Lists in wrestling are about as common as a Trent Seven ringpost chop. However, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Enjoy the Mark's Top 10 Lists dedicated to Revolution Pro Wrestling.

It's been a long, long wait but the inaugural Trios Grand Prix is almost upon us! Announced at the last Coventry show back in July, there's been much anticipation for this weekends' graps and recording the This Is A Revolution podcast with my Cromulent friend George got me even more hyped and so I gave to let it out. It was exploring the dynamics between the teams that I realised just how subtly this tournament has been booked and so I'm here to break it down and summarise it into 10 Cards RevPro Could Play At The Trios Grand Prix.

Let's av it...

Debut Upset Part I

The field of eight is very, very intriguing with very little to choose between the teams when considering favourites for the Quarter Finals, let alone the overall winner. RevPro do love an upset in a tournament - think Lee Hunter over Michael Oku at British J Cup 2022 or Greedy Souls over Subculture in British Tag League 2023, all the way back to El Phantasmo over Jushin Thunder Liger at the 2018 J Cup. So how about the debuting Flying Bryant Brothers going over the most established, most familiar to British wrestling fans and, possibly therefore, the favourites, CPF? Don't bet against it!

Debut Upset Part II

And under that same notion, how about Viva Espana upsetting Sha-Shine Machine? Teeks has made a big deal of wanting to win this to give Sha that Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship match he has publicly discussed his desire for, as he reaches the stage of his career when he knows there are a lot less years ahead than there are in the rearview mirror. It's a romantic story, and it's one I will be desperately manifesting, but it could be crushed at the first hurdle by the debuting Barcelona Black List (in the UK at least). Zozaya has his Uprising match confirmed, and it's a big one; a one hour iron man match with Leon Slater. But, what a platform this would give Joey Torres and Sito Sanchez to challenge Sunshine Machine for the Undisputed British Tag Team Championships in York Hall? I could see it happening.

Number One Contenders

Alternatively, we could see Sha-Shine Machine make the Semi-Finals and, were they to be defeated there, you can see an Uprising Undisputed British Tag Team Championship match created by the victors. Who do you fancy for that spot? CPF or The Bryants? With Lio Rush destined for Will Kaven at York Hall, what about Zachary Wentz and Robbie X? You can't tell me you don't want to see that first time ever match! For me, though, I'd like to see, if that card is the one played, the York Hall spot go to David Francisco and 'Goldenboy' Santos to tie in the pre-Copper Box story of Francisco and Sunshine Machine. Plus, who wouldn't enjoy seeing Santos murder Chuck Mambo in Southampton on the Road To Uprising?

(Sorry Chuck, love you, man).

RESPECT

And if that is the card played, it would bring Sha Samuels and David Francisco back in to the ring to face one another for the first time since their Match Of The Year Contender in The 1865 in that brutal and emotional Respect Match.

Leon Vs Zozaya Part IV

And if we look at other rivalries we can renew, reignite or add fuel to within the field of eight, we can also see the path that leads Leon Slater and Zozaya together ahead of Uprising. For that to happen, Leon, Lio Rush and Cameron Khai have to go over Francisco, Santos and the debuting Damiao and Viva Espana have to defeat Sha-Shine Machine (which means no Sha Vs Francisco but does set up Barcelona Black List Vs Sunshine Machine). Which of those stories are you most interested in being told? I'm genuinely excited for both (of course I am, I'm a Mark after all).

Leon Leans Into The Darkside

But what if Leon, Lio and Cameron fall in the first round, giving us the advancement of Heróis Do Mar, Francisco, Santos and Damiao? In the 30 minute time limit draw between Leon and Zozaya in the 229 last time out, Leon leant into the aggressive side of his game much, much further than usual, to the levels we have only seen when he teamed with Gabe Kidd back in 2022. What if we see the Youngest In Charge continue that descent into frustration? Should he, Lio and Khai fail to advance, I'd be interested to see the dynamic between the three to see if they leave amicably or if there is tension. How f'n good would Leon Vs Lio III be with the additional heat this would provide? And I will never, ever tire of seeing Slater Vs Khai which would be there for the taking in the build.

First (Of Many) Accolades

So, looking ahead to winning teams - could this be a BIG moment for JJ Gale? JJ has not had a shot at a title in RevPro in 18 months. He hasn't had that moment in his RevPro career yet when he has held gold or won a tournament but maybe this is a great way to demonstrate his rise up the card? Fresh from returning to the UK from an amazing Japanese tour, this would also serve to add to Robbie X's accomplishments in the company with more eyes on him than ever and Zachary Wentz has that star power to bring international interest to the promotion via a big win for him on his RevPro debut. There's a good case there I feel.

(More Than Just A) Nod To The Past

Alternatively, you could say that Spectral Envoy are well positioned to go all the way and win the Trios Grand Prix. The first ever J Cup was won by Jushin Thunder Liger, the eleven time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, before we saw home grown talent like Michael Oku, Robbie X and Leon Slater do the same. The first Copper Box show was headlined by Shingo Takagi and Will Ospreay before the same position was given to Michael Oku and Luke Jacobs. Spectral Envoy are the most established and historic trio in the tournament as Chikara King Of Trios 2012 winners. Maybe the Envoy are a nostalgic, cute nod to past trios tournaments or, maybe, they are our inaugural winners in waiting.

BIG Moment For CPF (Or...)

And then we have CPF. The moment this tournament was announced, the first team I wrote down was CPF. They are THE BritWres trio. So, what better team to win the inaugural Trios Grand Prix? Joe Lando and Danny Black have been on an absolute tear and are poised to step up to the next level of pro wrestling. Royal Quest IV was a taster of what is on the horizon and there is such a surge of support behind them in Europe, not just Britain. And Maverick Mayhew? Well, he might be the key to it all...

... a BIG Moment For CPF

Last time we saw Maverick Mayhew, he was being belittled and betrayed by Connor Mills. The TLDR takeaway I took from that exchange was Mills questioning Mayhew over whether or not he even wants to be a professional wrestler. Was that sowing the seeds for this tournament? Is Mayhew going to be the surprise MVP of CPF? Or, is Mayhew going to be their weak link and cost them the moment I'm imagining? Or was Mills just getting heat? 

I guess we find out this weekend!

It's been a while...

When the Trios Grand Prix was first announced back in July, I dropped Top 10 Teams We Could See In The Trios Grand Prix. Some were a bit of pie in the sky optimism, and some still look likely; some have already been confirmed and some now are impossible. Who'd I go for? Let's recap THEN let's explore 10 Unique Teams RevPro Could Form For The Trios Grand Prix.

We started strong - CPF were the first on the list and have already been confirmed. A safe bet, I know, but, still; go me.

At 9 I went with Subculture, speculating on whether or not RevPro could use the Trios Grand Prix to experiment with intergender wrestling without abandoning their stance on it. It's still possible but I feel unlikely.

North West Strong came in at 8, with Luke Jacobs, Ethan Allen and Chris Ridgeway touted to work the show and this one still feels likely - Ridgeway is free for booking in November and it feels like a great way to include the Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion in the field.

For 7 I went with 0121 and I still feel this one could happen - Dereiss, Omari and Leon are all familiar to the Coventry crowd and are an established trio.

Kings Of The North were touted at 6 and, of all the teams on this list, are the team I am still clamouring for. I think they would add a real freshness to the division and a sense of pedigree as another established trio from beyond RevPro.

At 5 we have our first team which now cannot be possible - Destination Everywhere and Zozaya. At the time of writing the original list, Oku and Mills looked like they could be finding themselves on the same page again but that is not looking likely currently and, with Zozaya teaming with Barcelona Blacklist, this team is in the bin.

For 4 I went with Ricky, Roy and Zack; the Knights. I still feel like this one could happen. I'd love it to, personally, as I've never seen Roy live and I've always had so much time for Zak and Ricky.

At 3, then at 2 and again at 1 we pushed the envelope - the CMLL Trios Champions, which as of today are Averbo, Euforia and Mephisto, United Empire and Death Triangle. Well, the latter are out; Fenix and Penta are on their way out of AEW it seems, and United Empire are very busy in NJPW with Tag League starting two days later and the Grand Prix falling on the day of Stardom and NJPW Historic X-Over II event.

These were always ambitious and, who knows, maybe we see one more imported team or maybe the remaining teams will all be from with RevPro. But, if that is the case, who might we see? Let's explore!

Kaven, Trew & Lacey

This one's a given, right? On This Is A Revolution several weeks ago we specialted on trios which would work well together and my Cromulent co-host, George, pitched for Kaven, Trew and Lacey and look where we are now. This one has to happen.

Oku, Khai & Milligan

My thinking here is combining wrestlers with a shared history, utilising wrestlers to extend stories and getting the core of RevPro on the card. So here we have Oku and Khai, who have tagged three times before and Oku and Harry who have tagged twice. And, of course, if we get Kaven, Trew & Lacey and North West Strong, this puts Oku and Jacobs and Kaven and Khai within each other's path once more.

RKJ, Semtex & Nixon

Oku, check. Jacobs, check. RKJ? Well, we could keep it in the family with Roy and Zak but if that's not possible, could we see the return of Brett Semtex, Ricky's long-term mate, even if they have not found themselves on the same page at all times in RevPro? Well, Semtex said that brothers will always fight when I interviewed him earlier this year, so maybe. And if Semtex comes to RKJ's support, maybe he brings his British Top Team partner Lou Nixon? I could see it happening.

Mills, Joshua & Elijah

Connor Mills, Jay Johsua and Gabe Kidd took on Zozaya, Leon Slater and Hiroshi Tanahashi at Global Wars. Do we see the Mad Man in Coventry? Is it too close to Tag League? Maybe. But we could take any tough, hardened, butter bastard and put him with Mills and Joshua and this team could work. Who do you fancy? Elijah is the one I'd like to see - I think he fits that bull well.

James Ellis & Greedy Souls 

Elijah is one I always thought would work well with Brendan White and Danny Jones as a trio, with all three knowing each other as well as they do, but when I saw smarmy, cocky and confident James Ellis swan into The 1865 a few weeks back I thought immediately of how much I would like to see Souls either side of him. Two tough as nails heavies for the 'Good As Gold' Ellis? I love it already.

Sunshine Machine & Jordon Breaks

So, with Ellis and Greedy Souls, let's use this tournament to refocus on the tag division in the post-Copper Box era and, with Trew & Lacey and Greedy Souls touted and CPF confirmed, lets explore some teams who can extend stories in the tag division and what better place than with the champions. TK and Breaks are publicly good mates in social media so why not bring the boys together for this one?

Francisco, Santos & [INSERT NAME]

David Francisco and 'Goldenboy' Santos have been dropping hints at finding a third man for the Grand Prix so I'm keen to see them involved and pushed as a tag team going into the final months of the year - a fresh heel tag team is very much welcomed.

Sha, Saeed & Josh

And I can't think Francisco and not then think Josh James and I like the idea of his partnership with Sha Samuels further developed here. Sha and Jordan Saeed have teamed together outside of RevPro and, in RevPro canon, Sha runs the London School of Wrestling where Jordan trains. Sha having more time and respect for Saeed, the Contender, than he does Josh James, the former Contender who so seeks his approval, could make for some great storytelling too. Talked myself into this one, I have!

The Contenders

And speaking of Contenders, could this be the place to introduce us to some of the new Contenders who have been seen at shows but yet to make their RevPro debuts? We have Dynamite Lee Dawson but beside him we could give debuts to Isaac Murray, Kain Camron or Johhny Wildman? Could be a good place to do so.

JJ & The Bryants

And speaking of Contenders, we have seen The Bryants helping out at a lot of RevPro shows the past six months - how long until we see Nino and Zander in a RevPro ring? JJ Gale and The Bryants? Works for me. If this is the direction we go in, with unique teams made up of UK talent and RevPro stalwarts, then this could be a perfect one.

Time will tell!

I'm starting to enjoy these little lists, you know.

Here's Ten Cards RevPro Could Play At The J Cup!

An All AEW Contest

Lio Rush Vs Dante Martin in the opening round? We'd all enjoy seeing it, for sure. They've tagged six times, they've fought three. There's no reason why they couldn't and I think everyone involved would be down for a competitive and fair fight in such a prestigious competition. My head says it's more than possible but my gut says its unlikely.

Likelihood: Unlikely

An All Lykos Contest

Ok, so what about an all Lykos contest? Over 100 times tagging, 27 in RevPro alone, but far, far fewer singles contests and never on that sacred black and white RevPro mat. It would be one of the most interesting cards RevPro could play here but, other than for an intriguing exhibition, to what end? I don't see Lykos and Lykos II feuding in RevPro but I do see their value as a team long term and so I don't see this one happening. Lykos Vs Dante Martin and Lykos II Vs Cameron Khai would be my picks.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Round Two

This one (or two) is plausible, it's possible and definitely got a more than fair chance. Robbie Eagles and Barbaro Cavernario met in the 2019 J Cup in York Hall and was an absolute banger match which has survived long in the memory and was discussed a lot when Barbaro returned to RevPro with CMLL to face Robbie X at Fantastica Mania UK. Robbie Eagles won that one; do we see a chance at redemption for Barbaro here in an opening round match? 

Likewise, Robbie X fell to Barbaro at Fantastica Mania UK in April; do we see round two of that one and see Robbie X get the chance of making amends? Beautiful little details peppered throughout here with wrestlers with history in a company where wins and losses against one another means so much to everyone.

Likelihood: Likely

The Rubber Match

And if we are contemplating return contests, what about the rubber match which is on the table between Lio Rush and Robbie X? Lio got the better of Robbie in the 229 in October 2022. Robbie bounced back when his Undisputed British Cruiserweight Championship was on the line at York Hall in March 2023. It's been a long time coming but maybe the Gordon Craig is the where and when for Round III?

Likelihood: Even Chance

THE King Of The Cruiserweights

And speaking of Robbie X, do we see the first ever two time British J Cup winner from the man who has featured in more J Cups than any of the 40 men to have vied for the most prestigious Cruiserweight competition in Europe?

Likelihood: Even Chance

King Khai

However, I have heard a LOT of people championing Cameron Khai and his odds of coming away from this year's J Cup with a landmark win. He's a man who is spoken about a lot when people talk about Leon Slater, two men who are always within one another's orbit, and it was Leon who won this Cup last year. Is this the year for Cameron? Personally, I think it is one year too early.

Likelihood: Unlikely

An Overseas Victor

For me the most likely outcome this year is an overseas victor in what would be the first non-British British J Cup winner since Speedball Mike Bailey won in 2021. We have had six prior J Cups with Leon Slater, Robbie X and Michael Oku the three British British J Cup winners and Jushin Thunder Liger, El Phantasmo and Speedball the three overseas winners. This year feels the most likely to see another, one because we have four overseas talents entering, the most since 2019, and because of the sheer calibre of those four men.

Likelihood: Likely

A Big Debut

Outside of the 5 matches which will make up the J Cup competition itself we have two matches at the time of writing, with Zozaya Vs JJ Gale and 1 Called Manders Vs Luke Jacobs. Could we see a BIG debut from the 'Boss Of The Plains' and see Manders defeat Luke Jacobs? The Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship is not on the line and some might say that Luke may not be as locked in, therefore, knowing a victory does not lead to a loss in his championship belt. For me, I think Luke is ALWAYS locked in.

Likelihood: Unlikely

An Unexpected Guest

And if we do a sideways step to that Zozaya Vs JJ Gale match, I wonder if we see Connor Mills? The five time 2024 Villain Of The Week in RevPro (a record) looks like he put himself on a collision course with the three time 2024 Hero Of The Week (also a record) when Mills attacked Zozaya after 'El Freestyler' defeated ELP in the 229 last time out and it seems well within Mills' wheelhouse to try and spoil Zozaya's return to the Gordon Craig Theatre, the venue he fought his first ever RevPro match on English soil and a place where he is at the very top of the fans' favourites with Robbie X and Michael Oku.

Likelihood: Very Likely

TMDK

This one has me very, very curious. In what was otherwise a low key post match interview at the end of The Road To Destruction on 9th September, Zack Sabre Jr said a new TMDK member would be joining at Destruction on the 29th September. He then offered the X symbol synonymous with Robbie X, a man ZSJ knows very well through RevPro. Robbie who has made no secret of his desire to feature in NJPW, with ELP bringing a fan in an NJPW t-shirt into shot with him and Robbie at the GWF shows last month the most recent of many nods to Japan from Robbie over the last few years. There's the Junior Tag League coming up and we have Robbie X and TMDK's Robbie Eagles together here at the J Cup. It marries beautifully. Except one major stumbling block - did Zack mean a live and in person reveal on the 29th as there is a mystery TMDK partner confirmed for Destruction and, whilst Robbie is one of the fastest wrestlers in the world, I don't see how he gets from Stevenage to Kobe in 12 hours. So, are all the signs sending me in the wrong direction or, just maybe, is TMDK about to get TWO new members? Robbie X in Stevenage on Saturday and someone else in Kobe on Sunday?

Likelihood: Against my better judgement, I think it's Likely. Maybe it's wishful thinking. Let's find out!

This is the third list like this I've had a punt at and have had mixed success so far. Before the card was announced for Summer Sizzler, six of the the "Ten Cards RevPro Could Play" were played, all given a likelihood between "Evens" and "Almost Certain" and the one "Unlikely" card wasn't played, as predicted. However, one "Evens", one "Likely" and one "Very Unlikely" card was left unplayed which I had pitched so... Mixed results let's say! I repeated the process after the Summer Sizzler card was announced and got six nailed on with the other four coming close to the mark but not quite there, so let's have another bash. Here's 10 Cards RevPro Could Play At Global Wars UK.

ELP Vs Leon Slater 

Let's start bold shall we? Who doesn't want to see ELP versus Leon Slater one on one after their exchanges and encounters at the Copper Box in the Cruiserweight Scramble? Global Wars UK has a history of marquee singles matches and this would be exactly the sort of match to honour that legacy.

Likelihood: Unlikely (only because there could be a million and one other matches for ELP or Leon)

Kaven Vs Titan or Kaven Vs Dorada or Kaven Vs Titan Vs Dorada or Kaven Vs Titan Vs Dorada vs....

Sticking with the cruiserweights, this one feels very logical but which variation of it will we see? Will Kaven is our Undisputed British Cruiserweight Champion and said in interview with yours truly that he is ready to face any and all comers the world over. Well, we have two BIG name cruiserweights confirmed for Global Wars UK in Titan and Mascara Dorada. So, I'll hedge my bets - what are our odds of getting Kaven Vs Titan or Kaven Vs Dorada or Kaven Vs Titan and Dorada? Or maybe, we throw in a fourth to make a four way? Who do you fancy? I'd love to see Yoshinobu Kanemaru make his return to RevPro after six long years.

Likelihood: Very Likely (we get one of these four)

Oku Vs TJP

And speaking of Michael Oku, did anyone else pick up on the teases and the chemistry between Michael Oku and TJP at Royal Quest III last year? It had me purring away from ringside as TJP is one of the most complete wrestlers of this entire generation and he and Oku would create fireworks together. RevPro didn't fit it into Oku's championship reign, New Japan didn't book it in Japan, or for one of their US super shows, so maybe we see it in October over Global Wars UK and Royal Quest IV weekend? If so, will it be Saturday or Sunday? Here's hoping for Saturday!

Likelihood: Evens

The Return Of United Empire

And from the captain of the United Empire to his stablemates, do we see the return of United Empire? Barely a show in 2022 and 2023 passed without United Empire representation, be it Aussie Open, Will Ospreay, Francesco Akira, Callum Newman, Lord Gideon Grey or Great-O-Khan, all featuring regularly in different spells. A lot has changed since then and, with Gideon stepping back from the ring of late, Ospreay joining AEW and the rest based in Japan, this would be a great chance to get some of the band back together in a RevPro ring.

Likelihood: Likely

TMDK

United Empire have a rich history in RevPro but TMDK, through Zack Sabre Jr, Robbie Eagles and Kosei Fujita, all have their own histories with the company. And, with two matches confirmed for Royal Quest which guarentee Mr G1 Climax and TMDK's Mikey Nicholls and Shane Haste will be on British soil, it seems like a very plausible time for TMDK to come together at Global Wars. The fact that Haste and Nicholls have never stepped foot into a RevPro ring feels like a wrong that is ready to be put right. And with a trios tournament ahead, this could be a great time to trial a team of RevPro talent who might form one of those trios. Mills, Trew and Lacey? JJ Gale, Cameron Khai and Jay Joshua? YOUNGBLOOD and Mike D Vecchio? All would be great fun.

