Press Conference | The Launch

[Jeremy King]

PRESS CONFERENCE: THE LAUNCH

LOCATION: Fresh Studios Press Lounge

CONTEXT: Various members of the local press are in attendance, having been called to this launch conference, as the Engage Wrestling brand begins to unveil the new signings to the active roster.

WHO’S HERE: Claudia Thornton (Hollywood Journal), Owen Wells (The Los Angeles Times), Derek Baker (Engage Wrestling [dot] com), Erica Bradley (L.A Independent).

NEXT STEPS: Answer all or some of the following questions (found below) by responding in the thread as a reply. Anyone who chooses to participate in the conference will simply need to reply, thus creating one big thread. NOTE: If you have activated the Press Conference exemption clause in your contract, you cannot answer these questions.

QUESTIONS

“You've joined as one member of a fairly small, intimate roster. Are you hoping that your colleagues grow in number over time? Or are you a subscriber to the opinion that less is more; quality over quantity, etc, etc?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

“Fans will likely be curious to know what they can expect to see from you in terms of feuds and championship opportunities. What's your primary focus as an Engage combatant? Winning a title? Or simply the spirit of competitive fighting?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

“There's been a lot of criticism lately over the launch of Engage Wrestling, particularly from so-called "industry experts" who feel that the duo of Becker and King are grossly under-qualified to run a successful wrestling promotion. What's your own personal opinion and response to these scathing attacks on your company? Is it all style and no substance? Or are the cynics wrong?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

“How has the relocation to Hollywood impacted your private life? How does it compare to your hometown?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

“Having had a chance to see the current roster, give your thoughts on potential friends and foes for you as the weeks advance?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

“Just picking up on Erica's question, with the first card presumably just around the corner, can you give us any indication on who you'd like to face first?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times.

[Deleted]

QUESTIONS

“You've joined as one member of a fairly small, intimate roster. Are you hoping that your colleagues grow in number over time? Or are you a subscriber to the opinion that less is more; quality over quantity, etc, etc?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

Having spent the last 8 years wrestling on the underground independent circuit, I'm fairly used to smaller rosters. My only concern is that Engage can keep the fanbase interested... and if you can't do it with a near constant influx of new blood, then you have to push the envelope in the match-making in other ways. That usually leads to the barbed-wire and the light-tubes gettin' cracked out, and that suits me just fine.

“Fans will likely be curious to know what they can expect to see from you in terms of feuds and championship opportunities. What's your primary focus as an Engage combatant? Winning a title? Or simply the spirit of competitive fighting?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

Respect. I've spent a long time bustin' my arse and spillin' me blood in front of very few eyes, for little recognition and less money. I was born to fight, and it's what I've always done. Now, I wan't what I've earned, and while I prefer to be paid in respect, I'll take the titles, the glory and the money to boot.

“There's been a lot of criticism lately over the launch of Engage Wrestling, particularly from so-called "industry experts" who feel that the duo of Becker and King are grossly under-qualified to run a successful wrestling promotion. What's your own personal opinion and response to these scathing attacks on your company? Is it all style and no substance? Or are the cynics wrong?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

Y'know... I had this horrible nightmare, just last night, that Engage booked me first match against some little blonde number... and it was a bloody Bra & Panties Match! Can you even imagine? Me?

I'm sure nothing that Becker & King can whip up would be more horrific than that dream, so I'm not worried.

“How has the relocation to Hollywood impacted your private life? How does it compare to your hometown?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

Belfast? Ha! This is Disneyland by comparison. Literally.

“Having had a chance to see the current roster, give your thoughts on potential friends and foes for you as the weeks advance?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

As the first to sign their contract, I honestly haven't any idea who else is on the roster yet, although I've heard some rumors. I don't really play well with others anyway.

“Just picking up on Erica's question, with the first card presumably just around the corner, can you give us any indication on who you'd like to face first?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times.

Easy. The toughest, most hardcore S.O.B. that signs on before the card is announced. Period

[Deleted]

QUESTIONS

“You've joined as one member of a fairly small, intimate roster. Are you hoping that your colleagues grow in number over time? Or are you a subscriber to the opinion that less is more; quality over quantity, etc, etc?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

"I don't care. I'll ruin whoever is put before me, I don't care if the roster is ten strong or a hundred strong."

