspended. I can be a little bit of a hot head. I do agree. But … I didn’t see myself being 100 percent in the wrong, ever. On the other hand, I can tell that lately I’ve been getting booked a little less by STARDOM. Especially now that I’ve dropped the belt together with Momo (Watanabe). But, to me, that’s fine because I’ve got my sights on the States anyway. I’ve been slapping girls around in Japan for the last five years. I’m really ready to raise some hell in the States right now.

“I think there’s so much more to do.”

Thekla taunts Hanan during the Goddesses of Stardom title bout on December 29.

Posted on March 4, 2025March 4, 2025 by Jason McVeigh

WRESTLING WITH STYLE

Fashion And Grappling Are Poised To Cross Over At This Year’s SXSW Festival

Whether it’s the groundbreaking aesthetic of Gorgeous George, the peacockery of “Macho Man” Randy Savage, or the outrageous attires of Seth Rollins, fashion has always played a huge role in professional wrestling. On March 9, a new light will shine on that side of the industry as PWI’s own Candace Cordelia will be hosting a fashion and wrestling-themed panel at the famous SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.

“Over the past several years I’ve noticed an uptick in interest in what people within the wrestling industry were wearing both inside and outside the ring,” Cordelia says. “Over time, I’ve kept a watchful eye on style and gear design in the industry. It really became a thing for me after seeing how many fans began to positively respond to the styles of so many wrestlers.”

The diverse and first-of-its-kind panel will be called “Fashion & Wardrobe Design/Styling In Professional Wrestling,” and is set to feature some of the top outfitters and experts in wrestling style. Already announced for the panel are Troi Haynes (King Troi), Sarath Ton (Mikaze), and Yolanda Jernigan (Yolanda The Designer), all of whom have extensive experience designing in- and out-of- ring gear for some of the top names in wrestling.

With resumes like theirs, it’s unsurprising that Cordelia is effusive in her praise of the guest speakers.

“All three panelists, King Troi, Sarath Ton, and Yolanda The Designer, have years upon years of experience across major and independent wrestling promotions when it comes to design and styling,” she says. “Between all three, they’ve worked with a sizeable number of wrestlers, and their work continues to be seen on an international level. They also work outside of the wrestling industry, which should also be celebrated. Fashion, costume, and gear design, along with fashion styling, appear as glamorous pursuits, and they are. But it’s also extremely hard work … and they’ve logged in hundreds of hours to make the wrestlers we know and love shine in the squared circle, on red carpets, and beyond.”

Pro wrestling has always been a highly visual medium. And throughout the years, more and more grapplers have found the importance in expressing themselves through their attires. The SXSW panel will be a great opportunity to find out more about this artistic side of the sport, while also hearing first-hand accounts of just exactly what inspired some of the famous garb grapplers wear.

“People should check out the panel for many reasons,” Cordelia enthuses. “It’s the only panel of its kind at this year’s SXSW, and I don’t believe a panel such as this has ever been presented there in general. It’s also a diverse panel, and now, more than ever, it’s important to showcase diversity in its many forms. We are going to talk about each panelist’s career journey, the work they are proud of, and what we can expect in the future of wrestling style, fashion, and design. I’m sure there will also be tips on how someone interested in becoming a fashion stylist or designer in wrestling could get started in the field!”

More information on the panel can be found at the below link:

SXSW 2025 Schedule | Fashion & Wardrobe Design/Styling in Professional Wrestling

You can follow Candace Cordelia on X at @candacecordelia

King Troi can be found on Instagram at instagram.com/kingtroi

Sarath Ton can be found on Instagram here

Yolanda The Designer can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gimicks247

Posted on February 26, 2025February 26, 2025 by Lyric Swinton

BROTHERS OF DOOM

Jun & Rei Saito Discuss Their Budding Music Career, The All Japan Triple Crown Title, And Fighting One Another

When Dokken’s “Dream Warrior” begins to play in whichever venue All Japan Pro Wrestling is stationed for the day, fans are immediately locked in for the “DOOM!” that comes next. Jun & Rei Saito are twin brothers who are well accomplished in the world of sports, playing football in America before pursuing sumo careers in Japan … and, eventually, pro wrestling. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 6-foot-4, respectively, with a combined weight of 559 lbs, the Saito Brothers in some ways feel like a blast for the past—a nod to All Japan’s well-documented history of having big, physically imposing wrestlers at the forefront. With their red-and-black color scheme and an affinity for leather, the Saitos make up what they lack in wrestling experience with pure charisma and being effortlessly cool.

