Press Conference | Engage 1: Origins Pre-Fight

[Jeremy King]

ENGAGE 1: ORIGINS: PRE-FIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE

LOCATION: Fresh Studios Press Lounge

CONTEXT: Members of the press have been invited to attend this pre-fight press conference, some 24-hours ahead of the Engage 1: Origins event. They're out to get the opinions of the fighters involved and see how they're feeling ahead of the match.

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

ONE THE PODIUM: @beckykonrad, @cjme, @dickdevereaux, @theladyofchambers, @collins, @nevilleproctor, @toxicdoll, @voidstar

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 TO ALL

“You had a shorter preparation time this week for your fight; I think it was something like just under four days where you usually get six or seven. How has that affected your training for this fight?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

“You’ve done all you can do at this point, with the only thing left to do being to actually compete in your match. Looking at your own preparations against your opponent’s preparations, are you feeling confident? Do you think it’ll be a close fight?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

“Who’s impressed you this week with their match preparations? Anyone you feel deserves some credit?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

QUESTIONS TO DICK DEVEREAUX & VOIDSTAR

“You may or may not have already confirmed this elsewhere, but just for the sake of being on record: which prize appeals to you most of those briefcases available to you? Why is that?" - Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

“If you happen to win and select the case that gives you the Fusion X Championship, who - from what you’ve seen this week - would be a worthy challenger to the belt?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

“All things considered, are you happy to have been given the ‘Pick Your Poison’ match? Or would you have preferred to be an entrant in the Engage World Championship tournament?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times.

QUESTIONS TO ENGAGE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PARTICIPANTS

“You’ve seen your opponents in the tournament train this week and prepare for their matches. With that in mind, who do you realistically think you’ll be facing in the semi final? ” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

“Staying on the same track as Owen’s question, guys - who, other than yourself, do you view as the favourite or the biggest threat in this tournament? ” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

“Assuming you advance tomorrow and go on to win the tournament, just how ready are you to represent the company as its World Champion? If you’re being honest with yourself and the fans?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

“Who’s in this tournament who, in your opinion, doesn’t deserve to be? Why?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

[Deleted]

QUESTIONS TO ALL

“You had a shorter preparation time this week for your fight; I think it was something like just under four days where you usually get six or seven. How has that affected your training for this fight?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

Obviously less time, hours I could have spent training were not available. But I believe of the four days? Of them, I used them well to prepare for Becky Konrad and am fully capable of coming into Engage Wrestling as prepared as I could have been, you know, given the time we had.

“You’ve done all you can do at this point, with the only thing left to do being to actually compete in your match. Looking at your own preparations against your opponent’s preparations, are you feeling confident? Do you think it’ll be a close fight?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

I don't know what Bbecky is capable of but I am fully confident in myself, what I can do in the ring is more than enough to put me in the semi-finals. The fight could be close, one sided, it all depends how Becky copes in her first match

“Who’s impressed you this week with their match preparations? Anyone you feel deserves some credit?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

I was impressed by a lot of people actually. Some words were thrown out. Voidstar and Dick seem all so eager to step in the ring for that random draw prize. Lara and Neville are definitely worth mentioning as well. But I could really name a lot more.

QUESTIONS TO ENGAGE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PARTICIPANTS

“You’ve seen your opponents in the tournament train this week and prepare for their matches. With that in mind, who do you realistically think you’ll be facing in the semi final? ” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

I realistically think my next opponent will be Lara Chambers, I think she's ready to be the peacock and spread her feathers and intimidate everyone here. That attitude will carry her to the semi finals in my opinion

“Staying on the same track as Owen’s question, guys - who, other than yourself, do you view as the favourite or the biggest threat in this tournament? ” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

Well my favourite is that smouldering fellow Neville Proctor, but Keegan Ryan is probably the biggest threat currently, based off what I saw.

“Assuming you advance tomorrow and go on to win the tournament, just how ready are you to represent the company as its World Champion? If you’re being honest with yourself and the fans?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

Assuming(!) I go through. I am ready to represent the company as it's world champion. I see this tournament as a way to prove, what's the word? Systematically I can be the poster image for Engage. Being world champion means I do value the company, I am responsible somewhat in the company by promoting it in interviews, and I can totally do that.

