Tag: britwres

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PROTEUS MAKES PROGRESS WITH DONOVAN DIJAK

Dijak chats with PWI about winning gold in London, tangling with Hollywood actors, and why PROGRESS Wrestling is a big priority for him.

WHEN YOU’RE AS WELL-TRAVELED a professional wrestler as Donovan Dijak is, there are very few new experiences to unlock. For someone who has been a big-time player in ROH, WWE, MLW, and many other places, the man himself typically knows what to expect when he takes a booking. When he caught a plane to London recently for an appearance on a PROGRESS Wrestling show, not even Dijak could have predicted what lay in store. Then again, it’s not every day you fly thousands of miles to beat up a legit Hollywood A-lister.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PROGRESS WRESTLING

PWI: You went into Chapter 199: Bonestorm and officially ended Paul Walter Hauser’s 556-day reign as PROGRESS Wrestling Proteus champion. Sure, 556 days is a long time … but some people might say that maybe he didn’t do a lot during that time. Going in there, the fans were obviously behind you, and I don’t think it’s unfair to say that they were desperate to see you dethrone Hauser for the belt. What were your thoughts going into the match? 

DD: I don’t know if they were desperate to see me dethrone him. I think they were desperate to see anybody dethrone him. They didn’t even know I was in the building until my music hit. I thought the build was absolutely tremendous. I haven’t been, you know, directly a part of the build. Obviously, Damo and Paul did a tremendous job … whether it was an intentional decision or unintentional decision around, you know, (Hauser’s) long absences and the lack of defenses, or whatever it happened to be. It created a moment where the crowd absolutely despised him. I’ve been around a lot of “heat” in professional wrestling, but that was some of the more sort of realistic feeling heat that I’ve experienced in my time. It felt like people were genuinely unpleased with (Hauser) and his attitude and his schedule and things like that. And it all just culminated in a wonderful storyline, an incredible build, an incredible reaction.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PROGRESS WRESTLING

PWI: There was even an “if Hauser wins, we riot” sign in the crowd. Obviously, he plays that villain role very well, and he seems to “get it.” Speak just a little bit on that, and what you’ve seen his approach be.

DD: Well, to be fair, I think he plays every role really well. I mean, we’re talking about one of the best modern actors in the world right now. So, he’s obviously extremely talented when it comes to portraying multiple different characters. But in terms of professional wrestling specifically, yes, he does absolutely understand the nuances of, you know, storytelling, and good versus evil, and how that’s portrayed in a pro wrestling setting. So yeah, he’s just unbelievably prepared. He is unbelievably invested in everything, especially in this particular setting, because both he and I have known each other for a while now, and we’ve wanted this. You mentioned the sign. I guess it was more than a sign. It was a bit like a bed sheet or something like that. It was so big. After I won the championship, I made the decision to go up on the balcony and pose right in front of it. And God, I didn’t even know that was there. I just made a decision to go up on the balcony just on a whim. And where I happened to be just happened to be right in front of that sign, which, in hindsight, is really cool, because it adds some of those old ECW Hammerstein Ballroom vibes.

PWI: This year, PROGRESS Wrestling got new owners in Big Damo and Nikki Storm. Give us your insight on how fun it is to be a part of what they’re doing.

DD: (They have) an unbelievable level of commitment, dedication, and passion. And I don’t I just say these things lightly. Damo knows this: If he was half-assing it, I would just nod and be like, “Yeah, it’s going to be a great show.” I’m not going to do that with him. I’m a very, very, very upfront and honest person when it comes to these operations, because I think that’s extremely important. It’s extremely important for transparency. It’s extremely important for trust. And I think anyone who’s followed me trusts that when I make a recommendation or if I say something about something, I genuinely mean it. Damo and Nikki are doing an unbelievable job with PROGRESS. I see what they’re sacrificing. I see what they’re investing. I see their passion and dedication behind the scenes constantly. The level (of effort) that they’re putting into to continuing to build PROGRESS is genuinely unprecedented. And I’m so excited to be part of it.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PROGRESS WRESTLING

PWI: The Proteus championship sort of lends itself to being allowed to be a bit more creative and to color outside the lines a little bit. Is there anything creatively that you’re looking to do as Proteus champion?

