IWC CONFIDENTIAL 30th march 2015
Welcome to the latest edition of Confidential, your inside track on the ongoing saga that is the IWC. We give you the facts, and not the fiction behind your favorite wrestling company. Take that Mr Fortune. So, where shall we begin…ah yes?
THE HOLY CHALICE
After much negotiation it looks like the ownership issue is almost settled, and Sebastian Blake and Callista Cristos will be the ones tasked with steering the ship called IWC into much calmer waters. There is little doubt that chaos reigns right now over the company, however Orlando has to be thanked for having the foresight to bring the Independent Wrestling Cartel back to our screens, and no doubt he will be forever remembered for that
However, as reported, it looks like the ownership issue may not be as clear cut as it seems, because Karen McBride at this moment still owns 25% of the company, and it looks like she is willing to now sell her shares. Will Sebastian and Callista claim these shares and 100% ownership, or is there still going to be a wild card able to make decisions as a primary shareholder. We all know that William Mason expressed an interest in the ownership, as did David Helms, so could they be contenders for that 25%
But not only that, there is also a rumor, and we stress that they are just that, rumors, that a clause has been placed, put there by none other than Orlando, and this was the stumbling block and the reason the sale has taken so long. What this was we have been unable to find out, but it is thought it is something to do with the brand split that will take place after Invictus. Could it have something to do with who will run, and indeed appear on each show?
One thing that is for certain, Sebastian and Callista made it perfectly clear that they are not going to stand for any nonsense, something that Tina Valentine will attest to. But there are a lot of people close to the IWC that do not agree with the sale, claiming that ‘outsiders’ were not the way to go for the company. The new owners are aware of this, and have promised to put their stamp on the IWC early, and have also made a bold promise that by 2016, the IWC will be THE biggest player in what is now called the Triad (IWC, SCW, ULW, and Cartel NxtGen). It is no doubt a bold promise, but as anyone that knows these two would attest to, it is something which they are more than capable of.
CARTEL CONTROVERSY
It usually stirred up a hornets nest, but the Cartel 15 this week went out of its way to give us some major talking points, and also got the industry asking who comes up with this list. It had been sold as being voted for by the fans, but social media was awash with comments saying how that could be possible, and someone like Aiken Frost finish above his wife. We don’t think anyone could disagree that Mika and Katelyn were the right people to top the poll, but it has certain raised some eyebrows how some of the names could enter the list so highly.
Confidential did some digging, and it seems that the ‘voting’ was only part of the analysis, and that a panel of IWC officials actually had the final say. This has led to allegations of a cover up and that the voting figures were rigged, and left people wondering if perhaps there is a ‘rogue’ element behind the scenes at IWC.
Confidential gave these findings to the IWC President and his action was swift. And it seems that all people involved have been ‘wished well in their future endeavors. He has also confirmed that as from the next Cartel 15, the order shall be chosen by a panel of Alan Lamont, Daniel Fortune and Hunter and Mackie from the NewAge announce team. The list shall be based on those that have made most impact on the shows during that time, and shall be published as it was this time on the IWC Newsfeed.
ALL AROUND THE WORLD
In our last edition we spoke of the European Tour which was on the verge of being signed, well we can now confirm that tour will indeed take place, and venues are currently being looked at for those events, including the Roman Amphitheatre for Invictus III.
However, thoughts have already turned to 2017, when it seems the IWC is looking to go one better, and will turn into a true global superpower by touring the entire world, taking in some of the places that other companies in the Triad have never been. This has been seen as a shot across the bows of the other two as the IWC looks to position itself.
All that is of course good news, but confidential has to ask, what does the rest of the Triad think to this news. So far, everything has been rosy in the group of companies, but is that because it is clearly defined that SCW is the number one. What if the ULW grew, what if the IWC suddenly had the bigger ratings? Was if NxtGen exploded off the internet and onto cable? Would all that goodwill go out of the window as each company started looking out for number one?
With the IWC looking at exclusivity deals for its wrestlers, has the honeymoon stage finally passed, and will we finally start to see the companies in direct competition, and maybe, just maybe, see the Super PPV that the whole industry seems to be craving. Kennedy Street versus Mika Kozlov versus Mogui versus Jason King…could it finally happen as each company looked to be the best?