Likelihood: Likely

ZSJ

And speaking of TMDK and the winner of the 2024 G1 Climax, will we see a Zack Sabre Jr contest prior to his clash with SANADA at Royal Quest? ZSJ, Mikey Nicholls and Shane Haste Vs SANADA, Taichi and Hiroshi Tanahashi? Helps build to two Royal Quest matches whilst giving us a great look at some Global talent. And if the nods, winks and innuendoes lead us to Robbie X joining TMDK, why not have a truly RevPro Vs New Japan clash with ZSJ, Robbie X and Robbie Eagles taking on SANADA, Michael Oku and Zozaya. These sorts of unpredictable dream matches are what Global Wars UK was built on.

Likehood: Likely

Sunshine Machine RULES At Last

When Dave The Mark Met TK Cooper some thirteen months ago he revealed a lot of frustration - frustration with Sunshine Machine being overlooked for the Copper Box, frustration with their slide in fortunes and frustration that other teams were chosen for Royal Quest ahead of them. It was at a time when I coined the phrase "We Need To Talk About TK" which predated, but fed perfectly into, the 2024 that Sunshine Machine have had. Is this another wrong that can now be put right? Sunshine Machine defending their Undisputed British Tag Team Championships against LIJ's Titan and Bushi, Just Five Guys' Taichi and Taka Michinoku or House Of Torture's Ren Narita and Yujiro Takahashi? All of those would make for great matches.

Likelihood: Likely

We Want Mina!

We want Mina, we have Mina and we know she is confirmed for Global Wars UK. So what more can we possibly ask for? Well, now you ask... How about an Undisputed British Women's Championship defence? I don't expect we will have Mina for a long time in RevPro so let's make sure we have her for a good time.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Three Time Undisputed British Heavyweight Champ?

And to our main event. If Tomohiro Ishii does what he did at RevPro XI and Uprising and win the inevitable war of attrition that Luke Jacobs will bring, he will become a three time Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion; only Zack Sabre Jr can claim that little (he in fact has four runs). Is this the start of Ishii's last hurrah as THE guy in RevPro?

Likelihood: Unlikely

Undisputedly THE Man

Or is Luke Jacobs ready to show his growth and overcome that one final obstacle in his path to confirming what his belt indicates, that he is the UNDISPUTED heavyweight in all of Revolution Pro Wrestling? It's a main event with a lot of history, with huge stakes and with an incredible bar set by two of the best Strongstyle wrestlers to ever step foot into a RevPro ring. I cannot wait.

Likelihood: Likely

I like stats and facts. Do you? Here's 10 of them.

1,457

1,457 days since RKJ and Michael Oku faced off one on one in a RevPro ring. Three days short of four full years. Madness when you think about it.

23.1%

Robbie X has wrestled 26 matches for Revolution Pro Wrestling in 2024 but has only came out the victor in 23.1% of those contests. In comparison, he won 21 of his 37 2023 contests (56.8%) and 12 of his 27 2022 contests (44.4%). Given that it can safely be argued that Robbie X is performing at a higher level now than ever, it goes to show that results and performances in pro wrestling are very different things and for Robbie to be as integral to RevPro as he is, as popular as he is and to have the buzz he has around him without needing to win each and every week is praise all of its own. A man whose star quality feels in no way affected by his record.

The Youngest In Charge

Whilst Leon Slater was basking in the glory of his incredible debut York Hall moment against Speedball Mike Bailey, Ricky Knight Jr was in fact proving that he was the youngest to ever be in charge when he became the youngest ever Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion at 22 years old.

Ruthless Start

Has anyone ever begun their RevPro run hotter than Will Kaven? 1st match, defeats Oku. 2nd match, defeats Robbie X. Third match, defeats Oku again. Fourth match, defeats Jacobs. Six weeks, four shows, four different towns, four massive wins. Oku had only lost four of his previous 19 singles matches going into his match with Kaven; against Ospreay (twice), Suzuki and Jacobs. Robbie X was a month removed from winning the British J Cup and Luke Jacobs was the Undisputed British Cruiserwight Champion at the time. The hottest start in Revolution Pro Wrestling history? It's in the conversation, isn't it.

The Iron Queen

Rhio is 'Unbreakable', Dani Luna 'Doesn't Die' but Alex Windsor is 'Iron Willed' and her record shows it. In fact, would you believe, that Rhio and Dani are two of only three women to ever defeat Alex Windsor in singles action in a RevPro ring? Rhio overcame Windsor at Epic Encounter earlier this year. Dani overcame Windsor twice, the only wrestler to ever be able to say that, first at Uprising 2023 and then again at Revolution Rumble 2024. The third? We go all the way back to 2017 when a young Alex Windsor was defeated by Jinny. What a record.

Once, Twice, Three Times A Champion

RevPro have rarely had the same act have more than one run with the same belt. Think NXT rather than WWE. But some, not many, have been rekindled with a belt they once parted ways. So, who's had the privilege? Will Ospreay and Josh Bodom spent 2014-2017 atop the Cruiserweight division with Ospreay holding it twice and Bodom three times. Jamie Hayter and Gisele Shaw are two time Undisputed British Women's Champions, whilst Aussie Open and Sunshine Machine are two time Undisputed British Tag Team Champions. And the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship? Well that's been held by Tomohiro Ishii twice and Zack Sabre Jr an in incredible four times, an incredible record which highlights how important the 'Submission Master' has been to the company the past twelve years.

Heavyweight Loser

This one is not really surprising when you think about it. Michael Oku defended the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship 14 teams before losing it at the Copper Box at RevPro's 12th Anniversary Show. In the 412 days as champion he wrestled a total of 40 matches. It is therefore no shock at all that he lost the most matches of all former Undisputed British Heavyweight Champions whilst with the belt (8). Zack Sabre Jr has two more defeats, at ten, but these are split across all four of his reigns with the belt in what totalled 1,086 days as champion.

.

Century Of Wins Incoming

However, Michael Oku is also on course to be the first wrestler in Revolution Pro Wrestling history to notch 100 RevPro wins. He needs two more to set an incredible record.

RevPro's Greatest Ever?

The wrestler with the most wins in Revolution Pro Wrestling without ever tasting a single defeat? Sammii Jayne, known better these days as Emersyn Jayne, with five victories and an undefeated record. The greatest to ever do it, it seems.

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The Greatest RevPro Match Ever?

According to Dave Meltzer? We all know, that, right? High Stakes 2022, Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship, Michael Oku defeated Will Ospreay in the six star match - the highest ever Meltzer-rated independent wrestling match. However, what does Cagematch say? Meltzer is one metric. Cagematch is another. And metrics are stats and I love stats. So the highest rated RevPro match ever? High Stakes 2016, Number One Contenders Match for the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship where Marty Scurll defeated Will Ospreay. What did Meltzer say? 4.75* 

What do you reckon?

Why hello there ladies, gentleman and Marks, and welcome to the Summer Sizzler Weekend! At peace with the idea that this is one I have to miss (I'm lying) I will continue to provide the service of venting my ADHD brain at anyone who dares click on the link to davethemark.com and, this weekend, will be delivering a preview in three parts. Part 1 dropped last night, the latest episode of Cromulent Wrestling's This Is A Revolution Podcast alongside my Cromulent Fellow and co-host George and our handsome guest Spike. Part 2 sees a little speculation, a wee bit of fantasy booking and a side of playful guesswork to explore 10 Cards RevPro Could Play At Summer Sizzler '24 Part II and then Part 3 sees us Preview Pro Wrestling At Its Best with the usual Dave The Mark show preview. So I've got you covered! Want to listen to some RevPro Summer Sizzler chat, head to YouTube, iTunes, Spotify etc Want the lowdown, match by match, on the stories coming in and out of York Hall, I've got you (tomorrow my friends, tomorrow) but, for now, let's be wild. 

So, prior to the card dropping I wrote 10 Cards RevPro Could Play At Summer Sizzler. Let's explore them - how'd I do? Well some are still to be seen (or not) as some cards were to be played at the show itself. In terms of the card, though, the Sunshine Machine card has been played, as expected, as has the Cruiserweight Qualifier and the AEW x RevPro relationship. Add to that the inclusion of Dijak and 4 of my 10 specualtive suggestions have come true. Ricochet was wide of the mark, though (unless he is to make a surprising arrival at York Hall unannounced). 

So of my five speculive predictions, four have come true (though two were always almost certain). Of the five which have on the day predictions, a video package from GYV confirming their opponents are now null and void as we a have Number One Contenders match. However, Gabe Kidd challenging RKJ via video or RKJ challenging Gabe via promo is still possible, though I am leaving towards Zozaya Vs RKJ III at the Copper Box as my prediction now AND, dare we believe it, Gabe Kidd reignited his Katsuyori Shibata teases in the G1 this week during that INCREDIBLE contest with ZSJ. Stephanie Vaquer's replacement for Dani Luna and further indication of who might join Team RevPro against The Cut Throat Collective are both still possible, very much plausible and, dare I say it, probable.

So, not too shabby from my first 10 Predictions. And with that in mind, here's 10 more!

Dani Retains But Her Next Contender Is Ready

This one made the first list but remains nailed on for me. Dani Luna must overcome Nina Samuels and then once the ring is cleared of the CTC, we can have the match graphic drop. Saturday August 24th, the Copper Box Arena, RevPro XII Anniversary, Dani Luna vs... [Insert Name Here] 

Likelihood: Almost Certain

Cheap plug - want to know who I think the opponent will be? Scroll down for approximately six seconds and you will find a Top 10 list of opponents there too!

Sunshine Machine Become Number 1 Contenders...

Please be this. Please be this. Please be this.

Likelihood: Very Likely

... Or Bust

Please don't be this. Please don't be this. Please don't be this.

Likelihood: Very Unlikely

Round Two AND Three?

I was convinced for so long that RKJ Vs Gabe Kidd was happening at the Copper Box but the delaying and delaying and delaying of adding to the work done to align the two is throwing me off and now we have RKJ Vs Zozaya II. Is Zozaya to level the scores and are we getting RKJ Vs Zozaya III at the Copper Box? Perhaps.

Likelihood: Evens

Robbie Goes Out Winning (Or Just Swinging?)

Does Robbie X beat Donovan Dijak in a David Vs Goliath match before heading off to CMLL to compete alongside the likes of Claudio Castagnoli, Rocky Romero and Kyle Fletcher against luchadores such as Mistico, Titan and Ultimo Guerrero in the CMLL Men's Grand Prix? You tell me.

Likelihood: Evens

Leon Slater Joins The Scramble...

Has to, right?

Likelihood: Almost Certain

... But So Does [Insert Name Here]

Who do you fancy? ELP did not win a qualifier and his name was simply dropped. Does someone else have the same treatment, before Southampton next weekend, so they can complete the show poster this week and get it on socials for a big ticket push? And if so, who do you want? If they do it this way, it has to be a big name. If they choose to utilise a British talent, you'd have to think that would come from a qualifier in The 1865 next weekend. 

Likelihood: Evens

(Kangaroo) Kick Below The Belt

Does Oku beat MJF, leading to Oku Vs PAC at All In and Ospreay and Vs MJF in a non-title match? My Cromulent co-host believes so. Ospreay can manipulate the win to protect MJF. I have hung my hat on another finish - a swift kick to the dick from MJF to Oku, Oscar Harding misses it (shock) and MJF wins. 

Likelihood: Likely

But, either finish could lead to...

Oku Is All In (Confirmed)

A graphic revealing Michael Oku is All Elite OR Oku announces himself for the All In Casino Gauntlet Match. The latter is the one for me which seems most likely. Either way, I think AEW are about to see why We Play on their biggest stage.

Likelihood: Likely

Ospreay & MJF Face To Face

Does Summer Sizzler close with MJF and Will Ospreay being pulled apart in a brawl? I think so. I can see a BIG pull apart with Will Ospreay, MJF, Michael Oku, Luke Jacobs, Connor Mills and Ethan Allen. It would be hot and exciting - a bit of American entertainment in our British professional wrestling - and it would be a great advert for three shows which could still shift some seats, AEW in Cardiff, All In and RevPro XII.

Likelihood: Likely

Why hello my lovelies! I'm feeling reflective. Live In Coventry II was the 24th RevPro show of 2024, a beautiful bit of symmetry and, man, do I love symmetry. So what about time than now, what better place than here to consider the Top 10 RevPro shows of 2024 so far now we have reached 24 In 2024.

A strong RevPro show has a match that everyone talks about for weeks to come. That is what leads to the first show on this list being from Southampton's 1865, Live In Southampton 30 from June. This card was one that I completely forgot wrong, as you can tell by my march graphic above. When I do a match graphic for RevPro's Instagram page, I put the matches into an order that makes sense to me. If Andy Quildan puts one up on the RevPro twitter account, he either screenshots mine or rearranges to make his own, if I'm wide of the mark. Here, I had Dani Luna Vs Nightshade for the Undisputed British Women's Championship match as the headliner, with Luke Jacobs and Zozaya on the undercard, likely in the coveted fourth spot. I don't recall Andy changing the match graphic but he certainly changed up the card - the championship match went on second, with the Cut Throat Collective keen to get business done early, and Jacobs and Zozaya main evented and blew the doors off of The 1865. A match which could make any card strong according to my parameters. The show might not live long in the memory come year's end lists, or this time next year, but that finish will be remember for a LONG, LONG time to come.

Top 3 Matches:

1) Luke Jacobs Vs Zozaya

2) Michael Oku Vs Chris Ridgeway

3) Dani Luna Vs Nightshade

Best Moment:

The finish to the main event. A proper plot twist, mic-drop moment. The SCENES; truly special.

Another strong show. The main event is what elevated this show to those levels, for me, but the undercard was supported by an excellent Barcelona Black List Vs Grizzled Young Veterans match which was a consideration for the 'Top 10 Matches Of The Year: Six Months In' list I did at the end of June. This one, though, was made special by our introduction to Zozaya who had the rocket tied to him and flew. Two shows in a row that he is the number one match and, what's more, two shows in a row where, without him, those shows don't make this list.

Top 3 Matches:

1) Michael Oku Vs Zozaya

2) Grizzled Young Veterans Vs Barcelona Black List

3) Oskar Leube Vs 'Goldenboy' Santos

Best Moment:

The jubilation at the conclusion of the main event - a star making performance.

So if a strong RevPro show has a match that everyone talks about for weeks to come then an excellent RevPro show has that match AND an angle, a character development, a dicy promo or a story advancement. This, therefore, is the first excellent show on this list. Two matches stood tall above the rest - the main event which saw the finest Anthony Ogogo contest you have ever seen by a country mile in a dramatic, accomplished and PROPER main event with the champ, Michael Oku. And before that, RKJ and Zozaya put on a stellar banger which elevated the card. However, it was the drama of the Sunshine Machine and Greedy Souls match, with TK and Mambo's future together on the line against their biggest RevPro rivals, as well as the return of Yuto Nakashima and the Sha Samuels injury angle which David Francisco has dined out on ever since, which elevated this show from strong to excellent by my own parameters.

Top 3 Matches:

1) Michael Oku Vs Anthony Ogogo

2) RKJ Vs Zozaya

3) Sunshine Machine Vs Greedy Souls

Best Moment:

Seeing Anthony Ogogo SHINE. Is it weird to say I was proud of a fully grown man, a man who is an Olympic medalist, a man who likely earns more in a month than I earn in a year? Probably but it is how I felt. He deserves so much more respect than he gets from British wrestling fans in my eyes. 

The next match on this list takes us back to just last month, to July's 229 show, Live In London 87.

So a strong RevPro show has a match that everyone talks about for weeks to come and an excellent RevPro show has that match AND an angle, a character development, a dicy promo or a story advancement. Well, an incredible RevPro show has either two or more of those matches AND one of the latter list or THAT match and two from the supporting list. By my own parameters, this show is the first of seven incredible shows RevPro have delivered this year.

We had two top tier matches in JJ Gale Vs Luke Jacobs and Zozaya Vs Leon Slater, two fantastic bookends to the show as one opened and one closed. In between we had story advancement with Sunshine Machine, we had the debut of Jay Joshua, we had high stakes pro wrestling with Robbie X Vs Will Kaven and we had the solidification of the Cut Throat Collective dynamics as part of their arc. The main event, the announcement of Tomohiro Ishii Vs JJ Gale and the promo that led to said announcement are what elevates this from excellent to incredible for me. I loved this and the fact that it comes in seventh tells you the rest of this list has some UNBELIEVABLE matches to raise the bar.

Top 3 Matches:

1) JJ Gale Vs Luke Jacobs

2) Zozaya Vs Leon Slater

3) Sunshine Machine Vs YOUNGBLOOD

Best Moment:

The final stretch of the main event, the JJ Gale Vs Tomohiro Ishii match announcement and the promo JJ delivered on Luke Jacobs. Absolutely sublime.

Please tell me you have watched Dani Luna Vs Alex Windsor in their Dog Collar Match? If you haven't, promise you will do it today. It will prove to be a seminal moment in women's wrestling in Revolution Pro Wrestling when we look back in years to come, I am certain of it. So this card has THAT. It also had the Revolution Rumble which was a huge improvement on last year's, a real step up in quality, story development and moments and we had the crowning of Luke Jacobs and his absolute fire promo afterwards which haunts me to this day. An incredible show but, not the best show of that weekend...

Top 3 Matches:

1) Dani Luna Vs Alex Windsor

2) Revolution Rumble

3) Grizzled Young Veterans Vs Subculture

Best Moment: Every single second of the Dog Collar Match which will still be talked about in five years time.

... But before we get there, to Sheffield in April of this year for an incredible show for the fact that it delivered us not one, not two but three unbelievable matches AND marked the return of Ethan Allen and the start of his feud with Connor Mills which has been plotted beautifully and to conclude in three weeks time, some five months after it began. This Is a show many will have glossed over as Sheffield is somewhat too north for the bulk of the travelling RevPro fans to make the trip, or so I am told, and therefore would be a RevPro On Demand jobby for most. But if you were fool enough to think you could miss this one then you missed three absolute peaches in those listed below. 

Top 3 Matches:

1) RKJ Vs Mike D Vecchio

2) Michael Oku Vs Seiki Yoshioka 

3) KUSHIDA Vs Jordon Breaks

Best Moment:

Ethan Allen and Connor Mills sharing the ring together for the first time in three years and the realisation of what was to come.

And the show that showed up the Rumble. With all eyes on York Hall the night before, one could be forgiven for neglecting The 1865 on Easter Monday. But, like the Raw After 'Mania, this one was special. From Gabe Kidd making a surprise return and taking on Josh James in the opener to the discovery of Aigle F'n Blanc to the HOT angle between Anthony Ogogo and Michael Oku to the surprise tag title defence by between GYV and Sunshine Machine to the clinic delivered by one of THE best in the world in Josh Alexander. This was special.

Top 3 Matches:

1) Aigle Blanc Vs Robbie X

2) Josh Alexander Vs JJ Gale

3) Grizzled Young Veterans Vs Sunshine Machine

Best Moment:

The discovery of Aigle Blanc - a man I knew little about before and have thought a lot about since. 

This one did not have the shocks, the surprises or the angles which make up an incredible show but what it did have was a card which just delivered again and again and again. The top three below does not include Chris Ridgeway Vs Luke Jacobs and RKJ Vs JJ Gale nor Seiki Yoshioka or Mike D Vecchio. Just consider that a moment. Stacked beyond belief.

Top 3 Matches:

1) KUSHIDA vs Robbie X

2) Michael Oku Vs Zozaya

3) Alex Windsor Vs Rhio

Best Moment:

The Gordon Craig Theatre's response within 20 minutes to Zozaya from "How do you say his name?" to a hero"s reception.

