Post by Papi El Sueno on Sept 28, 2019 20:32:34 GMT -5
Live, from Los Angeles, California... It's The Desiree Miles Show! Now your host... Desiree Miles!
"Down Rodeo" by Rage Against the Machine plays and Desiree Miles comes out from behind the curtain and waves to the studio audience. She takes a bow before walking over to a large desk, then takes a seat on a leather chair, adjusts her glasses, and addresses the audience.
Desiree Miles: Thank you so much, and welcome to the debut episode of The Desiree Miles Show! This pilot episode is going to be amazing. We have some kick ass guests. This show is LIVE, uncensored and uncut. I will ask the questions most people are afraid to ask. Legends like Talia Skye, Damon Warrens, The Warrens Twins will join us while rising stars like Reyna Carter and Molly Hatchet will be on the show, along with a surprise or two!
Desiree takes a pause for a bit.
Desiree Miles: Now for our first guest... I should say guests because this is a tag team. Give it up for WWA's resident Mean Girl tag team, The Pretty Committee!
The Pretty Committee arrives to the set dress to the nines as always. As they are both wearing black dresses, black high heel pumps, and a black Gucci handbag on each of them. As they smirk shaking hands with Desiree Miles though, they are quick to grab the hand sanitizer from Bianca's bag.
Desiree Miles: Bianca, Vero, welcome to the show.
Bianca Davis: You’re welcome I mean you totally forgot to thank us for being here. But its okay after all we are the show.
Veronica Taylor: So true, but don’t worry we will make this the best first episode ever!
Desiree Miles: Right! My first question to you both, how are you enjoying being a part of the Women's Wrestling Alliance?
Bianca Davis: Well here is the thing we are making this place prettier it started with me I came here and looked around and saw that their were way to many uggos, freaks, and basics even for the Queen B herself to handle so I said you now what I might need some help so.
Bianca points to her tag team partner standing next to her.
Bianca Davis: So who better than the Queen of Mean herself Veronica Taylor.
Veronica Taylor: And I totally said yes as soon as I looked up and down this roster like these hags ewwww!
Desiree Miles: Now that you two have brought your infamous and some might say controversial team to WWA, what are your goals as a team in this company?
Veronica Taylor: Our goals well those tag titles will look so fab around our waist but in reality our goal to is make WWA pretty again. Like seriously?!
Bianca Davis: Well we're making it pretty I mean was it really ever pretty before us?
The Pretty Committee share a bitchy giggle with each other.
Desiree Miles: This one is for Bianca. In your biography, it states you have won quite the number of beauty contests… but a lot of those came via controversial means and there is a section of the modeling community who hates your guts. Any response to your haters and is there any truth to those allegations of dirty tactics?
Bianca Davis: Such excuses why? Because those in the pageants against me were losers. Not my fault I am prettier and better than them. So rather their is truth to their envy or not does it matter? No all that matters is that Bianc Davis slayed the uggos as she always does and with ease mind you.
Desiree Miles: Okay then. Veronica, a lot of people claim you are this cold hearted bitch who cares about nothing but herself. Some might say that's accurate, but in case your critics are wrong, then who is Veronica Taylor?
Veronica Taylor: Oh please like they would know who Veronica Taylor is? And Veronica Taylor is a visionary, a superstar, a woman who has shown the world that supermodels can transition into wrestling successfully. A true role model but you already knew that.
Desiree Miles: I'll list a wrestler and you provide your thoughts. Talia Areano.
Veronica Taylor: Cow.
Bianca Davis: Cowila basic shes gonna moooooove out of the way get it?!
Desiree Miles: I got it. How about Molly Hatchet?
Bianca Davis: Hobbit
Veronica Taylor: Still looking for her pot of gold EWWW!
Desiree Miles: Mariah Lopez.
Bianca Davis: Amazing person.
Veronica Taylor: Total sweetheart.
Desiree Miles: Eavan Maloney.
Bianca Davis: Freak
Veronica Taylor: Gross.
Desiree Miles: Reyna Carter.
Bianca Davis: Didn’t I slay her on twitter?
Veronica Taylor: Was the standard.
Desiree Miles: Alright, this past Frenzy, Talia Areano pinned Veronica to win the match for her Trios team. With Areano going to pick a partner of her choice in a match against you two at Halloween Fury, who do you think she will pick to combat you two?
Veronica Taylor: Does it matter probably some freak loser like Hobbit Hatchet or something.
Bianca Davis: Plus a fluke win it won’t happen again because quite frankly she can’t sit with us.
Desiree Miles: Continuing on to you two as a tag team, what do you girls think of the Tag Team Champions? And how soon do you two think you will be Tag Team Champions in this company?
Veronica Taylor: That the current champions are just their to keep the belts warm for us? Because thats totally what the are their for.
Desiree Miles: Any last words for Areano heading into Halloween Fury?
Bianca Davis: Nah.
The PC walks off the stage.
