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#Post#: 30150--------------------------------------------------
Chat with Spud AND EC3
By: ChrissiCalvert Date: March 19, 2015, 3:18 pm
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What Can Fans Expect From This Week’s Hair Vs Hair Battle?
EC3: Emotion. This match is more than just about shaving
someone’s head. Michael Jordan’s competitiveness was described
as “He didn’t want to just win. He wanted to collect scalps.” I
have the same motivations and drive. I’ve won. A lot. I need
more. The fans can expect a great story with a conclusion, which
is what I think wrestling fans really want. This match is an
opportunity for two men, who have worked a very long time, to be
recognised. Spud and I took great pride in building to this
moment and we will both wear this match on our sleeve. Which
will be weird because we will both be shirtless.
Spud: You’re going to see one of (if not) the bloodiest battles
in pro wrestling history. You’re going to see drama and you’re
going to see a fight. Its not going to be for the weakened heart
and its probably not going to be suitable for children or the
squeamish. All I can promise you it is that it will always be
remembered and you’ll never forget it.
What Can You Tell Us About Your Experiences With Bill DeMott?
EC3: (Worked with him in WWE developmental) Having been there at
that time, I witnessed a lot of it. This industry is extremely
difficult and, to achieve success in it, I 100% agree it needs
to be hard. It needs to be earned. Preparing for the demands of
the industry, both physical and mental, are essential. It
requires a special psyche that all may not possess.
Having said that, I feel there is a big difference between a
hard-nosed individual pushing you to the limit to become great,
and blatant bullying.
It is an unfortunate scenario that transpired, as that position
holds great power in many peoples careers and physical well
being. I feel that in this day and age, with what we know about
concussions, someone being slapped in the head while possibly
suffering from one is unacceptable. Asking talent to conceal
injuries that your “training tactics” are responsible for is
unacceptable. Leading the charge on an anti-bullying campaign,
while that very thing is taking place under your watch, is
unacceptable.
A company making a statement that the accusations “fully
investigated” when they were not, well, that is just is very
disheartening.
Then again, it is not my company to run. I don’t know the inner
workings. Perhaps I am wrong. Our generation has been labeled
“unmotivated and lazy,” which I can’t disagree with more. Some
of the hardest working/creative people I know are putting in
maximum effort for just an inkling of success.
Saying that this entire group has “a feeling of entitlement and
a certain level of defiance” (which has since been recanted) is
painting very broad strokes and not looking at individual
talent. Plus, I believe it was a “level of defiance” that made
people like Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, The Rock, HHH and John
Cena some of the biggest stars this industry has ever seen.
In the end, if you believe or enable homophobia, racism, and
bullying as coaching methods, we strongly disagree.
What Are Your Favourite Hair Vs Hair Matches Through Wrestling
History?
EC3: A few of my favourite Hair vs Hair matches throughout
history are:
– Edge Vs Kurt Angle from Judgment Day 2002. Their chemistry in
the ring was so good, plus I love any match Kurt Angle loses.
Like when he lost to me.
– Molly Holly vs Victoria from Wrestlemania added extra intrigue
as women have so much more… hair to lose. I always had a crush
on Molly Holly and her bald head didn’t change a thing.
– Umaga vs. TNA’s own Bobby Lashley was also exciting. Bobby
taking a little off the top on Vince McMahon didn’t upset me
either.
How Are You Enjoying The New Season Of TNA On Destination
America?
Spud: The future is very bright. Whether its having new eyes on
the show and the roster or having new people pitch in ideas
about how we can better the product I think Destination America
has been nothing but a positive thing for the company. When I
watch the shows back every Friday I see nothing but positivity
from the fans I interact with on a daily basis from in the US &
the UK on a Sunday. The product is hot right now. Changes have
been made for the good and our television is evidence of that.
EC3: I love being a part of Destination America here in the US.
They have promoted us endlessly and we continue to build
something great with their support. Challenge has always been
great to us, as well, so we continue to have a relationship that
thrives. The future looks exciting and untapped, as we all
continue to build something great
How Was The Recent TNA UK Tour For You Both? What Are The Plans
For Returning To The UK?
EC3: The recent tour of the UK was a great success and
responsible for some of my favorite work I have done, which
concludes this weekend (Friday in the U.S. and Sunday in the UK)
in the Hair Vs Hair match with Rockstar Spud. I know we our
counting the days till we come back, and while I agree we keep
it special by doing the Tour once a year, it would be great to
do live events in the UK throughout the year. Stay tuned for
more info about our future plans.
Spud: The tour was incredible for me not only because I got to
return home and see family & friends I don’t get to see as often
as I’d want to but to be welcomed back by the UK audience as
THEIR GUY. A guy they’ve seen grow from the independent scene,
to British Boot Camp all the way to the main event of Wembley
Arena. I have the scars and memories to prove it that I sure
wont ever forget this tour.
What Is The Next Step In Making TNA An Even Bigger Success?
Spud: Constantly growing our audience is a necessity and I think
branching out and touring across other countries and markets
will provide us with more growth. We are a success already
because we have been around just over 10 years and we have
television, reputation, reach and markets all over the world. We
must be doing something right as I dont see that from any other
major promotion outside of WWE.
EC3: I think the next step is doing what we are currently doing.
Building our brand. Providing the fans a product with
entertaining and conducive story telling coupled with exciting
action.
How Do You Respond To Criticism Of TNA, Especially When It Comes
From People Who Used To Be Big Fans In The Early Days?
EC3: I respond to criticism of TNA like I do to criticism of
anything. When people have their minds set on an opinion, it’s
hard to dissuade. While changes have been made, sometimes
changes are necessary because if you are not evolving, changing,
trying something new, you are dead in the water. To fans that
may have turned a way, I implore you to give TNA another look.
There are some great things taking place that you are missing,
and if you personally don’t like it, contact me on twitter
@EthanCarterTNA and we can discuss further.
Plus there is no better time than this Friday Night on
Destination America in the United States and this Sunday on
Challenge in the UK to restore your relationship with TNA, as
live from Wembley Arena I use Rockstar Spud as my platform to
put this entire Industry “on notice.”
Spud: I don’t really respond to it. I love the interaction we
have with our audiences dont get me wrong. There’s criticism in
everything in entertainment from movies to sports teams.
Anything can be criticized really but the majority of the
criticism are from armchair critics. Wrestling is a very
subjective business and people have their opinions about our
company and about other companies. I love hearing peoples
opinions and thoughts. It doesn’t mean they are right, & it
doesn’t mean they are wrong, but what does matter is how they
speak and if its constructive. If you are offering no
constructive criticism or solution then I personally would be so
angry about it and just sit and enjoy whats in front of me.
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