Jun & Rei have arisen as two of Japanese puroresu’s most popular rising stars. This year marks four years since their debut, and their accomplishments speak for themselves. They are two-time (and current) AJPW World tag team champions, as well as the 2024 victors of AJPW’s World’s Strongest Tag Determination League tournament. In 2023, they won Tokyo Sports’ Newcomer Award, and the Best Tag Team Award the following year. Somewhere in the midst of their shared success, the brothers have also managed to establish themselves as top singles wrestlers. Jun Saito currently holds All Japan’s top prize, the Triple Crown championship, after defeating Davey Boy Smith on New Year’s Eve.

Their next milestone to conquer? Music. Recently, Jun & Rei Saito announced that they would be releasing their first single on February 26, from the album entitled Which One? There is a long history of the music and wrestling industries intertwining to bring new fans to both worlds—and the Saito Brothers are eager to add themselves to that list.

PWI contributor Lyric Swinton caught up with Jun & Rei—with the help of translator Ash Mann—to chat about their upcoming music, their current goals, being faces of All Japan, and how they feel about fighting one another.

PWI: It was announced that you both would be entering the musical world with a debut single titled “DOOM,” anticipated for February 26 release date. Wrestlers doing music isn’t a new concept, with the Crush Gals being the biggest and most successful example. Did either of you have a musical background before this? What was your thought process when coming to the decision to make music?

Rei: We had absolutely no experience in music at all. Even we were surprised when we were going to make our very first single, but obviously the goal is to expand and broaden the horizons of people to get into wrestling.

PWI: You two have only been wrestling since 2021, but you’ve managed to accomplish a lot in a fairly short amount of time. What were your initial goals when you entered pro wrestling coming from the sumo world? Did you expect this level of success so early on?

Rei: In All Japan Pro Wrestling, the goal is to win the World tag titles, obviously. Because we’re a tag team, right? We want to be the best tag team [and win] the Best Tag Team Prize in the Tokyo Sports Awards, which we also managed to win [in 2024]. It’s been maybe, say, about three and a half years since we debuted. We managed to get all this experience. So, we felt that with experience, we’d get results and get the confidence to get all these results in a short amount of time. We spent about eight years in the sumo world, so we have the physical ability to do it. We’ve just [had] to put it into the wrestling sense, and you can see the results.

PWI: Over the past year, you’ve won the All Japan World tag team championship for a second time, expanded your stable to include Mr. Saito and Senor Saito, won World’s Strongest Tag Determination League, and took home the Best Tag Team Prize from the Tokyo Sports awards. And you placed number seven on the “PWI Tag Team 100.” How do you feel about the 2024 you had? And are there any milestones you’re looking to conquer in 2025?

Jun: In 2024, we won the Tokyo Sports Best Tag Team Prize. We’re very happy, but disappointed we didn’t get the MVP award. The top prize—the top, top prize—I think Zack Sabre (Jr.) won. We’re a little bit disappointed about that. For 2025, we hope to win the MVP Award as a tag team for the very first time … because it hasn’t been accomplished in Tokyo Sports awards at all.

Rei: In 2024, I had a right shoulder injury. So, I was out for a month, but I came back in tip-top form. And, as a tag team, we were actually unbeaten the whole year.

PWI: Jun, you are currently the Triple Crown champion, holding one of the most prestigious wrestling titles of all-time. We saw you rise to the occasion as a singles wrestler quite a bit in 2024, first making it to the Champion Carnival final and eventually winning the title on New Year’s Eve. Talk about what your journey to the Triple Crown has been like, and what you hope to convey to fans during your reign.

Jun: Obviously the Saito Brothers, everybody knows us as a tag team. We’ve been working as a tag team our whole entire careers. And then, when I was in the Champion Carnival, I didn’t manage to win it. But I managed to go all the way to the finals, and that’s a pretty amazing result. Of course, for a singles wrestler in All Japan, the top title is Triple Crown, right? And to be able to get it before my brother [Rei], it makes me very happy … There has not been a title match between brothers for the Triple Crown yet, so I would love to accomplish it. But if Rei decides to challenge me, I will say no until he actually stacks up his own accomplishments and enough wins to get there.

