Post by eWrestling News on Nov 23, 2009 10:25:39 GMT -4
In Today's Issue...
>Preview of KOTC'09 Round 3
> KOTC Spotlight -> John Carlisle (WWA)
> News from APW
> Kenshiki Championship Wrestling’s Big Comeback
> "Back in the Saddle" Sit down with MNB's Nathaniel Broadway
> "Why so serious?" Sit down with APW President: Hurricane Jeff
> Cover Story > Return of the Mac
KING OF THE CAGE ROUND 3
What an incredible few weeks of Wrestling!
It’s hard to imagine that just twenty days ago the King of the Cage tournament started with Thirty-Six wrestlers spanning an amazing nineteen amazing federations across the globe.
Yet here we are on the cusp of Round Three in this outstanding tournament with only eight men remaining battling it out in Sin City itself, Las Vegas.
Yes for the second straight week the city of lights will sponsor the tournament. Terrel Odom of the PWX/DXX federations will be featured in this weeks main event against rival Shawn Kennedy of the UWF. Filling out the other six spots are Moses Lake, Deadpool, William Rast, Pence Weatherlight, Cyrus Lyger and Jordan Post.
Round three airs this Sunday, the 29th at 9PM CST only on Pay Per View
KOTC SPOTLIGHT
Q: Who is John Carlisle?
A: “Who am I? I’m the highlight of my generation – both inside Professional Wrestling, and out. One of the greatest stars born from the World Wrestling Alliance, and soon to be the star of the King of the Cage tournament. In Lehman’s terms, I’m arguably the greatest wrestler in the business at this moment.”
Q: What gives you the best chance to win KOTC 2009?
A: “The way I see it, what will win this competition is work ethic, attitude, determination, courage, and class - incidentally the names of my knuckles. All joking aside though, it’s going to be who has the greatest desire to win, and the greatest desire to out-do themselves, and their opponents, that’s going to decide the victor. And, no disrespect to anybody else entering this year, but I think I’ve got the advantage there – I’ve got as much, if not more, to prove than anyone, and I’m damn determined to go out there and prove it.”
Q: Tell us about WWA the fed you are representing
A: “The World Wrestling Alliance… It’s a bit of a pick and mix, really. Former stars of all the deceased ‘major federations’, like TNA or WWE, stars from other rising federations filling the market, and even a handful of world-class athletes reared in the Alliance itself. We’ve sold out the biggest venues on the planet, toured every continent on the globe, secured some of the most high-profile deals in the industry’s history, and even run rival promotions into the ground. I don’t think there can be many wrestling fans out there who’ve never heard of us, but at the end of the day, I guess we're just one federation amongst many – which is part of the reason I’m here, at EWC’s annual King of the Cage competition. To prove that WWA stars are the dominant force in Professional Wrestling.”
Q: Weapon of Choice?
A: “I don’t think I need to look much further than my own hands and feet. I’m a weapon in myself. But I’ll be happy to grab hold of anything big and threatening that’s lying around in those cages.”
Q: How do you stay in shape?
A: “Simple routine of healthy eating, regular exercise, and wrestling almost every night of the week. I don’t particularly need to put much effort in to maintain a good physique, I think my workload seems to do a good enough job of keeping the beer gut away [chuckles].”
Q: After KOTC what is next for you?
A: “I’ve still got a lot to do in the World Wrestling Alliance, so that’ll be my first port of call. But who knows? Sooner or later, I’ll have to move on to pastures greener and fresher. I promise though, without a shadow of a doubt, that it won’t be the last you’ve heard of Jonathan Carlisle – no matter where I hang my coat, the spotlight will be over my head. I guarantee it.”
Q: If you win KOTC will you be back to defend your crown next year?
A: “I’m not one for predicting the future… But I wouldn’t rule it out.”
APW News
Things are shaping up with 2 Overdrive lefts before APW’s final show of the year, Christmas Chaos, taking place from the Staples Center in Los Angela California on December 20th. So far confirmed; Level One defends the World Title against Slade Craven. Xtreme Champion, Chris Cyrus puts the Xtreme Title on the line against Michael Lively, in a match where history will be made. If Chris Cyrus wins, then he will have held the Xtreme Title for 1 year. If Michael Lively wins, he will be the only man in APW History to be a grand slam champion.