DD: I just found out, like legitimately at the merch table after the show. Because I knew I’d heard about this championship before. I’d heard different stipulations and things like that. But I found out from one of the fans that I was talking to, because I wanted like, a definitive breakdown. They told me that historically, the Proteus champion gets to decide what the match stipulation is every single time. I don’t know whether it’s going to continue to be that, but if it is, that’s awesome. I’m going to embrace it just like I embrace anything that’s unique. Or if the goal is just, “hey, elevate that championship,” then that’s my goal. You know, in my mind, this is the number one championship in all of PROGRESS right now, and I’m going to build it that way, and I’m going to defend it that way. I’m going to wear it at every single show that I’m on across the world. I want it to be represented well. I want it to be defended well. I want it to have unbelievable matches attached to its name. It’s the sort of sense of pride that I that I brought to the North American championship when I was in NXT. I never actually won the NXT North American championship, but I think anyone who’s a fan of NXT would kind of put my name up there as being synonymous with the North American championship. I was someone who worked endlessly to build that championship. And you know, anyone can be a champion, but building a championship takes time and heart and dedication and passion. So, that’s my goal right now for this championship. Whatever I’m told is the direction for the Proteus championship, I’m going to adhere to those guidelines, and I’m going to go above and beyond to make sure that it flourishes.

Damo and Nikki are doing an unbelievable job with PROGRESS. I see what they’re sacrificing. I see what they’re investing […] And I’m so excited to be part of it.

PWI: If You could say something to longtime fans of PROGRESS Wrestling, or even fans checking it out for the first time, maybe because of your match against Hauser, what would you say?

DD: I work for many companies all over the world. As an independent contractor, you have to make decisions (about where you’re going to work), and I can tell you unequivocally right now, PROGRESS is at the top of my list for what I’m prioritizing in 2027. In PROGRESS. I’m seeing people who are fighting and scratching and clawing to be the best presentation of themselves and of the company that they can possibly be. And I love that.

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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

COURTESY OF PROGRESS WRESTLING
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RHIO Talks U.K. Dominance, AEW All In and WrestleMania Weekend

SINCE THE TITLE’S INCEPTION in 2017, 28-year-old Rhio has defended the PROGRESS Women’s championship more than any champion has during one reign. Successfully defeating a dozen-plus challengers, including Lana Austin, Kanji, Nina Samuels, Delmi Exo, and Session Moth Martina, is no easy feat.

Rhio’s PROGRESS title run has reached more than 400 days, but it’s by no means her only accomplishment worth celebrating. The U.K. powerhouse ranked #25 on the 2024 “PWI Women’s 250,” making her the highest-ranked U.K. freelancer on the 2024 list.

PWI‘s Kristen Ashly spoke with Rhio about her record-breaking year.

ASHLY: Congratulations on your “PWI Women’s 250″ ranking! You made #25. What do you think made this year so special?

RHIO: This year, I’ve broken records and made history in some of the top independent promotions in Europe. I feel this year has been my best work so far, and with every challenge I’ve come out stronger. Also, this year I made my debut in the U.S., which is another big milestone for me. I think this year has had many special moments for me, so many amazing matches and incredible opponents. Opportunities have come and I’ve just run with it. Just as I think it can’t get any crazier, it does.

ASHLY: You’ve held multiple titles during the evaluation period for this year’s list. Do you have one that you’re particularly proud of? Is there one you think is missing from the list?

RHIO: I’m particularly proud of holding both the ICW and PROGRESS Women’s championships, especially when I was holding them at the same time. Both of these championships are legitimate world championships and have such a rich lineage. So, to be able to join the list of incredible women that have held these championships means a lot to me. In terms of one I feel is missing, I am definitely going to be working towards the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s championship. 

Rhio holds aloft the PROGRESS and Insane Championship Wrestling Women’s belts. Given the breadth and depth of competition surrounding each prize, she believes both championships to be legitimate world titles. (PHOTO BY ISSA MARIE)

ASHLY: One title you should feel incredibly proud of is the PROGRESS Women’s title, which you held the entire evaluation year. What defense did you find the most difficult?