“Who’s in this tournament who, in your opinion, doesn’t deserve to be? Why?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

Now that is a very unfair question. You're asking me to create enemies. So I'll answer it this way. Whoever loses the tournament doesn't deserve to be. Because they didn't want it enough. That's my answer

[Deleted]

“You had a shorter preparation time this week for your fight; I think it was something like just under four days where you usually get six or seven. How has that affected your training for this fight?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

It didn't. Here's my ritual. I find out who I'm fighting, I sit down with a bottle of whisky and watch a bunch of their fights. Then, I form an instinctual opinion on what strengths they have, how I can counter them, and what my strengths are over them. Then I usually get if front of a bloody camera and tell 'em exactly what my instincts are tellin' me, just so they fuckin' know, see? And then I hit the gym, and I do me, jus' the same as I always do me. That's Caite Blackbird, in a nutshell.

“You’ve done all you can do at this point, with the only thing left to do being to actually compete in your match. Looking at your own preparations against your opponent’s preparations, are you feeling confident? Do you think it’ll be a close fight?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

Keegan's tough, there's no doubt about it, and he's a more recognizable name to boot, which likely means that he'll have the bigger cheering section. But am I confident? Yeah, I'm confident. I'm confident because Keegan's coming to me with exactly the type of fight I wanted him to, exactly the type of fight I wanted this to be. And as I've already pointed out, in a straight-forward brawl, I outclass him. He likely don't believe that in the slightest right now, but he's gonna know it tried & true come the bloody mornin' after.

“Who’s impressed you this week with their match preparations? Anyone you feel deserves some credit?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

I'll say this much for now... it's pretty much as I expected. There are those here get it, those who talk the talk while still giving the perception that they can actually walk the walk inside that ring. There are others who I suspect are more style then substance. No one has jumped right out and surprised me yet, but in general the names are falling to one side of that divide or the other in pretty much the fashion I expected them to.

“You’ve seen your opponents in the tournament train this week and prepare for their matches. With that in mind, who do you realistically think you’ll be facing in the semi final? ” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

My two potential opponents had a verbal piss-off this week about which of them had the harder upbringing, which was a slight disappointment. I mean, fer fuck... I grew up in the bloody streets of Belfast, you'll never here me crying 'bout it. Grow the fuck up. That having been said, given everything I know or have gleaned about these two, I expect to be facing Collins. Doesn't matter either way, and I won't be shocked if it goes the other way, but if I had to bet, that's mine.

“Staying on the same track as Owen’s question, guys - who, other than yourself, do you view as the favourite or the biggest threat in this tournament? ” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

If I said that I fully expect to be facing Lara Chambers in the final, would that answer your question?

“Assuming you advance tomorrow and go on to win the tournament, just how ready are you to represent the company as its World Champion? If you’re being honest with yourself and the fans?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

Look, it's really a matter of how Engage wants and expects to be viewed, and who their target audience is. You want credibility as a combat sports promotion? You want to attract die-hard fight fans from around the world? You want to be viewed as the place where real warriors meet? I'm your gal. And that's not just talk. I honestly believe that I am the single toughest fighter, the most athletic fighter, the most conditioned fighter, and the most lethal striker on the Engage roster. Which, combined with my eight years of legit fighting experience, makes me the obvious choice to represent a company that wants to be viewed with credibility in our sport.

Now, I understand that some people may say that it's just bravado... sure. I've got no problem going out there and EARNING their respect. But I DARE anyone in that locker room to step up and prove that I'm not exactly what I say that I am.

“Who’s in this tournament who, in your opinion, doesn’t deserve to be? Why?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

Look, I get it. I get the appeal of having a couple pretty little blondes fighting it out. Gotta appeal to all the demographics, right? But as both a fighter and a fight fan, I question if you couldn't have found two more serious contenders than @toxicdoll and @beckykonrad to round out the eight... but I'm sure no one needed me to tell them that.

[Deleted]

QUESTIONS TO ALL

“You had a shorter preparation time this week for your fight; I think it was something like just under four days where you usually get six or seven. How has that affected your training for this fight?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

I am always ready to fight. Anytime, any place, even at a moment's notice. This alteration has made no difference for me personally.

“You’ve done all you can do at this point, with the only thing left to do being to actually compete in your match. Looking at your own preparations against your opponent’s preparations, are you feeling confident? Do you think it’ll be a close fight?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

I expect hell. I expect a war. I expect to win.

