The tension between Eddie Dennis and Tate Mayfairs has reached a boiling point, setting the stage for an explosive showdown at PROGRESS Wrestling Chapter 170: WRESTLING NEVER SLEEPS. What began as a competitive encounter at the Super Strong Style 16 tournament has devolved into a bitter rivalry marked by betrayal and conflict.

We sat down with Eddie Dennis to discuss Tate, what has led to the match and his future in the promotion…

Eddie, you’ve tried to reason with Tate Mayfairs and appeal to the good in him. What led you to believe that approach could work?

That’s an easy one to answer. The years that I’ve known him outside of wrestling. The reason I invited him to my wedding. The reason I’ve called on him for different reasons. The reason he’s called on me at different times… but I guess when he’s between those ropes he really is a different person.

After Tate’s attack at Chapter 169, do you feel that talking is no longer an option and that your only recourse is to face him in the ring?

I’m never going to believe that physicality is the only option or that my friendship with Tate is gone. But the bruising behind my left ear from his punch at the moment suggests that there is going to have to be recourse before we get back to what I believe we are outside of wrestling.

Given your history with Tate, what are your emotions heading into this match at PROGRESS Wrestling Chapter 170?

I’m conflicted I guess you would say. I’ve secured a match on probably the biggest weekend in British wrestling, which I am happy about obviously, but I’m stood opposite a guy that I thought I could trust. As they say, fool me once shame on me, fool me twice shame on you. I’m not going to be fooled at Wrestling Never Sleeps, let me tell you.

How have your past experiences in wrestling prepared you for this confrontation with Tate Mayfairs?

If you are talking about my trials and tribulations with Mark Andrews, then yes. These emotions aren’t new to me in feeling a little betrayed by someone. I’m older and wiser now though. That said, I truly believe there’s good in Tate Mayfairs.

You have a reputation as a leader and a mentor in the wrestling community. How does this situation with Tate challenge that role for you?

It doesn’t challenge the mentorship role at all. Me and Tate have our issues that we need to settle no doubt, but if we settle it, no bones about it, down the line if Tate needs advice I’m going to be there for him. Even though he broke my heart at Chapter 169, that goes for anyone I have had a hand in training in this business.

What message do you want to send to Tate and the PROGRESS Wrestling fans through this match?

No message really… actions have consequences. Tate clearly has his unresolved issues with me. At this point in ours careers, I’ll admit, he’s more committed than me, stronger than me, I’d even go as far as to say he’s better than me. In this game though, you don’t have to be better to beat someone, you just need to hold their shoulders down for three seconds. Ultimately, that’s what I’ll do at Chapter 170 and then I’ll go back to showing Tate there’s a better way to do things around here.

How do you plan to balance your strategic approach with the emotional aspect of facing someone who has betrayed you?

I’m a guy who has always used emotions to my advantage. I never let them get too high or low and I don’t expect them to get the better of me against him. He’s pushed my buttons, but they haven’t been pushed before. You are better asking Tate that question, because if there’s someone who is emotionally distracted heading into this match its him.

Lastly, what would a win in the match against Tate Mayfairs at Chapter 170 mean to you in PROGRESS Wrestling?

That’s really where we step outside of the world of me and Tate Mayfairs. We were friends and I hope we will be again. I had a hand in training him and he’s stepped away from that friendship. Forget about my issues with him, he’s one of the best in the UK and Europe, and in my mind if I can beat him in this high-profile match at Chapter 170 I believe I put myself right in contention. I believe I had Luke Jacobs beat at Super Strong Style 16 if it wasn’t for Tate’s interference and if I get the chance to face him again, I can get the resolution I’ve been dreaming of – the PROGRESS Men’s World Championship.

PROGRESS Wrestling tickets are available for all future shows via the dice app, including this August’s event WRESTLING NEVER SLEEPS featuring Eddie Dennis vs Tate Mayfairs. See you on Monday, August 26th!

You can see all of Eddie Dennis’ matches in PROGRESS Wrestling, including his run in this year’s Super Strong Style 16 tournament by subscribing to DEMAND PROGRESS PLUS.

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