ROAD TO INVICTUS II
It was always going to take our breath away, but already the card for Invictus II is starting to look mind blowing. With Marina Valdivia already scheduled to face Julia Noel for the QOTR title, Tina Valentine finally facing Selena Frost for contendership, and Rachael Tatum Lee and Ethan Von Aaron finally getting to face Aiken Frost and Alana Starr within the confines of the Hell in the Cell, there is little doubt that Invictus is going to be huge. And that’s not counting the Main Event for the World Championship which seems to change every single week.
However much you talk about the biggest PPV in the IWC year though, there is something else about Invictus that will define the future of the company, and that is those people that will have their ‘Invictus’ moment, and make a name for themselves on the canvas of the IWC. This year it is more prevalent than ever, because right now the IWC is looking for its next big thing, the one to carry the IWC into its future
Now that’s not to say that the current breed is on the way out, far from it. People like Mika Kozlov, Katelyn Buehler, Abigail Lindsay, Marie Jones, Taylor Chase-Cruze…we could go on. They are going to be around for a long time yet, but who are the IWC looking to be in the next batch, to challenge those people over the course of the year like Tina Valentine has this?
THE NEW ORDER
Marina Valdivia is one such person who has gotten the IWC’s interest, in the way she claimed the QOTR title as her own. Selena Frost has been the subject of many meetings as someone who could turn out to be the ‘face’ of the company, as no doubt she is a merchandisers dream. Two newer names that seem destined to be on everyone’s lips are Lexy Chapel and Kat Kelly, many people’s picks for next tag team champions should they get their chance. But one name that perhaps isn’t so obvious is that of William Mason, a man who seems to have been around forever and couldn’t possibly be classed as a newcomer, but has never really been given the chance to carry a company. Talks have been had, and it seems that may be about to change.
Ember Young, Crissy Gardner, Ms. Budde, Nate Lawson, Dean Daniels and Jeffrey Alexander Starxxx. These are the future of the company; whilst the IWC also tries to kick start the careers of those that have so much promise such as Mya Denton and Danny Darko. They are going to be given a chance, an opportunity to shine like never before, and it is believed that the brand split will help them achieve that, and give more chances, more opportunities than ever before.
But that’s not to say that the IWC is resting on its laurels, and sticking with what it’s got. The signing of Ricky Valero sent shockwaves around the industry, and it showed that the company is still committed to signing the best talent from around the world. Again, we know it as fact. IWC officials have contacted wrestlers that are coming to the end of their contracts, big name wrestlers from around the Triad, to see if they want to become a part of the Independent Wrestling Cartel. As well as some big names that may be looking to make a return.
IS THE GRASS GREENER?
Could this possible mean an opening for a return for Lucas Knight, who has been seen on IWC programming of late? Would Trinity Street join him on a long term contract? Does the rumor that Johnny Kingdom could be the host of Invictus mean that the former world heavyweight champion could be ready for one last run? Are these returns as unthinkable as you imagine, we don’t think so. And it is these ‘legends’ that could turn the tide in the IWC’s favor.
OR IS THERE MORE TO IT THAN THAT?
Confidential isn’t one to usually comment on gossip, but there was at least one thing that Daniel Fortune said in his last column that could at least have a little credence. There is no doubt that the IWC is in turmoil now, and anyone that was involved with it during its last run could be looking at it, and wondering how it could come to this. Would any of them actually feel strongly enough to do something about it?
Just think about it for a second, at Last Stand Dan Douglas made a monumental return to the IWC and in his first night helped Katelyn Buehler, an IWC original to claim a world title shot. The following week, we see Dan Douglas and Ethan Von Aaron, an IWC original, in a very amicable conversation. The week after that, Christian Savior, an IWC original, return and start to bond with Ethan and Dan, on the same night we see Robin Brooks…an IWC original.
Take into that the rumor of Johnny Kingdom hosting Invictus, the constant rumor that Silencer may return and surely it would be foolhardy to suggest that all of this is pure coincidence. Have the old guard had enough? Are they about to take it to New Eden and Silas World? As we said, not everything Fortune says is truth, but he may be onto something here, and believe us, we will be digging further
AND FINALLY…
In just over a month, the IWC brand split will take place, and already people are asking what does this mean for the title belts. Well, we can confirm that each brand will have its own exclusive roster, and will also have its own belts, including its own world champion. This will of course give more opportunity to the roster, as there will be less on each roster competing for the titles.
Other than that, how the brands will be split is not yet known, neither is who will run those brands, but we have it on good authority those details will start to become known once the new owners are in place. What we do know is that this is a very exciting time for the IWC, and talks are ongoing to ensure that the split goes without a hitch, and the fans continue to get the best wrestling product on the market.
