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RHIO HITS A YEAR AS PROGRESS WOMEN'S CHAMPION

By Mike Johnson on 10/21/2024 7:30 AM

hio has officially reached an impressive milestone, marking 365 days as the PROGRESS Women’s World Champion. Her dominant reign, which began when she unlocked the Thunderbastard Key to secure the title, has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past year, Rhio has successfully defended her championship a staggering 16 times, solidifying her position as one of the most dominant forces in British wrestling.

The Thunderbastard Key: The Start of a Legendary Reign

Rhio’s reign as Women’s Champion began in a unique way—by winning the Thunderbastard Key, which gave her the opportunity to unlock a shot at the title at any time. Seizing her moment, she did just that, capturing the championship from Lana Austin and launching what has become one of the most memorable reigns in PROGRESS history. Since then, Rhio has taken on and defeated some of the best female competitors in the UK and Europe from technical showcases to high-stakes ladder matches that have tested her abilities in every way.

16 Title Defenses and Counting

With 16 successful title defences under her belt, Rhio’s reign has seen her overcome fierce challengers from all corners of the wrestling world. Her adaptability in the ring, whether it's going toe-to-toe in technical battles or enduring brutal clashes, has proven her versatility as a champion. Each defence has further cemented her reputation as an unstoppable force.

However, Rhio’s next challenge is looming large. At Chapter 172: WEREWOLVES OF LONDON, she will face the relentless Lizzy Evo, a competitor with a reputation for aggression and toughness. Evo has made it clear that she plans to dethrone Rhio, ending her year-long reign and taking the PROGRESS Women’s Championship for herself.

Will Rhio Continue Her Reign or Leave the UK Without the Gold?

Rhio’s upcoming match against Lizzy Evo at Chapter 172 is set to be one of the most important of her career. With a US Tour on the horizon, the question is: Will Rhio continue her dominant reign and take the title overseas, or will Lizzy Evo seize the opportunity and take the gold away from Rhio before her international journey begins?

The stakes are incredibly high. Rhio’s proven she’s capable of handling any challenge, but Evo’s tenacity makes this one of the most unpredictable matchups in recent memory.

Rhio Ranked #25 in the PWI Women’s 250

Adding to her growing list of accolades, Rhio was recently ranked #25 in the prestigious PWI Women’s 250, a testament to her hard work and consistency as a champion over the past year. Being recognized among the top wrestlers in the world highlights how far she’s come and underscores the level of competition she’s faced during her title reign.

With former PROGRESS Women's World Champion Toni Storm topping the list, the current champion can see a clear pathway to following in her footsteps!

The Road Ahead

As Rhio prepares to face Lizzy Evo, one question remains: Can she continue her incredible reign, or will this be the end of her time as champion? With the wrestling world watching closely, Chapter 172 will determine whether Rhio's journey continues or if a new chapter begins for Lizzy Evo.