The unmasking of Kid Lykos has gone down as one of the most iconic moments in the history of Progress Wrestling.
The peak years of Progress came before the formation of NXT UK and the eventual “death” of BritWres following the pandemic and Speaking Out.
The company has never reached the heights it did when the likes of WALTER, Jimmy Havoc and British Strong Style ruled the roost.
However, Kid Lykos has made himself one of the most interesting characters in British wrestling, with his unmasking going down as an all-time great moment in the promotion’s history.
Kid Lykos Background
Kid Lykos, the masked sensation of British wrestling, carved a niche for himself with his unique blend of high-flying athleticism and underdog charm.
Known as the “masked wolf,” Lykos became a symbol of resilience in the independent wrestling scene, earning adoration from fans across the UK. His persona, complete with a distinctive wolf mask, was not just a gimmick but a vital part of his identity, embodying the heart and spirit of a relentless fighter.
Emerging as part of the tag team CCK (Calamari Catch Kings) alongside Chris Brookes, Lykos quickly gained recognition for his innovative matches and undeniable chemistry with his partner.
Together, they tore through the British wrestling circuit, delivering classic bouts against teams like the Young Guns and the Grizzled Young Veterans. Lykos’ fearless style made him a standout, even in defeat, as he routinely pushed the boundaries of physical endurance and storytelling.
However, injuries threatened to derail his promising career. In 2019, Lykos announced his retirement following a series of setbacks, leaving fans devastated.
But the wolf’s spirit proved unyielding, and in 2021, he made a triumphant return, reuniting with Brookes and introducing the world to his protege, Kid Lykos II. This marked the birth of Lykos Gym, a faction that carried forward his legacy while showcasing his ability to adapt and mentor new talent.
The mask was not just a visual trademark but a symbol of Lykos’ mystique and connection with the lucha libre tradition. For years, it shielded his identity, adding an air of intrigue to his persona. Yet, it also became a narrative focal point, with rivals seeking to strip him of it, knowing the emotional and cultural weight it carried.
Kid Lykos’ story is one of perseverance, reinvention, and unyielding passion—a journey that resonated deeply with fans and made his eventual unmasking all the more poignant. The wolf may have revealed his face, but his legacy remains as enigmatic and enduring as ever.
The Build Up To The Match With Spike Trivet Was Brilliant Storytelling
The journey to Kid Lykos’ unmasking at the hands of Spike Trivet began at Super Strong Style 16. The knockout tournament pits the best in the UK against one another, witling a field of 16 down to just one winner.
That victor earns a shot at the Progress World Championship, akin to the G1 Climax in NJPW earning a chance at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. It is the most prestigious tournament in British Wrestling, and Kid Lykos was determined the make his name in the competition in 2023.
He did just that with some huge wins over three nights in the Electric Ballroom in London. Kid Lykos beat the giant Big Damo, the prodigious Nick Wayne and Nathan Cruz en route to the final, where the challenge of Mark Haskins awaited him.
Nigel McGuinness, a legend in Ring of Honor and one of Britain’s finest-ever wrestlers, refereed the match, making sure Haskins didn’t cheat his way into victory. The crowd were firmly behind the masked wolf, who worked superbly as a babyface to keep them on his side throughout.
Haskins was on top for the match but became increasingly frustrated by the immense resolve of Kid Lykos. His refusal to give up impressed everyone, even the referee McGuinness, who gleefully counted the pinfall as the masked wrestler took home the victory.
Kid Lykos won the 2023 Super Strong Style 16 tournament. This earned him a title match against Progress World Champion Scott Trivet, who had beaten Connor Mills earlier that night.
Trivet was not taking Lykos seriously and happily agreed to a match at Progress Chapter 157: Hungry Like The Wolf. It seemed like this would be the stage where Kid Lykos began his journey as champion, but it did not all go to plan.
Spike Trivet Unmasked Kid Lykos At Progress Chapter 157
Kid Lykos was set up to become the Progress World Champion at Chapter 157 but the ingenuity of Spike Trivet stopped the masked man in his tracks.
