Nick Aldis accepts Mike Bennett’s challenge to defend the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship

Nick Aldis had a busy weekend. On top of retaining the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship against Nobe Bryant at Fighting Words: Independent Wrestling Expo as well as duties with Fite TV in the newly appointed role of special correspondent for the Global Digital Brand, an unexpected challenge was issued to Aldis for the September 15 debut of the weekly Prime Time Live PPV series from United Wrestling Network and the NWA.

Enter Mike Bennett. He sent an emotional message to the champ and the NWA.

“It is time to take back what’s mine.

My name is Mike Bennett. Do you hear me? My name is Mike Bennett. I’ve been a professional wrestler for 20 years. I’ve traveled the world.

It’s time to prove everybody that ever believed in me that you are 100% correct. And the only way to do that is to hit the ground running. So here’s what I’m going to do. You don’t have to accept this if you don’t want to, but I know, I know you feel the same way I do. I know that you were perceived one way for the longest time and it eats you alive, so I know that you know exactly what I am going through.

Nick Aldis, September 15th, I want the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. I need to restore dignity to my family. I need it to restore honor to my name. The only way I can do that is to beat you for that prestigious World Heavyweight Championship.

Nick, you don’t have to accept. I won’t be mad if you don’t. This is everything to me. This is my livelihood. This is my legacy. Nick, September 15th, I’m down if you’re down. I am fighting for my life.”

Aldis officially accepted the challenge from Bennett. Aldis acknowledged Bennett’s career credentials as being worthy for a shot at the Ten Pounds of Gold.

Aldis continued with an effective sell job on This Is The NWA podcast when asked if he could write Bennett off due to his lack of success in WWE.

“I have no intention whatsoever of writing off Mike Bennett. I wouldn’t have accepted the challenge if I thought that was the case, because it wouldn’t be good for business for the NWA. Because ultimately, we’re going to ask people to part with their money to see this match. If I thought the guy was a schlub and I was going to dispose of him in 5 minutes, then I would not be the right steward for this brand to be asking people to pay to see that. I’m not suggesting that I couldn’t have a hell of a night and make that happen, but I don’t predict that. And if I thought that was a foregone conclusion, I wouldn’t take the match.”

Aldis closed with a message showing why he is The National Treasure at making the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship feel important and respected.

“We (NWA) don’t play around. We don’t pussyfoot around with Mickey Mouse challenges. We go world class, restaurant quality. You know this by now. And you’re right. I saw the fire in his eyes. I heard the fire in his voice. I heard the lion that has been lying dormant in that man the entire time he has been muted in that other place (WWE). So, I welcome it.

I want the lion. I want the man who thinks that he can take out the king of the jungle. I want that, because that’s what’s best for business. And it’s also what’s best for me, because every single time that somebody comes to me and comes at me trying to take the Worlds Championship and brings their absolute best and then I put them down, it makes me stronger. It lifts my game that much higher and puts another brick in the wall of my legacy for all time.”

Aldis vs Bennett for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship is now official for September 15 on the Prime Time Live weekly PPV.

That won’t be the only title bout on the card. Alexander Hammerstone will defend the WCP Championship against EJ Sparks.

Also announced for appearances are Thunder Rosa and the Static trio of Adrian Quest, Andy Brown, and Ray Rosas.

Are you sold on Nick Aldis vs Mike Bennett for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship? Will you be checking out Prime Time Live on September 15?