A new era has begun in Apex — but not without controversy.
During Apex Uprising, the wrestling world watched in shock as J-Sin stripped Ryan Rage of the Apex Obsidian Championship. The decision sent shockwaves through the locker room and the fanbase alike. There was no delay, no drawn-out process. Instead, Apex officials acted swiftly, announcing an Obsidian Championship tournament on the spot to determine a new titleholder.
Ryan Rage Speaks Out
Ryan Rage didn’t take the decision quietly.
Addressing the crowd, Rage expressed frustration and disappointment over losing the championship he earned by defeating Gavin Ace — now the reigning United States Champion. Rage claimed Apex was “as good as gone” without him at the helm, making it clear he believes the company’s success was built on his dominance.
It was raw. It was personal. And it set the tone for a volatile night.
The Obsidian Championship Tournament Begins
Commentators Dick Bigums and Josh Zodiac officially kicked off the tournament, and the drama escalated almost immediately.
Matt Killer vs. Josh Zodiac
Matt Killer entered the ring expecting a mystery opponent. What he got was a shocking reveal — commentator Josh Zodiac stepping out from behind the desk and into competition.
The gamble backfired.
Zodiac resorted to a blatant low blow, resulting in an immediate disqualification. Matt Killer advances, but the controversy surrounding Zodiac’s actions will undoubtedly follow him.
Masked Man vs. Striker
The mysterious masked competitor — identity still unknown — faced off against Striker, formerly Hardcore Striker, who recently returned from a rib injury.
Striker looked sharp and focused. Despite the masked man’s unpredictability, Striker secured the victory and moves on in the tournament. Momentum is clearly building behind him.
Asmodeus vs. Project T-J
This match barely got underway.
Project T-J was scheduled to face the towering Goliath Asmodeus — but instead, Sage appeared. Without explanation, Sage threw T-J’s signature glasses at Asmodeus and retreated, leaving everyone questioning what happened to T-J and what SoS may have done to him.
With no opponent to compete, Asmodeus was awarded a pass to the next round.
Sometimes dominance doesn’t require destruction.
Madman vs. The Maniac
Perhaps the most unsettling contest of the night.
The Madman, visibly unstable and distracted — searching for his doctor and even asking for pudding — stepped into the ring against The Maniac. What followed was a grim and methodical dismantling.
The Maniac locked in a brutal cross-face submission, forcing the tap-out and advancing deeper into the tournament. Cold. Clinical. Dangerous.
Vendetta Main Event: Broken Ace vs. Ravaged Marcus Ray
The tournament paused for a highly anticipated grudge match.
Broken Ace (Gavin Ace) collided with The Ravaged Marcus Ray in what was billed as a “Vendetta” match — and it delivered in every sense. These two left nothing behind.
Ravaged Marcus Ray emerged victorious after a punishing battle. But the story didn’t end there.
In a shocking post-match assault, Gavin Ace attacked Marcus Ray — and even the referee — sending a clear message: this rivalry is far from over.