Desiree Miles: That was definitely a nice way to get this show started. But we have plenty more here, because my next guest is a surprise. One of a few. A rising star in the Women's Wrestling Alliance. I give to you... ATHENA!
“Angel with the Shotgun” by The Cab plays over the P/A as Athena enters the stage, waving to the audience. She is wearing a long black dress with red outlines all over. She shakes Desiree's hand hits down on the loveseat next to Desiree's desk.
Desiree Miles: Welcome to the show Athena.
Athena: Thank you, Desiree. Happy to be here.
Desiree Miles: I have to ask. How are you feeling heading into perhaps the biggest match of your career on October 11th?
Athena: I’ve already been down this road before, Desiree. A few months ago, when me and Reyna went 1-on-1 for the first time, that was the biggest match of my life. I was fighting one of my best friends, it was for the World Championship. Round 2 was no different. Only difference was instead of the title being vacant, I was the champ. I was top dog. She was the contender trying to take it all away. This rubber match, this final battle is also no different. Only this time, the roles are swapped. Reyna is the top dog and I am the one trying to take it all away. I am proud of what we’ve done the last 2 times, and I have no doubt this rubber match will be amazing. I’m gonna even gonna boldly predict that this trilogy will win us multiple end of the year awards.
Desiree Miles: Other than the Inferno Championship Wrestling, your brief stint into ICW and Cardinal City Pro for a brief time as well, JPW if I'm not mistaken, there's been a few places here and there outside of your well-known stint today in the Women's Wrestling Alliance. Are there any promotions I'm missing from the equation? And out of the promotions, which is your favorite?
Athena: No, you got them all down. I’ve worked a few indy shows here and there, but those were all the big ones. As for my favorite, other than WWA of course, would have to be ICW, where I got my first big break. I won my first titles there, I had some great matches, it was fun.
Desiree Miles: Who would be your favorite opponent?
Athena: Reyna Carter, for sure. The fact that we know so much about each other yet we tend to surprise each other with every match. Our last 2 matches were my absolute favorite and I have no doubt our third will be just as amazing.
Desiree Miles: Though not as experienced within the premium atmosphere like some of our guests here, outside of the Network/Ninja Squad ordeal, were there any controversies you experienced or had seen first hand?
Athena: Well I was trained by Leon Lonewolf himself and he taught me almost everything I know. After PCW closed, he went into a dark place. He tried to ignore it as he went to a few smaller promotions himself, but in the end, he left for a few years before coming back as the monster he is today. I feel partially responsible for his sudden change in attitude because I saw the signs, but did nothing. I only hope that he realizes the error of his ways and snaps out of it sooner rather than later.
Desiree Miles: I did mention the Network/Ninja Squad thing. What were your thoughts when you learned about Mariah Lopez and that slut Aubrey Cassidy going into business for themselves with their "live celebration"? And how quickly did you try to get to the ring to stop that abomination of a segment?
Athena: I was pissed, like everyone else in the locker room. All amounts of respect were tossed out the window. The fact that she went and did that was not only a spit in the face of us, but it was a spit in the face to her family, the WWA fans, and the company as a whole. I would place that slut moniker on Mariah, though. Yes, Aubrey horrible, Mariah was a manipulator and was the brains of that tag team. Aubrey was just following along like a dog on a leash.
Desiree Miles: Of course, during that time, you along with Talia Skye were embroiled in a feud with Mariah Lopez who had cheated to win the WWA World Title from Talia. But with the Network butting into WWA business after that stunt, how much did their interference affect you?
Athena: It definitely messed me up. Here she was, the top slut of the company, getting backed by the Network who once wanted her fired or else WWA would get pulled from the Network. That made no sense! In what alternate universe do you reward the very person who went and tried to destroy the reputation of the promotion, the network, the advertisers, and everyone in between. Instead they went and punished the promoter and everyone who was not involved. Yes, we later found out they used her as a crutch to destroy WWA, but it was so fucked up and the face that the Network had no faith in Danielle, in Talia, in Reyna, in myself, or in anyone else that wasn’t a Ninja to revive WWA from the ashes of this mess.
Desiree Miles: Now obviously their interfering in shit they had no business being in led to the company going on hiatus. You were at that final show along with myself and all of the others, but I want your accounts of how chaotic it was backstage. And were you one of those that was planning on walking out in protest of Danielle Lopez unfairly being removed from her post?
Athena: Me, Reyna, and Talia were basically in the forefront of that protest. We were literally seconds away from picketing the event and refused to work that show until justice was served. But in the end, it was Crystal who convinced us that the show must go on. As much as we wanted to say no, the fans wanted to see us kick the Ninja’s ass and save this company. So we went and made sure that that show went off without any hitches. If the Ninjas wanted Mariah to stay champ that badly, then we were gonna do all we can to make sure that she drops that title. One way, or another.
