Byline: Cassidy Sharp, Iron City Press

It’s been less than a week since Graysie Parker made history in front of a sold-out Foundry crowd, winning the inaugural Iron Crown Gauntlet in a bruising main event that saw her outlast nine other competitors, including hometown enemies and national stars alike.

But if Parker thought the hard part was over, she may want to think again.

👑 From Celebration to Crosshairs

In the wake of her victory, Parker was spotted backstage wrapped in an ice pack, still catching her breath. When asked about the moment, she didn’t break into a victory lap or bask in the glory.

Instead, she said this:

“Call it a crown. Call it a target. Don’t matter to me. I didn’t come to Iron City to sit on a throne—I came to fight.”

That blue-collar grit has earned Parker a groundswell of support from Iron City fans, who’ve rallied around the once-overlooked powerlifter turned prizefighter. But it’s also drawn the attention of a locker room full of competitors now eyeing the top spot.

And not all of them are playing nice.

💰 Trust Fund Trouble?

Meanwhile, Todderick Davenport III hasn’t exactly kept his mouth shut, either. The Mountain Brook native and son of Birmingham elite has taken every opportunity to minimize Parker’s win, telling ICW cameras in a deleted social clip:

“Graysie Parker didn’t win anything. She survived a clown car crash of poor people fighting for relevance. I’ve already wired the money for my Iron Crown replica—it should arrive before her next payday.”

No one knows exactly what TD3’s plans are, but considering he came up short in the Gauntlet thanks in part to Parker’s spinebuster, payback may already be in motion.

As for Parker?

“Hot Toddy talks like he’s buying something that ain’t for sale. This ain’t Saks Fifth, baby. This is Iron City. If he wants a shot, tell him to lace up and earn it. Or don’t—don’t matter to me either way.”

🔮 What’s Next?

ICW officials have not yet announced who Graysie’s first challenger will be—or whether the Iron Crown will be defended regularly, à la a championship. What’s clear is that the Iron City faithful have found their queen.

And as the old saying goes, heavy is the head.

Stay tuned to Iron City Press for more updates as this story develops.