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Pansexual phenomenon Jack Sexsmith set to headline largest independent wrestling show in Manchester

  • Jack Sexsmith is the only listed pansexual athlete in the UK
  • Set to challenge Travis Banks for the Progress World Heavyweight Championship

Progress Wrestling is taking over Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse and one wrestler is hoping to make world history when he steps into the ring.

The Progress’ 69th chapter, titled Be Here Now, will be headlined by a world title match between the champion Travis Banks and slef’proclaimed ‘pan-sexual wrestler’, Jack Sexsmith.

The 26 year old turned professional in October and since his debut with Progress has established a strong connection with the audience, with fans keen to see him overcome Banks to claim his first-ever heavyweight belt.  

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Jack earned his championship opportunity by defeating eight fellow competitors in Progress’ ‘Thunderbastard’ match at Chapter 59 in Sheffield. Since then, he has waited patiently for the perfect location to cash in on victory, and now has his eyes set firmly on the prize at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse on 20 May.

“It shows the faith the company have in me, and its pretty humbling actually. It’s overwhelming to see the level of progress I’ve had, meaning they will put me in a situation like this,” said Jack.

“I’m going to be more than happy to put my body on the line in a way I am yet to. I just want to feel that emotion in that room. Whatever the result may be, this could be an astronomical moment.”

Jack is currently the only listed pansexual athlete in the United Kingdom and should he emerge victorious h will be the first pansexual wrestler across the globe to hold a world heavyweight championship.

He said: “It comes with a great deal of pressure. There such a weight of if I misrepresent something or if I misread a moment and then deliver in a way which wasn’t my intention. It doesn’t just reflect on myself as a performer but it reflects badly on perhaps my community.”

Sexsmith also helps to raise funds for Stonewall charity via his connection with Proud Apparel. The charity aims to empower LGBT individuals and secure equality for the community.

“It’s a really scary thing to put one’s head above the parapet and say that you are an ambassador perhaps for a community and therefore everything you do will be scrutinised and held to a different standard, but you try to let those things go and be as casual and relaxed as possible and have faith that people go,” he said.

“Yeah, I am a flawed human being but I am pansexual and I just want to promote the message of inclusivity, promote the idea of acceptance and show that someone like me can be here and be successful if we are good enough. Our sexuality has no factor.”

 

Elsewhere on the Chapter 69 card inaugural women’s champion Toni Storm defends her title against Jinny and WWE signees British Strong Style take on the trio of Flash Morgan Webster, Jimmy Havoc and Mark Haskins, with more matches still to be announced.