True Grit fans, we need to talk about Riley Nova.
At the True Grit Games, Riley Nova became the True Grit Wrestling Heavyweight Champion, eliminating both defending champion Kemper and former champion Brady Phillips—with Vusyk, Alton Thorne, and Sash also falling along the way.
Nova then faced Kemper in a hard-fought match at True Grit Nightmare the following month and walked away still holding the heavyweight crown, following what the officials described as “correct intervention” by the match referee.
At least, that’s the official line The Regime wants us to believe.
In truth, The Regime beat down Kemper, brutally betrayed Brady Phillips (crushing his throat with a steel chair in the process), and Nova retained his title at Nightmare thanks to the champion’s advantage—after kicking referee Scott Bell in the face and getting himself disqualified.
A Year Like No Other
The manner of Nova’s victory at the True Grit Games and his controversial retention at Nightmare leave fans with a lot of questions. But before we get to that, let’s look back at how we got here. Because, regardless of the methods, Riley Nova’s rise has been meteoric—from crew member to defending champion in under a year.
Riley Nova burst onto the scene at Nightmare 2024, posing as a member of the ring crew before superkicking Jet Martial to ensure that Brady Phillips walked away with the heavyweight championship. Nova then revealed himself as the newest Regime member—and heir to the throne.
At Jacob’s Ladder 2024, Nova accompanied Phillips to the ring for his defence against Joey Slade, announcing him as champion and trying to interfere as his cornerman. The scheme nearly backfired, but Phillips retained.
Nova Steps Into the Ring
Fans first saw Nova wrestle in December 2024 at Festive Forearms, facing Vusyk and Jay Vertigo. Cocky and brash from the start, he quickly showed the York crowd he could back it up. Though he didn’t win—Vertigo tapped out to Vusyk—Nova wasn’t pinned either, having escaped after a failed chair shot to Vusyk’s back.
At the True Grit Rumble, Nova again sided with Phillips, distracting the referee so Brady could piledrive Vusyk onto the belt to retain. Nova then entered the Rumble at number two, lasted 22 minutes, and was eliminated by Kemper—a rivalry that would resurface later.
Gold Rush and the Regime Games
At Gold Rush, Nova began a fierce rivalry with Billy O’Keefe in a high-octane opening match. After nudging the referee into the ropes to crotch O’Keefe, Nova planted him for the win. Later that night, Nova appeared in Brady Phillips’ gear to distract Kemper, dragging the referee out to save Brady’s title, kicking Scott Bell, and joining the four-on-one beatdown that allowed Phillips to retain.
Note: Scott Bell was the original referee, but Lee Thomas counted the final pin. While things can get heated, consistency in officiating remains key—something fans continue to question.
Redemption and Revenge
At True Grit Redemption, co-general manager Bobby Cash confined Nova to a shark cage as Brady Phillips defended his title against Vusyk. That didn’t stop Nova from getting involved—Vusyk smashed his head into the cage, knocking it over with Nova still inside. This freed Nova, who struck Vusyk with the belt, helping Phillips retain once again.
By April 2025, Nova faced Vusyk one-on-one, showing both his talent and ruthless opportunism. Despite interference from Brady, Nova lost but proved he could hang with the best. Later that night, he tried to interfere again in the Brady Phillips vs Rhio main event but was run off by Vusyk.
At Left Bank Lock-Up, the tables turned. Kemper defeated Brady Phillips in a steel cage match, finally ending The Regime’s dominance—much to fans’ delight.
Cracks in The Regime
After the loss, Brady and Nova turned their focus to Invasion in June, where their partnership began to fracture. In a tag match against Vusyk and Billy O’Keefe, whoever scored the pin or submission would earn a title shot. Despite starting strong, Nova began questioning Phillips’ leadership mid-match. After hitting the GTS on O’Keefe, Nova went for the pin, forcing Brady to break it up—tension flared, and their alliance began to crumble.
At Summer Riot in August, Nova defeated O’Keefe again—thanks to interference from Brady and his feet on the ropes—to qualify for the True Grit Games. In the main event, Nova’s supposed “accidental” chair shot to Brady Phillips hinted at what was to come.
From Betrayal to Coronation
By the time the True Grit Games rolled around, Riley Nova’s betrayal was inevitable. He eliminated Brady and Kemper to take the heavyweight title, cementing himself as The Regime’s new crown jewel.
Now, he faces his second defence—a chain match against Kemper at Jacob’s Ladder on 14 November.
But the fans are left wondering…
Questions for The Regime
In light of recent events, I reached out to True Grit Wrestling owner James Carr with a few pressing questions.
On Replacing Brady Phillips:
“I assume you’re talking about the True Grit Games. Firstly, Brady Phillips was no longer champion and hadn’t been for some time. Riley Nova impressed me once again with a win over Billy O’Keefe to gain a spot in the Games. Do I continue to take a risk on an investment that was no longer performing—or double down on my winners? You saw the result.”
On Nova’s Future:
“So far, that’s not even a consideration. Unlike Brady and many others, Riley survived Kemper’s onslaught last month. I see good things ahead for our champ.”
On The Regime’s Stability:
“All of The Regime are champions (except Joey, but he has other uses). They’re all generating a good return still.”
On Ivy’s Status:
“Ivy was given compassionate leave to come to terms with the change. Now she must return and separate the professional from the personal. I have every faith she can do that. I need her more than ever to keep Bobby Cash in check.”
What Happens Next?
James Carr’s answers raise more questions than they solve. Two failed challenges appear enough to end Brady’s reign in Carr’s eyes. He also expects Ivy to ignore a personal betrayal in the name of “professionalism”. And as ever, Regime membership seems precarious—a castle built on shifting sands.
When Ivy returns as co-GM, will she bow to The Regime or side with Bobby Cash? How will her loyalties affect Adam Bolt and Alexxis Falcon? And when Brady Phillips returns, will he come for Nova—or join forces with The Rebels?
The King Is Dead. Long Live The King.
After an unprecedented climb, Riley Nova stands atop True Grit Wrestling—but for how long? With a chain match against Kemper looming, and the Sword of Damocles swinging overhead, his reign could prove as short as it is shocking.
Find out on 14th November at Left Bank Centre in Leeds.
The King is dead. Long live the King. But how long will he reign?
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