Here we are. A year long journey of NOW Season 1 comes to an end. Feuds are resolved, and we close some chapters in this industry. Who are the best wrestlers today? Who will be the future of this industry? Who will be the winner of NOW and be the new breakout star of AES? The rookies have gone through a lot of challenges and gone up against some of the best. There's no turning back now. Across 2 shows, we'll see those matches you have been waiting years for, we'll see matches stacked full of talent and we'll have our winning rookie. AES has come a long way and has a long way to go. It's time we have a look at that and take a Journey Through Time.
- Sam Sampson
PRE-SHOW MATCH ONE:
Harvey Lotts vs. Fatty McYardtard
Fatty McYardtard's season as a pro has admittedly had more downs than up. Losing to rookies and having the lowest ranked rookie in the competition has not helped his career despite him tapping into his more serious side at times. On the upside, he has had some success teaming with Lakeem throughout the season. Most recently, Fatty has been helping Lakeem take on both Gavin Gamble and his bodyguard Harvey Lotts. After the brawl at the end of NOW Episode 12, it makes sense to put Fatty and Harvey one on one for the first time.
Harvey was brought in to NOW during Episode 5 to help Gavin with his rivalry with Ronald Gibson. Harvey too, has had ups and downs but on paper the odds favour the more brutal Harvey.
Fatty will need to tap into the right side of him to guarantee victory and end the season on a much needed high note, whilst Harvey will need to win to impress Gavin Gamble which by the looks of Gamble's attitude as of late, hasn't been happening.
PRE-SHOW MATCH TWO: ROOKIE REUNION!
Buttz McKenzie (1-4) vs. Adam Atlas (4-6) vs. Brand (8-6) vs. Symon Demyan (8-10)
Whilst these four eliminated rookies will not reach the main part of the finale, they will get a chance to impress once more in this rookie reunion. Whilst eliminated, they will get one last chance to impress and ensure that their name will not be forgotten.
Buttz McKenzie was out at the first elimination. The huge contrast between him and El Beardy was apparent and it did no favours for Buttz despite his memorable and hypnotic twerking finisher. After losing his feud to Slee Z, a win for Buttz is definitely needed.
Adam Atlas had an odd season. Whilst he proved he was capable in singles matches and gained a streak of singles wins, he lost many tag team matches. This was justification for him to turn on his pro, Tyler Rykren. He picked up a victory of Tyler Rykren, his high point of the season. However it was too little too late, as he was eliminated soon after anyway. There's bound to be unfinished business between Adam and Tyler, but for this match all Adam needs to do is prove that he can still win by himself.
Whilst Brand was known for his limited wrestling ability, he managed to find a way to win. That was thanks to his controversial low blow finisher, perhaps the main reason people jumped off the "Brandwagon" He even managed to last 20 minutes against CNW World Champion Juan Cortes (even if Juan's state of mind was questionable during that time) Of course, the main thing we remember Brand for...his elimination. All the detective, airport and gyrocopter adventures with Lakeem went out of the window when Brand took out Lakeem with a steel chair shot to the head. He claims he's destined to be a star like his idol Claude*Dreiz and a win here would certainly prove that.
Has there been a rookie with more bad luck than Symon Demyan? Probably not. Whilst Ronald Gibson never turned his back on Symon Demyan, his plan to trick Estramir did take him away from Symon, perhaps denying him the support he needed. Even forming a friendship with Sergei Pashutin failed to break the streak of bad luck. Whenever Symon won, someone like The Red Alliance or Estramir Mastern would come along to ruin it. The most recently eliminated rookie will need to go on a rampage like that Steel Cage match with Cipher in order to walk out of this four way match the winner.
That will be all for the Rookie Reunion match. Former rookies Deltron Zero and Slee Z will not participate in this match due to alleged career ending injuries.
PRE-SHOW MATCH THREE: 22 MAN AIDROS TRIBUTE ROYAL RUMBLE
22 of the most unique names from AES' past and present!
AES has and always will be full of bizarre people and this match will showcase that. There's so many that a Royal Rumble has had to be made! In tribute to Aidros, the master of battle royals, this 22 bizarre individuals will be looking to start their own undefeated streak.