APW Owner, President Hurricane Jeff, this past Wednesday on Overdrive once again challenge the owner of EWC, President Mac to a match at APW’s Christmas Chaos. President Mac has ignored Jeff’s challenge, but Jeff announced on Overdrive that with this Monday being the season premier of Monday Night Brawl, President Jeff will go to Brawl in Memphis Tennessee and confront Mac face to face. It will be interesting to see how that works out as President Jeff looks to invade EWC.
Next Week’s Overdrive, for the first time ever, will be full of Tag Team matches. 16 APW Megastars will fight in Tag team matches. 4 matches will take place with the main event being Level One and Victor Hades taking on the unlikely duo of Michael Lively and Pence Weatherlight
November 29th, The Experts are holding their Rival Factions show where federations represented by the Experts will compete. In the main event, Level One will try to regain the True Experts title when he faces Georgie Nickles, who won the Experts tournament almost 3 months ago. Also at the event, for the FIRST TIME EVER, The APW Overdrive Championship will be defended outside an APW ring. Biggs will defend the APW Overdrive Title against Shadow, in what we hope will be the final chapter of this feud.
A New match has been added to the Christmas Chaos card. As Victor Hades and Shadow will be battling in a Deck the Halls match, a Barbwire Cage. This match was made following Overdrive’s main event. If Shadow wins the Overdrive Title at Rival Factions, this could very well be for the Overdrive title.
And finally, in late breaking news, another match has been made for Christmas Chaos. Biggs will face off against Pence Weatherlight. This match could be for the Overdrive title if Biggs retains his title at Rival Factions against Shadow. One thing for sure, Pence and Hades will be looking closely to this Rival Faction match between Biggs and Shadow.
Kenshiki Championship Wrestling’s Big Comeback
And the star that is making it possible
It’s a beautiful day in Tel Aviv, Israel, and I’m sitting across from a woman who defies stereotypes and clichés within the pro-wrestling industry. She is dressed in a very fine suit that harkens back to a simpler and nobler time her history. It is a brilliant velvet black, the ruffles on her silk white shirt are excellently creased, and truly the whole ensemble comes across as smart, savvy, and just with a mild touch of a Judaic history. She has long, silky black hair that is tied into a tight braid, and yet still a few wisps of her hair hang about her face, giving her the look of a fashion model or perhaps a movie star. This woman’s name is Esther Rose, an Israeli national who has recently made the career jump to professional wrestling.
I ask Esther if she’s ready to begin the interview, and her only response is to smile coyly in my direction. She sits up from the table and motions me to follow her. She moves to the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open sweetly unto a stone balcony that is, quite possibly, older than the age of my entire family, put together. She steps out onto the balcony, and I hear the heels of her leather shoes click against the (what I assume to be) marble floors. She walks to the edge of the balcony and rests her smooth hands on the recently furbished marble guard, and she stops.
“I still don’t know why you picked me,” she begins, and her voice is like satin on my ears.
I tell her that Kenshiki Championship Wrestling has been making a lot of noise recently, and with each new episode of KCW’s ‘Friday Night Thrillzone’, it seems that it is becoming closer and closer to the main attraction of Thursday night television. She gives a polite little laugh and shakes her head.
“You still didn’t answer my question; why me?”
I tell her, a little embarrassed, that as the new KCW campaign is getting underway, she has been constantly the most discussed, asked about, and web search in the entire organization. Another shake of the, and she looks out to the city below her.
“I honestly don’t know what to say, I’m a newbie. I’ve yet to have a professional match, and you’re telling me that I’m the most sought after wrestler in the company? I find that…. Amusing.”
To tell the truth, I felt much the same way she did. Esther turned from the balcony, and looked at me in the eye. Her piercing brown eyes were probably the most striking thing about Esther. That loveable smile returned.
“In all honesty, I can name on one hand –one finger- who would be better suited to this task.”