The match that made the show was the main event but it was what happened after that will make this a show I will NEVER forget. The invasion angle, the arrival of who we now know to be the Cut Throat Collective, the incredibly well measured violence, and the even better ruthless nature of it, made this the most dramatic moment in my RevPro Markdom since Ospreay caved Oku's head in with Hidden Blade after Hidden Blade after Hidden Blade at High Stakes 2022. The fact that you had a strong card and the start of the Sunshine Machine-induced Dave The Mark panic attack that is their current story just made it all the more worthy of the silver medal on this list. For there was only ever going to be one gold wasn't there...

Top 3 Matches:

1) Dani Luna Vs Rhio

2) Zozaya Vs Cameron Khai

3) Sunshine Machine Vs Connor Mills & Chris Ridgeway

Best Moment: The jaw-dropping, breath-taking post-match finale.

The most impressive card Revolution Pro Wrestling has ever delivered? It is up there isn't it. It's in that conversation. The most highly acclaimed British wrestling match of ALL time. An undercard featuring Zack Sabre Jr, Mustafa Ali, Shingo Takagi and Orange Cassidy as well as breakout performances for Connor Mills and JJ Gale AND Luke Jacobs and Robbie X reminding the world why there are the very best in the world at what they do.

Think I need to go watch it again for the "I'd prefer not to say how many"th time.

Top 3 Matches:

1) Will Ospreay Vs Michael Oku

2) Zack Sabre Jr Vs Connor Mills

3) Luke Jacobs Vs JJ Gale

Best Moment:

The roar of the crowd with the main event - I have never heard a louder pro wrestling crowd in person. We hung on every single moment.

This Sunday is Revolution Pro Wrestling's Summer Sizzler and, with the 12th Anniversary Show just two weeks later at the Copper Box Arena, I am convinced that Dani Luna's opponent for that show will be announced once she defeats Nina Samuels in York Hall, something I fully expect her to do. At Fantastica Mania UK Stephanie Vaquer announced she would challenge Dani on Saturday August 24th but since then she has signed to WWE and the card has had to change. Andy Quildan said he would be "working with [RevPro's] partners to get a suitable replacement" and there are two key details here. Firstly, "partners" suggest this will be someone from outside of the UK, utilising the positive relationships RevPro have with CMLL, NJPW, AEW and TNA. Secondly, a "suitable replacement" suggests we are still going to get a marquee match, someone with name value and someone with high pedigree. I can think of many people who could step in and step up to Dani Luna so here's 10 to tickle your taste buds!

Princesa Sugehit

Well, if RevPro wanted to replace Stephanie Vaquer from the CMLL roster to honour that partnership then is there anyone better than Princess Sugehit to step in? The CMLL Women's Champion prior to Stephanie Vaquer, Sugehit held the belt for an astonishing 1,027 days, nine weeks short of three full years.  With 27 years of in-ring experience she is as strong a candidate as CMLL have to offer. She has, however, not performed outside of Mexico since 2018 which may suggest this one is an unlikely shout.

Billie Starkz

Billie Starkz may be the most experienced wrestling teenager in the entire USA - who else can boast nearly 500 matches at 19 years old? That is NUTS. She is one of the hottest names in women's wrestling anywhere in the world, is a future main event talent and is GRINDING to get herself there, working for over a dozen companies this year alone whilst signed to Ring Of Honor. She would have the name value, would benefit from the experience of wrestling in a packed UK arena and could certainly be a name Tony Khan looks to if it was the RevPro/AEW-RoH partnership that Andy Quildan leant upon.

Masha Slamovich

Alternatively, it could be the TNA relationship that RevPro lean into, which leads me to Masha Slamovich, someone a LOT of people would be chomping at the bit to see in a RevPro ring. Masha and Dani have a storied rivalry in TNA, with Masha being part of the team with Alisha Edwards to take the Knockouts Tag Team Championships from Spitfire (Dani Luna and Jody Threat). Seems to make a LOT of sense to me this one. Unless...

Jody Threat

... the match sees one partner face another? They have wrestled one another in TNA and Jody is no stranger to RevPro - she wrestled last year in the 229 and attended the Revolution Rumble to support Dani in the Dog Collar Match with Alex Windsor. It would not be a classic face Vs heel encounter but it would be a great use of inter promotional work and be a special moment for Dani, someone who has earned a big moment at this year's Copper Box.

Mina Shirakawa

Thinking further afield to Japan, is there a more popular name in 2024 than Mina Shirakawa? Her run in AEW with Toni Storm and Mariah May was incredibly popular and Mina was a huge part of that. Mariah has a history with RevPro, of course, and Toni Storm found her groove as a wrestler in BritWres so I am sure her closest friends would provide her with glowing references of how much fun can be had at the biggest independent professional wrestling event of the year on these shores.

Maki Itoh

And let's not forget the enormous popularity of the last person to pop over to AEW from Japan and become an instant hit with the UK and US audiences. Of all the names on this list, no-one could give Dani Luna a match quite like Maki Itoh. Just imagine her crying in the ring when Dani hurts her in front of 4,000 people, only to deliver Luna with an almighty headbutt. She would be over like rover within two minutes!

Deonna Purazzo OR Thunder Rosa

Now, bare with me here. There are four big names which RevPro could announce from AEW which at first seem unlikely and far fetched but could work perfectly for everyone involved. The All In card has Mercedes Mone and Dr Britt Baker D.M.D., as well as Toni Storm versus Mariah May booked and locked in. I suspect Saraya will also be on the card, on either the Pre-Show or the main card, as her recent arc suggests. That therefore makes it highly likely that Deonna Purazzo and Thunder Rosa's feud will be paid off at All Out rather than All In and therefore we could see either one face Dani Luna with the other appearing to extend their story, pop the crowd and keep the belt on Dani without anyone losing face. And if not Deonna or Rosa...

OR Willow Nightingale OR Kris Statlander

... then the exact same situation work from Willow Nightingale and Kris Statlander.

Queen Aminata

One AEW name which could work well is Queen Aminata who was has been a breakout star in the promotion, over the past 12 months especially, culminating in her Ring Of Honor Women's Championship match at Death Before Dishonor. She would be an incredibly popular choice, having never wrestled in the UK before but someone many fans have watched grow on their TV screens over years of AEW appearances in true underdog fashion. 

Hikaru Shida

And the final name on this list may well be the biggest of all. Hikaru Shida wrestled at All In at Wembley Stadium last year in front of the biggest wrestling crowd Europe has seen this century. She is an AEW original, having appeared at Double Or Nothing 2019, and was the first three time AEW Women's World Champion. She is as big a card as RevPro could possibly play and, at time of writing, she does not have an AEW storyline which would prevent her from wrestling a banger with Dani Luna that sees Dani retain her title. 

Gisele Shaw

Well, this would be quite something wouldn't it? Nearly three years since she left RevPro, the crowd would erupt for the return of the Quintessential Diva. One of only two two-time Undisputed British Women's Champions in company history, Gisele Shaw is synonymous with the company, with the title and with the history of the company. Despite both working for TNA, the pair have not faced off one on one in the promotion and their last head to head clash was in fact five years ago at the Cockpit for RevPro. Dani Luna is a very different wrestler now and I am sure she would jump at the chance to get that win back over one of the most prestigious champions in company history. Of all the possibilities, this is the one I have my fingers crossed for the most.

And, do you know what is awesome about Revolution Pro Wrestling being a truly independent company and having such positive relationships with so many companies? You could easily write at least two or three more lists with 10 names we haven't considered from Tasha Steelz to Nyla Rose to Yuka Sakazaki to Zeuxis to Max The Impaler. Exciting times and I am sure whomever it is, we will be delighted when that graphic hits.

Ooh I'm excited for the first annual Revolution Pro Wrestling Trios Grand Prix, a weekend of Pro Wrestling At Its Best and tournament wrestling - two of my favourite things - in Coventry's HMV Empire in November. So who might we see enter as trios? I found myself on the beach this week contemplating this very question and here's 10 teams I came up with, ranked in order of likelihood from most likely to least likely.

CPF

No brainer, this one, eh? Danny Black, Joe Lando and Maverick Mayhew are an established trio in British professional wrestling, all of whom have experience in RevPro and, with Danny Black literally just performing in the same venue, a trio the crowd will be more than familiar with.

Likelihood: Very Likely 

Subculture

Flash Morgan Webster, Mark Andrews and Dani Luna? Hell yes. Revolution Pro Wrestling do not do intergender wrestling but they have done mixed tags as recently as this January when Dani Luna and Harley Hudson were either side of a star studded six person tag and, just last December, Dani stepped in for the injured Mandrews to represent Subculture in Southampton against Greedy Souls and Sunchine Machine in the Great British Tag League Final. I'd love to see this AND I'd love to see them win it too 

Likelihood - Very Likely

North West Strong

Luke Jacobs, Ethan Allen and Chris Ridgeway - three men I am keen to see in trios action at some stage so what better place than here and what better time than, well, November. One issue may be if the dates clash with Chris Ridgeway's return to Japan but I'd love to see it and, all being well, this one feels like a really logical way to include an established team and some of your key RevPro roster.

Likelihood: Likely

0121

Leon Slater, Man Like Dereiss and Omari? Again another established stable which has not made its way to RevPro as yet that fans would clamour for. Dereiss is beloved and gave an incredible performance at the first Live In Coventry, a card Leon performed on also and was over like rover with the locals. Omari was there last Sunday and the response, given his absence from RevPro for a long time, was very positive and shows the familiarity the fans have with a local hero. Feels like this one makes a tonne of sense to me.

Likelihood: Likely 

Kings Of The North

Oh I would bloody love this one. Damien Corvin, Bonesaw and Dunkan Disorderly? Hell yes. The Kings are no strangers to RevPro but it has been a while and their return is long overdue. They would add some serious pedigree to the tournament and would be fantastic opponents for any babyface opposition. A proper band of bastards to come and mix up the status quo sounds like a fantastic addition to both this tournament and the tag division.

Likelihood - Evens 

Destination Everywhere & Zozaya

To me this one makes a tonne of sense but A LOT has to happen for this to be possible. Firstly, we need to see Connor Mills come home and join Michael Oku. Secondly, we need Michael Oku to stay on the light side of the force. Thirdly, we need Zozaya and Oku to remain in one another's peripherals. It could work though as an unlikely trio, especially if Mills and Zozaya are wary of one another. After all, that is a singles match that is inevitable down the line, right, Zozaya Vs Mills?

Likelihood - Unlikely

The Knights 

Ricky Knight Jr, his father Roy and his uncle Zak, the UK Hooligans. A year to two ago, this would be an odds on favourite team to be included. But with Zak spending a lot time stateside working with AEW and RoH, and with Roy slowing the wrestling career down, it might be an unlikely one. However, I'd love to see it. I've got a tonne of time for Zak and miss him a lot from RevPro and I never got to see Roy live and in person so that would be wonderful. As for the chance to see all three Knights together with high stakes? Sounds class to me.

Likelihood - Unlikely 

The CMLL World Trios Champions

Neon, Star Jr and Mascara Dorada would add some real flair to proceedings and it certainly isn't out of the realms of possibility with Neon the current Undisputed British Cruiserweight Champion and with Mascara Dorada being a real hit at last year's British J Cup. With the positive relationship between RevPro and CMLL, I would not be surprised at this one at all. Is it likely? I don't know. If it were York Hall, maybe. But then wasn't it said that Coventry is being viewed as a York Hall adjacent venue for the future?

Likehood - Unlikely

United Empire

Take your pick between Great O Khan, Henare, Jeff Cobb, TJP, Francesco Akira and Callum Newman but it is the final three which I think would be most likely. Catch 2/2 with Callum Newman? I'd pop my bloody socks off. Newman and Akira have a tonne of history with RevPro. We had Oku and TJP teased at Royal Quest IV last year so I would love to see that leant into again and - Jesus Christ - I'd love to see TJP Vs Michael Oku. 

Likehihood - Unlikely

Death Triangle

This one may be the most ambitious and, therefore the least likely, but there is logic to be had here. PAC is a man with huge RevPro history, last seen on our shores in Sheffield and Manchester this time two years ago. Fenix and Penta have worked RevPro prior to AEW, with Fenix wrestling Will Ospreay in 2017 and Penta working two dates the same year with Zack Sabre Jr and Pete Dunne. There's three matches you need to see if you have not before, all on RevPro On Demand. Likely? Sadly not. Would we love it? HELL YES. Have we been delightfully surprised before? Yes. I'd say Dare To Dream if it was not so closely associated with a certain football club from the wrong side of London to me.

Likelihood - Very Unlikely 

Three weeks until Summer Sizzler 2024 and one week until the FULL card is announced for the biggest party of the summer so far on the road to the Copper Box. Yesterday I took a speculative look ahead to what might be in store on Sunday August 11th so today feels like the perfect time to look back at Sizzlers past. They have always had STACKED cards and have featured some of the biggest names in professional wrestling with some of the most memorable moments in RevPro history. With six of the seven past Summer Sizzlers available in full on RevPro On Demand, I've broken down the Top 10 matches you should find time to watch.

Suzuki Gun Vs Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kazuchika Okada

Summer Sizzler 2019

The star power in this match... Jesus Christ. Zack Sabre Jr was Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion at the time, Minoru Suzuki was a former Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion and number one contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, whilst Hiroshi Tanahashi was next in like to challenge ZSJ at Royal Quest and Kazuchika Okada was the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion read to defend against the Murder Grandpa. Incredible stuff. This match played perfectly as the preview for Tanahashi Vs ZSJ and Okada Vs Suzuki at Royal Quest the following night and is a great place to start your Summer Sizzler rewatch.

AEW All-Atlantic Championship

PAC (c) Vs Connor Mills

Summer Sizzler 2022

The cerebral cat Vs the at-times-brave, at-times-clever, at-times-naive and at-all-times-vulnerable mouse. One of the best babyface Connor Mills singles matches of his run as one half of Destination Everywhere. And PAC, of course, is an elite wrestler in EVERY sense of the word.

Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship

Tomohiro Ishii (c) Vs WALTER

Summer Sizzler 2018

This might be the shortest, stiffest and most traditional match on this list but it is a pro wrestling hoss fight at its best. The only time these two legends of professional wrestling ever squared off came in the main event of Summer Sizzler '18 and it is exactly what you'd expect it to be, packaged into a fifteen minute demonstration of what strongstyle is all about.

Undisputed British Cruiserweight Championship 

Best Two Out Of Three Falls

Will Ospreay (c) Vs Matt Sydal

Summer Sizzler 2015

My all-time favourite Matt Sydal match and one of my favourite Two Out Of Three Falls matches to boot. A real special moment for 21 year old Will Ospreay in his rise to being one of, if not THE, greatest pro wrestler in the world. The three falls are worked really well to build drama and the crowd are HOT for the hometown boy once Sydal's fanfare has died down; testament to the psychology at play from both men.

Undisputed British Cruiserweight Championship 

El Phantasmo (c) Vs Michael Oku

Summer Sizzler 2019

Bullet Club's ELP, the arrogant, swaggering champion Vs the most natural, babyface underdog opponent; couldn't miss, this, right? I love ELP the showman, the jock, the dickhead and he is at his majestic best here. A huge step in the career of our current Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion who was about to embark upon a meteoric rise through every piece of gold in RevPro to get him to where he is now, at the top of European wrestling. 

Prince Devitt Vs Adam Cole

Summer Sizzler 2014

The star power. The entrances. The presentation. Everything about this screams "international dream match". This was the first contest the two ever had and remains the only contest they had outside of the NXT run the pair shared between 2019 and 2021 and, in my eyes, this contest is the best of the bunch. Devitt donning the Bane mask created such an aura and the work in the ring is exactly what you would expect from Devitt and Cole, a high paced, hard hitting, seemless and fluid contest full of drama and excitement. A fantastic watch.

Great British Tag League Final 

The VeloCities Vs Aussie Open 

Summer Sizzler 2022

Two teams destined to fight forever. High Stakes 2022 was my first time watching both teams live and I fell instantly in love with both. Five months on the pair found themselves facing off, again, this time in Manchester at Summer Sizzler '22 in the finals to the Great British Tag League. More high stakes to another classic tag team match. Incredibly powerful, high speed and fluid professional wrestling. I'd love to see them go one more time and would welcome both teams back to RevPro with open arms.

Shinsuke Nakamura Vs Roderick Strong

Summer Sizzler 2015

Only twice these two ever faced one on one and both were within a month of each other in 2015, first in Ring Of Honor and then in RevPro. This was Nakamura at his best; his presence, star power and overall aura was unmatched and Roderick Strong was a perfect opponent, embracing all of the energy he has recently harnassed in his feud with Orange Cassidy in All Elite Wrestling. The in-ring work is top notch; frantic, blitz-attack Strongstyle and I loved every minute of it. One of my most watched matches from the RevPro On Demand archives, this one.

The Briscoes Vs Shane Strickland & Ryan Smile

Summer Sizzler 2017

What a hidden gem this is and a match that deserves so much more talk about it as one of the greatest tag matches RevPro has ever delivered. At time of writing we have the current AEW Champion on one side versus the current Ring Of Honor Champion on the other side and, devastatingly, a man either side of them who's lives were tragically cut short. This match is everything tag team wrestling should be - you could show this to someone who has no idea who the men are and they would understand the dynamics, characters and story immediately and, most importantly, they would FEEL the match. I absolutely bloody love this. Of all the matches on the list, this may be one many have missed so, if that's the case for you, find time for it!

Undisputed British Cruiserweight Championship 

Michael Oku (c) Vs Luke Jacobs

Summer Sizzler 2022

How very fitting. As we look forward to the 1st Summer Sizzler for two years, the 8th since RevPro began, we look back on the most special Summer Sizzler match of all and we found ourselves back to square one with Michael Oku Vs Luke Jacobs, our Copper Box main event for RevPro XII Anniversary. If you have never seen this one, make it a priority. The atmosphere, the heat, the way Oku and Jacobs played up to the crowd and the intensity in which they fought. Absolutely incredible and a great way to get extra hyped for next month. A truly special match.

Sunday 11th August 2024 sees Revolution Pro Wrestling return to York Hall for Summer Sizzler but that was not the original plan. The original schedule had this weekend down as a Southampton show at the 1865 but that was rescheduled because "[RevPro] have a unique opportunity". Something tasty is being lined up for Summer Sizzler, isn't it? So, it's Friday night, let's break tradition and instead of grabbing a coffee and Marking Out let's grab a beer (Guinness 0.0 for me, please) and SPECULATE! Here is 10 Cards RevPro Could Play At Summer Sizzler 2024.

Vaquer's Out... Who's In?

So obviously this one is not WHY Summer Sizzler was announced but it could be time to give us a big answer to a big question on a big stage. Let's get it right, Summer Sizzler was announced BEFORE Stephanie Vaquer signed with WWE and was subsequently pulled from RevPro XII Anniversary. However what better place than York Hall to give us a great moment? Thinking big, we could get a guest appearance or even a match which prompts a promo announcing who's facing Dani Luna at the Copper Box. If that's too optimistic, we could simply get a match graphic drop or an on-screen video package to announce the challenger. The This Is A Revolution podcast, dropping over the weekend, explored who I think that person might be, so listen out for that one!

Likelihood: Very Likely

Scramble Qualifiers

Neon faces Will Kaven and four others in the Undisputed British Cruiserweight Scramble Match at the Copper Box and you can bet there will be at least one qualifying match at York Hall for a place in that match. Leon Slater? Cameron Khai? Jordon Breaks? Or maybe someone from a little further afield? 

Likelihood: Almost Certain

"Who's The Third [Fourth and Fifth] [Wo]Man?"

We have it all but confirmed that Cut Throat Collective will face a five woman team at the Copper Box. Windsor, Blaze, Samuels, Evo and Reed make five. So who faces them? Kanji and Rhio are musts. There's a great case to make for Nightshade, Lucia Lee, Ronnie Knocks and Anita Vaughan. We have Debbie Keitel getting involved in Coventry - loads going on and lots of options. So, one, do we get some clarity at Summer Sizzler and, two, do we get a return from any former RevPro heroes who could step into the fold? Hyan? Gisele Shaw? Zoe Lucas? Too many tempting options!