“Fans will likely be curious to know what they can expect to see from you in terms of feuds and championship opportunities. What's your primary focus as an Engage combatant? Winning a title? Or simply the spirit of competitive fighting?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

"I care about fighting and destroying, not trinkets and soap operas."

“There's been a lot of criticism lately over the launch of Engage Wrestling, particularly from so-called "industry experts" who feel that the duo of Becker and King are grossly under-qualified to run a successful wrestling promotion. What's your own personal opinion and response to these scathing attacks on your company? Is it all style and no substance? Or are the cynics wrong?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

"Let them run their mouths. Fools talk, warriors fight."

“How has the relocation to Hollywood impacted your private life? How does it compare to your hometown?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

"I go where the fight is. Here or there, it doesn't matter to me."

“Having had a chance to see the current roster, give your thoughts on potential friends and foes for you as the weeks advance?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

"They are all victims in the making. I aim to put down every single of of them. One by one they will fall."

“Just picking up on Erica's question, with the first card presumably just around the corner, can you give us any indication on who you'd like to face first?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times.

"Whoever dares. Let them come, let them try. Watch them fail."

[Deleted]

“You've joined as one member of a fairly small, intimate roster. Are you hoping that your colleagues grow in number over time? Or are you a subscriber to the opinion that less is more; quality over quantity, etc, etc?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

It needs to grow y'know to keep up with the original. The saviour of wrestling. This [Stands up and removes shirt and flexes] is going to be the cause of destruction. Wrapping them up and shipping them out like me own personal Fed Ex.

“Fans will likely be curious to know what they can expect to see from you in terms of feuds and championship opportunities. What's your primary focus as an Engage combatant? Winning a title? Or simply the spirit of competitive fighting?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

[Stands up and flexes] Umm pure greatness.

“There's been a lot of criticism lately over the launch of Engage Wrestling, particularly from so-called "industry experts" who feel that the duo of Becker and King are grossly under-qualified to run a successful wrestling promotion. What's your own personal opinion and response to these scathing attacks on your company? Is it all style and no substance? Or are the cynics wrong?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

They can all kiss my ass.

“How has the relocation to Hollywood impacted your private life? How does it compare to your hometown?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

Bless your heart...stupid ass. Hollywood don't even fursee Memphis.

“Having had a chance to see the current roster, give your thoughts on potential friends and foes for you as the weeks advance?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

[Stands up and flexes] Simple. I'm fixen to make a mess of ya'all.

“Just picking up on Erica's question, with the first card presumably just around the corner, can you give us any indication on who you'd like to face first?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times.

I reckon I'll be there kicking ass and taking names.

[Deleted]

“You've joined as one member of a fairly small, intimate roster. Are you hoping that your colleagues grow in number over time? Or are you a subscriber to the opinion that less is more; quality over quantity, etc, etc?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

I think that an intimate roster is great, we can all really get to know each other and learn what makes each other tick. I'm not against having it grow either though, I love new people and fresh blood always keeps things interesting.

“Fans will likely be curious to know what they can expect to see from you in terms of feuds and championship opportunities. What's your primary focus as an Engage combatant? Winning a title? Or simply the spirit of competitive fighting?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

I just want to learn - it's that simple. Wherever that takes me in Engage I'll be happy with.

“There's been a lot of criticism lately over the launch of Engage Wrestling, particularly from so-called "industry experts" who feel that the duo of Becker and King are grossly under-qualified to run a successful wrestling promotion. What's your own personal opinion and response to these scathing attacks on your company? Is it all style and no substance? Or are the cynics wrong?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

People could say the same thing about me, so I'm the last person who would agree with those opinions. They have put faith in me and I'll return it. Looking at the roster and the set up here, I'd say they're doing a better job than most out there.

“How has the relocation to Hollywood impacted your private life? How does it compare to your hometown?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

Well this is my hometown, so I feel completely comfortable. My family are here and my friends are here. It's perfect.

“Having had a chance to see the current roster, give your thoughts on potential friends and foes for you as the weeks advance?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

I'm hoping everyone will be a friend rather than a foe. There's no good in having foes; keeping on everyones good side gets you further

“Just picking up on Erica's question, with the first card presumably just around the corner, can you give us any indication on who you'd like to face first?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times.