I tell her that our audience here at E-Wrestling Monthly are not interested in the Cameron Hayden’s or the El Chupacabra’s of the KCW. And she gives another polite laugh.
“So what do you want to know me? I’m not that interesting , you know. I’ve had twenty-eight years on this Earth, and most of them were not…. Eventful.”
It’s my turn to smile coyly. The more I spoke to Esther Rose, the more I realized that she was the epitome of grace. Truly, Esther Rose was a hot commodity, and her sustained humility could only be the result of careful practice.
“We’ll leave that up to our readers,” I tell her, and she nods.
“So what do you want to know?” She says.
I tell him that I’d like to start from the beginning, where she grew up, what she did as a child, and why oh why this woman who was seemingly cut from satin, chose professional wrestling of all things.
Part One: The Beginning
“I was an average child, you see. I was born to an upper class Israeli man and a lower class Palestinian woman. Class in Israel, while as important as ever, is a joke, which is why I don’t take it seriously. You are born into the position you are born into. Ethnicity, gender and religion all play major roles in this, with a great amount of social inequality. However, you could walk into a bank in Tel Aviv, take out a loan for 50,000 New Shekel, and buy yourself a fairly decent life.”
I ask her if that’s true.
“Yes, so you can see why I don’t take the upper class here very seriously. Don’t get me wrong, I love my country, and I’m proud to me an Israelite…. But I learned at an early age that there is a sickness in this great land. The so-called ‘Zionists’ are dead set against cultural influence outside this tiny strip of land. You see how they are with the Palestinians.”
I ask her to please continue, and her warm smile shifts into a slightly colder tone.
“I lost my mother early in life…. I think I was still in diapers, a toddler. I don’t remember much of her. To be honest, I still have to pull out a picture just to remember her face. But my father, he was a good man. He gave me everything I could have ever wanted, but….”
“But?”
“It’s silly (laughs), but he never really knew me as a person. He would comment that I looked so much like my mother, and I took it as a compliment…. But now, now I think he was expressing disdain for my features.”
“That you were so much like your mother?”
“(laughs) Yes, exactly. He loved my mother, and he loved me….he didn’t show it, but I think it’s because…. Because I reminded him so much of her. And I understand, I love the old gentlemen, and he taught me a lot about how to present yourself.”
“Earlier Esther, you mentioned a ‘sickness’, have you experienced this for yourself, first hand?”
“Yes, I did, there’s a…. distrust between the Israelites and the Palestinians, and it’s gotten, nowadays anyhow, a heated one. So, when I was growing up in Tel Aviv, with my father’s friends…. They didn’t like me being around them. They’d be polite, but I could tell they looked at me like I was some mutt birthed from the loins of some common Gaza whore.
I remember being young and not knowing…. Not knowing what they were talking about. Not knowing how they viewed me and how they were only polite to not upset my father. But I remember being, what? Fifteen? Yes, I believe so. I remember being at that age and one night during a dinner party, it all clicked for me. These people hate me. They frowned at my B’s and they kept telling my father that it was a tough break I was an only child. I remember thinking ‘who the fuck are you to say this about my family?’…. Pardon my language.”
“It’s quite fine. Please, continue.”
“Well, I remember thinking that…. And I think it was a turning point for me. I didn’t want to be like them, never did, not really. I never did too well in school because of it. I was kind of lost like most teenagers were. Most teenagers (hell, most people) don’t know what they want to be until their thirties. I know my father wanted me to be a concert pianist and sadly, he never got to live his dream.”
Part Two: The IDF
“So why the military?”
“It’s really kind of simple. I was conscripted. The nation of Israel has mandatory military service for both men and women. All Israeli citizens are conscripted at age eighteen or the conclusion of twelfth Grade. Usually, the requirement is a two year span, until you are twenty.”
“Yes, but what made you stay for an entire decade?”
