NWA National Heavyweight Champ Thom Latimer Declares: ‘The Best Is Yet to Come’

The road to the top of the National Wrestling Alliance has not been an easy one for Thom Latimer.

Considered by many one of the NWA’s best, Latimer once again has gold around his waist. He claimed the vacant National title in a fatal four-way at Hard Times 2024.

However, Latimer did not use his victory as an opportunity to gloat. Instead, the British bad-ass doubled down on something he’s taken issue with in the NWA for quite some time.

“It’s a bloody honor to be the NWA National Champion,” stated Latimer.

“Some of the most legendary men in pro wrestling history have held this very belt, but that’s the problem,” he continued, “Whenever anyone brings up the National title, it’s always about how great the champions were.”

Latimer appeared pensive. Only an hour after winning the strap, the uncharacteristically introspective champ laid out his inner-most thoughts about the National title.

“There was a time when this belt really meant something,” Latimer continued.

“But do people still think about the National title the way they used to?” he asked, “The people who’ve held it recently sure as hell haven’t acted like it!”

Latimer’s expression suddenly clouded, as if something painful came to mind. His face serious, he continued.

“Men like Dusty Rhodes, Tommy Rich, Ted DiBiase and Mr. Wrestling II bled to win and defend this belt to prove they were the best in the National Wrestling Alliance — among the best in the whole damn world!” Latimer stated, a tinge of fire in his voice.

“Now you have people spitting in the face of that history for a shot at the World’s heavyweight title,” he pointed out. “And, to be honest, it pissed me off!”

Latimer’s point is valid. Twice in a calendar year, the championship was vacated for the promise of a World’s title opportunity.

The first to do so was EC3. After relinquishing the National title, EC3 went on to win the NWA World’s title at NWA 75. “The Thrillbilly” Silas Mason, who won the vacant championship that same night in a triple-threat match, later followed suit.

Unfortunately for Mason, the decision left him empty-handed. “Big Daddy Thrill” failed to wrest “The Ten Pounds of Gold” from EC3 at Hard Times.

Latimer turned Mason’s unsuccessful gamble into good fortune. He earned his first NWA National title by defeating Paul Burchill, Blake “Bulletproof” Troop and Zyon on March 2 in Dothan, AL.

It was a much-needed boost for Latimer. A perennial favorite, many have long expected greatness from the grappler who — despite repeated opportunities — has also come up short in efforts to take NWA’s top prize.

“I’m damn proud to be NWA National champion,” said Latimer, seemingly acknowledging potential disappointment among fans and his peers for his inability to yet win “Sweet Charlotte.”

“This title and I have quite a lot in common,” he continued. “Everyone seems to take both of us for granted, like we’re nothing more than stepping stones to something bigger and better in the National Wrestling Alliance.”

It’s another fair assessment. As with the National title, Latimer has often been targeted as a competitor who — if a challenger can defeat him — will thrust his opponent into the spotlight and championship contention.

“Those days are over, mate,” the National champion stated flatly. Declared Latimer:

“It’s time to put some respect back on this championship!”

Latimer expressed his intent to defend the title at every chance — against anyone who steps up. It is all part of reclaiming the luster both he and the championship have seemingly lost in the eyes of some, he said.

“Anyone who thinks the best days of this belt are behind it are going to learn a very serious lesson,” he stated.

“And anyone foolish enough to think that of Thom Latimer,” he went on, “Are going to find out just how wrong they are.”

Securing the belt around his waist, Latimer became more confident, perhaps more than convinced. His final words might ensure others are as well.

“The best is still to come,” he said, “For the belt — and for Thom Latimer, your new NWA National Heavyweight Champion!”