The press conference begins with Co-CEO Butch Parker stepping up to the podium, facing a room full of reporters and flashing cameras.
(Butch): Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for being here today to discuss the recent events at HWA Havoc. I have some of my own announcements to make but for now, I'll take your questions.
(Reporter 1): Butch, can you shed some light on what happened with CM Punk at Havoc and the decision to suspend Luna Draconis initially?
(Butch): Of course. CM Punk's actions at Havoc were contradictory to the obligations he was given as a coach and producer. In hindsight, it's clear that his hiring was a mistake. Regarding Luna Draconis, her appearance and participation at Havoc was not something I was aware of. She remains suspended until we can have a conversation and ensure she understands the situation that took place at Art of War and until such a conversation takes place, she will remain suspended.
(Reporter 1): And is that something you intend to discuss with William Draconis?
(Butch): With all due respect, Butch Parker was Co-CEO of HWA, not William Draconis. And besides, I’d say worrying about his daughter’s contract situation was a little bit lower on his list of priorities, wouldn't you?
(Reporter 2): : Can you update us on William Draconis' condition after what happened at Havoc?
(Butch): William Draconis underwent numerous tests, and I'm pleased to confirm that he has been given the all-clear. However, I have decided to give him a few weeks of bedrest to ensure a full recovery. An internal investigation is being conducted to understand how his poisoning occurred.
(Reporter 3): Butch, what are your thoughts on the Blackthorne twins taking it upon themselves to turn their tag match into an extreme rules match?
(Butch): I won't tolerate disobedience or insubordination in HWA. The Blackthorne twins' actions were unacceptable. I commend the referee for allowing the match to continue, given the limited card we had at Havoc, but such decisions won't go unnoticed. We will address this internally to ensure that all talent understands the importance of following the rules and protocols of our organization. But I repeat, going into business for yourself as a talent will not go unpunished, as has been made clear with Luna Draconis.
(Reporter 4): Butch, can you provide any updates on the situation between the von Richtovens and Erica Martinez, particularly regarding her accusation of sexual assault?
(Butch): I understand the interest in this matter, but due to ongoing legal proceedings and out of respect for everyone involved, I can't disclose many details at this time. However, I can read out a statement from Hans von Richtoven in response to the accusation.
Butch retrieves a piece of paper from his back pocket and begins reading it.
(Butch): "I would like to refute in the strongest terms any of the allegations that are being put forward by Erica Martinez.
The last few months have seen my wife and I targeted by both she and the person she refers to as ‘maestro’; Maniac. This is simply the latest escalation in this game that they’re playing. Erica has verbally attacked and slandered my wife, progressing into physically assaulting her and now causing property damage to our new home, all the while, making unwanted advances towards me.
Each time she has done so, I have made it clear that she needs to seek help.
That she has now, is not because of her desire to get better, but because up until now, her escalations haven’t accomplished what she wants. So it’s time for a new strategy, a new approach, a new attempt at getting her way.
When this one fails, and it will, she will move on to the next attempt.
Sexual assault, physical and mental abuse, these are reprehensible things. There are those on the roster who would act in such manners, not I.
I look forward to proving that these allegations are lies.
When I have done that, I look forward to public retraction and apology. Not only that, reparations towards the harm she will have caused genuine survivors of the abuse that she claims has been made against herself.”
(Reporter 5): Butch, what steps is HWA taking to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all talent and staff?
(Butch):Ensuring a safe and respectful environment is of paramount importance to HWA. We have policies and procedures in place to address such allegations, and we take them seriously. We're fully cooperating with the authorities in their investigations. Beyond that, we're continually evaluating our internal processes to improve the overall well-being and safety of everyone involved with HWA. Our commitment is to provide a positive and secure workplace for all.
Butch looks around the room and doesn’t see any hands up. He takes advantage of the situation to move forward with his own announcements.
(Butch): If there are no other burning questions, I’ll move on to some important announcements, one of which was planned for Havoc but circumstances deemed that not possible. First of all, I’m sure everyone is aware of the situation that transpired at the end of the night involving Awesome Kong, Mel and their “invasion” and subsequent attack on my wife. It’s been well-documented the issues my wife and I have had with WWE superstar Cody Rhodes and his wife Brandi. In a bid to put an end to this back-and-forth that seems to be occurring between our two families, I am formally inviting both Cody and Brandi Rhodes to Havoc, on September 24th in Portland, Oregon.
(Reporter 6): Do you think that will seriously put an end to what’s been happening between you all, Butch? Like you said, it’s been well-documented the issues between you all, I mean your wife was arrested for physically assaulting Brandi.
(Butch): And Cody used his company connections to gain access to my 10 year-old daughter’s elementary school and intimidate her. We can go back-and-forth all day. The point is Wisdom and I are business people and we cannot afford to be feuding publicly with one of the main babyfaces of a rival organization. This is the best way forward…. Our next announcement is more good news…after the incredible commercial and financial successful of Art of War, Wisdom and I are pleased to announce the next HWA pay-per-view extravaganza, taking place on October 30th, in line with the time of year…HWA presents Helloween Harvest…and the first match I can confirm is a rematch year in the making where Hans von Richtoven will step into the ring with Red Dragon on the next leg of his retirement tour.
A cacophony of noise from the mass of reporters sweeps across the room but Butch had no time for anything else, there were other things he had to tend to. He stood up from the prodium, acknowledging the reporters for their time and he walks out of the room as the scene fades to black.
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