“Who’s impressed you this week with their match preparations? Anyone you feel deserves some credit?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

Preparation is one thing...but winning in the ring, that's the only thing that matters. Until we see who wins, any praise for preparation would be irrelevant.

QUESTIONS TO DICK DEVEREAUX & VOIDSTAR

“You may or may not have already confirmed this elsewhere, but just for the sake of being on record: which prize appeals to you most of those briefcases available to you? Why is that?" - Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

I don't value trinkets or baubles. It doesn't matter to me which prize I win, only who I get to bash after Devereaux.

“If you happen to win and select the case that gives you the Fusion X Championship, who - from what you’ve seen this week - would be a worthy challenger to the belt?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

Are any truly worthy of standing face to face with me? I'm skeptical. So let any who dare come and try.

“All things considered, are you happy to have been given the ‘Pick Your Poison’ match? Or would you have preferred to be an entrant in the Engage World Championship tournament?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times.

This prize or that prize...it hardly matters to me. I'm here to fight, not validate myself with toys around my waist.

[Deleted]

QUESTIONS TO ALL

“You had a shorter preparation time this week for your fight; I think it was something like just under four days where you usually get six or seven. How has that affected your training for this fight?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

"Hasn't really affected much. I had a fight earlier in the week I was already prepping for an' when I'm idle I'm still puttin' in the work most days. The uncertainty kinda sucked, not bein' able to really scout Valentine the way I'da liked but I've gone into matches completely blind before an' come out on top."

“You’ve done all you can do at this point, with the only thing left to do being to actually compete in your match. Looking at your own preparations against your opponent’s preparations, are you feeling confident? Do you think it’ll be a close fight?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

"Gonna give the guy the fight he was itchin' for." [laughs] "That's a promise."

“Who’s impressed you this week with their match preparations? Anyone you feel deserves some credit?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

"@theladyofchambers and @nevilleproctor really stand out in my mind... best I can recall. Kinda not focused on that right now. Mentally, I'm already tryna gauge the circles, predict what's comin' down the pipe."

QUESTIONS TO ENGAGE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PARTICIPANTS

“You’ve seen your opponents in the tournament train this week and prepare for their matches. With that in mind, who do you realistically think you’ll be facing in the semi final? ” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

"@cjme hands down and it's a match I'm stoked for."

“Staying on the same track as Owen’s question, guys - who, other than yourself, do you view as the favourite or the biggest threat in this tournament? ” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

"Oh Jesus... really? It's a best of the best in this thing. Everyone has their skills, we're all here for a reason. Favorite? Besides myself? Probably @theladyofchambers or @keeganryan since I'm most familiar with their work. I know they've been in other big league promotions."

“Assuming you advance tomorrow and go on to win the tournament, just how ready are you to represent the company as its World Champion? If you’re being honest with yourself and the fans?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

"Ready. Willing. Able. Just came off holdin' the Vegas strap in Sin City Wrestlin', connectin' an' givin' back to the fans weekly. If they've gotten wind I'm here... if they follow... they know I'm gonna carry that huge honor with the pride it deserves."

“Who’s in this tournament who, in your opinion, doesn’t deserve to be? Why?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

"That's absolutely unfair. All of us belong here and we've been chosen for this inaugural opportunity for a reason. I'm sure @christianvalentine would love it if I name dropped him here, threw some shade in the twilight hours 'fore our clash. Personal opinions of someone as a human bein' has no bearing on their ability in that ring. We earned this by who we are, what we do. May the best fighter win."

[Deleted]

QUESTIONS TO ALL

“You had a shorter preparation time this week for your fight; I think it was something like just under four days where you usually get six or seven. How has that affected your training for this fight?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

"If i am truly honest with you.- it doesn't make a difference. An active competitor should always be prepared. We train mostly every day of the week. Or at least that is what I do. So given seven or zero days should never make a difference. I am ready to do what I came for. Fight."

“You’ve done all you can do at this point, with the only thing left to do being to actually compete in your match. Looking at your own preparations against your opponent’s preparations, are you feeling confident? Do you think it’ll be a close fight?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

"I said it from the beginning on.- I do not underestimate my opponents. I know what Nev is capable of.- but for whatever reason he doesn't seem to think the same about me. It will be as close as it can get.- we will just have to wait and see who wants it more. Who is willing to sacrifice more. So to answer your question, I am confident. And we will see who kisses whom's ass in the end."

