For UK wrestling fans, the annual Super Strong Style tournament isn’t just another wrestling show in the calendar; it’s a revered tradition that is known to draw in some of the biggest names in wrestling for a hard-hitting single-elimination tournament over multiple days.
Hosted by the prestigious PROGRESS Wrestling promotion, one of the top two promotions in the UK and arguably Europe, this two-night extravaganza brings together the best and brightest in the industry. Both local and international talent compete over four grueling rounds that leave fans on the edge of their seats year after year.
Since its inception in 2015, the Super Strong Style event has been a launching pad for wrestling’s breakout stars.
Previous winners include inaugural winner Will Ospreay, who clinched the title of winner in 2015 before ascending to superstardom in New Japan Pro Wrestling and now in AEW. Zack Sabre Jr. is much the same; they emerged victorious in 2017 and have since become a force to be reckoned with in Japan.
Kid Lykos, the current PROGRESS World Champion, also holds the distinction of being a former Super Strong Style winner and the most recent, showcasing the tournament’s ability to propel talent to the top of the wrestling world.
The tournament serves as a proving ground for aspiring stars, with the winner earning the spot of #1 contender for the PROGRESS World Championship. In 2022, however, the stakes were raised even higher when the PROGRESS World Championship itself was declared vacant, turning the entire tournament into a battle for the championship title.
While Super Strong Style 16 shares similarities with other prestigious wrestling tournaments like NJPW’s G1 Climax and WWE’s Royal Rumble, its unique format and history set it apart.
Unlike the round-robin style of the G1 Climax or the over-the-top battle royal format of the Royal Rumble, Super Strong Style 16 offers a pure single-elimination tournament. The best of the best go head-to-head until only one wrestler is left standing. This format not only showcases the competitors’ skill and determination but also ensures that every match is a must-see.
This Year’s Lineup
🚨 MOST RECENT SUPER STRONG STYLE 16 ENTRANTS.
💪 May is here which means it’s officially #SSS16 season!
👀 Who else will we see enter the tournament?
📅 SUN 26th & MON 27th MAY | 3PM | Electric Ballroom, London
🎟️ https://t.co/N5yOqLFERL pic.twitter.com/hwPBcYIjrV
— PROGRESS Wrestling (@ThisIs_Progress) May 1, 2024
The lineup for this year’s Super Strong Style 16, taking place on the 26th and 27th of May, is shaping up to be one of the most stacked in recent memory. Headlining the announcements is the confirmation of Shelton Benjamin competing, a multi-time former WWE Tag Team Champion and 3-time Intercontinental Champion.
Joining him are a diverse array of talents, including YouTuber-turned-wrestler Simon Miller, former AEW and Impact star KC Navarro, and current NXT writer and producer Eddie Dennis. AEW’s Bryan Keith and TNA Wrestling star Mike Santana are also announced amongst a spread of local UK independent stars, so the tournament is really beginning to take shape.
With only three spots left to be announced, anticipation is at an all-time high as fans eagerly await the full lineup of competitors for this year’s tournament.
How It Works and Who’s Behind It
PROGRESS Wrestling, the driving force behind Super Strong Style 16, has been a trailblazer in the world of professional wrestling since its inception.
Founded in 2011 by comedian Jim Smallman, events and comedy promoter Jon Briley, and actor Glen Robinson (professionally known as Glen Joseph), PROGRESS Wrestling has become synonymous with innovation and excellence in the wrestling world.
Today, Lee McAteer and Martyn Best co-own the promotion, which continues to uphold its legacy of delivering top-notch wrestling events for the UK audience.
The tournament itself unfolds over two nights, with sixteen competitors battling it out in a 4-round series of matches.
With each round and each elimination, the stakes get higher, leading to a thrilling climax on night two, where we find out who will face the world champion.
This event has cemented its place in the UK indie scene calendar, becoming a trailblazer in concept and delivery. It elevates fresh stars year after year, and this year looks set to do no different.
So, What’s Next?
🚨 SUPER STRONG STYLE 16
‼️ 15 weekender seating tickets left!
🔥 More #SSS16 announcements coming SOON!
📅 SUN 26th & MON 27th May | 3PM | Electric Ballroom, London
🎟️ https://t.co/N5yOqLFERL pic.twitter.com/NzCZS2Zwdm
— PROGRESS Wrestling (@ThisIs_Progress) April 27, 2024
If you want to keep up with the UK indies, PROGRESS Wrestling has a slew of exciting events on the horizon, with this tournament concluding on May 27th.
Already scheduled, their next Chapter show, ‘Chapter 169: The Devil on my Shoulder,’ which will take place in July, features an already confirmed appearance from AEW star Danhausen and also where we may expect to see the SSS16 winner face the world champion so there’s no better time to stay tuned!
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
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