Not really, if it's someone with as little real match experience as me then it's a good, even match up. If it's someone with years of experience, then I'll learn everything I can from them. Just so long as it's not someone who belittles me for my lack of experience - that's just annoying.

[Deleted]

“You've joined as one member of a fairly small, intimate roster. Are you hoping that your colleagues grow in number over time? Or are you a subscriber to the opinion that less is more; quality over quantity, etc, etc?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

    "Small's alright, really. I was in a company with a roster of 50+ people and it was real easy to get lost in the shuffle. Rather work a place where I can get to know the folks I'm out there with - and where I get to see action more than once every six weeks or so."

“Fans will likely be curious to know what they can expect to see from you in terms of feuds and championship opportunities. What's your primary focus as an Engage combatant? Winning a title? Or simply the spirit of competitive fighting?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

    "Competition, first an' foremost. I've been pushin' real hard over the last couple years. Just came off a six-month title run over in SCW so... I mean not gonna spit at any opportunity'at comes my way, but it's not the reason I signed on the dotted line, y'know?"

“There's been a lot of criticism lately over the launch of Engage Wrestling, particularly from so-called "industry experts" who feel that the duo of Becker and King are grossly under-qualified to run a successful wrestling promotion. What's your own personal opinion and response to these scathing attacks on your company? Is it all style and no substance? Or are the cynics wrong?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

    "Those who can, do. Those who can't an' think they can, criticize. I've seen companies that've been open for ten, fifteen years crumble under the management of a so-called expert. I say give 'em a chance. Met with King when I inked this deal. Seems like he's got a good head on his shoulders. I'm hopeful. I'm excited."

“How has the relocation to Hollywood impacted your private life? How does it compare to your hometown?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

    "Relocation? Right now still kinda commutin' from back east. My wife works outta Atlantic City for the time bein'. My hometown? Yeah, moved around a bunch when I was a kid. Never really considered any a true 'hometown'."

“Having had a chance to see the current roster, give your thoughts on potential friends and foes for you as the weeks advance?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

    "Keegan Ryan. Voidstar. Dick Devereaux. Lara Chambers. We'll see how that rolls, but those folks... I get where they're comin' from."

“Just picking up on Erica's question, with the first card presumably just around the corner, can you give us any indication on who you'd like to face first?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times.

    "Anyone. I'm not picky. Just want a good, clean fight."

[Deleted]

PRESS CONFERENCE: THE LAUNCH

QUESTIONS

“You've joined as one member of a fairly small, intimate roster. Are you hoping that your colleagues grow in number over time? Or are you a subscriber to the opinion that less is more; quality over quantity, etc, etc?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

Answer: Honestly, it doesn't fuckin' matter to me. Five, Fifty, Five Hundred, I'm one in a million and my mouth is loud enough to overtake anybody. I like the idea of less though because it gives me less bodies to have to explain plus cuts my time in half of getting my hands on a title.

“Fans will likely be curious to know what they can expect to see from you in terms of feuds and championship opportunities. What's your primary focus as an Engage combatant? Winning a title? Or simply the spirit of competitive fighting?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

Answer: I wouldn't be here if I didn't wanna' get my hands on one of those straps. I'm here to create chaos, burn Engage to the ground and stand on top of the fuckin' ashes holding that strap. Anybody who stands in my way will become a victim. End of story.

“There's been a lot of criticism lately over the launch of Engage Wrestling, particularly from so-called "industry experts" who feel that the duo of Becker and King are grossly under-qualified to run a successful wrestling promotion. What's your own personal opinion and response to these scathing attacks on your company? Is it all style and no substance? Or are the cynics wrong?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

Answer: They got the money. They just need some brains. I haven't seen a problem yet, but then again I don't pay much attention to the suits. As long as I get my paychecks and get to break some faces, I'm happy. Fuck the "industry experts".

“How has the relocation to Hollywood impacted your private life? How does it compare to your hometown?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

Answer: I live a pretty simple life. Break people, bloody bodies, rinse and fuckin' repeat. I don't care where I go as long as I get to do that. Hollywood is a whole different world though. A lot of parties, a lot of the night life. I live alone in the quiet and it's hard to do that here.

