In the lead up to their historic match with Smokin’ Aces at the end of the month, we sat down with LA Taylor and Skye Smitson to discuss the opportunity they have at making history and becoming the first ever all-female PROGRESS Tag Team Champions…

First off, congratulations on earning the opportunity to challenge for the PROGRESS Tag Team Titles. How does it feel to be on the brink of making history as the first all-female team to potentially hold the tag titles?

Skye: It’s mildly terrifying but like fate has given us this opportunity to show exactly how good a team we are & that we deserve this opportunity

LA: Standing across the ring from the Smoking Aces isn’t something I had ever thought possible. I think it’s a testament to our hard work first and foremost. History makers? We’ll see.

Looking back at the journey from being part of Lana Austin’s stable to standing on your own as The Experience, what has been the most important lesson you’ve learned as a team?

LA: Resilience. Self belief. There are no shortcuts in the end, just hard work and the outcome.

Skye: That your real friends will always have your back. Inside and outside of the ring. If anything it’s bonded us as a team and made us stronger. We’ve learned just how resilient we are together and on our own. And more importantly it’s taught me to believe that we are good enough to be at the top and it’s not just because of someone else.

You’ve had a strong year so far, facing teams like Sunshine Machine, and recently beating Rob Drake and Lana Austin. How have those intergender matches helped you prepare for this massive title shot against Smokin’ Aces?

LA: There’s no denying there’s a physicality and intensity that changes in those situations. Meeting those challenges and learning and growing from them has prepared us.

Skye: They’ve made us realise that we are just as tough and just as strong as some of the men out there. We know we can go toe to toe with anyone, and if anything it’s sharpened us up and made us smarter and more resilient in the ring.

What do you make of Smokin’ Aces saying that their loss to Cheeky Little Buggers and getting pinned by Alexxis Falcon was their most embarrassing moment?

Skye: I think if that’s what they view as their most embarrassing moment then they need a reality check. If being pinned by a woman was embarrassing for them then what we do them October 27th is gonna send them into an uncomfortable reality of embarrassment. Cause we fully plan to whip their asses all over that ring!

How much courage and faith in believing you can win does that Alexxis pinfall give you heading into the match?

LA: I’m not in the habit of comparing myself to others, as impressive and historical as the accomplishments of Alexxis Falcon are. My belief comes from within. Me against me.

Skye: It doesn’t give us faith or courage at all. Different matches involve different situations, that was a completely different situation. We aren’t foolish enough to go into this repeating what CLB did, we are a completely different team and we know what works for us. So we have to put that faith and courage into knowing we have a few aces of our own up our sleeves

What are your impressions of Smokin’ Aces as a team and as people?

LA: Here are two of the most accomplished and skilled wrestlers that the UK has produced. Two people who I watched avidly before I knew a wrist lock from a wristwatch. I’ve seen them both team with previous partners – Sterling’s team with Eddie Ryan as the Crazy Teacups was always a highlight for me – as well as Nick Riley’s shenanigans with Big Grizz and Chris Walker. They have both incredible singles careers alongside solid tag careers – and now we find them together in the post pandemic era. The energy of Sterling paired with the fearlessness of Riley is a combination that has proven itself time and again since the Smoking Aces’ inception. How long can Nick keep a reign on Charles and act as the anchor for the team? That remains to be seen.

Finally, what message do you have for Smokin’ Aces as you prepare to step into the ring with them at Chapter 172?

Skye: If Smokin’ Aces are walking into this simply looking at us as two women, then they’re gonna get the biggest shocks of their lives. Don’t do what Lana did and underestimate our ability. When we want something we’ll give our everything to get it. And we want those tag team titles

PROGRESS Wrestling tickets are available for all future shows via the dice app, including this October’s event, WEREWOLVES OF LONDON. See you on Sunday, October 27th!

You can see LA Taylor & Skye Smitson matches in PROGRESS Wrestling, including their match against Sunshine Machine by subscribing to DEMAND PROGRESS PLUS. Watch wrestling online including every match The Experience have been in!