Golden competed at SOM Live and the National Wrestling Alliance's Monsters of the Midway event on July 28, 2023. Golden retained the SOM Hybrid Championship against Victor Andrews, Blade Gibson, and Jackson Black.[11] Golden retained the championship in a defense against Kirk Cazana on August 8, 2023.[12]
Golden and Gabriel returned to NWA-JCP on May 10, 2024 at Showdown at Sunbright, revealing Sal Rinauro as their new manager. The Guiding Light, now accompanied by Rinauro, faced Gustavo and JeMiale. Golden and Gabriel emerged victorious after Golden blinded JeMiale with an eyerake, allowing Rinauro to burn JeMiale with a fireball from the Book of Gabriel. After stealing the victory, Golden and Gabriel remained at ringside for Rinauro’s match with Tyler Shoop. Golden attempted to use the Book of Gabriel fireball on Shoop, but the fire did not take shape, allowing Shoop to throw Rinauro into the book and execute a schoolboy pin. After the loss for Rinauro, a tense argument ensued before Golden and Rinauro made up.[16]
On June 1, 2024, Golden competed at the NWA Back to the Territories tapings of Powerrr, where he was defeated by Wayne Moxxi with a springboard elbow drop.[17] On June 14, Golden and Gabriel challenged The Zenith (JR Miller and TDT) to a match at NWA-JCP Showcase Series: Back to the Basics in Decatur, Tennessee. Golden and Gabriel lost the match after Gabriel failed his attempt to cheat.[18] On August 29, The Guiding Light debuted for the fourth official territory, NWA Kross Fire. At the event, JaMiale recruited Rabbit Rogue and challenged Golden and Gabriel to a tag team match in response to the fireball incident. Golden and Gabriel emerged unsuccessful after a double roll up.
Golden entered the Carson Drake Invitational Battle Royal at NWA-JCP Matinee at the Matches on September 29, 2024. Despite an endorsement from Drake, Golden was eliminated from the match by Karl Parker. After pulling Parker off the apron to eliminate him, the two fought around the venue, igniting a new rivalry. In the main event of the show, Golden was defeated by Parker and KC Cazana in a no holds barred triple threat match.[19]
Professional wrestling style, persona, and reception
Golden utilizes the somersault neckbreaker as his finisher, known as the Afterburner. Golden inherited the finisher from his trainer E.Z. Money, who innovated the move in ECW and WCW. Golden occasionally employs a diving neckbreaker variation of the move called the Super Afterburner. Golden also inherited the Pendulum of Pain from Money, a rocking horse Boston crab.[20] Golden uses a variety of different moonsault variations, most notably the top rope moonsault and the standing moonsault.[3]
Golden has donned a flamboyant vogue since the beginning of his career, popularizing concepts such as illuminating jackets and body glitter. Golden has received acclaim for his work as a heel, often instigating fans and provoking spectators at ringside. Golden has utilized his promo abilities to host his own talk show, 24 Karat Gold, using the platform to initiate matches and trash talk.[21]
Music career
On March 19, 2020, Golden debuted his first single as a musician on streaming platforms.[22] Golden released the following single, "Walk", a year later.[23] Golden released his third single titled "Jet Lag" in collaboration with MecHeoN on May 28.[24] Golden released his fourth single titled "Huntin' for Myself" alongside James Tate on July 10, 2021.[25][26]
Golden as SOM Hybrid Champion in 2023Golden with the SOM East Tennessee Heavyweight Championship and the SPCW Junior Heavyweight Championship in 2024Golden pictured with the East Tennessee Championship in 2024
American Pro Wrestling
APW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Michael Gabriel