RHIO: I’m extremely proud of holding the PROGRESS Women’s world championship. It’s hard to say which is the most difficult defense as there has been quite a few. But some of the ones that spring to mind are: the 4-way ladder match I had at this year’s Super Strong Style 16, myself versus Emersyn Jayne, myself versus Lizzy Evo, and myself versus Kanji, off the top of my head.

ASHLY: What defense do you think is still missing?

RHIO: I feel me [against] the DEFY Women’s champion is something that is missing. Especially with the partnership of PROGRESS and DEFY. So, hopefully that is something we can do. 

ASHLY: U.K. women’s wrestling is known as some of the best in the business. How do you feel the U.K. stacks up against other countries?

RHIO: Oh, I agree the U.K. women’s wrestling scene is incredibly strong at the moment, and I’m proud to be a part of it. We have one of the best women’s wrestling scenes in the world. So many beautiful, strong, and talented women that will step to anyone to prove themselves. Women putting in consistent hard work.

Rhio joins Saraya’s entourage at Wembley Stadium during the second AEW All In event.
(PHOTO BY LEE SOUTH/©ALL ELITE WRESTLING)

ASHLY: One incredible moment to see as a Rhio fan was your in-ring appearance at All In, supporting Saraya. How did that moment feel?

RHIO: I loved appearing at AEW All In supporting Saraya. And being a part of a moment that involved two incredible British women [Saraya and Jamie Hayter] in front of a huge crowd at Wembley was very special.

ASHLY: How did that opportunity come about? AEW has a wonderful group of U.K. talent. Is that somewhere you’d like to wrestle on a regular basis?

RHIO: The opportunity came about after I received an email inviting me to Cardiff and All In. AEW has so many amazing British wrestlers and is definitely somewhere I could see myself wrestling regularly.

ASHLY: WrestleMania Weekend in Philadelphia was the time to see Rhio! You had two title defenses that weekend, one for PROGRESS and one as part of Kevin McElvaney’s ThrashElvania. Both were incredible matches; did you have similar mindsets going into them?

RHIO: I loved wrestling in Philadelphia over Wrestlemania Week. I loved all of my matches. I would say my mindset going into them was very different, as the one for PROGRESS was a singles match with the former champion I beat, and someone I know very well (Lana Austin). So, with that said, I knew she was coming into this with extra motivation. Whereas my match at ThrashElvania was a triple threat with two women I have never wrestled before. So, I went into that match knowing that I didn’t have to be pinned to lose. I didn’t fully know what to expect from my opponents. So, I had to watch my back even more in that one.

Delmi Exo gets clobbered by Rhio’s side headbutt during their triple-threat bout for the PROGRESS Women’s title at ThrashElvania, which took place over WrestleMania Weekend.
(PHOTO BY ISSA MARIE)

ASHLY: Do you approach a match differently when you’re facing more than one opponent, or an opponent that you don’t face often?

RHIO:  When it comes to approaching my matches, I always approach them differently. Because I know that all my opponents are different, they think differently, and they move differently. 

ASHLY: Also that weekend, you faced Shoko Nakajima on a TJPW show. This isn’t your first time wrestling for TJPW. Is it different wrestling in the U.S. for TJPW, as opposed to Japan? Do you find wrestling British Style is different from joshi? Are there adjustments to make?

RHIO: It did feel different wrestling for TJPW in the U.S. as opposed to wrestling for them in Japan. I don’t really know why, I can’t quite figure that out. But it was definitely different for me. The British and joshi style do have their differences, but the prominent similarity is they are both a hard-hitting style, which I think transcends well. If I get to face Shoko Nakajima again, which I hope I do, it’s more [that] I need to adjust to her in particular, not the style. Again, it goes back to me taking every opponent as they come.

Rhio catches Alex Windsor with a missile dropkick (rendered all the more devastating by a trash can) during the exceptionally violent 10-woman tag at RevPro’s latest anniversary event.
(PHOTO BY SCOTT LESH)

ASHLY: Looking at your resume, your match in August for the 12th Anniversary of RevPro featured what was easily one of your best matches of the year: the no-DQ 10-woman tag team match. Do you find it’s harder to create a memorable and maybe cleaner match with so many opponents?