“Who’s impressed you this week with their match preparations? Anyone you feel deserves some credit?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

"What is this? Name dropping? When you forget one you are the bad apple. I won't be doing that. There are people i like more than others. In and out of the ring. But that does not mean that anyone did a better showing than the other. So no, I will not shout out to my friends.- neither will i put down my foes. I am a Chambers we show class.- no matter what." 

QUESTIONS TO ENGAGE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PARTICIPANTS

“You’ve seen your opponents in the tournament train this week and prepare for their matches. With that in mind, who do you realistically think you’ll be facing in the semi final? ” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

"Considering that I already effed up a question like that, I will go with no comment. It is too confusing for me. Maybe Jeremy will explain it to me over dinner. Very slowly. I am only a girl after all." She rolled her eyes before laughing.

“Staying on the same track as Owen’s question, guys - who, other than yourself, do you view as the favourite or the biggest threat in this tournament? ” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

"I already stated before that I am a big fan of Caite and the work she puts in. I dig the 'I am in this for me' attitude, because when I look at her.- I know it is true. But I will not forget people like Lex Collins or Keegan Ryan. Some people on the roster have a little ego problem.- but everyone has the potential to become a threat. So do not get your panties twisted. This ain't a popularity contest in the end."

“Assuming you advance tomorrow and go on to win the tournament, just how ready are you to represent the company as its World Champion? If you’re being honest with yourself and the fans?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

"I think I answered the exact same question a few months ago. Being a champion means a lot of hard work. Little sleep and no privacy. But if you wanna make it in this industry.- you gotta make a decision. What matters most? The happy ever after or the thrill that runs through your body when winning a title. I have always been honest with my fans. I got my good and my bad days. Sometimes I will be too beaten to pose for pictures.- but I am always giving them my best inside tha ring. And sometimes that is all it takes to satisfy the crowd."

“Who’s in this tournament who, in your opinion, doesn’t deserve to be? Why?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

"Even though I might risk paying for this at a later point.. but FUCK YOU Erica. You obviously know nothing about this business. Everyone that got signed by Engage has a right to be here. Which means they have a right to compete in this tournament. Now take your disrespectful ass out of the building. Or I will exit you personally."

[Deleted]

ENGAGE 1: ORIGINS: PRE-FIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE

QUESTIONS

“You had a shorter preparation time this week for your fight; I think it was something like just under four days where you usually get six or seven. How has that affected your training for this fight?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times

Answer: Never. I'm always training and always preparing for the next battle. Whether it's four days or a week, I'm always battle ready.

“You’ve done all you can do at this point, with the only thing left to do being to actually compete in your match. Looking at your own preparations against your opponent’s preparations, are you feeling confident? Do you think it’ll be a close fight?” – Derek Baker; Engage Wrestling [dot] com.

Answer: Voidstar is a delusional twat. I've got this one in the bag. My confidence level is through the fuckin' roof.

“Who’s impressed you this week with their match preparations? Anyone you feel deserves some credit?” – Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

Answer: Lara Chambers and I trained for our matches together. She's ready to blow the roof off of Engage just like I am. Watch her match. I taught her a thing or two.

“You may or may not have already confirmed this elsewhere, but just for the sake of being on record: which prize appeals to you most of those briefcases available to you? Why is that?" - Claudia Thornton; The Hollywood Journal.

Answer: The answer should be simple. The Fusion X Championship is in a briefcase. And I want that motherfucker around my waist! I don't give a shit about a thousand dollars. And if I have to become number one contender I will, but I'd rather take the fuckin' strap!

“If you happen to win and select the case that gives you the Fusion X Championship, who - from what you’ve seen this week - would be a worthy challenger to the belt?” – Erica Bradley; L.A Independent.

Answer: Nobody can stand a chance at beating me for the strap, but I'd love to get my hands around the throat of a few. Keegan Ryan is at the top of my list. I'd love to break his face. Another name I'd like to step in the battleground with is Lara Chambers. I'd love to witness her violence first hand.

“All things considered, are you happy to have been given the ‘Pick Your Poison’ match? Or would you have preferred to be an entrant in the Engage World Championship tournament?” – Owen Wells; The L.A Times.

Answer: I would've loved to be in that tournament, but you know what? I have a chance to become Champion or the number one contender. I can wait for the World Championship...