That’s it from us for now; catch us on the next Confidential as we continue to bring you the biggest news in the IWC.
THE HOLY CHALICE
After much negotiation it looks like the ownership issue is almost settled, and Sebastian Blake and Callista Cristos will be the ones tasked with steering the ship called IWC into much calmer waters. There is little doubt that chaos reigns right now over the company, however Orlando has to be thanked for having the foresight to bring the Independent Wrestling Cartel back to our screens, and no doubt he will be forever remembered for that
However, as reported, it looks like the ownership issue may not be as clear cut as it seems, because Karen McBride at this moment still owns 25% of the company, and it looks like she is willing to now sell her shares. Will Sebastian and Callista claim these shares and 100% ownership, or is there still going to be a wild card able to make decisions as a primary shareholder. We all know that William Mason expressed an interest in the ownership, as did David Helms, so could they be contenders for that 25%
But not only that, there is also a rumor, and we stress that they are just that, rumors, that a clause has been placed, put there by none other than Orlando, and this was the stumbling block and the reason the sale has taken so long. What this was we have been unable to find out, but it is thought it is something to do with the brand split that will take place after Invictus. Could it have something to do with who will run, and indeed appear on each show?
One thing that is for certain, Sebastian and Callista made it perfectly clear that they are not going to stand for any nonsense, something that Tina Valentine will attest to. But there are a lot of people close to the IWC that do not agree with the sale, claiming that ‘outsiders’ were not the way to go for the company. The new owners are aware of this, and have promised to put their stamp on the IWC early, and have also made a bold promise that by 2016, the IWC will be THE biggest player in what is now called the Triad (IWC, SCW, ULW, and Cartel NxtGen). It is no doubt a bold promise, but as anyone that knows these two would attest to, it is something which they are more than capable of.
CARTEL CONTROVERSY
It usually stirred up a hornets nest, but the Cartel 15 this week went out of its way to give us some major talking points, and also got the industry asking who comes up with this list. It had been sold as being voted for by the fans, but social media was awash with comments saying how that could be possible, and someone like Aiken Frost finish above his wife. We don’t think anyone could disagree that Mika and Katelyn were the right people to top the poll, but it has certain raised some eyebrows how some of the names could enter the list so highly.
Confidential did some digging, and it seems that the ‘voting’ was only part of the analysis, and that a panel of IWC officials actually had the final say. This has led to allegations of a cover up and that the voting figures were rigged, and left people wondering if perhaps there is a ‘rogue’ element behind the scenes at IWC.
Confidential gave these findings to the IWC President and his action was swift. And it seems that all people involved have been ‘wished well in their future endeavors. He has also confirmed that as from the next Cartel 15, the order shall be chosen by a panel of Alan Lamont, Daniel Fortune and Hunter and Mackie from the NewAge announce team. The list shall be based on those that have made most impact on the shows during that time, and shall be published as it was this time on the IWC Newsfeed.
ALL AROUND THE WORLD
In our last edition we spoke of the European Tour which was on the verge of being signed, well we can now confirm that tour will indeed take place, and venues are currently being looked at for those events, including the Roman Amphitheatre for Invictus III.
However, thoughts have already turned to 2017, when it seems the IWC is looking to go one better, and will turn into a true global superpower by touring the entire world, taking in some of the places that other companies in the Triad have never been. This has been seen as a shot across the bows of the other two as the IWC looks to position itself.
All that is of course good news, but confidential has to ask, what does the rest of the Triad think to this news. So far, everything has been rosy in the group of companies, but is that because it is clearly defined that SCW is the number one. What if the ULW grew, what if the IWC suddenly had the bigger ratings? Was if NxtGen exploded off the internet and onto cable? Would all that goodwill go out of the window as each company started looking out for number one?
With the IWC looking at exclusivity deals for its wrestlers, has the honeymoon stage finally passed, and will we finally start to see the companies in direct competition, and maybe, just maybe, see the Super PPV that the whole industry seems to be craving. Kennedy Street versus Mika Kozlov versus Mogui versus Jason King…could it finally happen as each company looked to be the best?
ROAD TO INVICTUS II
It was always going to take our breath away, but already the card for Invictus II is starting to look mind blowing. With Marina Valdivia already scheduled to face Julia Noel for the QOTR title, Tina Valentine finally facing Selena Frost for contendership, and Rachael Tatum Lee and Ethan Von Aaron finally getting to face Aiken Frost and Alana Starr within the confines of the Hell in the Cell, there is little doubt that Invictus is going to be huge. And that’s not counting the Main Event for the World Championship which seems to change every single week.