“Having had a chance to see the current roster, give your thoughts on potential friends and foes for you as the weeks advance?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

Answer: Anybody and everybody has the potential to be my enemy. I've had some back and forths with Keegan Ryan and Voidstar so they are definetly two guys who I'd love to break. Lara Chambers and I have talked a bit. She seems cool. But if I have to, I'll bloody her up good too.

“Just picking up on Erica's question, with the first card presumably just around the corner, can you give us any indication on who you'd like to face first?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times.

Answer: Voidstar. We have some business that needs taken care of. After that, I'd like to make Keegan squeal.

[Deleted]

QUESTIONS

“You've joined as one member of a fairly small, intimate roster. Are you hoping that your colleagues grow in number over time? Or are you a subscriber to the opinion that less is more; quality over quantity, etc, etc?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

Intimate? Good choice of words. I'm hoping it grows yes, but then having the smaller roster means for more matches against the same people, and I guess that forces us to bring something new every single time

“Fans will likely be curious to know what they can expect to see from you in terms of feuds and championship opportunities. What's your primary focus as an Engage combatant? Winning a title? Or simply the spirit of competitive fighting?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

I'd be a liar to deny a title is in my eye, but I'm here for a lot of things than just gold. To create a brand of my own image, network, compete, earn some dough, get some wolf whistles, there's a lot I'm here for other than just a title Derek

“There's been a lot of criticism lately over the launch of Engage Wrestling, particularly from so-called "industry experts" who feel that the duo of Becker and King are grossly under-qualified to run a successful wrestling promotion. What's your own personal opinion and response to these scathing attacks on your company? Is it all style and no substance? Or are the cynics wrong?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

Take it from someone who gets a little attack here and there for being who they are. If they hate you for you, they don't exist. They feel that way for whatever reason; jealousy, disdain, I'm honestly guessing, I don't know these people, and frankly don't want to know them when they bad mouth the cuties in charge

“How has the relocation to Hollywood impacted your private life? How does it compare to your hometown?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

I love Hollywood! Have you see the guys here lol, aspiring actors, directors left, right and center? I mean hello? I live the next state over, It's different but not too different.

“Having had a chance to see the current roster, give your thoughts on potential friends and foes for you as the weeks advance?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

I'm open to meeting a few people here. Neville Proctor is one I can say I wouldn't mind rubbing shoulders with. I'm sure I'll make friends here and foes, you can never have one and not the other

“Just picking up on Erica's question, with the first card presumably just around the corner, can you give us any indication on who you'd like to face first?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times.

Anyone Owen, absolutely anyone

[Deleted]

QUESTIONS
[ooc I am sorry i am late for the party. Work had me really occupied. Still wanted to fill it out]

“You've joined as one member of a fairly small, intimate roster. Are you hoping that your colleagues grow in number over time? Or are you a subscriber to the opinion that less is more; quality over quantity, etc, etc?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

"I have worked for big and small companies. Both can be fun. Both can be a pain in the ass. I am happy with the way Engage Wrestling is. Rather have a handful of great talent than dealing with numbnuts week after week. I honestly believe that the owner knows what he is doing. So i am giving my vote of confidence that the company will do perfectly fine. No matter what amount of superstars it holds."

“Fans will likely be curious to know what they can expect to see from you in terms of feuds and championship opportunities. What's your primary focus as an Engage combatant? Winning a title? Or simply the spirit of competitive fighting?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

"Whenever someone says they are not interested in winning titles.- they telling a lie. But I must say, it is not my main goal. I have been wearing gold around my waist a few times.- proving that I am one of the best this business has to offer. Yet I am the type of person that enjoys a good fight. I have always been down for violence and a good bloodbath. So what to expect from me? I am the colorful peacock that will take you on a ride that will never be forgotten. Friends or Foes mean little to nothing inside a wrestling ring. Ruling does."

“There's been a lot of criticism lately over the launch of Engage Wrestling, particularly from so-called "industry experts" who feel that the duo of Becker and King are grossly under-qualified to run a successful wrestling promotion. What's your own personal opinion and response to these scathing attacks on your company? Is it all style and no substance? Or are the cynics wrong?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

"Whenever you take the chance to do something new.- there will be someone that tries to put you down. I do not say that all the experts are wrong.- but some of them are just lame old farts. Jealous. Burnt out. Wanting another moment of glory. I have only made the best experience with Mister Becker and Jeremy. They are very well able to hold their ground and make this worth our time. So why would anyone care about cynical comments? We as a roster and them as management are here to prove them wrong."