Likelihood: Evens

Grizzled Young Veterans 

We have not seen the Undisputed British Tag Team Champions since Fantastica Mania UK. We know we are getting a championship match at the Copper Box as Andy Q confirmed it via a #AskRevPro recently. So do we set that up here, in York Hall? Drake and Gibson are wrestling in Los Angeles the night before and so an in person appearance might be a stretch but a video appearance similar to when Subculture challenged Greedy Souls last year for Epic Encounter? Maybe, maybe!

Likelihood: Evens

War Ready

Gabe Kidd and Ricky Knight Jr at the Copper Box has felt inevitable since Fantastica Mania UK but it has not been confirmed nor overtly teased since. Gabe is about to get BUSY with the G1 Climax in NJPW but then his schedule will allow for a trip over to London on August 24th, a trip Zack Sabre Jr is confirmed to be doing, and RKJ doesn't look any closer to having a match confirmed and so, surely we are one big angle or promo away from confirmation?

Likelihood: Likely

Dijak

When asked if Donovan Dijak would be appearing at Summer Sizzler in today's #AskRevPro, Andy Q responded: 

Donovan Dijak will be in Coventry NEXT SUNDAY. The full card for Summer Sizzler will be announced NEXT MONDAY. That's all we've got for you.

Feels likely, though, doesn't it? Dijak Vs Zozaya please Andy.

Likelihood: Likely

AEW x RevPro

So far the RevPro XII card has leant more on the CMLL relationship than the NJPW and AEW relationships. Hechicero, Neon and, at the time, Stephanie Vaquer. Ishii is confirmed from NJPW and I believe Gabe Kidd will follow. The AEW connection is a tricky one as they will be running All In the day after the Copper Box and, if I was Tony Khan, I would not be allowing any of my performers booked for that show to risk my biggest show of the year by working RevPro XII the night before, no matter how much I like Andy Quildan. There are, of course, a wealth of top notch pro wrestlers signed to AEW/RoH who will not be on the All In card who could appear. So, with that in mind, could we therefore get some AEW involvement at Summer Sizzler? A great way to strengthen the AEW and RevPro bond and a great chance to promote AEW's Dynamite and Collision taping in Cardiff which, at time of writing, has not sold out. Makes sense for all involved, doesn't it?

Likelihood: Very Likely

Sunshine Machine

Is it Summer Sizzler where the Sunshine Machine fairytale comes to an end? YOUNGBLOOD, Greedy Souls, Young Guns... There are three possibilities there coming out of Live In Sheffield that could be one on one for TK and Mambo or could be a four way. Or we could see a BIG TEST drafted in for my favourite tag team in all of professional wrestling. There are so many ways this could play out, with the Tag League one, the Copper Box, two, and Summer Sizzler, three. 

Likelihood: Evens

Destination Everywhere

DES-TI-NA-TION EV-REE-WHERE!

The chant was there in the 229.

The chat was there in the 1865.

This is not coincidence, it has been engineered, and at some point Mills and Oku must collide or come together. Could that come at Summer Sizzler? It better fucking not. Not without me there to cry and grieve.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Ricochet

This is the one I have been saying over and over and over on the This Is A Revolution podcast, between friends and at shows. Go back to the phrase, "opportunity" - what opportunity does RevPro have they cannot let pass by? The opportunity to work with some AEW talent who aren't available for the Copper Box? Maybe. I don't see anything else, other than that one, though. And then we have the fact that Ricochet, a man who I feel would be a huge draw and has a huge history in RevPro, has become available on a weekend where RevPro could take advantage of it, sell some serious tickets and boost numbers for RevPro XII. Ricochet Vs Robbie X with Ricochet going over before announcing himself for the Cruiserweight Scramble match at the Copper Box after? Seems logical to me.

Likelihood: Likely

Three months.

That's all it has been.

Three months ago Zozaya was booked for RevPro Live In Spain and I'm not sure anyone would have expected him to go on the run he has, appearing on EVERY single RevPro show since. My last Top 10 list was the Top 10 Matches of 2024: Six Months In and Zozaya appeared twice, though I cheated slightly by putting two of his matches in one. Since then he has had another match which 100% makes the Top 10 Matches at years end. So in three months he has had three of the best RevPro matches all year and every single one of his other matches - EVERY SINGLE ONE - has been in the conversation for match of the night on the card it was on. Andy Quildan has called him the "future of professional wrestling" and a "future world champion". He has been praised by everyone in RevPro and has become the most organically popular wrestler on every card he is on. His wrestling is infectious and captivating and, if you have been living under a rock, I am here to help draw you out, my friend, and introduce you to 'El Freestyler' with his Top 10 Matches in RevPro. So, as always, grab a coffee, have a read and Mark Out.

Zozaya Vs Angel De Oro

Fantastica Mania UK

This one fed well into the story of Angel De Oro challenging for Michael Oku's Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship and told a story of veteran Vs up-and-comer in a classic way. Starting with a sign of mutual respect, fluid and accomolished mat work, De Oro and Zozaya showed us that, despite being from two different generations, they were trained with similar fundamentals; "a game of showmanship and brovado", David Francisco called perfectly. In the opening stages, De Oro tried to show he can still go as as fast as the man 16 years his junior but, as the match developed, he took the aggression up a notch, demonstrating his experience and his willingness to lean on any advantage he could lever. A simple but classic story.

Zozaya Vs Will Kaven

Live In Sheffield (April)

This one contrasts beautifully with the first on this list as there are some real similarities but the different character dynamics add in some nice differences. Again we have the story of two accomplished mat wrestlers where one is willing to show that extra level of aggression but Kaven does it far more aggressively, viciously and from the very first opportunity; there is no respect here. The snapping Gator Rolls and the Gut Wrench Swinging Slam juxtapose perfectly against the vicious big boot and the relentless strikes of Kaven in those early exchanges and it heats up from there really well. Two wrestlers whose work I get lost in and who are absorbing to watch; I was always going to really enjoy this contest.

Zozaya, Michael Oku, JJ Gale & YOUNGBLOOD

Vs RKJ, Young Guns & Sunshine Machine

Live In Sheffield (June)

I left both the Zozaya and Michael Oku tag matches against Sunshine Machine and Ultimo Guerrero and Angel De Oro off of this list as neither match was truly about Zozaya; he was a supporting actor in another lead actor's story each time. I have, however, included this Revolution Tag Match, as it worked perfectly to focus upon so many leading men, Zozaya included. After the carnage of everything involving Sunshine Machine and then Oku and Luke Jacobs, extending multiple stories in one match, we found ourselves with Zozaya Vs Ethan Allen in, effectively, a ten minute singles contest that was an incredible preview into a match we are all desperate to see. The intensity, aggression and merciless approach that Ethan Allen wrestles with brought the same out of Zozaya in a way no other contest on this list has. This whole Revolution Tag was a tremendous main event but this closing stretch was one of those special moments that you just had to be there to witness to see why so many of us are purring at the prospect of these two going one-on-one.

Zozaya Vs Chris Ridgeway

Live In St Neots

This one had me smiling the second it was announced as I adore Chris Ridgeway's take on professional wrestling - a proper piss and vinegar wrestler who focuses upon strikes and submissions. This one is most similar to the Kaven match on this list, as there are similarities between Ridgeway and Kaven, but Ridgeway sticks more exclusively to the kicks and mat work that he excels in and, through those, he took a greater percentage of the offence. This was a true 'Veteran Vs Hot New Thing' story where the babyface underdog shows unbelievable resilience to frusttate the piss-ant heel. Class stuff that really put over the impact of the Death Valley Driver and showcased Zozaya's ability to hit it out of anywhere.

Zozaya Vs RKJ

Raw Deal

Respect is earned - it's not given automatically. That was the story told from the very outset, from the slap that RKJ delivered to Zozaya for even stepping to him. This very much felt like 'Fighter Vs Wrestler' where Ricky tried to draw Zozaya into a knockout contest and Zozaya tried to keep Ricky on the mat. A fifteen minute match where the final stretch is one of the best we have seen this year, especially the final minute with the kickout of the Muscle Buster, the sell of shock from RKJ, the flurry of Superkicks and then the return of the Kishi Driver; an excellent flurried finish and a great wrinkle in Zozaya and RKJ's arcs, told threw the moves needed to seal the result. The Muscle Buster and the Arched Back Half Crab have failed to put Zozaya away - that is quite something as no one else can make the same claim. For Ricky, the Kishi Driver is the KILLER's move and I am so ready for 'The Killer' Ricky Knight Jr to return rather than the showman. Something tells me business will soon be picking up for the former Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion.

Zozaya Vs Cameron Khai

Live In London 86

This is the one on the list that both surprised me at the time at how good it was and surprised me again watching them back at how well it compared to others on the list. I should not have been surprised - both men are incredibly talented with uncapped potential. However, they are usually put in the ring with men with greater experience than them and with greater reps in the game and so I was curious to see how well they would deliver without that. The result? Both Zozaya and Cameron Khai SHOWED OUT. It felt like 'Hot New Thing of 2024 Vs Hot New Thing of 2023' in the early exchanges, with the mirroring offence, but that evolved into a really fantastic contest of two different styles. The knee strikes from Khai are brutal and the gasps are audible; the best Cameron Khai match of the year for me, with only his match with Robbie X in Sheffield in the same conversation. This one got a warranted standing ovation and "This Is Awesome" chants but my favourite moment came from Andy Quildan on the call who said, "Mark my words, these two men are the future of this business".

Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship

Zozaya Vs Michael Oku

Epic Encounter 

The next two bouts are hard to call as I like to think of feuds as a saga where one influences the next and where the entirety should be viewed as one body of work. However, for the purposes of this list, I will differentiate between the two and judge how the two matches made me feel. Therefore the rematch comes in at 4, with the Barcelona match coming in at 3. Why? The fluidity of the match and the in-ring action probably is just edged by the UK leg of these two matches but the emotional reaction is in the Spanish leg as the hot Barcelona crowd, the presentation of Oku and Amira as the visiting King and Queen of RevPro and the absolute shock of the result make it such a special, special match...

Zozaya Vs Michael Oku

Live In Spain

... The fact that it is third on this list is INSANE and goes to show what an incredible three months Zozaya has had.

Zozaya Vs Leon Slater

Live In London 87

The most recent match on this list comes in second. Was this the greatest opening match the 229 has ever seen? Someone who has been going longer than me can answer that but of all of the RevPro shows I've been to, which is at 52 at time of writing (17/07/24), this one is undoubtedly the best. Absolutely breathtaking speed from both men, this was a showcase of two of THE hottest wrestlers in the world. The "This Is Awesome" chants came a little early but were absolutely warranted by the time the match hit full speed. The double suplex over the top rope had me hanging on a double count-out in a callback to Michael Oku Vs Gabe Kidd in Birmingham last year and the fact that the action just cracked on from that excellent false finish was astounding. Leon has made so much progress in the impact of his strikes, epitomised by the Sidekick reversal of Zozaya's sliding knee approach to the corner, and looks a foot taller and broader in recent months. Without question this was Leon's best RevPro match of 2024 and will be considered for MOTY lists come December. The Avalanche DVD, with the same delay as when Zozaya beat Oku, really sold the devastating impact of that move. Bold, brave and brilliant.

Zozaya Vs Luke Jacobs

Live In Southampton 30

And finally we have the match which gave me one of my Top 5 RevPro moments of the year so far. I am not the most animated person at ringside. I'm loud, I've got a big voice and I chant a lot, but other than that I'm one who who sits, studies, photographs incessantly and makes conscious decisions as to whether I want to sing, give a standing ovation or react to what is happening before me. However, when Zozaya pinned Luke Jacobs in Southampton, I stood up involuntarily and stared in shock. That physical reaction to a pro wrestlibg result has literally never happened to me before and it was so visceral that I could barely remember anything from the match besides that moment when I went to write this list. I watched that match back, as I did with all of them, and as I encourage you to too, they are all on RevPro On Demand, the best £7.40 you'll spend each month, and when I watched it back I was delighted and unsurpised to be reminded of just how good this was. Remarkable pro wrestling, for me, this. Go watch it, eh? 

Where has the year gone?! We are halfway through 2024 and therefore it felt like the right time to rewatch some of the best matches of the year so far to try and create one comprehensive Top 10 List of RevPro, six months in. This week saw the first episode of the This Is A Revolution podcast from Cromulent Wrestling, a new podcast for fans of RevPro from myself and my good friend Cromulent George, where we broke down our two lists so, if you prefer the video or audio form, you can find those now on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts! For all those who enjoy the read, grab a coffee and let's breakdown the Top 10 MOTY contenders thus far.

Michael Oku Vs Zozaya

Live In Barcelona

13th April '24

I'm going to plagiarise myself here but this match and the rematch that followed a week later was the wrestling equivalent of a UEFA Champions League Round Of 16 tie with a heavy favourite and a tricky away leg up-first. The hostile environment that Michael Oku and Amira stepped into was intense and the match was even more so. I use the word "escalation" a lot with Oku as the guy knows how to build stakes, intensity and drama into his matches and this exactly what was executed here. This had a real real sense of occasion, was an absolute over delivery of expectations and was summarised completely perfectly by Andy Quildan on commentary when he said "Professional wrestling is about moments... And we just witnessed a moment". Zozaya is undoubtedly the breakout star of 2024 and it all started here. 

Ricky Knight Jr Vs Mike D Vecchio

Live In Sheffield

21st April '24

This match can be epitomised by two prize fighting bulls, the pride of Europe Vs the pride of England. The fact that Ricky gave Mike a rare handshake BEFORE the contest and then a proper send off after says it all. Two incredible athletes who defy what we think of when we consider size in wrestling - muscular men who can move quicker between the ropes than men half their size but who can also who strength men twice their size - they really are a pair of special talents. We have it all here; tests of strength, technique, skill and resolve. Watch as the joint manipulation from RKJ lights a fire under Mike which leads to RKJ ramping up the stakes with a Suplex on the apron. Watch the unbelievable technique of the Tope, the incredible leap 3/4 across the ring - you are watching two human highlight reels at their very best fighting for pride, ego and reputation. It's a proper "anything you can do, I can do better" match done to such an impressive standard that it drew the entire Sheffield Network to it's feet for a standing ovation at the pass. Class stuff.

Robbie X Vs Aigle Blanc

Live In Southampton 29

1st April '24

If Mike D and RKJ was "anything you can do, I can do better" with power, speed and freak athletcisim then Aigle Blanc and Robbie X was the same but with high risk mirroring, shadow chasing and breathtaking offence. Watch for the X-Clamation into the German Suplex into the Leg Drop before the collapse out of exhaustion; inventive, original and a spot that drew the crowd in perfectly. Watch for the the X-Clamation reverse into the dropkick. Watch for the the collapse at yet another attempted X-Clamation. Watch for Robbie screaming at Oscar Harding to confirm if the match could continue when Aigle Blanc was rattled. Watch for the X-Clamation into the Schoolboy roll up. Watch for the the Avalanche Alley-Oop followed by the Jumping Apron DDT. Fuck it... Just watch the whole damn match and enjoy it. It was special.

Robbie X Vs KUSHIDA

Epic Encounter

20th April '24

A match which will live with me for a long, long time due to one perfect moment which summarised the whole story of the match. I've seen Robbie X live 44 times as of the time of writing so I must have seen him attempt or hit the X-Clamation, his Springboard Cutter, maybe as many as 100 times before. However, in the Gordon Craig Theatre, KUSHIDA had worked Robbie's arm with so much precision, impact and technique that it was rendered barely liftable for Robbie and so the Springboard Cutter was impossible to hit. However, the pop that left me when Robbie threw himself into the ropes, springbaording no hands, to hit the X-Clamation was inspired. The simplest and oldest story of "limb work" told to absolute perfection; storytelling of the highest standard. 

Zozaya Vs Luke Jacobs

Live In Southampton 30

9th June 2024

This match epitomised something RevPro gives me that AEW and NJPW, my two other regular wrestling watches, struggle to give me and that is breathtaking and shocking booking decisions executed to perfection. And don't get me wrong, this is not a swerve for swerve's sake. Zozaya beating Luke Jacobs builds multiple matches we can see between now and the Copper Box which, I believe, will lead to Zozaya Vs Ethan Allen on that stage. A wonderful clash of styles between two explosive wrestlers who demonstrate that in very different ways. The best of the stellar Zozaya matches so far this year. The best match The 1865 has seen this year. The only time I've been pulled to my feet involuntarily at a true shock in pro wrestling not just this year but in three years of being a RevPro regular. A truly memorable moment.

Luke Jacobs Vs JJ Gale

High Stakes

18th February '24

The first of three High Stakes matches to make this list sees Luke Jacobs take on JJ Gale in a match that was a true star making performance for JJ; his breakout moment. The world's eyes were on the Copper Box when JJ faced Fujita but, with all due respect, the eyes were on matches elsewhere on the card. This was the first match of JJ's since then to be in front of a huge crowd (I think it was around 1,500 at High Stakes) and in front of the pro wrestling world who tuned in to see Ospreay Vs Oku. However, given Luke Jacobs and Tomohiro Ishii's show stealing performance at the Copper Box, a lot more eyes would be on JJ's match than he would have had previously and he showed it in spades. A hard hitting, high speed puro match between two of the best young talents in the UK who have stepped up over the last 12-18 months from young prospects to bonafide BritWres stars and, in Luke, a man who is now ready to take the mantle and be the face of Revolution Pro Wrestling should he get the win at the Copper Box this year.

Connor Mills Vs Zack Sabre Jr

High Stakes

18th February '24

The first Connor Mills match on the list, but not the last. This was Mills showing the wider RevPro audience what those of us at the weekly shows had seen over the six weeks prior; he had evolved from Destination Everywhere partner to chicken shit heel to the most dangerous man in RevPro. Everything came together for Mills in early 2024 - his wrestling style, his moveset, his look... all of it.  This was a technical game of chess between two nasty, highly skilled and aggressive wrestlers who enjoy the competition of pro wrestling and the infliction of pain and suffering through traditional British mat work. ZSJ is an acid test for just how good wrestlers are - since the world re-opened he has put Oku, Leon, JJ, Breaks and RKJ to the test; none looked like they could beat the pinnacle of RevPro like Mills did. If it weren't for the main event, this match would have been talked about so, so much more. The third highest Meltzer rated ZSJ match of 2024 only behind Bryan Danielson and Matt Riddle. That's some standard and that's where Mills is these days.

Connor Mills Vs Trent Seven II

Live In London 82

4th February '24

The weekly RevPro shows continue to be the best value pro wrestling you will find anywhere in the UK. £20 tickets for venues holding 200-300 people at a time meaning you have the most incredible view from anywhere you sit or stand. These shows are special. And the most special match of all of those shows this year, for me and for many who were there with me, was the second round of the Connor Mills and Trent Seven feud back in February. This was everything I love most in the technical style of pro wrestling; violence personified. This was Mills at his most vicious, vile and spiteful versus Trent at his most beloved, sympathetic and emotive; a perfect combination. Watch as they hit each other harder than you've seen hands been thrown before, look at the aggression and intent behind the mat work, look at the determination in Mills' eyes to put Trent out to pasture and prove to Zack Sabre Jr that he is ready to prove he is his equal at High Stakes. It's the perfect mix - it ended the Mills and Trent feud and poured gas on the fire underneath the Mills and ZSJ match. Booking brilliance and Pro Wrestling At Its Best.

Undisputed British Women's Championship

Dog Collar Match

Dani Luna (c) Vs Alex Windsor

Revolution Rumble

31st March '24

If you want the full Mark Out on this one, pop over to the RECOMMENDED page on davethemark.com for a full break down. It's just such a special match. The high stakes, the violent and dangerous stipulation, over an above anything we have ever witnessed in RevPro. And the best thing of all is that this is, for me, is exactly why RevPro are right to keep stipulation matches rare, so when they do them they are truly iconic. This match should now be the standard for all future blood-feud stipulation pay-offs - simple, focused, perfectly balanced violence without any tropes. The dog collar was the focal point of the match and never has a weapon been presented as a more dangerous prospect. One steel chair, one dog cage (genius idea), one dog collar and the result is one of the greatest professional wrestling matches I have ever seen. I'm still purring over it three months later.

Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship 

Michael Oku (c) Vs Will Ospreay

High Stakes

18th February '24

Seriously, was anyone expecting any other match to top this list? I have never known a British wrestling match break into the mainstream wrestling media the way this did and it fully deserved the praise. It was a genuine joy to witness and, if there was a camera on my face during the match, I reckon I looked happier than I have ever looked glued to every single second of it. The story, the attention to detail, the reward for a two and a half year investment in story and character arcs - this is everything that I love about professional wrestling. Just take a moment to celebrate that this match is the joint fourth highest rated professional wrestling match of all time from the most revered critic in the industry - let that sink in. The personification of Pro Wrestling At Its Best. If you want a deeper delve into this one, scroll down for the 10 Callbacks article I did at the time - it's one of my favourite Mark Out articles!

The Revolution Pro Wrestling family is in mourning currently at the terribly sad loss of James Castle, whose battle with leukemia came to an end on Saturday 15th June. I have had the pleasure over the last couple of years of watching large parts of James' journey with RevPro through my Completionist History of the promotion via RevPro On Demand. He is a wrestler who I warmed to immediately for the way he drew me into his stories, for his charisma and for his in-ring work. And, although I never got the pleasure of meeting him personally, we interacted a number of times online and he always came across as such an open, supportive and humble man. I ummed and arred about writing this list as I didn't want to be interpreted as trying to benefit in any way from someone's loss but I realised I am in a privileged position having watched so many of his matches these last couple of years. Therefore, I want to take this chance to share ten matches, presented in chronological order, for you to get a taste of the wonderful professional wrestler that was James Castle.

Undisputed British Tag Team Championships

The Revolutionists Vs The Thrillers (c)

Summer Sizzler

2015

We start the list with a huge moment in James Castle's career, as one half of The Revolutionists with Sha Samuels, he became a RevPro champion for the first time and only time. A lot of James' early work in RevPro from 2013 to 2015 is on a hard drive somewhere in the office of Andy Quildan waiting to be uploaded to RevPro On Demand but this is the start of the most important story of James career - the rise and fall of The Revolutionists. Joel Redman had been a tag team champion for around a year, first with Martin Stone and then with Mark Haskins. With Haskins having to withdraw from the event, Jake McCluskey stepped in to fill the void. This was Castle's York Hall debut, having come up through the Portsmouth School of Wrestling and the Contenders shows, watching the first seven RevPro York Hall shows come and go. Castle would go on to wrestle on four more York Hall shows over the next two years.

The Revolutionists Vs TenKoji

Uprising

2015

Next up we have a match that was never due to happen. On the weekend of Global Wars 2015 at York Hall, another British promoter had a show running with a whole host of NJPW talent, more talent than RevPro had ever booked for any one show before. However, as the date approached the validity of the Saturday show came into question and the show was pulled, leaving all of NJPWs top names with a free date in the UK and a promise of a payday. Never one to miss an opportunity, RevPro ran Uprising in Reading on the Saturday, 24 hours removed from Global Wars, and we got a card with such big hitters as Kyle O'Reilly Vs KUSHIDA, Tetsuyo Naito Vs Mark Haskins, Marty Scurll Vs Will Ospreay Vs AJ Styles and, of course, The Revolutionists Vs Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima.

James Castle Vs 'Flyin" Ryan Hendricks

Live In Sittingbourne

2015

A lot of the matches on this list see James working as one half of The Revolutionists, and then HxC with Dan Head, so this is a rare singles outing for the list but not for James' career. After wins over Eddie Dennis, Ronnie Evans and the aforementioned Dan Head, this was James' final singles win of 2015, his most prolific year in Revolution Pro Wrestling. 10 wins from 17 is by no means a bad return with only Sha Samuels, Will Ospreay, Marty Scurll and Gideon Grey ending the year with a better win percentage of those who clocked in more than ten matches. The Busaiku Knee is always a thing of beauty and James always hit it with maximum impact, including in this one with 'Flyin' Ryan Hendricks to seal the win.

Undisputed British Tag Team Championships

The Revolutionists (c) Vs Charlie Garrett & Joel Redman

Angle Vs Sabre Jr

2016

We saw Sha and James win the the championships, we have to see them lose them. A day short of a full calendar year as champs, back at York Hall and back opposite Joel Redman and, this time, Charlie Garrett (Sterling). In stark contrast to 2015, James could barely buy a win in 2016. A singles victory over 'Wild Boar' Mike Hitchman was surrounded by singles losses to Trent Seven, Bram, Donovan Dijak, Andrew Everett and Morgan Webster. This fed into a losing streak for The Revolutionists who were hanging on to the championships via disqualification losses and went onto fail to win a tag match all year. The disintegration of the team was in fall descent at this stage.

The Revolutionists Vs Josh Wall & Kurtis Chapman

Live At The Cockpit 12

2017

A special match in the career of everyone involved and the amazing story Sha and James were telling. The less said about it the better. Seriously, I'm not saying anything else. Go watch it.

The Revolutionists Vs Moustache Mountain

Live At The Cockpit 14

2017

By this stage in The Revolutionists journey, James Castle resembled the victim of a domestically abusive relationship with Sha Samuels and had won the love of the people, whilst Sha embodied a vile, spiteful bully. In this one with Trent Seven and Tyler Bate, Sha humiliated James in the entrance, berated him in an opening promo and then got physical with him at the close. A special moment in a special story, this one. My favourite moment in all of James Castle's career that I've been lucky to see.

No Disqualification

James Castle Vs Sha Samuels

Epic Encounter

2017

In what was James Castle's final match with RevPro of 2017 we get the no glitz, no glamour scrap between Sha Samuels and 'The Anarchist' that had been two years in the making. On the one hand, I admire the simplicity of this blood feud pay off - this is a fight, not a wrestling match. On the other hand, I'd love to know what Sha and James could have done with a fifteen minute window to work. 

The HxC Vs Team Whitewolf

Live In Chelmsford

2018

Thirteen months after James Castle's feud blow off with Sha Samuels and 'The Anarchist' was back, as part of a tag team with Dan Head, facing off from A-Kid and Adam Chase (Carlos Romo). After falling in love with James during the latter days of The Revolutionists it feels strange to be back booing him but he worked heel so naturally. This one showcases how good Castle was as a tag team wrestler, demonstrating immediate chemistry with Head and putting on a really competitive back and forth tag match that is one of my favourites from the James Castle back catalogue.

The HxC Vs Aussie Open

PAC Is Back

2018

Four months after the first HxC RevPro match and look at the transformation in presentation - the entrance gear adds a real aura. Aussie Open working face Vs a heel James Castle and Dan Head works so well and I would love to have seen a chance to see heel Aussie Open work face James Castle too, as Fletcher and Davis would have worked so well with sympathetic and lovable Castle. The combination offence from both teams makes for another banger. The HxC were a team who really could have been major tag team players had things been different.

James Castle Vs Kurtis Chapman

Live At The Cockpit 36

2019

The final match on the list and the final RevPro match in James Castle's in-ring career, opposite Kurtis Chapman. Two men who came through the Portsmouth School of Wrestling and two men who debuted at the same time with Andy Boy Simmonz on commentary putting over the fact that Kurtis Chapman was declared a "star of the future" on the same show James Castle debuted on. And, of course, two men we have lost far, far too soon. Not every match needs 10 minutes and this is a perfect example of a shorter match where both men maximise their minutes.

I hope that more of the James Castle story can be retold through additional show uploads to RevPro On Demand from 2015 and 2016 as it has been an absolute pleasure seeing so much of it in the archives. I hope these ten recommended matches help you to understand his journey and helps to make future fans of a wonderful professional wrestler.

RIP Jamie Stacey ❤️

Friday 24th May 2024. Preston Event Centre. Ottawa, Canada. C*4 Striking Distance. 320 days into Michael Oku's Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship reign, he defeated Kevin Blackwood for his 12th successful defence of the pinnacle championship of European wrestling. Whilst we wait for that match to be made available to enjoy, it felt like a perfect way to spend a long Bank Holiday weekend here in the UK to watch the 11 other defences back to form a definitive Top 10 ranking of the journey so far. An honourable mention to championship defence number 10, against Hieronymus from CWE Batalla Real on 04.05.2024 of which extended highlights are available on YouTube but not the full match and, for that reason, was not considered in the Top 10. The highlights are worth seeking out, though, as not only did the match look awesome, but it is a rare chance to see Oku defending the championship as the favourite to win but not as the favourite amongst the fans, such was the pressure of defending one of the world's most recognised independent championships in a country less synonymous with pro wrestling (Costa Rica). Therefore you know the 10 matches going in, but where do I rank each from the 'good' and 'worth checking' out to the 'outstanding' and 'essential'?

10. Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship Defence Number 8

Michael Oku (c) Vs Titan

WrestleCon, Mark Hitchcock Memorial SuperShow, available on YouTube, 04.04.2024

Titan had one hell of a 2023, reaching the Best Of The Super Juniors final in NJPW and finishing as runner up to Master Wato. This was, therefore, a big test for Oku, wrestling a world travelled star of North American wrestling in North America. The story of the match was centred around Titan's knee. Titan's offence is built from his legs - his speed, the impact of his Double Foot Stomps and the flexibility of his legs to allow him to reach and maintain the Muta Lock. Juxtapose that with a man who targets legs for the Half Crab and you have a match made in heaven. The turning point of the match came after Titan hit his signature diving corner clothesline that takes him through the top and middle ripe to the outside, landing awkwardly and never recovering. With his own moveset limited by injury, his own offence softened him up for the Half Crab which once locked in, and arched back, few have ever escaped.

Highlights: The view of the Standing Frog Splash against the backdrop of the famous 2300 Arena and the fact that the story of the injured leg underpinned EVERYTHING.

9. Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship Defence Number 11

Michael Oku (c) Vs Ultimo Guerrero

Fantastica Mania UK '24, available on RevPro On Demand, 19.05.2024

Headlining a show which had Mistico Vs Templario in a 20 minute Lucha Libre clinic was some task but Michael Oku is a master of building drama into his matches and that is exactly what he and the legend Guerrero did. The pacing is that of a NJPW match, growing throughout and building to a sprint finish of a final five minutes. This is an excellent showcase of what both men being to the table at the contrasting stages of their career and one that was a tonne of fun to witness but, even more importantly, had the entire crowd locked into by the closing stages.

Highlights: The sheer drop from the Super Powerbomb by Ultimo Guerrero was breathtaking and the Reverse Superplex fully made believers of York Hall that Ultimo Guerrero was about to dethrone Michael Oku. True suspension of disbelief.

8. Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship Defence Number 7

Michael Oku (c) Vs Leyton Buzzard

Revolution Rumble '24, available on RevPro On Demand, 31.03.2024

A match with nine months of story and a slow, on-off build culminated at York Hall and ended in tragedy, with a finish adapted due to a serious knee injury to 'El Capitan'. However, the match had a finish and can be considered a complete story and so will be judged as such. There are tidy callbacks to each of their previous encounters, smoke and mirrors with Brett Semtex and Amira at ringside adding additional layers of drama and some outstanding facials from both men at significant landmarks in the match where they visibly contemplate how they can overcome the other. I'd love to know how the match was going to finish but, of course, the actual finish came a little out of leftfield to ensure Leyton got the medical attention he needed as quickly as possible. Still, we had 24 minutes of drama prior to that and the finish felt like it was any minute away when the knee went and, though the final stretch was not the intended one, everything that came prior was and it was an engrossing match with a lot of story behind it.

Highlights: The biggest Pop-Up Powerbomb you'll ever see, a hard as nails Fosbury Flop and a fantastic supporting role from "the Scottish referee", as Gideon insists on calling him, Ref Harv.

7. Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship Defence Number 2

Michael Oku (c) Vs Hechicero

Fantastica Mania '23, available on RevPro On Demand, 23.09.2023

The main event of the inaugural Fantastica Mania UK was a real highlight of the day and it introduced a lot of people, myself included, to Hechicero. This one took a similar structure and story to the Titan match with Oku weakening the knee for both the Half Crab and to lessen the impact of Hechicero's own offence. This one had an extra level of drama in the closing stages, similar to the Ultimo Guerrero match, with a more satisfying finish than the Buzzard encounter (obviously) hence it pinching 7th spot.

Highlights: Oku's escape from the Surfboard, the transition from Hurricanrana to Hammerlock Spinning Backbreaker and the bump Oku takes from the corner when Hechicero sends Oscar Harding into the ropes 😱

6. Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship Defence Number 1

Michael Oku (c) Vs Trent Seven

RevPro XI Anniversary, available on RevPro On Demand, 26.08.2023

Where it all began, from Oku beating Great O Khan at Epic Encounter and Trent attacking him during his celebrations and leaving Bethnal Green with the belt, to the Copper Box Arena... It was a wild ride. Amira and Levi Muir provided the supporting cast in the run up to the show and throughout the match. The Queen Of RevPro, in that incredible red dress, going through the table got the biggest reaction of the entire show; absolutely deafening, authentic and involuntary reactions from a 4,000 strong shocked crowd. Oku's wild reaction was incredible and fed into what was a wild brawl of a finish which, in contrast to the pro wrestling clinic of the main event in Shingo Vs Ospreay, offered variety to the card really nicely.

Highlights: The most beautifully elegant Superplex I've ever seen, the Dragon Suplex - Seven Star Piledriver combination, the callbacks to British Strongstyle members Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate, the image of Trent tapping directly on to the championship belt and, of course, the Amira table bump.

5. Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship Defence Number 3

Michael Oku (c) Vs Gabe Kidd

British J Cup '23, available on RevPro On Demand, 21.10.2023

Top half of the list time. In the long anticipated rematch of the violent war they had in Birmingham eight months prior, this one had the stakes of the championship on the line and was part of a STACKED and PACKED British J Cup 2023. And from the moment Gabe spat in Amira's face before the bell even rung, this was a violent blood-feud sprint. The ringside brawling was wild and unhinged, all over the Gordon Craig Theatre and all over the Stevenage crowd (and on our Maxine's lap 👀). The aggression towards one another was such that Phoebe, my Mini-Mark climbed onto my lap frightened at how much Gabe Kidd was hurting Oku, when Gabe had a CHINLOCK on, such was the intensity this one was fought with. The action is strong, the drama and big match feels are there throughout and the finish left enough on the table for a third round when the timing is right.

Highlights: THAT Half Crab that Gabe locks in - dare I see he is a Master of that hold? Just not THE Master.

4. Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship Defence Number 5

Michael Oku (c) Vs Zack Gibson

Uprising '23, available on RevPro On Demand, 16.12.2023

This was my first ever Zack Gibson match live after following his career from the comfort of my living room and, watching it back, I am still in awe of each and every single cover and submission he locks in; Gibson is undoubtedly an elite wrestler at the small details of pro wrestling. He makes EVERYTHING visceral and painful, without any wasted motion, and is one wrestler you can always fully suspend disbelief watching; so captivating and rewarding to watch and study. This one is massive in the development of Michael Oku's arc as champion too - his first defence against a British star very much at the prime of their career who is bigger than him both physically and by reputation. It was the defence where he first truly proved he is THE Guy in European wrestling today. Watch the look on Amira's face, on Oku's face as Ref Harv counts the three - the significance of the win is sold beautifully and the turn from Gibson after the match is expertly delivered. 

Highlights: The Twisting Tombstone Piledriver on the outside of the ring, the torque on the Shankly Gates and the landing of the Ticket To Ride. The crowd investment was also on another level to those which have already featured in this list as there was a genuine split in who the crowd thought would come away as the winner.

3. Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship Defence Number 9

Michael Oku (c) Vs Zozaya

Epic Encounter '24, available on RevPro On Demand, 20.04.2024

This main event came out of nowhere as no-one in the UK was expecting the incredible breakout performance Zozaya put in in Barcelona and, though we knew the local lads would get a whole host of shine, I did not foresee the Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion taking a clean pinfall loss, which is exactly what happened. So, the 21 year old 'Freestyler' who got that pin got to come to the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage to headline one of the biggest shows of the year at Epic Encounter and we have seen him on every show ever since as he TORE the house down. A truly special talent, something that has been recognised very quickly, and someone who has been a joy to watch ever since. Watch both of their matches as a prequel and sequel, the overarching story across the two is worth the investment. 

Highlights: The Poisonrana - Death Valley Driver combination and the escape from the Arched Back Half Crab - has anyone ever escaped it? If you know of someone, please let me know as that is something for Zozaya to hang his hat on if he is the only one, which I suspect he is.

2. Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship Defence Number 4

Michael Oku (c) Vs Luke Jacobs

Live In London 79, available on RevPro On Demand, 05.11.2023

This match was ranked as the 9th best of 2023 in RevPro by yours truly, which sounds like a backhanded compliment but given the wealth of incredible matches across the year, to make the Top 10 is IMPRESSIVE. Hit the very bottom of this page as it was the first Top 10 List after I launched davethemark.com and have a good read to see what I'm talking about. This came at a real peak of RevPro booking in Autumn 2023, epitomised by this 30 minute Copper Box level main event given to us in the 229 in front of a couple hundred of the RevPro hardcore fan base. It's so incredibly physical, so dramatically urgent. It is the very best of the best when it comes to homegrown talent setting the standard for everyone else. The atmosphere was also the loudest I have ever experienced in the 229 and is the high I've been seeking ever since.

Highlights: The escalation of violence, whilst also maintaining a sprint pace for what was the longest match in RevPro of 2023, that flew by from ringside. Incredible stuff worthy of topping this list.

1. Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship Defence Number 6

Michael Oku (c) Vs Will Ospreay

High Stakes '24, available on RevPro On Demand, 18.02.2024

But only one match can top this list and it is a shock to no-one. What can I say about this match that I have not already - I waxed lyrical about it at the time and at every opportunity ever since. It really is special and transcends a pro wrestling match as it engulfs two years of story, a story we followed week by week at ringside. Oku Vs Ospreay was excellent - think of it as A New Hope - Oku Vs Ospreay II was special, the Empire Strikes Back of this analogy; thus, Oku Vs Ospreay III was Return Of The Jedi - the blockbuster, thrill ride culmination of one of the greatest sagas of all time. I've never been one to believe in choosing the best or your favourite of a saga - soak them all in and consider them one body of work and realise that one cannot work without the other and that is what this is.

Highlights: There are literally too many to list BUT I got you as if you scroll down you will find the 'Top 10 Callbacks' made to their first two encounters. Have a read. Mark Out.

Fantastica Mania UK next week?

Would be rude not to, right?

Fantastica Mania UK is back, Sunday 12th May from York Hall, Bethnal Green and the two cards look STACKED. Last year's event was a celebration of two historic companies coming together in Revolution Pro Wrestling and CMLL but this year looks like we are taking that up a notch with two championship matches booked, some killer international dream matches and the very best in Europe and Mexico going toe to toe. It feels like a good time to revisit last year's event, therefore, so I decided to give myself some homework this week and watch back Fantastica Mania 2023 in full to bring you the Top 10 Moments to get you hyped for next week. Haven't seen it? Check this article out, then go back on RevPro On Demand and watch whatever sounds like it would tickle your fancy.

10. A Man Of Many Talents

Fantastica Mania 2023 was our first time hearing David Francisco on commentary in RevPro, something we are getting used to in 2024 as he has partnered Andy Quildan on comms a number of times and for damn good reason. Francisco is so knowledgeable, enthusiastic and authentic on the call, an absolute natural. And given there were many luchadores on the card that most RevPro fans, myself included, were not familiar with, David added so much to the event. A man of many talents, to the shock of no-one at all.

9. Pro Wrestling At Its Best

It's so much more than an advertising slogan. The best wrestlers in the U.K. have all wrestled for RevPro over the past 12 years. Watch WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA and RoH this week - so many wrestlers we see weekly in the biggest companies in the world have wrestled for RevPro. And now we can add the stars of CMLL to the list. The amazing, unique and first time combinations of wrestlers through Fantastica Mania is what makes it special. Seeing Hechicero for the first time, before his 'breakthrough' mainstream encounter with Bryan Danielson; seeing icons like Ultimo Guerrero and modern stars like Titan; getting to discover Atlantis Jr, Zandokan Jr and Magia Blanca; that's what it is all about.