PWI: How do you feel about that, Rei?

Rei: I have seen my brother’s effort to become champion. I wish I could become champion, too, but I haven’t really [gotten results] as a singles competitor yet. I would love to work more on that singles front first, take part in tournaments, get some results, and maybe think about challenging for the Triple Crown if my brother [Jun] is still champion.

PWI: As fun as it is to watch you two as a team, it’s just as entertaining to watch you face each other. I had the pleasure of watching you two lock horns on New Year’s Eve in 2023 in Tokyo. And you never hold back. Why do you think your chemistry is so special not just as teammates, but also as opponents?

Rei: When it comes to wrestling and brothers fighting, I’m not gonna hold back. There’s no point holding back because as brothers, we’ve been fighting [since we were] kids, so this is normal for us.

Jun: It’s not difficult. In fact, it’s very easy. Because many years ago, when we were still doing sumo, in the early years, there were two brothers who were yokozunas, the top ranked sumos. When they had the finals together and they fought, they didn’t really like fighting each other … On the other hand, for me, if it’s a fight between brothers, I will not only just put in 100%, maybe like 120%. It’s actually very easy. It’s more natural that way. Maybe it might be a bit more tiring, by going that extra [mile] just to beat the other brother.

PWI: I’ve seen fans in Jun and Rei costumes at shows, and even outside of wrestling. Your popularity in Japan is growing larger and larger by the day. What does the support from fans mean to you both? Does it ever get overwhelming?

Jun: Wrestling fans, the fans give wrestling its energy. Years ago, when we were debuting, Coronavirus [was happening], [there were] no crowds, nothing at all. But when the crowds came back, we felt like we could work extra hard. Because the roar of the crowd and the cheers of the fans when they call our names, it gets us more excited and helps us put the extra gear in to make the matches more exciting. I’m really thankful that the fans cheering really helps to make the wrestling [more exciting]. I’m very thankful to get the support of the fans.

Rei: Even though it’s fighting and it’s sports, it’s also entertainment. So, I’m very thankful that we have support of fans right now.

PWI: You both have American heritage and have spent some time on excursions there at the beginning of your careers. Now that you both are no longer rookies but legitimate forces to be reckoned with, are there any dream matches in America, or even other promotions in Japan that you’d like to have?

Jun: As a tag team, we always want to win the Tokyo Sports Best Tag Team award. In 2023, it was Bishamon, [NJPW’s] Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI. I still remember when they won the thing. We won the Best Tag Team prize this past year, so obviously I would love to challenge Bishamon one day.

Rei: As wrestlers, we haven’t been to the U.S. in a while. We would love to wrestle in the United States. We [would] like to wrestle in Europe as well. We definitely would love to give a try to AEW or WWE once in our careers, because I’m sure every wrestler would have thought about that at least once in their careers.

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PWI: It feels like a new era for All Japan and stars like you, Yuma Anzai, Ren Ayabe, and others are at the forefront of that new era. All Japan Pro Wrestling has a rich and storied past, but it also has an energetic and exciting present. What does it mean to both of you to be faces of such an important organization in wrestling history?

Rei: Obviously, All Japan Pro Wrestling has a very long history. Many fans overseas, they know the history with Giant Baba. We all know the history. It’s very, very long and very, very storied. Now for us to be able to be in this very historic promotion, we’re very honored to be here, but I feel that we’re not at the peak yet. And, going forward, we’re gonna still try to reach that peak and [make] All Japan more and more exciting.

Jun: When you think of All Japan, you think of very big guys, very big, large individuals. And they bring a lot of exciting, hard fights [and] intense bouts. In the ’80s and ’90s, wrestling in Japan was at its peak. Everybody knows it’s the hottest thing. But lately, in a sense [that buzz] has gone to other sports, like MMA and whatever else. The pro wrestling spirit is still in Japan. It’s still there. And we would like to bring that spirit and the fan base back via our exciting bouts in All Japan Pro Wrestling.

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