A Champion’s First Test: Dezmond Cole vs. Samwell Thompson

Every champion’s reign begins with a defining moment. For Dezmond Cole, that moment has already been made – his long climb to the top of Victory Pro Wrestling ended with the ultimate prize around his waist: the VPW Championship. But now comes the part that separates good champions from great ones: surviving the first defense.

Cole’s path to glory has been years in the making. A two-time VPW New York State Champion, Cole has been the standard-bearer of talent and perseverance. His in-ring style – fast, fearless, and fiery – has made him one of the most beloved wrestlers on the roster. The VPW faithful have watched him grow from a promising prospect to the man carrying the company on his back.

He didn’t just win the championship – he earned it by going through some of the best VPW has to offer. Cole’s resume includes victories over Eric James, Bryce Donovan, and Leo Sparrow – names that each have a history of main event moments in VPW. Add in his recognition on the national stage, with a #275 spot in the prestigious PWI 500, and it’s clear that Dezmond Cole is not only a Victory Pro Wrestling champion – he’s a champion that represents what independent wrestling is all about.

But his first challenger is no walkover.

Standing across the ring at Haunted Ground will be Samwell Thompson, the Primadonna from Kentucky. Trained at the legendary Ohio Valley Wrestling system, Thompson broke into the business in 2017 and quickly made a name for himself. His resume boasts championships in multiple promotions, including reigns as OVW Anarchy Champion, OVW Television Champion, and WDWA Light Heavyweight Champion. Thompson doesn’t just step into VPW as an underdog – he brings a pedigree, a skill set, and a drive to prove he belongs in the spotlight.

Since his debut in Victory Pro Wrestling in 2023, Thompson started to build momentum in 2025. Most recently, he scored a statement win over Eric James – a victory that turned heads and proved he’s more than ready for the big stage. Now, with the eyes of the VPW Faithful upon him, Thompson has the chance to shock the world.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. For Dezmond Cole, Haunted Ground is the start of his legacy as VPW Champion. Winning the title was one thing – onto it against a hungry and talented challenger is another. Every champion knows that the first defense sets the tone for their entire reign. Can Cole prove he has what it takes to thrive under the pressure of being “the man”?

For Samwell Thompson, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. Few wrestlers get the chance to step into the ring with the VPW Champion, and even fewer in a position to take the gold in their first attempt. A victory here would instantly make him one of the biggest stars in the company.

At Haunted Ground, it’s not just a match. It’s a collision between a newly crowned champion determined to hold his ground, and a rising star desperate to seize his moment. Victory, respect, and destiny all hang in the balance.

Victory Pro Wrestling returns to Pro Game Sports in Bay Shore on Saturday night, October 11, 2025 for Haunted Ground

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Victory Pro Wrestling is licensed and sanctioned by the New York State Athletic Commission.