8. Long Live El Bigote Guerrero

One of my favourite character evolutions of 2023 was the post-Copper Box run of Trent Seven as 'El Bigote Guerrero', culminating in his excellent match with Volador Jr at Uprising in December. That entire run stems back to him going two for two over Fantastica Mania weekend and developing the realisation that he may well be the best Luchadore in the entire world. How Trent can manipulate an audience is incredible - he went from serious title challenger to hilarious dastardly luchadore to sympathetic veteran in his run against Connor Mills all in the space of six months. Always relevant. Always essential. Pro wrestling genius.

7. Most Underrated Team In Europe

What a six months Zak Knight has had. He's 3-0 in Ring Of Honor and won his All Elite Wrestling debut. He has been a weekly feature in AEW for months and has wrestled in famous stateside arenas like the Bojangles Coliseum and the Charleston Coliseum. However it is easy to forget that prior to the call from Tony Khan, Zak and Ricky Knight Jr were TEARING it up as a tag team in RevPro and looked destined to win the Great British Tag League and challenge for the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championships.  The pair complement each other so well with ballsy, brash and bare-knuckle brawling, athleticism and unmatched speed and power. In a parallel universe, the Knights are dominating the world as a tag team and, watching Fantastica Mania back, I am reminded of this so much between their two outings with Audaz in trios action.

We miss you Zak ❤️. It's [Your] Time now though.

6. BOOOAAAR!

And another man that is sorely missed by this Mark is 'Wild Boar' Mike Hitchman and his match with Capitan Suicida is a reminder of just why. No one brings what Boar brings to the table; true heavyweight power, explosivity and force in a cruiserweight frame. Hitchman is one of the best the country has ever produced - watch him live, up close, and pay attention - he is a master in the ring. A really enjoyable scrap with Suicida, as part of a great final stretch with RevPro which saw him tag with Hechicero to face Michael Oku and Atlantis Jr and take on Alex Zayne and Mascara Dorada over the British J Cup Weekender. I really hope we see the Boar back later this year. Breaks Vs Boar for the Cruiserweight belt sounds proper tasty to me.

5. Summer Of Subculture

Ah, The Summer Of Subculture. Lykos Gym. Greedy Souls. Sunshine Machine. Skye Smitson (Yep!) VeloCities. And Fantastica Mania brought Okumura and Zandokan Jr to the fold. Flash and Mandrews gelled with the luchadores effortlessly due to their adaptability of styles and Zandokan Jr, in particular, was captivating. One of the finest tag teams the UK has ever produced on their first run as RevPro tag champions; hopefully it will not be their last.

4. King Of The Cruiserweights

It is no coincidence that Robbie X was the only RevPro man to feature in two singles matches across the weekend. It was also not a coincidence that both matches were prominently placed highlights of the show, headlining both first halves. Magia Blanca had beaten Levi Muir in the afternoon show, a scalp and a showcase of one of CMLL's finest luchadores. But in the evening show, Robbie X was the one with his hand held high. An enjoyable first time encounter between the two and a great acknowledgement of the respect Robbie X garners as an elite level European pro wrestler. King Of The Cruiserweights? You'd better believe it.

3. BEST Of The Super Juniors 

And whilst we are purring over Robbie X... Titan Vs Robbie X was the highlight of the first show. The match has a tremendous escalation of speed, athleticism and risk. The springboard onto the apron, a staple of Robbie matches, was hit with extra velocity. The topes completely scattered the guard rails. The corner clothesline to the outside, the inch perfect Matrix evasion, the spiked tilt-a-whirl DDT, the double foot stomp to the apron and the piece de resistance, the muta lock; all highlights of an eleven minute sprint. Titan was a Best Of The Super Juniors finalist in 2023, finishing runner up to Master Wato in a 5* Match of the Year contender. Robbie took it right to him and proved, once again, that he is Europe's Best Of The Super Juniors.

2. Past, Present & Future Of CMLL

Ultimo Guerrero Vs Atlantis Jr felt very much like two eras of CMLL crossing over, with the two time world champion facing the son of one of his biggest past rivals, a man who is positioned to lead CMLL into the future, Atlantis Jr. The contrast between CMLL and RevPro is shown from the off with the two going straight into battle between the ropes rather than locking up and the match barely slows down from there. A real sprint which showcases Atlantis Jr and proves Ultimo Guerrero is still THE MAN in Mexican wrestling. The dive that Atlantis hits may be the single most impressive and memorable moment from the show. Matches like this, in the UK, a main event CMLL match in a RevPro ring, is exactly why the professional wrestling world is at its best when companies work together and we, the fans, are the ones who benefit the most from it. Of all the matches on the rewatch, this one made me most excited for next week.

1. MAIN EVENT

If you only have time to revisit one match from Fantastica Mania 2023 there is a discussion to be had about which you revisit. If we look stylistically, Titan Vs Robbie X was the Lucha Libre match of the weekend, but what Michael Oku and Hechicero did in the main event of the evening show was combine the RevPro brand of pro wrestling with mexican pro wrestling to true perfection. Michael Oku has proven that he can work wonders with anyone - look at his catalogue over the last two years for evidence of that - and Hechicero wrestles a llave style, a technical, submission based iteration of traditional mexican wrestling, combined with the power and speed of an athletic big man. This made the main event a far more familiar style, combined with all the pomp and majesty of a Michael Oku championship defence. Highly recommended!

This weekend we have another RevPro double header with a stacked Epic Encounter in store for Saturday in Stevenage and then a star-studded trip to Sheffield Network on Sunday. Epic Encounter visits it's fourth venue since the first ever show under that banner in 2016 and this marks the 7th event, not counting the behind-closed-doors, empty arena shows of 2020-21 held at the Portsmouth School of Wrestling titled Epic Encounters 1-11. Therefore now seems as good a time as any for yours truly to watch back the previous Epic Encounters to bring you the Top 10 matches you should seek out on RevPro On Demand to get you hyped for Saturday. These events have been marquee dates for the diary since the outset and Saturday promises to be no different. And, if my research tells me anything, it tells me we are set for a blockbuster event as Epic Encounter never misses. So, without further adieu, here's 10 Epic Encounter matches from the RevPro On Demand archives you should watch.

10. Undisputed British Women's Championship

Alex Windsor (c) Vs Kylie Rae

Epic Encounter 2022

The first stop in this tour of Epic Encounters takes us back to 2022 and to the Undisputed British Women's Championship bout between situational heel Alex Windsor and the beloved Kylie Rae. This list will bring you everything from a thunderous trios match to a breakout tag team, to hard-hitting heavyweights to technical mastery - there is something for everyone. This match, though, brings you something different to all of those - it brings belly laugh comedic wrestling perfectly executed in a sporting framework and in a serious championship contest that really shines a light on the brilliant work that Kylie Rae brings to the table for anyone who is new to her. Equipped with her bag of snacks, 'Smiley' Kylie is the female equivalent of Orange Cassidy in everyway - someone who has mastered combining their unique comedy with incredible wrestling skill and technique. She represents that beautiful sweet spot and this match is the one and only time we have seen Kylie in RevPro but she is one person I would love to see make a return - an incredible talent.

9. Undisputed British Cruiserweight Championship

Michael Oku (c) Vs Connor Mills

Epic Encounter 2022

Connor Mills and Michael Oku is a story that is yet to be completed and, when it's done, could prove to be the greatest long term story ever told in professional wrestling. With the matches thus far, the development of each wrestler since and the perfectly brought together and separated character arcs both men are on, this has been expertly plotted. If you are new to RevPro and are not aware of what I am alluding to, get in touch and I will guide you through this wonderful story. This match was the first of their two singles matches thus far, though this is so much more than just a series of matches with story in between to justify them. Still partners in Destination Everywhere at this time, Mills had earned a shot at Oku's British Cruiserweight Championship. The character dynamics between the pair are perfectly executed and there are little Easter eggs laid in this match which are then called back to in their Uprising 2022 rematch after the fateful events of the 10th Anniversary weekend. I don't want to give too much away as, whilst this list is made up of great matches you can enjoy in isolation, this one is part of a wider story spanning more than two years that deserves your full investment. Think of this as A New Hope before Uprising's Empire Strikes Back. We await the Return Of The Jedi with bated breath.

8. Minoru Suzuki Vs Michael Oku 

Epic Encounter 2022

This one is not only also from 2022, but also features Michael Oku, who performed double duty in a change to the card due to an injury to Will Ospreay which prevented us from getting Ospreay Vs Suzuki in the main event. So after opening the show with Mills, Oku closed the show with Suzuki, perfectly leaning into his role as The Guy-In-Waiting, the prince to eventually take the crown from the king as the face of RevPro. The entrances and the synchronised removal of the two mens' hoods has stayed with me in the two years since and the match is everything you would expect from underdog babyface Oku and universally respected heel master Suzuki. A really strong main event to an Epic encounter that has had three matches on this list already and still has one more to come.

7. The Elite Vs Shane Strickland, Ryan Smile & Lio Rush

Epic Encounter 2017

This list comprises a wealth of different styles and stories, from heavyweight clashes to technical mastperieces to blockbuster tag teams. This one is your cocaine banger - the very type of six man tag that inspires and excites fans to invest in trios wrestling. This is pro wrestling chaos, tremendous fun and an incredible example of the talent that has passed through York Hall for Revolution Pro Wrestling. The match is fluid and executed flawlessly, a demonstration of incredible chemistry between The Elite, between Ryan Smile and Shane (Swerve) Strickland and between Lio Rush and anyone he steps into a ring with. Later we will have a Jerry Bruckheimer blockbuster. Later we will have an Alfred Hitchcock classic. This, though, this is a peak Marvel release, the first Avengers film, an assembly of the best gathered to deliver a cinematic explosion. Pure joy that all can enjoy.

.

6. Will Ospreay Vs El Phantasmo 

Epic Encounter 2018

This is a hidden gem of RevPro On Demand. Pitted opposite one another were a 24 year old Will Ospreay against a 31 year old El Phantasmo. Two babyface Cruiserweights capable of incredible athleticism and blistering pace looking to contest a battle of one-upmanship. This eighteen minute encounter tells a fantastic story of two men looking to prove to one another and to the wider world that one is superior to the other. The older ELP matches everything the younger Ospreay can do and what begins as a fantastic exhibition adapts and evolves as Ospreay becomes more frustrated, more aggressive and focuses more upon blitz attacks than aerial showmanship. This was the first time the men had faced one on one and, in their seven matches since, they have shown amazing chemistry and told wonderful stories to critical acclaim and it all begins here.

5. Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship

Tomohiro Ishii (c) Vs Keith Lee

Epic Encounter 2018

This one really is Epic in every iteration of the word. 2018 was peak Keith Lee - independent Wrestling's worst kept secret as the most athletic big man in the world was about to join NXT and start a run that led him to the NXT Championship. His opponent was a RevPro stalwart in Tomohiro Ishii, the then British Heavyweight Champion and a man who has been a part of the Revolution from 2015 to today. The two men in this match are bonafide wrestling heavyweights, big strong meaty men but the size differential is huge - Ishii may be the the smallest big man in the game but his presence, his fight and his aura make him feel ten feet tall. This is a fascinating watch as Lee looks to dominate the smaller opponent but cannot - the two contest toe to toe, head to chest in what is one of the most popular contests in the RevPro On Demand catalogue.

4. Will Ospreay Vs Leon Slater 

Epic Encounter 2023

The first of two matches from last year's Epic Encounter and the second appearance of Will Ospreay on this list. In a classic contest between the present and the future of professional wrestling, Ospreay faced Leon Slater in a full-on sprint of a match between 'The Aerial Assassin' and someone who can match his speed, energy and athleticism. The additional wrinkle of conflict between United Empire and Bullet Club and the face-heel dynamics of Ospreay, Slater and the supporting cast of Callum Newman and 'Drilla' Moloney is perfectly executed and welcomed. A match that was very unlucky to miss out on the Top 10 Will Ospreay matches in RevPro that can be found here at davethemark.com (a little further down this page in fact), this was the match that cemented Leon Slater's reputation as a pro wrestling prodigy after his breakout match with 'Speedball' Mike Bailey the year prior.

3. Zack Sabre Jr Vs Jordon Breaks

Epic Encounter 2023

And sticking with Epic Encounter 2023 we come to one of last year's Match Of The Year contenders in Zack Sabre Jr Vs Jordon Breaks, a British wrestling classic. Evidence that quantity does not equate to quality, clocking in just past the 15 minute mark, a nice detail and nod to the 15 minute time limit on ZSJ's IWGP Television Championship he held at the time. This is the purest pro wrestling you will find anywhere - it is art with the most minimal of mediums, the simplest of materials and is stripped down to a style that very few in the world can do compellingly. This match was a throwback to a bygone era but the acclaim that it received and the reaction in York Hall shows that there is love, adoration and, most importantly, demand for British catch-as-catch-can technical professional wrestling in the modern day. A joy to witness.

2. Undisputed British Tag Team Championship

Aussie Open (c) Vs VeloCities

Epic Encounter 2022

From Avalanche Poisonranas opening the match to 27 minutes of blistering tag team offence in a modern day wrestling blockbuster, this is non-stop action which is increasingly wild and high risk. A match which perfectly pits the outsized underdogs in Jude London and Paris De Silva against the dominant bullyboy team of Mark Davis and Kyle Fletcher demonstrates the insane chemistry between the two teams that has seen them wrap up two critically acclaimed contests. This was and remains one of the finest tag matches I've ever witnessed live and is a stark reminder that Aussie Open really are in the elite conversation for the very best in the world. It was also a breakout performance for VeloCities with only FTR, The Briscoes, Aussie Open, Young Bucks and Lucha Brothers earning higher rated matches by Dave Meltzer all year across any company in the world. If Breaks Vs ZSJ was an Alfred Hitchcock directed classic then this was a Jerry Bruckheimer produced blockbuster. 

1. Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship

Zack Sabre Jr (c) Vs KUSHIDA

Epic Encounter 2018

"Nasty, dirty wrestling". That was the call made by Andy Quildan that stuck with me the most as that is exactly what this is - nasty and dirty wrestling and that is what makes it so beautiful and perfect. Legitimately one of my favourite matches I have ever seen and it makes me so, so excited for KUSHIDA Vs Jordon Breaks on Sunday in Sheffield. The story of this match, the psychology of the struggle and the fight makes this one of the realest, most visceral pro wrestling matches I can recall. Two of the very best mat workers and grapplers in the world in a technical masterpiece. Paced perfectly, with unbelievable reversals and submissions unlike any I have seen before; a 5* classic in every metric, for me.

We are almost a week removed from the Revolution Rumble and I am finally ready for closure. I've ridden the wave all week and this will be the final reflection before we get hyped for tomorrow's Live In London at the 229. So, like with last year's event, yours truly, Dave The Mark, watched the match back in full and picked out the 10 Moments which made the match magical. Unlike a conventional list, this won't be a countdown to the best moment but instead a chronological list from the first bell to the final bell. If you haven't seen the match, head to RevPro On Demand, sit back and enjoy! If you have, or if you were fortunate to be there live, let's reminisce together...

WRESTLING

From the moment he was announced I wanted Josh Alexander to open the Rumble to see the dynamics between him and the RevPro roster. One opponent I had not considered him locking up with, naively in retrospect, was Jordon Breaks. And in those few minutes they were the only two in the ring, I realised I have another RevPro dream match to try and manifest - I want Breaks Vs Alexander one on one in what will be a technical masterclass. Josh Alexander is the complete wrestler - a modern day Kurt Angle - and Breaks is a throwback to a bygone era with his BRITISH wrestling style. The chemistry the two demonstrated is one I am keen to explore further. Please.

Best moment: The look of respect on Josh Alexander's face as he realises Jordon Breaks is a special talent.

King of the Cruiserweights. 2 x Cruiserweight Champion?

Robbie X is one of the most beloved wrestlers in RevPro. His run as Cruiserweight Champion was legendary - he took on all comers, headlined numerous events and stole the show repeatedly. Lio Rush, Rich Swann, Luke Jacobs... Match after match Robbie gave everything for the fans and we felt like we were on the journey with him to becoming the most active Undisputed British Cruiserweight Champion of all time. Coming into the Rumble there was a great bit of booking to be had by including Jordon Breaks, the reigning champion, as whomever got the elimination would get the title shot and it was wonderful to see Robbie taking that chance, setting up next week's match for the belt in Barcelona.

Best moment: The Robbie Vs Breaks is now a dead cert.

On The Verge Of Greatness

Hats off to Anthony Ogogo. That was some performance. Ogogo took the centre of the ring at entrant Number 8 and dominated - elimination after elimination, huge move after huge move. And everything hit and landed beautifully. Ogogo has never looked better in his wrestling career than he has in 2024 in RevPro. Wonderful work culminated in a continuation of his long-term feud with RKJ and the set up for what must now be the main event of a BIG RevPro show soon (Epic Encounter?) as Ogogo powered his way through the Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion Michael Oku. RKJ stepping on and over Oku on his way to face Ogogo was a beautiful wrinkle too. These three have a lot of unfinished business.

Best moment: The shock on the crowd's faces as Ogogo casually threw a limp and defeated Michael Oku over the top rope, seconds after the face of RevPro stepped between the ropes. An iconic moment for a future icon.

The Finest Thighs In Europe

My history degree taught me many things but two facts oddly stick with me; Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII were renowned for having the "finest breasts" and "finest calves in Europe" respectively. Well let the history books state that Mike D Vecchio has the finest thighs in Europe. That's not the moment - this list hasn't turned into a thirsty Dave The Mark perving over Mike D - but the matches the Belgian 'War Machine' showed us in his Rumble run has me keen to see his return more than anyone else's over the my two years Marking Out over RevPro. We got Mike D Vs Oskar Leube in Southampton - it banged. Mike D Vs Luke Jacobs. Vs Brett Semtex. Vs Trent Seven. Vs Shigehiro Irie. All of them please and all of them soon. Mike D Vecchio, please come back soon.

Best moment: The stare down between Mike and Vecchio and Luke Jacobs.

The Tag Team You Never Knew You Wanted

There are moments in a Rumble you can see coming - the inevitable showdowns like that between Sha Samuels and Spike Trivet. There are pairings you can salivate over seeing in advance - the renewal of the amazing chemistry between Luke Jacobs and RKJ. There are moments you did not see coming that have huge ramifications - Ogogo and Oku and the realisation of the direction we are heading in. And then there are the completely unpredictable moments and pairings that you never even considered that, when you see them, become undeniable and genius; Trent Seven and Shigehiro Irie, the tag team. Every moment here felt beautiful, hilarious and organic. I would love to see the two work together as the unlikely babyface tag team which could combine Trent's underrated comedy work with Shiggy's absolute lovability. RevPro you showed me this. Now I want it.

Best moment: The hug between Trent and Shiggy after Irie suplexed the enormous Oskar Leube.

The Centrepiece

Number 27. The Contenders music. Then, a HUGE pop as David Francisco enters to his own music, in his own gear, as The Centrepiece. Oskar Leube - out! Mike D Vecchio - out! Sha Samuels - out! What a run! However, the low blow to Sha, after Sha coached Francisco through his match with Josh James in St Neots last week, pie-facing Josh James on the outside and the cocky celebrations - David Francisco is a Contender No More but he is certainly something and I'm not sure us RevPro fans were or are ready for it! The pounce from Josh James, the top rope dive from Mike D and the entrance from Leon Slater over the bodies were all great moments in themselves and Francisco was The Centrepiece of it all.

Best moment: The pop as The Centrepiece spread across the video screens.

Buzzard. Dynamite. Mills. Pop. Pop. Pop.

Number 29 - that beautiful 80s tinged entrance music - it's Leyton Buzzard. Only Buzzard can't go due to the knee injury that will legit keep him out for 9-12 months (much love Leyton). He summons Dynamite Lee Dawson, a man with the most genuine babyface looks in the world, a happy-to-be-here plucky young upstart who, if you haven't seen have a singles match in RevPro, you can fall in love with instantly. Dynamite is entering the Rumble! Shirts off, "DY-NA-MITE" chants have begun but no... Connor Mills yeets Dawson in the face and takes his spot and we have all the components for an all-star RevPro Rumble finish with the cornerstones of the company all ready to battle it out.

Best moment: The crowd reaction to Mills taking out Dynamite.

