Ring Master Press Conference #1
Posted by HWA Offical
on April 25, 2024, 7:20 pm
With several unexpected events taking place at Havoc requiring her attention, Wisdom had to postpone the big Ring Master announcement that was scheduled. There was some frustration from the CBS network about it, and obvious disappointment with the fans, but handling the business at hand was her priority and knowing the backlash she had immediately remarked that there would be a press conference. It was arranged the following day and now a few days after Havoc the Press Room of HWA Headquarters in Santa Monica, CA was packed with media. The Academy in the floors below was empty, as everyone was upstairs anxiously awaiting the announcement. Recruits has secretly been placing bets on superstar placements in the tournament. Red Dragon, not at all a fan of sports betting, was well aware of what was going on, but in this case feigned ignorance. This was Ring Master, it was a big deal and to see the recruits excited for it and motivated about their own potential futures was a moral boost he didn’t wish to quell. Cameras flashed as Wisdom walked into the room, taking the podium in the center. The seats on either side of her empty at the moment. (Wisdom): Good afternoon, thank you all for coming. Before we jump into Ring Master, we’ve awarded a few minutes of general unrelated questions so please, the floor is yours, first question to CBS Sports. (CBS Sports): Matt Snyder with CBS Sports, Mrs. Parker this announcement was scheduled to take place at Havoc, but it brings to light the conspicuous absence of your husband Butch Parker who previously was at the forefront of things, can you tell us more about that arrangement? (Wisdom): First, let me be very clear…Butch is still very hands-on in operations. Over the last few months we’ve merely swapped roles a bit where I’ve taken on more front-facing duties while he’s handles behind the scenes affairs. There’s nothing suspicious about it and I think it’s something you can expect to see as our own personal and professional needs arise. (ESPN): HWA has a very controversial history and made its return largely due to the fact that much of the past was behind it. The “Pure Wrestling” mentality that endeared itself to loyal and some new fans is what caught the attention of CBS and brought the company off the media blacklist. However, the company is looking more and more like its former self…would you say that vision is dead and if not, how viable can it be moving forward? “Great!” she thought. It was one of those damn probing questions some pencil pushers tries to throw out there to seem on top of it and “hard hitting” as they say in journalism. (Wisdom): We can’t change history, it is what is. What Butch and I have done over the years is focus on the competitive heart of the business. That formula was flawless in previous because at the end of the day, that is what wresting is about. However, this is professional wrestling on the grand stage since out return, there are some inherent things that push limits and boundaries that test that commitment, but when you go back to matches like Sean Parker and Jeremy Branson at Matt Miller’s and with Stu-E Price, Red Dragon’s series of retirement matches, pick just about any match with Hans von Richtoven…you’ll find that vision very much alive and those on the opposite end of the spectrum a bit more few and far between than you think. (Wrestling Observer): How ya doing Wisdom, Dave Meltzer…The Oklahoma State Athletic Commission recently issued an official ban on AEW talent Nyla Rose, what are your thoughts on that decision and what would HWA’s response to that be? (Wisdom): We are keenly aware of that situation with Havoc having just visited Oklahoma last month and our offices receiving our own warning regarding their judgement on intergender competition. Look, without going into gender identity, personal beliefs, or politics…I’ll just say that every State’s Commission has the legal right to set their own guidelines. However, intergender matches have been, are, and will continue to be a part of HWA be it regularly or irregularly…and should we be scheduled to have such a match it would be an unfortunate economic loss to any state that chooses not to welcome our event. (Associated Press): Joe Reedy, Associated Press. Mrs. Parker April 6, 2023, just one year ago HWA returned with a superstar studded Reunion Show that kickstarted the return of the company. By all accounts from media, to sales, to ratings, I think it’s safe to say that HWA is back, and not just back but reclaimed it throne. What do you attest to that tremendous success going from blacklisted and on Youtube, back to the top of the industry? (Wisdom): To put it simply its our incredible staff and talent. There are individuals who in some capacity limited or otherwise have stuck with us since the end of 2015. Our seamstress Karen, who took a job working in retail, but still designed and manufactures outfits for is on commission. David Brouchard in accounting that went to work as a financial consultant with Fidelity and maintained us as a private client. Matthew Kiriyama who dedicated incalculable amounts of his time out of friendship and a love of the sport. Hans and Vanessa von Richtoven following the reunion who returned for the very same reasons. Need I impress once again upon you an 18 year old Matt Miller who had just joined the company a couple of months before we closed and was the driving force behind its recovery and return. There is no shortage of individuals from every corner of the organization who have contributed to the success you speak of. Butch and I couldn’t be more proud or more grateful. An HWA official comes over to the podium. (HWA Official): We’ll take one last question before we move on. (Los Angeles Times): Steve Henson, LA Times…we understand that following Havoc there are a number of legal woes that could be on the horizon. PETA issued a statement about HWA’s increased use and treatment of animals. Currently the company’s has a TV-PG rating, but A.C. Nielsen has reported talks of changing that to TV-14 or even TV-MA. Can you comment on these discussions? (Wisdom): No, not at this time. These are all fairly new developments, Butch and I, and our team have not yet digested the inquiries and information coming to our desks but once we do…anything that warrants a response will certainly receive it. An HWA official returns to Wisdom with a small folder and hands her a clicker. She thanks him with a smile and nod as the rooms starts to go a little more quiet in anticipation of the big announcement. Once the room is silent, and the last annoying reporters who have their hand up that didn’t seem to understand the concept of “last questions” have sat back down…she continues. (Wisdom): Since its inception in 2000, Ring Master has been known as the single most distinctive, mentally and physically demanding, and fulfilling tournament in all of sports taking place in a single night. After a 15 year hiatus, we are so very pleased and proud that it returns this year in 2024 for its 8th installment. For the first time in its history, we are doing the unprecedented and announcing the 1st Round bracket matches that were electronically randomized earlier today. The remaining rounds will be announced at the start of the matches. Before the bracket is revealed I must make the following announcements. Due to the events of Havoc, unfortunately Michelle Learner will not compete in the tournament as planned. Additionally, for her actions at Havoc…The entry of Erica Martinez has been rescinded. Now live on HWA.com and without further ado, we give you the 2024 Ring Master tournament bracket. Wisdom steps aside and the wall sized screen in the room comes on displaying the tournament bracket which brings the room to life. Cameras are flashing and reporters are quickly getting on their phones calling and texting message trying to be among the first to publish the details. It sends a atomic buzz throughout the room, the building and the industry as words spreads quickly, and now more than ever Ring Master and the HWA Championship shines on the horizon as the scene fades to black on an image of the tournament bracket.
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