Ask WrestleBuzz: Locke, Reece, Heatwave 10, Scouting & More
Aug 6, 2013 22:05:24 GMT -6
Lone Gunman, Sir Chris Cairns, and 3 more like this
Post by WrestleBuzz on Aug 6, 2013 22:05:24 GMT -6
This is a new feature where senior members of the WrestleBuzz team answer questions sent in by readers. Scroll to the end to find out how to send your wrestling-related questions to our experts! Don't forget to go V.I.P. for just $8 per month and download our FREE smartphone app to keep up with wrestling's unmissable buzz!
On with the questions...
Joey Briggs from Manhattan asks:
Hi guys, I've been an avid reader of your WrestleBuzz website for many years now and the VIP subscription package has been worth every penny. I was just wondering if you guys had any insider info on what exactly went wrong with Rupert Martin. Here was a kid who seemingly had all the tools required to be GZW2K1's next big thing, and yeah, sure, he had the world title run and main events with Sean Fiery and was featured in the headline match for Aftermath2K8 etc. etc. but things just fell really flat and suddenly one day he was gone. Wasn't it a dead-cert that he'd be headlining Aftermath2K9 and they even had the promotional poster made? What's the story? Is there bad blood there? There were rumours of attitude problems and backstage fallout. I was just wondering if you guys could shed any light on what exactly happened with Martin. Secondly, do you think he will ever return to professional wrestling, whether within GZW2K1 or elsewhere?
WrestleBuzz Editor Barry Mann answers:
To cut a long story short, Rupert Martin was notoriously egotistical and quickly earned himself a reputation for being somebody who was difficult to work with. Yes, he was supposed to headline Aftermath2K9 against Eva Corbin, and yes, they even released a teaser promotional poster for A2K9 which all but confirmed this. However, he was gone from the company soon enough and plans had to be drastically altered, which led to the Ryder vs. T-Rex vs. Kaos main event we got at 2009's Aftermath instead.
It is highly unlikely that we will ever see Rupert Martin in GZW2K1 ever again. Nobody in power thinks especially highly of him, while legends such as Sean Fiery are disappointed about the fact that they partially wasted their legacies on helping him get over. The Corbin family are especially hostile towards Martin, so that's pretty much the nail in his 'Globalverse coffin', if you will.
WrestleBuzz columnist Darrell Davis answers:
There was tremendous upside for Rupert Martin. For a Globalstar that didn't have anywhere near the wrestling talent that even a first year Trouble Traxxer has, he had excellent promo skill. He was carried in pretty much every feud he was put into and only shone because he was fashioned to be the next coming of Ring of Honor Icons Billy Bond or Zac Sharp.
I heard that he pulled a major diva fit after not winning the Lord of the Coliseum tourney the year he was in it, even going so far as threatening to sit out the rest of his contract (which was quite lengthy). I honestly don't foresee him ever returning to GZW2K1 in any capacity and am very thankful for it.
Mike Jones from London, England asks:
Firstly, thanks for all the great work you do with the WrestleBuzz website. It makes my commutes to and from work go by so much quicker. Now for my question. What exactly is the hierarchy of power within GZW2K1? Who gets the final say on things? Logan Corzair? President James Corbin? Are roles such as Nathaniel Davis' Commissioner gig merely on-air gimmicks or does Davis have actual and legit backstage authority as a booker? Would any one single person have the authority to overrule a decision and, for example, choose to put the top title on someone of their liking? Is there like a voting committee? Thanks for taking the time to answer!
WrestleBuzz columnist Darrell Davis answers:
The GZW2K1 Command Suite consists of the offices of the President, Vice-President, and Commissioner (from time to time there is a Deputy Commissioner as well). The day-to-day operations of GZW2K1. as a company. are handled by the President and backed by the Vice-President. Both apart of a twelve person Executive Committee. The Commissioner is the liaison between the Command Suite and the Globalstars. The Commissioner is a part of a twleve person Booking Committee that decides/votes on the matches that make up a broadcast. Ultimately the final say on ANY matter is ruled upon by the President.
Ryan Hill from Queensland, Australia asks:
Hi WrestleBuzz, let me be the first to say that you guys do some terrific work on covering the wrestling industry. I have three questions I'd really like you to answer for me (been reading your website for four years).
1) Are GroundZero Global paying any attention at all to the smaller wrestling indies beyond their corporate bubble?
