We sat down with Nick Riley and Charlie Sterling to discuss their loss at Chapter 170 and their upcoming rematch with SAnitY. Let’s hear from the Smokin’ Aces‘ on their past, present and future in PROGRESS Wrestling.
Your rematch with SAnitY at Chapter 170 was originally set to be a two-team encounter, but Sunshine Machine was added at the last minute. How did their inclusion impact your strategy going into the match?
Impact our strategy? It completely threw it out the window and we were ill prepared, hence why we wanted a FAIR rematch without anyone else involved. The sunshine machine clearly wants the tag team titles back in their defence, should be in the picture, but we are owed a FAIR rematch and come 171, we will be tag team champions again.
With Sunshine Machine in the mix, the dynamic of the match changed dramatically. Do you think this third team helped or hindered your chances of victory against SAnitY?
Do the math Ross, it hindered us and this is why we are not tag team champions today. Not to worry though, a swift kick in the sunshine machine’s cobblers after the match was the best 2nd place prize we could ask for!
Do you give SAnitY credit for calling you out for a two-on-two match on the 22nd after what happened at Chapter 170?
We are not shocked they called us out, for months we have fought in the ballroom, around Wembley Box Park, back at the ballroom again, just terrorising each other. Of course, we will push them to the edge and only just today they have called for a street fight against us. We are in SAnitY’s heads and like it or not, we have the advantage!
SAnitY is widely regarded as one of the toughest teams in the business. How do you plan to counter their unique combination of experience, strength, and unpredictability in your rematch?
You write this Ross as if we have never beaten the German and the Big lazy Brute before. We have the same strategy as our last victory and with the removal of the rules, we can unleash some serious pain on these pair of pricks!
Do you feel that the addition of Sunshine Machine was a deliberate move by PROGRESS management to keep you from regaining the titles?
Are you trying to get us fired?
Winning the PROGRESS Tag Team Championships would make you three-time champions, joining elite company. How important is this legacy to the Smokin’ Aces?
This reign will be our legacy and it is such a shame that when we win these Tag Titles for the 3rd time, we won’t be able to become 4 time champions because we are never going to lose them again!
Lastly, Charlie you wrestled on the NOAH tour earlier this month, has that experience given you confidence coming into this match?
Ross, I am one of the best wrestlers in Europe. On that stage is where I belong and it was a hard fought battle with one of the best heavyweights in Japan, Inamura. But for now, my focus is on one thing and one thing only, kicking Sanity’s head in and winning back the Progress Tag Team Championships.
PROGRESS Wrestling tickets are available for all future shows via the dice app including HISTORY IS WRITTEN BY THE VICTORS where Smokin’ Aces look to win back the Tag Team Championships against SAnitY.
You can see all of Smokin’ Aces PROGESS Wrestling matches by watching wrestling online and subscribing to DEMAND PROGRESS PLUS.