“Well, to be honest with you, it had more to do with a desire not to return home than anything else. My father was a workaholic and, I think, he was kind of embarrassed by me. I know he loved me but…. I just can’t help but shake the feeling that he was embarrassed to have me around his friends. His colleagues. Every single time I would make an appearance during one of his parties, I would get dirty looks and there would be snide jokes at my expense. So I kind of wanted to stay away from that as much as possible. As cliché as it sounds, I really ended up finding myself in the IDF, and I think I matured much more exceptionally than perhaps some of my dearest friends. I loved, and I lost. All within the span of two years.”
“Would you like to talk about that?”
Esther smiles at me, and shakes her head.
“No, I’m sorry ma’am, but not every detail of my personal life is for the public. There are some…. Aspects, to my history that I wish to remain private.”
I understood, and I didn’t press any farther.
“So Esther, you’re in the IDF, you made your decision to be a career military woman, was there ever a point when you thought ‘maybe this wasn’t such a good idea’?”
“(Laughs) Oh of course. My first assignment after being placed with the IDF assassination squad.”
“I’m sorry, assassination squad?”
“Well, that not it’s official title of course, but that is essentially what we did. My superiors didn’t appreciate me calling it that, however. To continue with my response, I was sent after two Hamas members. Most definitely. I remember getting hit in the mask by a piece of rubble from an explosion on my way out after the deed. Not everyone in the squad wore a mask, but I’m not stupid. I know the importance of being presentable, and I don’t want to be scarred for life because someone connected with a lucky shot. But that mine grenade….yeah, I knew it was real and I had committed to something I maybe wasn’t ready for.”
“But you survived.”
“Indeed I did.”
“What was that like? To feel the rush of survival from circumstances that could have easily killed you.”
“To be honest, it felt wonderful. I don’t think I’ve ever felt such a high. It was a beautiful moment, and it was when I had realized I had been…. reborn? I guess that’s the right word, considering the meaning and all.”
“Being that you felt that, why did you choose to leave after ten long years?”
“The short answer is, I was asked to accept an honorable discharge. But, I’m guessing you want the long version. My superiors were constantly chastising me for failing to see the morality in what we did, is how they put it. Which I suppose is true, I didn’t find any of it moral. They killed some of ours, we killed some of theirs, rinse and repeat.”
“So, you had a crisis of conscience.”
“Not at all. I had no problem with assassinating any of the targets I was given. But I did have a problem with the fact that everyone else refused to acknowledge that Hamas and the IDF were mirror images of each other. We each did the same thing, in the end, we were each bringers of death to the other. People died, others lived. It’s simply the way of the universe. And to act as though you have moral superiority over someone else because you are on the heads side of the coin rather than the tails, is rather infuriating to me.”
“So, you believe in shades of grey?”
“No, I don’t. People who believe in black and white are certainly foolish, however those that believe in shades of grey are not as smart as they think they are. The truth is, morality does not exist. Honestly, if you are looking for a real reason why Israel and Palestine cannot find peace, it is because each of them views themselves as morally superior to the other. Others in the IDF were disturbed by my world view, and over time, as I would not budge from my stance. The strains became too much to mend. I was honorably discharged. And while I am technically still in the reserves until I am forty-five. However, I am fairly certain that I will not be asked to come back, no matter how bad things become in the region.”
Part Three: The KCW
“I understand now, how the inner workings of the IDF led you to leave it. But, I’m still not clear on why you chose wrestling of all things.”
“Professional Wrestling and all the various forms of pugilism in this world represent us, as people, down to our very base foundation. To us, the little man (Beth Harte, for instance) represents the average person. The person who works nine-to-five and serves as the backbone of not only this economy, but this nation. To us, the big powerhouse wrestler represents the world at large. And how does the world at large treat the little man? Why, the world throws its weight around and mistreats and abuses the little man…. us, in other words. It is my belief that the ones we give power to, the ones we entrust with our money, with our desires, with our dreams, hopes, and aspirations... it is my belief that they create a social opinion as they are want to do, about Professional Wrestling. This opinion is of course that pro-wrestling and all of its incarnations is a form of low-brow entertainment. Brutal, senseless, and often tasteless, pro-wrestling is about appealing to the most base, animalistic instinct of humanity. This opinion is hammered into our brains from an early age, and those willing to ignore it and continue on with their fascination of this 'King of Sports' has only been met with ridicule and disregard. After all, if you're interested in pugilism and pro-wrestling specifically, you must be an idiot, right?”