2) What does GZW2K1 have in store for Vitamin G/Gideon Reece following on from his surprising return from a lengthy absence?
3) Did Sean Locke peak around about the time he was challenging for the World Title a few years ago? Did I just imagine that? Or was Locke really on the verge of becoming a true main event player? Regardless, are his best years still ahead of him or do GZW2K1 merely view him as a solid and reliable upper midcard act? Keep up the great work!
WrestleBuzz columnist Darrell Davis answers:
1. GZG is always on the look out for any talent from all across the world. Current GZW2K1 President James Corbin was the ex-GZG Head of Talent Acquistion.
2. Gideon Reece is definitely in line for a lengthy face run collecting as many feuds and titles along the way. His checkered past in his first run has clearly been forgotten and forgiven as he is currently positioned as the go-to face on the roster.
3. Sean Locke is amongst a long list of Globalstars that just can't get over the hump. With so much talent and semi-charisma you would think he would be a multi-time World champion instead of a floating mid-level Globalstar. You would expect so much more from a Globalstar that is one championship away from gaining interest into the Grand Slam Club.
WrestleBuzz Editor Barry Mann answers:
1. Despite being the most commercially successful of all wrestling promotions beneath the GroundZero Global umbrella, GZW2K1 has a spotty record when it comes to signing new talent. Their Trouble Trax training facility is always their first port of call when it comes to scouting, but they most certainly do maintain an active interest in affairs outside the Globalverse. They're just not particularly good at signing new talent on a consistent basis, for reasons I cannot currently establish.
2. Gideon Reece has been the subject of a fair few heated debates within the Command Suite, according to my insider sources. Some in authority believe he is ready to main event, while others do not yet fully trust his abilities to become a mainstay attraction. Quite frankly, it could go either way. The fans are behind him though and GZW2K1 needs fresh stars to focus on.
3. The only person who can really answer whether or not Sean Locke has peaked is Sean Locke himself. He still has a lot to give I think, but as Darrell points out, he just can't seem to reach the top level that has been expected of him for so many years now. He, he was the winner of a 'Cash the Check Ladder Match' some years ago and many predicted this would lead him to his first GZW2K1 World Heavyweight Championship reign. Obviously, this plan never came to fruititon.
Eric Lanza from New York asks:
My question is simple. Do GZW2K1 view Heatwave 10 as a success?
WrestleBuzz Editor Barry Mann answers:
Buyrate figures have not yet been released and so it's difficult to say just how much of a success Heatwave 10 was. However, all early indications point towards the PPV being a solid financial success for GZW2K1. The event pretty much lived up to its hype and will go down as one of the better Heatwave events GZW2K1 has produced. A solid card with a good build, as well as the massive mainstream interest brought in due to Prince William, means GroundZero will have made more than a pretty penny, that's for sure.
WrestleBuzz columnist Darrell Davis answers:
As a company, GZW2K1 views EVERY Heatwave pay-per-view as a success because it still remains a staple amongst GZW2K1 PPVs (remember when they were broadcasting six instead of three?) that bring in major revenue. Bottom line: it's all about money, Eric from New York.
Sara Hayes from Calgary asks:
Hey guys, you do great work and I love checking up on the WrestleBuzz smartphone app every single day! It's part of my routine now, so thanks!
I have a question about GZW2K1's national identity. Sure, UJW is Japanese and CSW is Canadian etc. etc. but what about GroundZero Wrestling 2K1? Is it viewed from within as a slice of Americana? Sure, the company's HQ is based in Atlanta, but the promotion spends half the year touring Asia and most of the main roster players through time have been British or Canadian, with the Americans often playing second-fiddle to the Corbins, Sharps, Bizkits and Raze types. Your thoughts?
WrestleBuzz columnist Darrell Davis answers:
This question comes up A LOT and for the life of me I don't know why it even matters. In the pantheon of Ground Zero Global GZW2K1 is viewed as an American product. Whereas puroresu is solely defined as Japanese, stiff technical wrestling is attributed to Canadian, and the hardcore genre is encapsulated by Hong Kong, the blending of sports and entertainment is viewed as American.
WrestleBuzz Editor Barry Mann answers:
I'd argue that GZW2K1 is the most geographically diverse of all the major wrestling promotions, and yes, at times the roster has been dominated by non-Americans. This makes its identity a little harder to define, and I don't think it's quite as clear-cut as Darrell suggests. However, GZW2K1 is a United States company which is a subsidiary of a US conglomerate, and so that certainly has to be taken into account.
