After Axel Tischer’s successful ATLAS Title defence was marred by an ambush from the returning Smokin’ Aces, we caught up with Tag Team Champions SAnitY to discuss their upcoming grudge match at Wrestling Never Sleeps.
Axel, congratulations on your successful defence of the ATLAS Title at Chapter 169. How did it feel to see such a positive reaction to the match in the Ballroom and online?
AXEL: Thank you, I really enjoyed the match. I felt beaten up because Mike D is a real athlete as I said, but at the end of the day I stood tall as predicted. I was prepared with a plan – shake that Ax for the fans, and fight as a true champion. I’m so happy to be putting prestige onto the ATLAS Title, so as far as that match goes, mission accomplished.
It feels like the ATLAS division is a really good fit for you with your style of wrestling – are you as excited for your run as we are?
AXEL: I agree. Technical wrestling and the European style of wrestling is what I love. Not only did guys like Fit Finlay and Robbie Brookside inspire me but they a hand in training me and it feels such a safe place for me to showcase my skills for the PROGRESS fans in the ATLAS division.
Following your victory, you were unexpectedly attacked by The Smokin’ Aces. What was your immediate reaction to their return and their decision to target you specifically?
AXEL: They are cowards. They are one of the best in Europe if not the world, but they choose to take the cheap way and attack me from behind, whilst I’m alone without Damo. They will regret the decision. They are getting an ass kicking at Chapter 170.
You’ve expressed pride in making history for your country. How much does your upcoming match against Naomichi Marufuji mean to you?
AXEL: I’m very proud. When the name Marufuji comes up, not only is it a dream come true because in the mid 2000s I was a huge fan of him in NOAH. He was a role model. I’m so excited to be representing my country whilst standing across the ring with one of the best to ever do it. I’m going to bring the battle, you can guarantee that.
The Smokin’ Aces have suggested they were motivated by past grievances. How do you plan to address their claims, and what strategy will you employ to confront them moving forward?
Big Damo: Past grievances?!? Sanity battered the Smokin’ Aces pillar to post but they cheated to beat us, then arrogantly put the belts on the line directly after and lost against CLB. The only grievance these idiots should have is with themselves. If anything it’s Sanity who have “grievances”
How do you view the current state of the PROGRESS Tag Team scene, and what are your thoughts on The Smokin’ Aces’ putting the personal differences aside?
Big Damo: I am incredibly disappointed with the PROGRESS Tag Team scene. At one point I thought it had the best around, but we have held the Tag Titles over 100 days and not one team has stepped up to take a shot at Axel and I in London. We have had to travel to the USA to find challengers. We aimed to make the PROGRESS Tag Team Titles World Tag Team Titles and we will continue to do so. As for the Aces, there is no denying that Nick and Charlie are incredible in ring talents, who have found their niche together as a unit. They would be considered the best Tag Team around had Axel and I not reunited.
Damo, it must have been upsetting to know that Axel was attacked whilst you were not at the show… does that fire you up even more for August?
Big Damo: Fired up is an understatement. The Aces decided to make things personal, and maybe they like creating chaos and find an opportunity in the midst of it, however Axel and I didn’t adopt chaos, we were born into chaos, whether it was him in East Germany or myself in Belfast. We will see how they like it when we bring chaos to them.
Finally, considering the speculation surrounding The Smokin’ Aces and their Point Break theme, how do you plan to navigate potential surprises and alliances that may arise…
Big Damo: Axel and I have been wrestling between us for 40 years. We have realised the best form of defence is a better attack. Bring on the Aces and bring on their outdated movie references, we’ll show everyone why we are the best Tag Team in the World and why we are Progress World Tag Team Champions!
You can see all of Chapter 169: The Devil On My Shoulder, including Axel Tischer vs Mike D by subscribing to DEMAND PROGRESS PLUS. Watch wrestling online anywhere, anytime with our huge catalogue.
PROGRESS Wrestling tickets are available for all future shows via the dice app, including this August’s event, WRESTLING NEVER SLEEPS featuring SAnitY vs Smokin’ Aces. See you on Monday, August 26th!