North West Strong

Chris F'n Ridgeway in at 30. Luke Jacobs and Chris Ridgeway facing off with Sunshine Machine. Jacobs eliminating Ridgeway. Ridgeway brawling with Jacobs. The return of Ethan Allen to take out the cheating walking Rumble spoiler that was Connor Mills. A wonderful reunion, one I hadn't event considered in all of my obsessive Mark ponderings. Magical moments and that is what the Rumble is all about.

Best moment: The crowd reaction for Ethan Allen knowing everything that lad has been threw to get here. Welcome back Young Gun.

Take A Bow JJ Gale

Sixty-nine minutes. Jesus Christ. In at Number 5. Eliminating Josh Alexander. At times dominating, at times surviving. The longest stretch of anyone in the Rumble and, correct me if I am wrong, the longest stretch of anyone in Revolution Rumble history? The thing for me that brought the most joy was seeing the graft and the hard-work that JJ has put in over the last few years paying off. The final four, then the elimination of Gabe Kidd to make the final three. A pillar of RevPro (small p, lets not make it big p). A headline act. Hard work pays off and, give the man his flowers, the 'Heart and Soul Of Revolution Pro' deserves his spot.

Best moment: The interactions between JJ and Josh Alexander teasing the barnstormer the two put on in the 1865 on Monday.

A Sports Education

Luke Jacobs.

The winner of the Revolution Rumble 2024. The eruption of support for Manchester's finest in York Hall when it was just him and RKJ. This wasn't a 50-50 split - York Hall wanted a Luke Jacobs win. The deafening roar of the crowd as RKJ's feet hit the gound and Luke was declared the winner. Beautiful professional wrestling and a wonderful moment in the career of a future eorld-beater. What got me the most was the post-match promo. Like it or not, there are elements to the game that have to be mastered to truly make it - you can't just be an in-ring workhorse. Delivering the line, selling the promo that has people balancing the books to justify another ticket - that mic-drop moment - it's important. It's often what you remember beyond the memory of the match. Ospreay telling Oku he will "cave [his] fucking head in" in the 229 pre-High Stakes 2022 brought me into RevPro. Luke Jacobs telling Michael Oku that, at the Copper Box, he will be "staring down the barrel of a gun but not just any gun, the fucking Young Gun" will last with me for a long time. That is the match. If Oku can get there. "Michael Oku's road to the Copper Box begins now" Andy Quildan said and I cannot wait for it.

Best moment: That line. Promo gold.

It's been a week since the wonderful MDRN NMD Mad Kurt Forever show and I have found myself watching lots of Kurtis Chapman and Mad Kurt matches on RevPro On Demand. Having only come into RevPro fandom at the end of his run with the company, I have been eager to discover as much as possible. From my first time seeing him live, Kurtis was a fan favourite of mine, and especially of my children who quickly dubbed him "Pyjama Man". I am sure I'm not alone in wanting to revisit his time in RevPro and so I have compiled a Top 10 list of matches available on RevPro On Demand to enjoy. This list is one in chronological order so you can see the character evolve, starting as 'Contender' Kurtis Chapman before evolving into Mad Kurt. I have had a blast watching them and hope more fans get the time to explore his wonderful career further. If this helps as a bit of a guide then I've done my job!

The Revolutionists Vs Josh Wall & Kurtis Chapman

Live At The Cockpit 12

2017

This was by no means Kurtis Chapman's first RevPro match but it is the earliest match to be found on RevPro On Demand at the time of writing, though RevPro have commited to uploading more and more events periodically until the archives are complete. Therefore, for me, watching back, this was my introduction to Kurtis Chapman, a young man who Lord Gideon Grey on commentary describes as "in need of a sandwich" but "technically proficient". This match is a special one for a number of reasons - it was the first tag victory Josh and Kurtis achieved together, got them a huge pop from the crowd as they went over Sha Samuels who, at the time, was a true bully of RevPro, and it played a huge role in the breakup of The Revolutionists which led to the No Disqualification match between Sha and partner James Castle at Epic Encounter 2017.

Undisputed British Tag Team Championships

CCK (c) Vs Josh Wall & Kurtis Chapman

Live At The Cockpit 18

2017

The second match on this list sees Kurtis Chapman main event his first RevPro show, teaming again with Josh Wall, to face British Tag Champs CCK. This feat is made even more impressive when you consider that it main evented a card that featured Zack Gibson, Angelico, Keith Lee, Donavon Dijak, Eddie Dennis, Matt Riddle and Sami Callihan. A stacked card, including a British Cruiserweight Championship, but it was The Contenders given the job to main event and they did an incredible job as underdogs against the aggressive, dominant CCK. Listen to the change in the crowd as they turn on CCK to support Wall & Chapman and the most significant factor in this is just how good Kurtis was at selling the violence of CCK. A hugely underrated wrestler putting in a breakthrough performance.

Lord Gideon Grey Vs Kurtis Chapman

Live At The Cockpit 19

2017

This one has to be on this list as the two competitors had so much chemistry. Vicious, aloof and ever-so-slightly unhinged Lord Gideon Grey Vs 'Supercontender', the perpetual underdog, Kurtis Chapman. It also serves as such a clear reminder that both men are/were incredibly underrated workers. Every strike is snug, every move is sold and the two told a fantastic story, complete with supporting roles from Josh Wall and Rishi Ghosh. The flurry of false finishes at the end really built up the belief that this was to be a big breakout singles win for Kurtis but the "evil genius" always has one more trick up his sleeve. Two men who knew exactly how to match their out-of-the-ring characters with their in-ring skill to capture an audience and draw them into their contest. Very much made me smile, this.

All Day Swerve Vs Josh Wall & Kurtis Chapman

Live In Portsmouth 9

2017

This one is a surreal watch - for good and for sad. Knowing that Kurtis and Ryan Smile are no longer with us makes any of their matches bittersweet; seeing them alongside Shane Strickland, knowing how successful Swerve has been in All Elite Wrestling over the last 12 months, is a timely reminder of the fine margins between the paths our lives can take. Putting that to one side, we have the fantastic RevPro tag team of All Day Swerve, a team many newer fans such as myself may not realise appeared in RevPro as often as they did, against outfits such as The Briscoes, CCK and The Elite. This encounter with Josh Wall and Kurtis Chapman was their final RevPro appearance as a team and was as good as any match they had in their run. The chemistry between Josh and Kurtis is more fluid and harder hitting than their earlier encounters and the match is aptly described by Andy Quildan on comms as "like a scene from a car crash". A real standout from the Kurtis Chapman back catalogue.

Aussie Open Vs Josh Wall & Kurtis Chapman 

Live In Portsmouth 9

2017

And what a 2017 'The Supercontenders' of Wall & Chapman had, as in this next contest they defeated a team now considered to be a legit top five tag team in the world in Aussie Open. And this is not a "before they were great" Aussie Open; this is just a tribute to how well Wall & Chapman did across 2017 to earn the right to face such esteemed opposition and go on to use their skill, their will and their heart to do everything needed to get a huge victory. "How good is Kurtis Chapman, right now?" Andy Quildan calls on comms and this line is true of both the match and the career of the nineteen year old Contender at this stage. The finish comes with the Chapman Clutch, a pinning trap that would make Zack Sabre Jr applaud.

El Phantasmo Vs Kurtis Chapman

Live At The Cockpit 23

2017

As Kurtis' career evolved from tag team wrestler to singles wrestler, "RevPro's Best Kept Secret" (Andy Quildan) faced El Phantasmo in the opening bout of Live At The Cockpit 23 and this match really demonstrates the career progression Kurtis had made to this point; from plain black trunks to purple and yellow, from serial-loser to underdog-winner, from plucky fan favourite to comedic fan favourite. The Mad Kurt character showed some early work here that had not been seen in the previous matches on this list. The repeated shouts for "Suplex", the wagging finger as he kicks out, the Sega Mega Driver... Mad Kurt could very much be seen in Kurtis Chapman in this one.

Undisputed British Cruiserweight Championship

Flash Morgan Webster (c) Vs Ryan Smile Vs David Starr Vs El Phantasmo Vs Kurtis Chapman

Uprising 2017

This one really is special. The night Kurtis Chapman became Undisputed British Cruiserweight Championship. Of course this match had to be on this list and is quite possibly the most watched Kurtis Chapman match from the RevPro archives. My favourite story from this match is one that really is unbelievable and, if I had not heard it from the horse's mouth, I wouldn't believe it. Backstage before the match, the wrestlers spoke at length about their five man scramble and it was really emphasised the importance of tight covers. Really tight covers. For the reason behind this was that no-one had told Kurtis Chapman that he was to win this match - Kurt went into this not knowing he was to win, not knowing he was about to become Undisputed British Cruiserweight Champion. When he rolled David Starr up, he did not know that the match was about to finish. Watch his face when the referee hits the three count, watch Ryan Smile as he cannot hide his delight at seeing Kurtis win the match. Watch as Flash Morgan Webster rushes over to speak to him as soon as the bell rings. Pro wrestling magic and one of my favourite insider stories of all time.

Eddie Kingston Vs Mad Kurt

Live At The Cockpit 50

2020

It feels jarring to jump from 2017 to 2020 so let's address the elephant in the room. 2018 and 2019 were great years for Kurtis Chapman. In 2018, Kurtis successfully defended his Cruiserweight Championship five times before David Starr won it from him. In 2019 he and Dan Magee challenged twice for the Undisputed British Tag Team Championships. But it was in 2020 that Mad Kurt was born, and from Kurtis Chapman Cruiserweight Champion, we have to fast forward to Mad Kurt for the remainder of this list and there is nowhere better to head to than THE Mad Kurt match, against Eddie Kingston.

'The Mad King' had demanded Kurtis Chapman; if Kurtis brought out 'Mad Kurt' then Eddie Kingston would bring out 'Eddie Fucking Kingston'. And what pro wrestling brilliance the two delivered. From Kurt licking Eddie's face before the match began, to pie-facing him, to THAT first Eddie Kingston chop; this match is a joy from the opening moments. The stubborn refusal to capitalise on offence from Mad Kurt to instead continue to provoke Eddie Kingston, through brilliant selling of the onslaught Eddie delivered, really added wrinkles to the Mad Kurt character. It says so much about Kurtis to see how much of an impression he made on Eddie Kingston in 2020 through the tributes Eddie made to Kurt after his passing on AEW television and pay per view. During those particular shows Orange Cassidy is a STAR and watching Mad Kurt you can see how, in another world, Mad Kurt is a world champion on weekly television as the comparisons between the two go well beyond the obvious.

Will Ospreay Vs Mad Kurt

Live In London 63

2022

And from Eddie Kingston to Will Ospreay, from one seminal Mad Kurt moment to another. The cape has gone and the pyjamas are on. And in an opening tear that saw Kurt take it to Will Ospreay, and Ospreay's $10,000 ring jacket I might add, Andy Quildan on comms said that he reminds him "of a man I used to know called Kurtis Chapman". And then Ospreay murders 'Mad Kurt'. "You represent every single person on the internet who give me a hard time for existing." Ospreay says, cutting a mid match promo after delivering the scariest sheer-drop brainbuster you have ever seen. "And now, I'm going to take out everything I have on to you." For large parts this match is completely surreal  - it follows such a unique format and is suitably summarised by Andy Quildan as "uncomfortable" on commentaty. But it is magical pro wrestling in the deployment of the wrestlers in the ring. This is detestable Will Ospreay at his finest, "the bully who won't back down" (Andy Quildan) and the heat in the 229 is electric. The crowd hate Ospreay and they adore Mad Kurt. The loudest Mad Kurt match in the RevPro archives.

Minoru Suzuki & Mad Kurt Vs The Legion

Live At The Guildhall

2022

And there can be no better to place to finish this than with the iconic image that I will forever associate with Mad Kurt, with Kurtis Chapman; The Hug That Made The World Smile. In one of Kurt's final RevPro appearances, the unlikely dream team of Minoru Suzuki and Mad Kurt teamed together to face Lucian Phillips and Yota Tsuji in a very special match. This one felt iconic from the very beginning - from Kurt singing Kaze Ni Nare, to him fronting up to Yota Tsuji in front of Suzuki, protecting his friend from Japan. The juxtaposition of 'The King' and a clown, of one of the the most serious and genuinely scariest professional wrestlers in the world to a man wrestling in his pyjamas; this will never not make me smile. And huge credit to Lucian Philips - he plays such an important role in this match for Kurt to shine. From this list there will be many matches I go back to again and again over the years but this could be the one, simply to relive the closing moments as Suzuki and Kurt shake hands, they hug and Kurt dabs. "I think Suzuki likes him, I think Suzuki really likes him", Andy Quildan calls on commentary.

And that line is where this list should end. I have had a wonderful time learning more about Kurtis Chapman and Mad Kurt delving back into the archives and I hope fellow fans get the chance to as well as that is one way we can guarantee 'Mad Kurt Forever'.

Michael Oku Vs Will Ospreay II was described by Dave Meltzer as the "best storytelling match in years". Oku Vs Ospreay III was described by RevPro owner Andy Quildan as "quite possibly the greatest professional wrestling match [he has] ever seen." Their first encounter came in Southampton's 1865 in 2021, the second followed in London's York Hall in 2022 before Sunday's third and final encounter at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. One of the most critically acclaimed trilogies of all time and must watch pro wrestling. In fact, their first two matches may be the two matches I have watched over and over again more than any others in history and, as for the third match, which took place less than 72 hours ago at the time of writing? Well, I have already taken that in three times. I will forever be grateful I was there live to see II and III and, as the action unfolded in Crystal Palace, this list formed in my head as 10 Callbacks to Oku Vs Ospreay I & II were peppered throughout their High Stakes 2024 main event and let's break them down one by one.

The Man In The Middle

The first detail to note is the consistent choice of referee across all three matches and the pivotal role Oscar Harding plays in each match. In the first match, it was Oscar who called the ending of the match and ended it on a referee stoppage. In the second match, Oscar made the huge call to not accept the towel thrown in as a concession of the match. In the third match, in a subtle detail, as Oscar counted both Oku and Ospreay down for a count of ten, he stopped on 8 when Ospreay pleaded with him to stop the count so the match didn't end in a draw and as recognition that Ospreay could barely stand. A great detail, a lovely layer of consistency and an excellent use of a wonderful supporting character in Oscar. Find the clip of Oscar's reaction to THAT kick out for a prime example of exactly what he brought to this wrestling match.

THE Towel

The second callback, a far less subtle one, was the use of the towel; not just any towel but THE towel. The towel was an essential part of the story of the second encounter and it was obviously going to be a feature of this one after the epic face to face showdown between Oku, Amira and Ospreay in the 229 a fortnight ago. However, the detail which was not expected was the use of the same towel, covered in Oku's blood from 2022, and the moment Ospreay took the towel out and threw it to Amira was a lovely detail.

Striking Psychology

Keeping this list chronological, the next real comparison between all three matches of the trilogy came through the striking exchange between Ospreay and Oku. In the first encounter, Oku could not take Ospreay's strikes; each strike rocked him and his own strikes landed without impact, he had to use his speed to garner any advantage. In the second match, Oku's stubbornness to go strike for strike with Ospreay is one of the biggest mistakes he made in that story. In the third and final match, Oku could take Ospreay's strikes; look at Ospreay's reaction to how Oku shrugs off the first chop. More importantly Oku's own strikes HIT and his own in-ring intelligence has developed to focus the strikes on his own game and not on Ospreay's, targetting the legs rather than the head and body. The leg strikes won the match for Oku and they represent the journey Oku has taken from the first match two and a half years ago to today.

The Caught Hurricanrana

he next callback is a subtle one and one I must admit I did not pick up on live but realised after Michael Oku appeared on the Cultaholic podcast with Tom Campbell. It came as Ospreay caught Oku with the Champion attempting a hurricanrana from the top rope. In Oku Vs Ospreay II, Will held Oku head down and teased either an avalanche powerbomb or Styles Clash but Oku lept up and hit the rana at the second attempt. In Oku Vs Ospreay III, in the same spot, Ospreay threw Oku over his head towards the corner, snapping his head and neck back on the top turnbuckle. The moment shocked the Crystal Palace crowd and the gasps were audible around the arena.

Ground & Pound

Number 6, the fifth callback of the match, was not as subtle and was picked up immediately by those who have watched the entire journey - as Oku seized the chance with Will laying facedown on the mat to strike repeated forearms into the back of the head, the same way Ospreay did to Oku when 'The Assassin' transitioned from Hammer & Anvil strikes to unprotected forearms to the neck and head of Oku in Southampton in 2021, prompting Oscar Harding to call the original referee stoppage. A marvellous inclusion that also demonstrated where Oku is on his arc from hopeful challenger to Ospreay's peer and equal..

Win Or Learn

he next detail was one of my favourites and one which I suspect went unnoticed to many. In Ospreay Vs Oku II a huge nearfall follows the unlikely use of the Tombstone Piledriver by Oku on Ospreay. In Oku Vs Ospreay III, Oku counters Ospreay and finds himself again with Ospreay in the same position, ready to drop him on his head. However, the Tombstone wasn't enough to get the three count in York Hall and showing how he has learnt since then, he adds the extra detail. Showing how that match has played itself back in Oku's head time after time after time in the two years since, Oku tucked the legs to transition from a Tombstone to a Big Bang Theory piledriver, similar to the one used by AEW's Kris Statlander. "Win or Learn" is the mantra of RevPro and Oku embodied it with this fine detail that had me popping out my seat.

Hidden Blades

The story of the missed frog splash was drawn back to in the 229 beautifully. Ospreay talked us through it - in case Oku didn't remember how badly that night ended for him - and it all started with the missed Frog Splash. In York Hall it went like this - missed Frog Splash, Hidden Blade, Advantage Ospreay. And the advantage stayed with him to the close. In Crystal Palace it went beautifully and poetically - missed Frog Splash, Oku ducked the Hidden Blade, Oku nailed Ospreay with his own Hidden Blade, standing ovation from 2,000 people. Beautiful details which they foreshadowed which still took everyone's breath away as the crowd realised what they were watching. Storytelling perfection.

Again & Again & Again

And just like York Hall, after one Hidden Blade was hit, repeated Hidden Blades were hit. Hit after hit after hit. The pinfall was broken by Ospreay lifting Oku's head off the mat to signal it was not enough back then - he had to beat Oku with THE finisher. The same story was told in Crystal Palace only it was Oku hitting the Hidden Blades, Oku lifting the head and Oku determined to win with his own finisher, the Half Crab. I've never heard a louder crowd for any art form, in any arena, as this unfolded.

Hidden Blade, Stormbreaker, 1-2-3

Oku Vs Ospreay II ended with the combination of one last Hidden Blade and one Stormbreaker. Oku and Ospreay III almost did the exact same - only Oku kicked out of the Stormbreaker at 2.9 seconds. The hardest task this match had was convincing the crowd that Ospreay could win with his AEW departure so publicly known and lent into. This was the moment where the crowd's shock and disbelief was seen on faces around the arena. Ospreay was going to leave British Independent wrestling as THE champion. Drama so perfectly fed into by their first encounter and the symmetry of the two endings.

This Sunday is RevPro Sunday! High Stakes and, it is safe to say, high emotions as we prepare to say goodbye to Will Ospreay as he competes for RevPro for the 90th and final time as the best wrestler in the world is about to become All Elite. So with that in mind I gave myself the task of watching every one of the 89 matches Ospreay has had over the 11 and a half years of RevPro to pick out the Top 10. And, let me tell you, this was the hardest list I have ever had to decide upon!

So, first of all, let's address the fact that I have kept the choices to singles matches. That eliminates the Swords Of Essex tag run and the United Empire six man matches with Aussie Open where there were some absolute bangers but the list was hard enough without including those! As always, this list will garner disagreement, and I'll probably disagree with myself next week, but any positive discussion about wrestling is a good one so let me know what you think and tell me your favourite Ospreay matches when this article bounces around the socials. So... Without further adieu.... OS-PREAY! OS-PREAY!