“I don’t think there is a wrestling fan alive that hasn’t experienced that condescending attitude at one point or another. So Esther, knowing that you’re becoming a popular star, not just in professional wrestling, but in pop culture, how do you feel about this?”
“Well…. I feel…. Strange, to be honest with you. I never… I never really had respect of popularity growing up. I never really got to be the ‘cool kid’ because, whenever I was in this world I was an outsider. I never fit in with either the Israelites or the Palestinians, or anyone really. I had very few friends, and confidants were fewer still. It’s an odd sensation to look and see how well the public is responding to me. I think it’s wonderful, you know? I think it’s great, but on the same token…. I’ve seen this before. Someone somewhere will try and tear me down. They’ll try and dig into my past, look for skeletons in my closet, and they’ll try to ruin this for me. And…. I know that day will come. The media, the people, everyone will turn on me, and I’m really just trying to ride the wave before things go back to normal for Esther Aqsa Rose.”
“You raise an interesting point.”
“I do.”
“Do you think you have skeletons in your closet? And reason as to why the public would turn on you?”
Esther’s demeanor changes, and I thought I had struck a nerve.
“Of course there are. I’m human. I’m only human. Those skeletons you refer to… they’re mine, for now. I’m really than anyone who reads this, or anyone who sees me on Thrillzone. I’m a person, I have my own wants and desires. I have my own history, my own past, and I have my own moments that I’m not particularly proud of…. But like I said, those will no doubt be revealed in time. For now, I just want to ride the wave, and experience this…. Celebrity, first hand.”
“Fair enough. So, last question…. Where do you see yourself, five years from now?”
Esther shrugs for a moment, and her eyes return to the beautiful landscape below us. Esther Aqsa Rose is an intriguing and private individual. She is openly charismatic and warm, she is polite and welcoming…. But there are barriers. She does not hesitate to tell anyone when they have crossed the line into her personal affairs.
If nothing else, Esther Aqsa Rose is one of the most mysterious and, oddly enough, nicest person in the sport of professional wrestling, if not…. Anywhere.
“I…. I see myself as the KCW Heavyweight Champion of the World. As far as my personal life is concerned…. Well, let’s just see what tomorrow brings.”
ONE ON ONE BROADWAY
> What does it feel like to be back in the spotlight?
Well, the spotlight has always been a part of this industry i never cared much about. And I would gladly stay out of it - except for the fact that the spotlight is where you need to be to get to the top in this industry. I accredit BDC with the push into the spotlight, and it's been all down here from there *laughs*. But the spotlight that comes with being the manager of EWC's staple show, well, its a lot of pressure. And for those that know me, i love pressure. So, to answer your question, It feels good to be back in the spotlight.
> What makes THIS EWC so different then before?
Prior to the events that lead to what we now call the "NEW EWC", there was a lot of distance between the staff. Like most business that get that big, the EWC began to lose the foundation that made it so great. Now we have the right people in the right places, and we are prepared for any bad apples that might fall from the tree.
> Whats going on behind the scenes? / What is it like knowing the ins and outs as a staff member compared to being a wrestler?
Production, recruiting, advertising, you name it, the EWC is probably doing it. As far as details, well, we will leave the answers to that for the coming weeks.
*smiles*
Now, being a wrestler is a bit easier, if you ask me. Your job is pretty cut and dry, unless there is something else dropped on top of you that you are expected to do, but that rarely happens. Knowing the ins and outs isn't always as cool as one might think. I have to deal with an amalgam of personalities, and find a way to please just about all of them. Sometimes i feel like I'm babysitting, but its all necessary. These guys and girls are some of the greatest athletes on the planet, and It's my job to give them to the fans in a way that spotlights their talents, and is far more than televised entertainment.
> Will you don the tights once again in the EWC?
I never retired, and returning to the ring is something I think about every day. I can tell you that I won't be wrestling in the near future, but I've never been the type to ward off possibility. I'm not that old, and I still have all the skills one needs to achieve great things. But right now, I have other things on my mind.