Got a question for WrestleBuzz? Send us your query to admin@wrestlebuzz.com
We are the No. 1 online resource for wrestling news and opinion. Need the Buzz? You need WrestleBuzz!
On with the questions...
Joey Briggs from Manhattan asks:
Hi guys, I've been an avid reader of your WrestleBuzz website for many years now and the VIP subscription package has been worth every penny. I was just wondering if you guys had any insider info on what exactly went wrong with Rupert Martin. Here was a kid who seemingly had all the tools required to be GZW2K1's next big thing, and yeah, sure, he had the world title run and main events with Sean Fiery and was featured in the headline match for Aftermath2K8 etc. etc. but things just fell really flat and suddenly one day he was gone. Wasn't it a dead-cert that he'd be headlining Aftermath2K9 and they even had the promotional poster made? What's the story? Is there bad blood there? There were rumours of attitude problems and backstage fallout. I was just wondering if you guys could shed any light on what exactly happened with Martin. Secondly, do you think he will ever return to professional wrestling, whether within GZW2K1 or elsewhere?
WrestleBuzz Editor Barry Mann answers:
To cut a long story short, Rupert Martin was notoriously egotistical and quickly earned himself a reputation for being somebody who was difficult to work with. Yes, he was supposed to headline Aftermath2K9 against Eva Corbin, and yes, they even released a teaser promotional poster for A2K9 which all but confirmed this. However, he was gone from the company soon enough and plans had to be drastically altered, which led to the Ryder vs. T-Rex vs. Kaos main event we got at 2009's Aftermath instead.
It is highly unlikely that we will ever see Rupert Martin in GZW2K1 ever again. Nobody in power thinks especially highly of him, while legends such as Sean Fiery are disappointed about the fact that they partially wasted their legacies on helping him get over. The Corbin family are especially hostile towards Martin, so that's pretty much the nail in his 'Globalverse coffin', if you will.
WrestleBuzz columnist Darrell Davis answers:
There was tremendous upside for Rupert Martin. For a Globalstar that didn't have anywhere near the wrestling talent that even a first year Trouble Traxxer has, he had excellent promo skill. He was carried in pretty much every feud he was put into and only shone because he was fashioned to be the next coming of Ring of Honor Icons Billy Bond or Zac Sharp.
I heard that he pulled a major diva fit after not winning the Lord of the Coliseum tourney the year he was in it, even going so far as threatening to sit out the rest of his contract (which was quite lengthy). I honestly don't foresee him ever returning to GZW2K1 in any capacity and am very thankful for it.
Mike Jones from London, England asks:
Firstly, thanks for all the great work you do with the WrestleBuzz website. It makes my commutes to and from work go by so much quicker. Now for my question. What exactly is the hierarchy of power within GZW2K1? Who gets the final say on things? Logan Corzair? President James Corbin? Are roles such as Nathaniel Davis' Commissioner gig merely on-air gimmicks or does Davis have actual and legit backstage authority as a booker? Would any one single person have the authority to overrule a decision and, for example, choose to put the top title on someone of their liking? Is there like a voting committee? Thanks for taking the time to answer!
WrestleBuzz columnist Darrell Davis answers:
The GZW2K1 Command Suite consists of the offices of the President, Vice-President, and Commissioner (from time to time there is a Deputy Commissioner as well). The day-to-day operations of GZW2K1. as a company. are handled by the President and backed by the Vice-President. Both apart of a twelve person Executive Committee. The Commissioner is the liaison between the Command Suite and the Globalstars. The Commissioner is a part of a twleve person Booking Committee that decides/votes on the matches that make up a broadcast. Ultimately the final say on ANY matter is ruled upon by the President.
Ryan Hill from Queensland, Australia asks:
Hi WrestleBuzz, let me be the first to say that you guys do some terrific work on covering the wrestling industry. I have three questions I'd really like you to answer for me (been reading your website for four years).
1) Are GroundZero Global paying any attention at all to the smaller wrestling indies beyond their corporate bubble?
2) What does GZW2K1 have in store for Vitamin G/Gideon Reece following on from his surprising return from a lengthy absence?
3) Did Sean Locke peak around about the time he was challenging for the World Title a few years ago? Did I just imagine that? Or was Locke really on the verge of becoming a true main event player? Regardless, are his best years still ahead of him or do GZW2K1 merely view him as a solid and reliable upper midcard act? Keep up the great work!