RHIO: The 10-woman tag at RevPro for their 12th anniversary was very special. A match of that caliber is definitely not an easy task, but I feel everyone in that match was so different, so everyone showed out in their own unique way. When you have so many experienced and talented people in one match, it does make it easier. We also had an amazing person who helped and supported us. (Thank you, Will Ospreay.)

ASHLY: Wrestling fans can agree your career trajectory is amazing to watch. What’s next for you?

RHIO: I’m so proud of my career trajectory so far, and I plan on keeping the momentum going and the good times rolling. I don’t know what’s next for me, but I’m very excited for my future. I’m going to keep working hard and be open to every opportunity that is presented to me. 

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MINA SHIRAKAWA Talks Mariah May, Toni Storm, And Staying Authentic

THOUGH REGARDLESS OF where MINA SHIRAKAWA ranks, fans demand more of her, “The Venus'” spot in the 2024 “PWI Women’s 250″ mirrored how much fans clamored for the 36-year-old Stardom sensation. 

Her year was fantastic. Shirakawa became a phenomenon in All Elite Wrestling as the savior to her tag team partner and friend Mariah May. She traveled extensively across the globe to assert her dominance. She challenged and defeated some of the best wrestlers in the world. All of this without sacrificing her sense of self or originality. Authentically Mina.

In celebration of Shirakawa’s spectacular 2024—and ahead of her appearances with May on AEW Rampage and at Full Gear—we present her written interview with PWI’s KRISTEN ASHLY.

ASHLY: Congratulations on making it to number 16 on the “PWI Women’s 250″! You jumped 35 spots to make the top 20. What do you think changed this year that created such a big leap?

SHIRAKAWA: That jump is because I’m the most international women’s professional wrestler; for most of the year I’ve been flying to wrestle on weekdays in the United States and then on weekends back in Japan. I think the reason I’ve managed to rank so high this year is because there’s a lot of wrestling fans that know who I am now.

ASHLY: You wrestled in the U.K. for the first time this year. In your first appearance for RevPro, you defeated Dani Luna for the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s title. Are there any differences between wrestling British style vs. joshi? Any differences when wrestling in North America?

SHIRAKAWA: I think that British wrestling is quite similar to Japanese wrestling, and the fans were happy when we had a technical wrestling match. One of my signature moves is the figure four, and the fans erupted in cheers when I tapped the champion out with it to win the title. It’s really gratifying to know that my decision to become a professional wrestler wasn’t a mistake. In comparison, I think American-style wrestling is more dynamic. I don’t really change my style of wrestling when it comes to big matches, but I’ll change the types of moves that I use.

Mina Shirakawa uses her signature figure-four leglock to submit Dani Luna and capture the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s championship. (PHOTO BY SCOTT LESH)

ASHLY: You’re returning to the U.S. in what is being reported as a longer tour. Are those reports true? What are your hopes for this time in the U.S.?

SHIRAKAWA: I’ve been making Mariah (May) wait a lot, and I plan to stay in the United States until her feelings of loneliness are gone. I’m here to celebrate her championship win and wrestle a lot of matches as [our team] Rose Gold.

ASHLY: Mariah has turned into what you could call a primadonna. Has your friendship changed since she turned on her idol, Toni Storm?

SHIRAKAWA: Our friendship hasn’t changed in the slightest. We’re still best friends forever. However, I am a little concerned that she’s acting a bit weird recently … but I think with me by her side, she’ll calm down again soon enough.

At Mariah May’s urging, Toni Storm and Shirakawa shake hands after their Forbidden Door AEW Women’s title bout. (PHOTO BY KEVIN McELVANEY)

ASHLY: Your triangle with Mariah and Toni created a huge title opportunity for you at Forbidden Door 2024. Are you still hungry for the AEW Women’s title? Would you face Mariah for it?