The show was titled “Hungry Like The Wolf” and was built around the match. Spike Trivet was in the midst of what would become a 16-month reign as World Champion and was one of the most sadistic, violent and brutal men in wrestling.
However, just like at SSS16, Kid Lykos was resilient. He took everything Trivet could throw at him and looked set to win the belt at the end of the match.
The masked wolf climbed to the top rope and hit the Swanton Bomb – the same move he pinned Mark Haskins with to earn this match – but couldn’t go for the pin fall.
That is because Spike Trivet used all his energy to grab Kid Lykos from behind and tear his mask from his face. The unmasked Kid Lykos clutched his head in his hands, trying to hide his true self from the fans.
Spike Trivet used this opportunity to roll him up, mask still in hand, and retain the Progress World Championship.
The crowd were deflated. They couldn’t believe what they had just seen. Lykos was unmasked and Trivet remained the champion. As he walked off, laughing and grasping the confiscated mask of Kid Lykos, the fans found a new level of sympathy for the loser of the match.
Kid Lykos II Helped Him Earn Another Shot At The Progress World Championship
After the defeat to Spike Trivet at Hungry Like The Wolf, Kid Lykos did not rest in his quest for revenge. He goaded the champion into a rematch, which the heel obviously rejected.
However, Lykos Gym (Kid Lykos and Kid Lykos II) did manage to get a match for a chance at redemption. An impromptu street fight at Chapter 158 pitted them against the Smokin’ Aces, with both teams tearing up the Electric Ballroom to within an inch of its life in pursuit of victory and violence.
Shockingly, Kid Lykos II secured the upset win for his time. He earned his partner and mentor another opportunity against Spike Trivet, although his pursuit for the title would come with some caveats.
Kid Lykos vs Spike Trivet II would not just be for the Progress World Championship. No, there was something equally prestigious at stake.
In order to secure a rematch, Kid Lykos had to agree to Spike Trivet’s demand that if he lost, he would have to give his mask to Trivet. This meant he could never wear it again and would be forced to unmask forever.
In Mexico, this is the biggest dishonour any man can face, but the Progress World Championship was something he needed so dearly that Kid Lykos had no choice but to accept.
Progress Chapter 160: VENDETTA in the Electric Ballroom would be the home to this bout, which was given the No-disqualification stipulation.
It would not end well for Kid Lykos.
Kid Lykos Unmasked For Good At Progress Chapter 160: VENDETTA
The match was unlike any other. Tables, ladders, chairs, thumbtacks and any other weapon you can imagine were brought out and used to disturbing effect.
Spike Trivet retained his reputation as one of the most dangerous men in wrestling but took as good as he gave. He left the ring covered in blood with a back full of thumbtacks, although most importantly he walked out with two other things – the title belt and Kid Lykos belt.
The masked wrestler took some unbelievable punishment in the match. Most notable was when Trivet threw Lykos from the top rope through two panes of glass. It was a disturbing watch and even the undeniable spirit of the masked Kid Lykos could not stop him from losing this one.
This could have been the darkest moment of Kid Lykos career, but the loss made him more of a star. He got right back up again after the match, forcefully handing his mask to Spike Trivet while revealing his face to the shocked Progress Wrestling crowd.
This was one of the best matches in Progress Wrestling history, just like these other ten matches.
Spike Trivet accepted the mask with shock and surprising grace. The traditions of the Luchas de Apuestas taught us that this is a huge deal and both wrestlers sold that enormity brilliantly.
From the day of Kid Lykos unmasking until now, he has not donned the mask in the ring. However, Kid Lykos II remains in his mask until that day when he too is forced to show his face, just like his friends, partner and mentor did.
This would not be the end of the story between Kid Lykos and Spike Trivet. A fresh-faced Lykos, now looking nothing like a wolf, won the Thunder Bastard match in the following months, earning one final shot against Trivet inside a steel cage.
The end of their trilogy produced another fine match with the result that everybody wanted. Kid Lykos was finally the Progress World Champion and a new top babyface star had been created.
Progress Wrestling has had many fantastic stories and emotional moments over the years. Kid Lykos’ unmasking is up there with the best of them and will be long in the memory of British wrestling fans everywhere.