So the first match on this list takes us back to 2019, to High Stakes, where will Ospreay wrestled PAC to a 30 minute time limit draw. The pedigree of this list is shown by the fact that two of the best wrestlers in the entire world wrestling a 30 minute match makes only the 10th spot on the list of matches for a British independent promotion. I will say this for every match on this list, if you haven't seen them, go and watch them. I love how they play with the threat of a time limit draw with the character work of each man. It is common with these types of matches for one wrestler working face to want 5 more minutes and for the heel wrestler to deny them post-match. But this concept was taken further by the fact that PAC was prepared to let the match go to a draw whilst Ospreay's hunger would not let him settle for anything but victory. PAC knew as the match draws to its final stages that, on the night, he did not have Ospreay's number and the time limit draw concept has an air of originality to it in the finish not seen frequently in wrestling. A fantastic match, and a fantastic way to start this list.

This next choice could be controversial. There are two matches that are referred to in the history of Will Ospreay more than any other two and those are the matches he had with AJ Styles and Kazuchika Okada in 2015 and 2016, where the world first saw that Britain had produced a special, special talent. Spoiler alert, the Okada match, as brilliant as it was, does not make this top 10 list and the AJ Styles match comes in at number 9. If this was a list of the most important moments in Ospreay's career, they would be much, much higher in that list. However, in terms of his best RevPro matches, there is such an abundant range of choices. The Styles match is very similar to the Ospreay vs Leon Slater match from Epic Encounter 2023 in that one man is considered the world's best and in the prime of their career and the other man is at the start of a journey which could take them to the same heights. Osprey shows in this match the unbelievable potential that he had but also just how good a wrestler he was at just 23. The match holds up to this day as one of the best Will Ospreay matches in RevPro, hence, it's inclusion on this list, and equally one of the best AJ Styles matches from his illustrious career.

Next up we have another match from 2015, a breakout year for Ospreay, from Summer Sizzler when Ospreay fought Matt Sydal in a 2 out of 3 falls match for the British Cruiserweight Championship. This is one of the best matches with the 3 falls stipulation you will find as it works the booking restrictions of the match type so well. Sydal came into the match with so much fanfare but managed the crowd so well to turn mid-match after taking a dominant early fall. Ospreay then has to fight from underneath for the final two falls and the final stretches of this match have York Hall so, so loud. It's undeniably great pro wrestling and the best Matt Sydal match this Mark has ever seen, which is some compliment as the man is a legend with a back catalogue to back it up.

Coming in at 7 we head back to the not so distant past of August 2022 and the 10th Anniversary weekend at York Hall where Ospreay headlined both nights and... Shock, put on two of the best matches you will have the pleasure of seeing across both nights. This weekend fell across a period of global dominance from Ospreay - Naito, Okada, Death Triangle and The Elite in the space of two weeks. Sitting in the middle was Ospreay Vs Speedball Mike Bailey. Michael Oku said that when Ospreay or Bailey are on the card, everyone completes for second best match of the night. This was no different. Two of the best in the world, manipulating the crowd into thinking it would be a sporting, light hearted exhibition match through the way they interacted in the opening stages to having a barnstormer that was a 5* classic by any metric (though Meltzer kept a quarter star in his pocket). The match is one that required no build - the weekend was all about Ospreay Vs RKJ the following night - but when you have two of the best in the world in the same venue on the same night, Andy Quildan has never been one to deny the fans exactly what they want and, good lordy, did these two deliver.

The best wrestlers often have legacy rivals and the next two matches on this list are against opponents that can certainly be considered legacy rivals of Will Ospreay. The first is the man who paved the way for young British wrestlers in the British wrestling scene to make the journey into New Japan Pro Wrestling and that is Zack Sabre Jr. The pair have had several matches in RevPro and the match which comes in at number 6 on this list is the 2017 encounter which took place in Walthamstow apart of Global Wars UK. This is somewhat of a hidden gem on RevPro On Demand but is well worthy of its place on this list. It is everything you would expect from a Will Ospreay and Zack Sabre Jr match with unbelievable technique, hybrid-style wrestling and extreme high-pace sequences. This match feels special from the off and builds to a crescendo finish after 25 minutes of the best British wrestling from the two best British wrestlers of both the time and today.

The most recent match on this list is up next, from the Copper Box Arena last year for RevPro's 11th Anniversary where one of the greatest rivalries of the modern era came to the U.K. as Ospreay wrestled 'The Dragon' Shingo Takagi. This is a match that had such huge expectations placed upon it; the pressure of headlining RevPro's biggest ever show coupled with the fact that the pair had already had FIVE 5* matches in Japan and now had the pressure of delivering another. That pressure didn't faze either man though and the match was an incredible, frenetic contest which really showcased just how "next level" both these men are. The match from that weekend that got the most acclaim amongst fans was Tomohiro Ishii Vs Luke Jacobs, which was another 5* classic for everyone not named Dave Meltzer, but that is partly because that match didn't have the pressure and the expectation on it that the main event had. Go back and watch this one and you will be reminded just how elite it was.

The final match to miss out on the top three Will Ospreay matches in RevPro is one which signalled a huge moment in his RevPro career as he finally lost the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship at the 10th Anniversary weekend to Ricky Knight Jr after holding it for over two and a half years. This match managed to combine the unbelievable speed at which both Ospreay and RKJ can work, with the incredible striking of two of the best strikers the U.K. has produced, with the drama of an epic saga-ending climactic professional wrestling match with just enough sports entertainment to hit that perfect sweet spot. A match worthy of its spot on the card, on this list and in the end of 2022 match of the year contenders. It was a huge full circle moment for Ospreay as he handed the responsibility of being the British Heavyweight Champion on to a young British man for the first time in the championships rich lineage since ZSJ and Ospreay were first given those responsibilities. An instant classic.

And now we roll into the top 3 and we find a match which continues to be an underrated gem which will forever be admired and adored once fully discovered. For RevPro is synonymous with York Hall, with London, and more recently with Southampton, Portsmouth and the South of England but in February of last year they made the trip to The Mill in Birmingham and put on one of the shows of the year, in most part due to the main event which was the breakout performance of one Luke Jacobs' career. Before Jacobs and Ishii I or II there was Jacobs Vs Ospreay and if you have not seen this match on RevPro On Demand then seriously, what are you waiting for? A match like no other on this list - a full throttle sprint that lasted 20 minutes which saw both men put in the best performances of their 2023s in the U.K. An incredible lesson that an epic encounter does not need to be epic in length and a star making performance from Luke Jacobs in the same vein that Ospreay Vs AJ Styles was a star making performance for Will. This is the match I will not rest until every RevPro fan has seen. If it was in York Hall, it would have been remembered forever, but it was a little club in Birmingham with no more than a couple of hundred fans packed in that got the magic and the intimate, hostile setting was complimented by the intensity and the violence in which these two men produced their art.

I could wax lyrical about Luke Jacobs and Will Ospreay all day but we have two more matches which rank even higher and the first is the pro- wrestling clinic that was Ospreay Vs Zack Sabre Jr at High Stakes 2020 when Will won the British Heavyweight Championship. This was awarded 5* by Dave Meltzer but that was such an underrating. This is as good as it gets in terms of masters of pro wrestling combining their undeniable chemistry to put on the best match the two can deliver. An incredible, monster of a performance from both men and the pinnacle of the Ospreay and Zack rivalry that has existed for nearly ten years now. Two men who have felt destined to forever be in one another's orbit showed the world that Revolution Pro Wrestling is Pro Wrestling At Its Best for a reason.

And finally, to the shock of no-one who has followed RevPro the last eleven years, we come to the match Dave Meltzer recently described this match as the best storytelling match of any company in recent years which is unbelievable high praise from a man who watches just about every major promotion in the world with incredible scrutiny. And even then, his 5* rating doesn't do it justice. This match went nearly 45 minutes yet it doesn't have a moment in it that doesn't feel essential. The in-ring quality is exceptional. The storytelling is undeniable and reaches levels that neither man may ever be able to match as long as we are lucky enough to see them continue to wrestle. The incredible roles played by Amira, Oscar Harding and Connor Mills add to this wonderful spectacle of all that is wonderful about pro wrestling - a story representing a struggle built on the psychology of a technical, violent, sporting contest. Just. Watch. It. Again. And again. And again. It really is that special.

Tickets are on sale for the Revolution Rumble 2024, so what better time than now to reflect on last year's event? Yours truly, Dave The Mark, watched the match back in full and picked out the 10 Moments which made the match magical. Unlike a conventional list, this won't be a countdown to the best moment but instead a chronological list from the first bell to the final bell. If you haven't seen the match, head to RevPro On Demand, sit back and enjoy! If you have, or if you were fortunate to be there live, let's take a trip down memory lane...

The Future Of British Professional Wrestling

Leon Slater and Cameron Khai. The Youngest In Charge who, at the time, was starting an incredible year which has led to where he is now; the Undisputed British Cruiserweight Champion and a man who has taken the pro wresting world by storm. Opposite him, an even younger prodigy. A man who feels like he is currently on the precipice of a huge breakout year. From the first time they stepped in a ring together to now they have had amazing chemistry. We have seen them tag together, tag against each other and face off in singles. The two men starting the Rumble was a perfect way to begin - two homegrown talents with the potential to be career rivals, forever in one another's orbit.

Best moment: When Gideon thought he had eliminated both only for Cameron and Leon to simultaneously skin the cat and double team the Orchestrator of the United Empire.

Trent Fucking Seven.

It's already annoying me that this is not 7th on the list but the next "Top" moment comes with the biggest pop of the night; the return of Trent Seven to Revolution Pro Wrestling. 

Best moment: The look on Trent's face as he takes in York Hall. A very special return and little did we know then how lucky we would be to have had that return last for almost a full calendar year at the time of writing.

BRITISH Strongstyle

I want this match so, so much. As "Two Years In The Dojo" hit, as Trent held the ropes open for Gabe and as the two took to the centre of the ring, standing atop the sacred RevPro logo... Everyone in York Hall knew this was a "moment" as two of the best in the country faced off for the first time. The heavy shots. Two generations of BRITISH Strongstyle going chop for chop. Lariat for lariat. Blow for blow... A magical moment.

Best moment: Trent's sadistic smile as he holds the ropes open and watches Gabe take up the centre of the ring. 

Kidd Vs Akira II

High Stakes 2022 was my first ever RevPro show and I fell in love. Look back at that card - it's still the greatest show I have ever attended. So much is said about Ospreay Vs Oku but it was Aussie Open Vs Sunshine Machine, RKJ Vs Jacobs and Akira Vs Kidd that had me buying tickets to the very next show as soon as I got home as I knew Ospreay would be special (not that I knew it would be THAT special) but the talent across the card was insane. Akira and Kidd tore strips off of each other and taught me the art and the beauty of strongstyle live. When the two came together in the Rumble, it was a moment the second Akira's music hit. You just have to watch it. Watch as Kidd turns Akira's chest into luncheon meat. Again.

Best moment: The sound of meat hitting meat. There's nothing like it.

WRESTLING.

Zack Sabre Jr entering the Rumble alone was a great moment but it was when Jordon Breaks, a wrestler I will admit to not being familiar with prior to the Rumble, who came out and took his moment to shine like no one I've ever seen. "Maximise your minutes" has never been better epitomised than Breaks make a beeline straight for Sabre Jr and engaging him straight away into a mat based, technical, British wrestling exchange that took everyone on an incredible journey - from gasps of shock and surprise at how well Breaks matched ZSJ, a man renowned for being THE best technician in the world, to raucous laughter as the pair sunk in simultaneous octopus holds on JJ Gale and Callum Newman and preceded to slap the tar out of each other. Their match at Epic Encounter that was set up through this engagement was a Best Of The Year Contender (scroll down to see my Top 10 matches of 2023) and you knew it would be the moment these two locked up. An incredibly special moment.

Best moment: Zack Sabre Jr giving Jordon Breaks tips midmatch on how to improve his technique as Breaks had JJ in a hold.

Speaking of JJ Gale...

A star making performance for JJ Gale is not too much of an exaggeration given the year he has had since the Rumble and this match felt significant in shifting the crowds perception of JJ. It also seemed to give him the confidence to take RevPro by storm, which he has spent the past 10 months since doing. You can read about JJ's thoughts on the Rumble, on ZSJ and on 2023 in When Dave The Mark Met JJ Gale here at davethemark.com for more insight into that and, in that article, JJ admits he was disappointed by what happened next... Disappointed that Zack Sabre Jr couldn't take his elimination like a man, the man the locker room looked up to, and instead re-entered the ring, beat JJ to the verge of unconsciousness and left him to be eliminated by Greedy Souls.

Best moment: The sound of York Hall holding their breath as Zack Sabre Jr ground and pound JJ into lifelessness.

FSU

The Rumble had everything - drama, shocks, light hearted moments... Everything a Rumble needs to be magical. One such light hearted moment that has stayed with me ever since and made me smile all over again on the rewatch was the moment Kid Lykos chased Gideon backstage as Gideon tried to evade elimination in a variety of questionable ways. Later in the show, Gideon came running back to the ring and continued his shenanigans only for Lykos to return, work with Eddie Dennis and, between them, eliminate Lord Grey. And then, in a wonderful surprise and a beautifully wholesome moment, Lykos removed his mask to reveal Mark Andrews, not the Shitwolf, but the FSU member and the embrace between Dennis and Mandrews felt so genuine and heartwarming. Poor old Lykos though, he never did make it back to the ring...

Best moment: The reveal, the hug and the fans, like me, Marking out.

The King of York Hall

Trent Seven was the pop of the night but one person pushed it so, so close and that was the EAAAAAAST End Butcher, Sha Samuels who came out at Number 30 to a huge ovation. His run in the Rumble was relatively short but it was not short of great moments - "You're a mug, you're a mug, you're a mug" he shouted at everyone in his way; the alliance with The Legion and the subsequent turn on the them, taking out Gideon and Lucian Phillips - it was everything it needed to be at the business end of the night and set up what has been a wonderful run ever since. The King of York Hall returned and York Hall rejoiced.

Best moment: That music... Goosebumps immediately.

Goodbye and goodnight, Eddie Dennis

I was convinced Eddie was going to win the Rumble. I wore my Eddie Dennis t-shirt. I talked it up with fellow Revolutionists before the event. The story was perfect. His losing streak before he left for NXT UK, his joyous and heartbreaking story with Mills and Oku... It was going to end with Eddie Dennis winning the Rumble, beating Great O Khan and then realising all his challengers were the trainees he trained with everything to prove all over again. And then Mills did what he did. It was a perfect pro-wrestling moment. The moment of the night. And I have never come closer to crying because of pro-wrestling than watching Eddie Dennis leave his boots in the ring afterwards. Heartbreaking, genius-levels of immersion and the suspension of disbelief. 

Best moment: The genuine pain and anguish at reality setting in.

The Champion-Elect, Michael Oku

The entire Revolution Rumble was an incredible show. Seriously, now you've got his far, bin off my list and go watch it. Drilla joining the United Empire, Skye Smitson, the local girl made good, Lio Rush Vs Robbie X... I repeat Lio Rush Vs Robbie X... One of my matches of the year in ZSJ Vs Oku and then the heartbreak of Rampage Brown, Lucian Phillips, Gideon Grey and Great O Khan taking away another moment I felt was destined for happen; RKJ regaining his Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship.

An amazing show.

How does an amazing show end? With a wonderful moment. Amira and Oku embracing in the ring, with tears in their eyes, as "He's One Of Our Own" Michael Oku took the first step to becoming the champion the promotion deserved (and still does). It was genuinely wonderful. It was up there with the most emotional shows I have ever seen for all the right reasons.

Best moment: Our boy realising he was one step away from being THE guy and having the belt to back it up.

This is going to be hard. And if you disagree with me, that's cool, I'll disagree with myself tomorrow too. 

British J Cup

Undisputed Women's Championship

Alex Windsor (c) Vs Kanji

The villainess Vs the cult hero. The champion who felt like she might never be dethroned Vs the "local" hero. This was magical. In-ring, this was the women's division match of the year, to no real surprise given the pedigree of the two women and how long they have had to prepare for their inevitable coming together. On a card which featured Leon Slater winning the British J Cup, an Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship defence and the barnstormer that was RKJ Vs Luke Jacobs, this was match of the night for how it made me feel. One day Kanji will hold the Undisputed British Women's Championship and the world will rejoice.

Live In London 79

Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship

Michael Oku (c) Vs Luke Jacobs

This was the best title defence of the Michael Oku reign to date (January 2024 at time of writing). Two of the cornerstones of Revolution Pro Wrestling today and for (I hope) years to come, the styles clash between Oku and Jacobs was mouthwatering. Both men are hybrid athletes - Oku combines speed and technique whilst Jacobs combines power and athleticism. They split the crowd down the middle between those in each man's corner. They represent London and Manchester and the North, South divide. But despite all of that, they are two of our own and they battered the holy hell out of each other, relentlessly, for 30 plus minutes and it was joyous to watch.

Revolution Rumble

Zack Sabre Jr Vs Michael Oku

The match of the night at one of the best shows of 2023. In a near 25 minute technical destruction of Michael Oku's body, Zack Sabre Jr proved he continues to be the standard of technical wrestling anywhere in the world. The continuation of Michael Oku's rise, despite repeated setbacks, has been a joy to witness and this match was pivotal, with the hurt Oku entering and winning the Revolution Rumble not an hour after this incredible encounter.

Live In Southampton 22

Will Ospreay Vs Leyton Buzzard

When Will Ospreay set the challenge to British wrestlers across the country following the demise of NXT UK I pondered who would step up and challenge him. Keeping a close eye on social media, it was a young Bristolian, Glasgow-based wrestler standing beside a river bank whose video ended up being shared everywhere. He called his shot, he got his shot and he shone out. An incredible match between the world's best and a relative unknown (at least to me) who matched him move for him, strike for strike. Run this back at any point, in any promotion.

Epic Encounter

Will Ospreay Vs Leon Slater

And to no one's shock at all, Will Ospreay appears on this list again and not for the last time. There were layers to this match which were fantastic. The parallels in the entrances of both men, in the entrance gear of both men, symbolising the parallels in the careers of both men. There are many who believe, myself included, that Leon Slater could go on to follow the path of Ospreay, the greatest British wrestler of all time, the best wrestler in the world today. This match proved Leon is ahead of where Will was at the equivalent age. The action itself was explosive, dynamic and breathtaking. The role played by 'Drilla' Dan Moloney was emotive and added an extra special dynamic to it all. The best Leon Slater match of his career thus far, a step on from his excellent matches with Zack Sabre Jr and Speedball Mike Bailey in 2022.

Live In London 73

Gabe Kidd Vs Luke Jacobs

Quite simply the strongest strongstyle match of 2023 and right up there with the most violent straight one on one singles matches I've ever seen. I'm not sure what I can say that will do this match justice other than the fact that, as soon as the match concluded, Gabe Kidd was sick at ringside, off camera but in front of the 229 faithful. That's how hard they went. That's how much it meant. That's what it took to put the other down for 3 seconds. Incredible.

Epic Encounter

Zack Sabre Jr Vs Jordon Breaks

The art of professional wrestling. The history of British professional wrestling. The very essence of a struggle between two foes. All of this was encapsulated within this unbelievably technical encounter. It's no hot take to say Zack Sabre Jr is the best technician in the world - he and Bryan Danielson sit on top of their very own mountain that everyone else is trying to scale. Jordon Breaks, though, a man who has adopted a style in stark contrast to all his contemporaries and peers, proved he is right up there - as close as Jonathan Gresham, Kyle O'Reilly, Pete Dunne or anyone else in the world. A truly special match and my personal favourite match of Epic Encounter, 2023's show of the year across any promotion in the world.

11th Anniversary Show

Will Ospreay Vs Shingo Takagi

The fact that the third match on this list is a Dave Meltzer approved 5* encounter between two of the best in the world says something about the pedigree of this list. Two of the most dynamic wrestlers in the world, who have fought each other in epic battles so many times before; this was always going to be special. It could have, though, struggled under the weight of expectation, but that was not in question once the bell rang and we were reminded of just how elite these two truly are. A worthy centrepiece for the highest attended Revolution Pro Wrestling show of the company's existence.

Live In Birmingham

Will Ospreay Vs Luke Jacobs

This was special and you could tell from the moment the two men took to their corners and Oscar Harding rang for the bell. Two pedigree athletes. Two proud, confident and determined studs. And what followed may be the most intense encounter of Will Ospreay's RevPro career - 100 miles per hour from the first second to the last. Truly incredible.