However much you talk about the biggest PPV in the IWC year though, there is something else about Invictus that will define the future of the company, and that is those people that will have their ‘Invictus’ moment, and make a name for themselves on the canvas of the IWC. This year it is more prevalent than ever, because right now the IWC is looking for its next big thing, the one to carry the IWC into its future
Now that’s not to say that the current breed is on the way out, far from it. People like Mika Kozlov, Katelyn Buehler, Abigail Lindsay, Marie Jones, Taylor Chase-Cruze…we could go on. They are going to be around for a long time yet, but who are the IWC looking to be in the next batch, to challenge those people over the course of the year like Tina Valentine has this?
THE NEW ORDER
Marina Valdivia is one such person who has gotten the IWC’s interest, in the way she claimed the QOTR title as her own. Selena Frost has been the subject of many meetings as someone who could turn out to be the ‘face’ of the company, as no doubt she is a merchandisers dream. Two newer names that seem destined to be on everyone’s lips are Lexy Chapel and Kat Kelly, many people’s picks for next tag team champions should they get their chance. But one name that perhaps isn’t so obvious is that of William Mason, a man who seems to have been around forever and couldn’t possibly be classed as a newcomer, but has never really been given the chance to carry a company. Talks have been had, and it seems that may be about to change.
Ember Young, Crissy Gardner, Ms. Budde, Nate Lawson, Dean Daniels and Jeffrey Alexander Starxxx. These are the future of the company; whilst the IWC also tries to kick start the careers of those that have so much promise such as Mya Denton and Danny Darko. They are going to be given a chance, an opportunity to shine like never before, and it is believed that the brand split will help them achieve that, and give more chances, more opportunities than ever before.
But that’s not to say that the IWC is resting on its laurels, and sticking with what it’s got. The signing of Ricky Valero sent shockwaves around the industry, and it showed that the company is still committed to signing the best talent from around the world. Again, we know it as fact. IWC officials have contacted wrestlers that are coming to the end of their contracts, big name wrestlers from around the Triad, to see if they want to become a part of the Independent Wrestling Cartel. As well as some big names that may be looking to make a return.
IS THE GRASS GREENER?
Could this possible mean an opening for a return for Lucas Knight, who has been seen on IWC programming of late? Would Trinity Street join him on a long term contract? Does the rumor that Johnny Kingdom could be the host of Invictus mean that the former world heavyweight champion could be ready for one last run? Are these returns as unthinkable as you imagine, we don’t think so. And it is these ‘legends’ that could turn the tide in the IWC’s favor.
OR IS THERE MORE TO IT THAN THAT?
Confidential isn’t one to usually comment on gossip, but there was at least one thing that Daniel Fortune said in his last column that could at least have a little credence. There is no doubt that the IWC is in turmoil now, and anyone that was involved with it during its last run could be looking at it, and wondering how it could come to this. Would any of them actually feel strongly enough to do something about it?
Just think about it for a second, at Last Stand Dan Douglas made a monumental return to the IWC and in his first night helped Katelyn Buehler, an IWC original to claim a world title shot. The following week, we see Dan Douglas and Ethan Von Aaron, an IWC original, in a very amicable conversation. The week after that, Christian Savior, an IWC original, return and start to bond with Ethan and Dan, on the same night we see Robin Brooks…an IWC original.
Take into that the rumor of Johnny Kingdom hosting Invictus, the constant rumor that Silencer may return and surely it would be foolhardy to suggest that all of this is pure coincidence. Have the old guard had enough? Are they about to take it to New Eden and Silas World? As we said, not everything Fortune says is truth, but he may be onto something here, and believe us, we will be digging further
AND FINALLY…
In just over a month, the IWC brand split will take place, and already people are asking what does this mean for the title belts. Well, we can confirm that each brand will have its own exclusive roster, and will also have its own belts, including its own world champion. This will of course give more opportunity to the roster, as there will be less on each roster competing for the titles.
Other than that, how the brands will be split is not yet known, neither is who will run those brands, but we have it on good authority those details will start to become known once the new owners are in place. What we do know is that this is a very exciting time for the IWC, and talks are ongoing to ensure that the split goes without a hitch, and the fans continue to get the best wrestling product on the market.
That’s it from us for now; catch us on the next Confidential as we continue to bring you the biggest news in the IWC.