WrestleBuzz columnist Darrell Davis answers:
1. GZG is always on the look out for any talent from all across the world. Current GZW2K1 President James Corbin was the ex-GZG Head of Talent Acquistion.
2. Gideon Reece is definitely in line for a lengthy face run collecting as many feuds and titles along the way. His checkered past in his first run has clearly been forgotten and forgiven as he is currently positioned as the go-to face on the roster.
3. Sean Locke is amongst a long list of Globalstars that just can't get over the hump. With so much talent and semi-charisma you would think he would be a multi-time World champion instead of a floating mid-level Globalstar. You would expect so much more from a Globalstar that is one championship away from gaining interest into the Grand Slam Club.
WrestleBuzz Editor Barry Mann answers:
1. Despite being the most commercially successful of all wrestling promotions beneath the GroundZero Global umbrella, GZW2K1 has a spotty record when it comes to signing new talent. Their Trouble Trax training facility is always their first port of call when it comes to scouting, but they most certainly do maintain an active interest in affairs outside the Globalverse. They're just not particularly good at signing new talent on a consistent basis, for reasons I cannot currently establish.
2. Gideon Reece has been the subject of a fair few heated debates within the Command Suite, according to my insider sources. Some in authority believe he is ready to main event, while others do not yet fully trust his abilities to become a mainstay attraction. Quite frankly, it could go either way. The fans are behind him though and GZW2K1 needs fresh stars to focus on.
3. The only person who can really answer whether or not Sean Locke has peaked is Sean Locke himself. He still has a lot to give I think, but as Darrell points out, he just can't seem to reach the top level that has been expected of him for so many years now. He, he was the winner of a 'Cash the Check Ladder Match' some years ago and many predicted this would lead him to his first GZW2K1 World Heavyweight Championship reign. Obviously, this plan never came to fruititon.
Eric Lanza from New York asks:
My question is simple. Do GZW2K1 view Heatwave 10 as a success?
WrestleBuzz Editor Barry Mann answers:
Buyrate figures have not yet been released and so it's difficult to say just how much of a success Heatwave 10 was. However, all early indications point towards the PPV being a solid financial success for GZW2K1. The event pretty much lived up to its hype and will go down as one of the better Heatwave events GZW2K1 has produced. A solid card with a good build, as well as the massive mainstream interest brought in due to Prince William, means GroundZero will have made more than a pretty penny, that's for sure.
WrestleBuzz columnist Darrell Davis answers:
As a company, GZW2K1 views EVERY Heatwave pay-per-view as a success because it still remains a staple amongst GZW2K1 PPVs (remember when they were broadcasting six instead of three?) that bring in major revenue. Bottom line: it's all about money, Eric from New York.
Sara Hayes from Calgary asks:
Hey guys, you do great work and I love checking up on the WrestleBuzz smartphone app every single day! It's part of my routine now, so thanks!
I have a question about GZW2K1's national identity. Sure, UJW is Japanese and CSW is Canadian etc. etc. but what about GroundZero Wrestling 2K1? Is it viewed from within as a slice of Americana? Sure, the company's HQ is based in Atlanta, but the promotion spends half the year touring Asia and most of the main roster players through time have been British or Canadian, with the Americans often playing second-fiddle to the Corbins, Sharps, Bizkits and Raze types. Your thoughts?
WrestleBuzz columnist Darrell Davis answers:
This question comes up A LOT and for the life of me I don't know why it even matters. In the pantheon of Ground Zero Global GZW2K1 is viewed as an American product. Whereas puroresu is solely defined as Japanese, stiff technical wrestling is attributed to Canadian, and the hardcore genre is encapsulated by Hong Kong, the blending of sports and entertainment is viewed as American.
WrestleBuzz Editor Barry Mann answers:
I'd argue that GZW2K1 is the most geographically diverse of all the major wrestling promotions, and yes, at times the roster has been dominated by non-Americans. This makes its identity a little harder to define, and I don't think it's quite as clear-cut as Darrell suggests. However, GZW2K1 is a United States company which is a subsidiary of a US conglomerate, and so that certainly has to be taken into account.
Got a question for WrestleBuzz? Send us your query to admin@wrestlebuzz.com
We are the No. 1 online resource for wrestling news and opinion. Need the Buzz? You need WrestleBuzz!