Silas Mason: ‘I’m coming for the Ten Pounds of Gold’

…And Thom Latimer Is Furious! (Cont’d)

Malarkey, says Latimer. No stranger to giving up a championship for a World’s title match, the British superstar vacated the NWA World Television title to unsuccessfully face EC3 at NWA Samhain. Latimer says it was not a decision he wanted to make — nor should any ‘true’ champion.

“I defended my belt with pride to earn that title shot,” Latimer notes. “People expect the TV champion to ‘cash in’ the Lucky Seven. Otherwise, there’s no way in hell I would treat such a prestigious belt as a stepping stone.”

The perception Mason has done exactly that with the National title seems to exist, even among those close to him. The announcement he was vacating caught NWA agent Dr. Tom Prichard off-guard.

“Silas gave up so much to become the National champion,” notes Prichard, who helped train Mason before his arrival in NWA.

“It’s hard to imagine what would influence him to just give it away for a chance at ‘The Ten Pounds of Gold,’” the legend continues. “It’s especially confusing since historically whomever holds that belt is automatically the No. 1 contender!”

“Nowhere in the NWA bylaws does it say the National Champion must or even should ‘trade it in’ to get a World’s title shot,” Latimer agrees, “And here two champions in a row have done exactly that! It’s bloody disrespectful!”

Again, Latimer is correct. Mason followed the exact precedent set by EC3 before him, gambling everything for a shot at the World’s title. While the choice paid off for his predecessor, it’s yet to be seen whether “The Thrillbilly” is similarly successful.

Riled to the core by the whole situation, Latimer says he’s lost respect for both competitors after their treatment of the National title. Rather than expressing interest in a possible Mason vs. EC3 World’s title match, he blasts both.

“After the way they treated it, I hope the National title goes to somebody who shows it some damn respect,” he states emphatically.

“I can’t blame anyone for wanting to be NWA World’s champion,” he concludes, “But there’s got to be a better way to get there than crapping on one of the greatest championships in pro wrestling history!”