> What is something we don't know about you?
I wrestled for a federation for several years, under the name Sandman. I won just about every title that federation had. It was a hell of a good time, but not as traditional as the EWC. That fed was about as hardcore as hardcore got, and I wore out my expiration date for that fed. It taught me a lot, and I tested myself in ways I never thought I ever could. But its time for a new chapter in my life, and thanks to Mac, that chapter has started.
> What is you goal as new GM of Monday Night Brawl?
To Monday Night Brawl to the fans in a way they never imagined. Wrestling has started to lose its character, and is beginning to fade. Brawl hasn't been the same in a long time, and I intend to change that.
> What has been your greatest wrestling moment?
*laughs* Moses Lake would say it was the first time he choked me out. But that has to take a backseat to the day BDC approached me and asked me to be a part of the greatest Stable of all time. Retribution Inc did things for my career, for BDC's career, and for Lance Fiennes career, that might not have been attainable without our teamwork. I would have to say that is my greatest moment. I know, I know, sounds a little too emotional, and me not addressing titles or title defenses as my greatest moment might seem odd, but I can't deny the truth. After all, the truth is all I know.
> Past and Present, who is the best wrestler you have seen?
Seen? Hmm...
*places hand on chin*
Gentleman by the name of Dan Lopez. While foreign to many who might read this article, he is by no means an amateur. I watched Dan Lopez rise to underground prominence, turn down major contracts, and retire with a legacy that will live forever in the eyes many wrestling fans. He was a great sportsman, and always told it like he was. Dan's protege just signed with Monday Night Brawl, guy by the name of Anthony Silver. I expect a lot of him, coming from a camp like Dan's.
ONE ON ONE WITH JEFF
> If you weren't wrestling, what would you be doing?
Well Technically I’m not wrestling, I‘m running APW. This year I’ve wrestled 4 matches. But if I wasn’t in the wrestling business, I don’t know what I’d be. This business was always a big part of my life growing up. One thing I’ve always loved as a kid beside wrestling is Video Games. Call me a dork, but if I wasn’t in the business, I’d love to be able to create my own video games.
> In 5 words or less, how would you describe your career?
Best time of my Life
> What do you enjoy most about being a fed head?
Two things, I enjoy being able to produce some of the best wrestling shows in the world, and I enjoy The Roster. Their a great group of guys who truly show their love for this business. Their always willing to help out where they can and together, we’ve grown as a strange little family. Without them, there would be no APW
> Did you expect the APW to be as successful as it is?
Honestly, I did not. The day we we’re gonna announce our first show, we only had 7 signed wrestlers. I was gonna do the show one way or another. And at that point, I thought that we’d get no one else and we’d so 2 or 3 shows and that be it. But before the show was announced, I struck a deal and signed our 8th wrestlers which was I wanted for the first show. And then after the first show was done, I had people coming to me wanting to be part of APW and it just grew. There was a few times along the road that it seemed that APW’s days we’re number, especially with people quitting and all that, but some how we managed. The right people showed up in time and APW is still kicking it in full gear.
> Where do you see yourself/APW this time next year?
Where I see APW? Well, I’ve always wanted to grow APW. There’s a few ideas in mind on how to make that happen. I’d personally would love to bring in a second brand. Not a second show. A whole new brand different than what we’re doing on Overdrive. An Alternative to the main product which I think will be a major success for us. Hopefully we can get to that point. At this time, compared to last year, APW is a much better product over all, and I think by this time next year, it will be even better.
> Pound for Pound, who is the best Wrestler you have ever faced?
That’s a tough one because I’ve been in this business for over 8 years. And I’ve fought a lot of people. If I had to pick one guy, when he was in is prime, I’ll say my mentor, a guy by the name of Alternativ. This is the first man I worked for and from 2002 till he retired in 2005, we had our fair share of encounters. This guy taught me a lot. And Just by watching him in the ring I learned a lot. I’ve had the honor of fighting him in his last ever match and as I thank you, I inducted him into the APW Hall of Fame. This guy was top notch in his time with without him, my career may have ended 7 years ago.
