First of all, congratulations on becoming the new Proteus Champion! You mentioned before the match that losing to Robbo would have only fuelled critics’ perceptions of you. How does it feel to prove those doubters wrong and finally hold the title?

I welcome all the reactions. Genuinely. You can’t expect to just get nice comments. It’s not realistic and without wanting to sound like John Cena as long as people care I don’t mind. It’s somewhat cliché but the negative voices fuel you on anyway.

So thank you to those that supported. Thank you to those that didn’t. I’m just super grateful to be in the position I am. It feels a bit surreal.

Robbo has been one of the most brutal and dominant Proteus Champions. He took it to you and you found the wherewithall to stay fighting after two stomps… where did that desire come from?

Well, I’ll be honest with you. It’s a good thing the rule isn’t someone looks into your eyes to see what your current consciousness is. I don’t remember much after that aside from thinking my skull was crushed.

I suppose I just have to thank my tum tum – sorry! – for somehow steering me through it all. I’ll repeat what I said above. i can’t quite believe it.

The reaction from the crowd after your victory went from shock to absolutely bananas within seconds. What was it like to experience the outpour of love for your victory?

So this will be the oddest answer, but I was numb. My brain couldn’t figure out what was happening. This could be due to having my face stamped into the mat, but it was a very out of body experience. I’ve never had that before.

I was almost annoyed as you try and enjoy the moment but it’s too overwhelming. Then from nowhere the next day you’re an emotional wreck and filled with adrenaline and it’s like “Oh. I’ve caught up!”

I truly think this will be with me forever, though. So thank you to the Ballroom. They gave me a moment I’ll never forget.

The Proteus Title is unique in that the champion sets the stipulation for each defence. Have you thought about what kind of matches you’d like to have going forward, and how you’ll use the stipulation to your advantage as champion?

Oh, I know. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail! I think what I can share now is that the fans got me here so the fans are carrying on right in the thick of it. I’ll share more in Manchester on the 17th because promotion and wrestling.

You’ve travelled the world as both a content creator and wrestler, but this win marks your first major title. How do you think holding the Proteus Championship will impact your career, both in and out of the ring?

Winning titles is what wrestling is all about no matter how you look at it. I look at the reaction it had on social media. It means something to people, and it means something to me. I wrestle because I love it but I’m also a driven individual. I want to win and be a success.

If I can’t use this to take the next step that’s on me. I have to take advantage of the opportunities it presents me. I do think it serves as a great reminder, too. Believe in yourself no matter what. You never know where it’ll get you.

Robbo didn’t shy away from making his thoughts about you clear before the match. Do you feel like you’ve gained his respect now, or do you think there’s still unfinished business between you two?

Robbo can feel whatever way he likes about me. He held the title for five years. He’s earned that. I certainly respect him and let’s face it. He kicked the shib out of me! I have a handprint on my back today. I believe the Progress cameras caught this.

It was the hardest fight of my life and in one sense I’m lucky to come away with the win. But man, luck and being an idiot have seen me this far. I’m happy to continue on with them as my best friends.

Finally, with the title now in your hands, you’ve been named as the host for the Manchester chapter next month. What can we expect from you there?

Well, I’m not the host. I’m the leader of the Simon Miller Proteus Title Celebration Party! Yup… I’d hate me, too.

I just thought this is what got my foot in the door so let’s enjoy the whole show together. And of course at some point we can reveal the new Proteus stipulation. Sounds like a good time to me!