SHIRAKAWA: I know that Mariah has worked so hard, both in AEW and in Stardom. Right now, I just want to be able to celebrate her championship win with her. The two of us overcame a lot of hardships together in Japan, so I’m celebrating with her as if I’d become champion.

ASHLY: Since Mariah’s betrayal, you’ve tagged with Toni Storm. Has your relationship with Toni changed? Do you feel closer because of Mariah?

SHIRAKAWA: Well … I’d still like all three of us to be friends. I know that Toni must’ve been really hurt after Mariah betrayed her like that, so I wanted to give her my emotional support. I believe that if I love them both, then we’ll all be able to be friends again. Toni and I are good friends back in Japan. Not only in matches, but privately as well.

Shirakawa and Storm prepare to a tag-team hip attack on AZM. (PHOTO ©STARDOM)

ASHLY: Within Stardom, you’re well-known for amazing tag team wrestling. You won the Artist of Stardom championship with Maika and Xena in March. Do you feel differently about tag team wrestling over singles action? Do you have a preference?

SHIRAKAWA: Xena and Maika are both powerhouse wrestlers, and when the three of us are in the ring together, we’re very smart and synchronized—we defeat anyone! But honestly, I prefer singles matches to tag team matches. With tag team matches you have the support of your partners, whereas in singles matches you have to try and manage everything by yourself. I love the feeling of tension that comes along with singles matches because I think to myself, “How am I meant to take down a bigger opponent if my strength is much less?” It’s like playing chess within your own mind, and I enjoy it a lot.

ASHLY: Stardom has really opened itself to work with international partners, and you seem to be a main beneficiary of that advantage, appearing everywhere. Do you feel it’s easy working with other companies? Have you learned anything in the process?

SHIRAKAWA: To be frank, it’s difficult! It kind of feels like I’m starting a new life all over again. Everyone in Stardom already knows the kind of person that Mina Shirakawa is—the fans, the staff, and other wrestlers. Yet I love meeting other wrestlers when I go to different companies. You have to start off by getting to know others; when I’m in attendance at shows run by other companies, I make the effort to talk to as many staff members as possible instead of just sitting in the waiting room. I have to study the matches of my opponents because I’m not familiar with their movesets. But by watching an AEW show from beginning to end, I can see the types of things that I can add to the show, so I always make sure to watch it the whole way through … and it helps me study English, too.

One company Shirakawa knows well is New Japan Pro Wrestling. In December, she’ll face Johnnie Robbie, an outstanding talent from the U.S. indies. 

ASHLY: You’re wrestling Johnnie Robbie at Strong Style Evolved. Mercedes Moné also happens to be main-eventing. Are there any plans to challenge her for either of her belts at the show?

SHIRAKAWA: I’ve been friends with Mercedes Moné for around five years now, but we’ve never had the opportunity to meet in the ring, even though I’ve always wanted to wrestle her. I’d like to challenge her when I’m at my best mentally. I don’t know when that will be, though.

While Shirakawa’s talent is undeniable, one important aspect of her greatness is her ability to stay true to herself, despite pressures otherwise. It’s a trait that many fans relate to and hold on to for inspiration.

ASHLY: In a recent installment of my PWI women’s wrestling column (“The W Column”), I explained how inspirational you are to women with your refusal to hide from your past. How is staying true to yourself important in wrestling? What would you say to a woman who is feeling shame for who they are?

SHIRAKAWA: There are no answers in wrestling, so you have to go through with the decisions that you believe are the best ones. Really, it’s a test to see how much you believe in yourself. With life, people will try and tell you that you can’t do this, or that you can’t do that. You can’t let yourself be fooled by those people. I hate the saying, “This is how a woman should be.” I want to face the world as a human being regardless of what my gender is. You’re the only person responsible for what happens in your life, and you’re the only person who can make it interesting. If there’s no example of that, then there’s no shame in beginning now. No matter when you start, it’s never too late; you can make it work if you try your absolute hardest!

(PHOTO BY SCOTT LESH)

The past year was a pillar year in the career of Mina Shirakawa. The fans continue to chant “We Want Mina,” and Shirakawa is more than happy to oblige. The future looks bright for “The Venus.”