> You come from a long line of federations, any regrets?
I think I’ve lost count with the amount of Federations I’ve been in. I think I may have been in about 20 or so. But out of those 20’s, Theres only maybe like 4 or 5 that stand out that I’ve been a part of that was successful. The others would close down faster than they’d open. I don’t regret any feds I’ve been in. A lot of them was in my first few years into the business, it help me gain the experience that I have today.
> You had a great history in the EWC, what did you take from that experience?
When I first joined EWC, I was coming in after taking a 3 month break. At that time, I’ve wrestled for 4 straight years without a break. I wrestled almost every day, sometimes twice a day. But being in EWC, I was at the top of my game, the best I ever was. When I won the APW World Title and International Title in the same night at Stranglemania, It was a major highlight of my career, top 5 moment for sure.
While helping being a General Manager with Max Carter, I think that experience really helped me grow as a booker and help me create APW to was it was today. I’ve ran shows before on a smaller scale, but doing it in EWC, I raised the bar, and I raised it high. And a lot of people respected me for it. All in All, my time in EWC was excellent.
> You have called out EWC Head Honcho President Mac, do you think he will fight? How will this effect APW/EWC relations going forward?
I know Mac will fight me. It might not accept my challenge today, or tomorrow or even this year, but Mac doesn’t know how determined I am to get him into the ring. I will challenge him every week if I have to, I’ll annoy the hell out of him. I will make him sick of hearing my voice. I will challenge him to the point that when he goes to sleep, all he see’s is my challenging him. The only way I’ll stop right now is if Mac accepts my challenge and to step into MY ring at Christmas Chaos on December 20th.
As for the EWC/APW Relationship, this match is good for our relationship. It get everyone in both companies interested. If anything, our relationship can be stronger because of this. But all I care about right now is fighting Mac and that’s it.
> What would you say to anyone asking advice on how to make it in the business in this day and age?
I’d tell them to check their ego at the door. I’ve seen so many people’s reputations be ruined by their ego. If you want to be in this business, you need to realize that you are not the best, and that you will lose. Its no big deal, you get up and try again. You lose some, you win some, but if you want to win more than you lose, then work hard and dedicate your life to this. And most importantly, have fun.
RETURN OF THE MAC
Danny Mac enters the room with a brooding confidence that could inspire a Mark Morrison video dedicated solely to the Return of the Mac. As those lyrics so appropriately proclaim "you knew that I would be back" and "I am back to run the show". Yes after a year away Danny Mac is back to reclaim his title: President.
Forget that Mac is honored with GQ’s Most Stylish Man Award in the mag’s upcoming 2009 issue. Or that he is one of FORBES 100 most Powerful Men 2009. The 35-year-old triple threat dishes fashion advice to GQ and talked about who is his style icon was. He shared, “Kate Moss. She looks good in anything. She would look good in one of your T-shirts, in her T-shirt, in a man’s suit, in a huge gown. She looks amazing naked. She even makes nude look stylish. That, to me, is a style icon. She could put a barrel on and it would be some sort of statement.”
While that's good and fine, and who are we to argue? This is not a fashion magazine. We want to know where the hell Mac has been all these months. What has he been doing? What made him come back now? And so it begins...
"Hi I'm Danny" he says reaching out for the double handed hand shake. As he sits down in front of me I can't help but feel like he actually thinks I didn't know who he was. A smile and a slight blush comes over me as Mac unbuttons his jacket revealing a beautiful 3 piece suit, but this is NOT a fashion magazine.
Where has Big Danny Mac been all this time?
"Travelling *laughs* I had to take a personal leave for the last ten months"
Knowing we want more of an answer for his unexpected leave, Mac shifts his body to become more comfortable and takes a sip of water before tilting his head and smirking. "Sometimes you just need to walk away from something, regroup, get the flow going again and then come back with a fresh mind. I went out, took some time to be with my family, dealt with some personal issues and then I hit the pavement hard. I know it's not a good excuse but I hit the wall, if I can use a runners term. I hit the wall running and I had no where to go. So I re-grouped, re-fueled and I went out and inked deals with some long term investors, got us some new sponsors and spent a number of months in various gyms scouting some new talent. For the first time in my life I feel like, like this is me. I'm almost comfortable being in my own skin. I think that's a good thing". Yah Danny, it's a good thing!
