In the wake of finally putting their history to bed with Lana Austin, we sat down with LA Taylor and Skye Smitson to explore their response to what transpired at Chapter 169 where the Lana Austin Experience became… The Experience.
The Experience, congratulations on your victory! How did it feel to not only win but to do so in front of such an enthusiastic crowd?.
It’s felt like vindication, like we were able to prove we belong and show our worth without Lana. There aren’t words that can explain what it feels like to hear those cheers and to see the people screaming at the top of their lungs in support of us. It was indescribable really.
Did the match play out as you thought it would? Was there anything that surprised you?
Not at all. We knew walking into this that Lana would play the minds games she’s so well known for. That she’d pick at us and try to emotionally manipulate us. We knew the games her and Rob would play, that they’d isolate me and try to stop LA being the game changer she is. But we also knew we could weather the storm and that’s exactly what we did.
Skye, there were moments where it seemed like you showed mercy. Can you tell us about that?
Whilst I had so much anger coming into this match, standing across from Lana I realised just how hard it is to turn your back on someone who you’ve been so close with that they are family. To completely turn your back on them. For two years we spoke every single day, spent endless hours on the road together. We protected one another no matter what. As much as I’m a prizefighter, I’m still human, so of course at times I had doubts. But the moment she was begging for mercy in front of me telling me she loved me – just moments before she was saying she hated me! I knew it was an act and that LA was the only person that truly had my back.
LA, how did it feel going head-to-head with Rob Drake and coming out on top?
Tough. Super tough. He’s Ruthless Rob Drake for a reason. Physically it was an immense challenge and hard won. Being friends for so long was the advantage, you have a bit of an idea what they might try to do after being so close.
Knowing how Lana Austin is, can you imagine the days that Rob Drake has had after their loss?
I mean he ain’t gonna be having an amazing time. Especially considering he stood and watched the pin. She won’t be a happy bunny about that.
We saw you gesture to the crowd about the tag titles. Is that something on the horizon for The Experience?
Any tag team who really wants to make a mark on the scene wants those tag team titles. When Lana was champion we made a choice together to go for that tag gold, and whilst we won’t be the first females to hold that title, we will be the first female tag team to hold them. Now personally, there’s nothing like making history to motivate me and that’s exactly what motivates us!!
Finally, how does it feel to finally be able to look forwards and not back?
Amazing!!! To be able to finally just be us. And to be known for being authentically us is something we’ve longed for. Now it’s time to show everyone exactly what The Experience can do and exactly how unique and powerful we can be!
PROGRESS Wrestling tickets are available for all future shows via the dice app, including this July’s event, WRESTLING NEVER SLEEPS. See you on Sunday, July 28th!
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!