“How has the relocation to Hollywood impacted your private life? How does it compare to your hometown?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

"Nothing really changed. I rented a object here.- but will still travel whenever I feel like. It is my nature. Standing still does not suit me in the slightest. As far as comparing Liverpool and Hollywood... not going to happen. Home is where your heart is. So consider me a homeless for now. Because I haven't found that heart."

“Having had a chance to see the current roster, give your thoughts on potential friends and foes for you as the weeks advance?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

"It is not all too hard to get along with me. Even though the world might believes different. I have personal connection with Keegan Ryan for example. He is like a brother. Then you have people like Trixie, Dick and Voidstar.- who I have just met. But we clicked in a good way. As for the rest.- I have not the slightest idea. Everyone is a potential friend or feud. I have tons of respect for all of the roster, it just will not always end well. That is the business. That is our life. I am not the person that wants to look into the future. Take every day as it comes."

“Just picking up on Erica's question, with the first card presumably just around the corner, can you give us any indication on who you'd like to face first?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times.

"Well, I am not picky. As long as I am getting to fight."

[Deleted]

“You've joined as one member of a fairly small, intimate roster. Are you hoping that your colleagues grow in number over time? Or are you a subscriber to the opinion that less is more; quality over quantity, etc, etc?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

Orson, the one thing that has struck me since arriving here is how really, really angry everyone is. It's like the wild west, where you sit down to have a shot of bourbon, maybe play a hand of cards, and you don't know whose gonna pull out a six shooter because you looked at them the wrong way. It think we need time to let things settle, let everyone get to know one another, build some comradery and let some of the tension dissipate before we start to grow. We need to set an example for the future generations of Engage athletes, build a little community where they will feel welcomed, nurtured, and appreciated. And just likes it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to raise a promotion, and a village means people worker together. I want to be one of the village people. 

“Fans will likely be curious to know what they can expect to see from you in terms of feuds and championship opportunities. What's your primary focus as an Engage combatant? Winning a title? Or simply the spirit of competitive fighting?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.



Championships? Jumping Jehosaphats, Derek, slow down, I just got here. Would I like a title? Of course I would, who wouldn't? Could I see myself one day standing on the second turnbuckle, overlooking the crowd, waving a strap high over my head while basking in the glory? You're damn right I can. Look, I would like a strap on as much as the next guy, but I know that slow and steady wins the race. The tortoise and the hare, Derek, the tortoise and the hair. 

“There's been a lot of criticism lately over the launch of Engage Wrestling, particularly from so-called "industry experts" who feel that the duo of Becker and King are grossly under-qualified to run a successful wrestling promotion. What's your own personal opinion and response to these scathing attacks on your company? Is it all style and no substance? Or are the cynics wrong?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.



Haters gonna hate. That's all I'm gonna say. Haters gonna hate. 

“How has the relocation to Hollywood impacted your private life? How does it compare to your hometown?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.



You ever see the video to Welcome to the Jungle? Axel steps off the bus, backwards baseball cap, a piece of straw in his mouth, and you just know he's a small town farm boy entering another world, and you say, "Good God, this kid is in over his head-- he's in the jungle, and he's gonna die." Well that's how I feel. But you know what? You've gotta learn to live like an animal in the jungle where we play. And that's me. I'm learning to live like an animal in this jungle where we play. I am. 

I do miss Lana, though. I'm happy that's she's coming out to support me. And I can't wait to introduce her to my new wingman, the Slash to my Axel. I hope they hit it off-- you know how awkward it can get when buds and broads don't mesh well.

“Having had a chance to see the current roster, give your thoughts on potential friends and foes for you as the weeks advance?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.



Erica, I see the potential for friendship in everyone on this roster. Sure, some, well most, well just about all on the roster look like they wanna kill me, and I've read more F-Bombs combing through the social timelines than watching a Scarface marathon in closed-caption, but I seek to find the good in everyone.  

“Just picking up on Erica's question, with the first card presumably just around the corner, can you give us any indication on who you'd like to face first?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times.

I'd like to start off with someone easy. A warm up match, if you will, get my feet wet. Not sure who that is, but Mr. Becker, if you're listening and want to do me a solid, I'm all about baby steps.