When you look into the EWC's future, what do you see?
"Longevity. I know that sounds strange coming from a guy who has been running this show for twelve years but while many are struggling to keep a roster or to put out a good show, the EWC shines in the sense that our roster and even our staff are built to last
Just the name EWC commands much respect in the world of wrestling, and I personally feel that only enhances our appeal with the fans and puts us one step ahead of the down side of the curve"
In regards to your new MNB and FNR staff, how do you feel about the decision you made?
"I’m ecstatic". He smiles from ear to ear and leans forward, almost as if he had been waiting to be asked this question. "I wanted to find people who knew the business. I wanted people who knew what it felt like to win but also know what it feels like to lose. The guys I have chosen to surround myself right now are proven veterans of wrestling.
Nathaniel Broadway and Jason Burgess bring a sense of Grit and a no bull shit attitude to Monday Night Brawl. And really, doesn’t that describe the show? Brawl has always been one of those trend setting shows that was filled with the finest wrestlers of our Generation. Brawl has been one of those cutting edge hardcore shows that always pushed the limits of the stars on its show. I feel strongly that Broadway and Burgess or as I refer to them as B Squared, gives Brawl the best chance at regaining its glory.
As far as Friday Night Rampage goes, I mean Rev and Gladiator were the perfect choice. Rampage has always been one of those shows that likes to push the envelope and isn’t afraid to break the mould and try things that are new and different. Some of the most insane matches took place on Rampage, and who better to bring out that sadistic side of wrestling then Rev and Gladiator? These two guys are creative, brilliant and know how to run a business. They were amazing in there individual wrestling careers, and even more dominant as a team. Together, they will make Rampage a very exciting show"
What's in store for HCW?
"Yes". Mac nods his head with a giant grin. "Hard Core Wrestling is going to be an experience. We are on HBO which means we are free to do whatever the hell we want. This is not your typical Wrestling program. HCW is going to be intense, it’s going to be bloody for sure and it’s going to really push the limits of those in the ring. It won’t have the glitz and glamour of the other two Brands, but HCW is going to stand out in it’s intensity and violence"
What possessed you to resurrect the EWC in a sense?
"I don’t think EWC was dying. Michael Saint stepped up and did a fantastic job. He ran things differently then myself but was very successful. I decided to come back because I felt my second wind was more then enough to take the EWC to higher heights. I appreciate everything Saint had done, but in the end we both wanted to go in different directions.
I had the money and resources to put EWC back on top, and that’s what I have started to do. We are back on major networks, we have an incredibly strong and healthy roster of more then twenty active guys, and things are looking up. Brawl is set to return next week, then HCW comes back in the middle of December and before you know it we have all three shows running again for the first time in over 15 months"
What does the KotC Tournament mean to wrestling, and to the fans?
"King of the Cage brings Wrestling together. It showcases the best wrestlers in the business and gives added exposure to federations and wrestlers that many of us what not have heard about in our travels. For the fans, I mean just look at them. Each show is a sell out. Every sports station talks about it. Posters and shirts fill the streets. People love a tournament. People love a reason to cheer. King of the Cage puts wrestling back on the map"
What does the EWC have planned for the new year?
"Lots! This next year is going to be very exciting. The talent on the roster is some of the best we have had in years. The staff is committed and strong. Our pay-per-view selection is second to none. 2010 is going to be a great year for us. Before you know it, King of the Cage 2010 will be here."
As I thanked Mac for doing the interview he puts his arm around me and hands me a ticket package for King of the Cage's Round 3 matches and a coupon for a free room in the hotel of my choice while in Vegas. Hate him or love him, Mac sure makes everyone feel like "one of the crew". As he left the room, I found it hard to imagine that he could be a single man, a father, a wrestling legend, a style guru, a successful owner and a model citizen. While many questions still remain, one thing is certain...
The Mac HAS returned.