Desiree Miles: But there would be somewhat of a happy ending. In April coming off the boss lady's birthday, WWA was rumored and later announced as having returned from the ashes but the only title that would be vacant would be the World Championship due to Leon Lonewolf injuring Crystal Alvarez. How did it feel to not only be one of the eight competitors competing for a shot at that title, but ultimately winning it over one of the greatest competitors to have ever held the WWA World Title?
Athena: It felt amazing. Danielle saw a lot of potential in me, I knew I had what it takes to become World Champion, but Mariah would keep pulling something out of her sleeve to constantly come out with the win. It didnt help that she had Lonewolf and the Network in her pocket in addition to Aubrey and the Ninja Squad. Danielle saw how hard I worked to try and save WWA, so I was overjoyed that I was one of the I competitors. I was a little shocked that Mariah was one of them, but Reyna knocking her out in the first round made everything better in the end.
Desiree Miles: I'll get back to you and Rey in a bit. Knowing you're signed here exclusively, are there any other opponents you wouldn't mind facing?
Athena: You know, I may be a former and soon to be 2-time World Champion, I would love to tackle the other titles here in WWA, So Talia Skye, Morgan Simmons, I got a few.friends I can ask to tag up for a go at Jungle Warriors and Killswitch Knockouts. I know I've had a few matches with them, but I feel that I am closer to my prime now than I was back then so matches with them would be phenomenal. I know the Premium Reunion show is coming up and while I'm not a PCW Original, I'd love a round with some legends like Draven Kennedy, James Baker, my old teacher Lonewolf, I'm a huge Mariano Fernandez fangirl so I'd love an hour long spectacle with him.
Desiree Miles: You know I have to address the elephant in the room. You and Mariah Lopez's hatred for one another was very heated, but with what happened to her wife Rachel at the hands of The Horsewomen, as well as Mariah herself having seen the error of her ways. Is it safe to say you feel Mariah is genuine in knowing she was wrong? And what is the status of the two of you today?
Athena: I dislike her than hate her. She made a lot of stupid mistakes that put the company and us in jeopardy. A lot of us don't have another job or promotion that we could rely on. And the fact that we had to just about sic the entire locker room and Danielle herself just to make her drop the title to Crystal because she would do anything and everything both on camera and backstage to keep the title was ludicrous. Regarding Rachel, first off I'm surprised they even got back together I thought they hated each other. Second, with Mariah apparently now turning a new leaf, I don't know yet. They just got back together and Rachel's career is I jeopardy, it's hard to tell at this stage if it's genuine or of shes manipulating everyone for sympathy. For now, all we can do is wait and see.
Desiree Miles: How would you view The Horsewomen as they have turned up the aggressiveness in their attitudes?
Athena: As much as I dislike Mariah and the Ninjas, attacking someone who’s only crime was having association with Mariah, but never participated in her shit is disgusting. I will always consider Talia and Reyna a friend, and I’m glad Reyna disagrees with the Horsewomen’s tactics, but attacking people to the point where they are forced to retire...Rachel almost died from that neck injury. That’s crossing the line. There are only a few things that cross the line with me in WWA: Going to business for your yourself, and maliciously assaulting someone to the point where their life changes forever...if they wanted to just push the Ninjas out of WWA, that's one thing, but crippling an innocent woman is heinous and disgusting
Desiree Miles: On Twitter, we have seen a woman by the name of Bianca Yates state that she's coming soon and has signed her contract. Do you know this woman? And if so, can you shed some light for us?
Athena: Who? Bianca Yates? Is she a new hire? Never heard of her. Either she’s an import overseas that I’ve never heard of or some rookie who convinced the talent scouts to get her a contract. Whoever she is, She better watch out.
Desiree Miles: Back to Reyna Carter. It's no secret you two are friends, but with the WWA World Title up for grabs, does that friendship factor in how you will approach her when it comes to your match at Halloween Fury?
Athena: It never has. We both know that we wish for nothing more than to give each other 120% in that ring. One minute, I’m, kicking a tooth out of her mouth, the next minute, we’re at the bar downing a pint of beer and a slice of pizza. I love her to death and consider her a close friend, but we’ve promised each other in every encounter we’ve had that for those 20-30 or more minutes where we’re standing across from each other in that squared circle that we toss all of our friendship aside and put on the best damn match that we can.
Desiree Miles: Do you have any last words?
Athena: I do…
The lights begin to flicker and buzz as Athena takes a deep breath and stares coldly into the camera with the most wicked smile.
Athena: Reyna, I sincerely apologize from the bottom of my heart for the brutal beating that I’m going to give you at Halloween Fury. When I’m through with you, you will be missing a lot more than a few teeth. I will be walking out of Montreal with your pride, your dignity, your soul, and with MY WWA World Championship. And everyone will bow down to your Goddess…
Athena gives a cute little wink and the lights return to normal.
Desiree Miles: It's always great to have superb talent on this show!
The studio audience agrees with Desiree.
Desiree Miles: Now for our next guest. Its been a long time since the Premium fanbase has seen him. A stellar athlete, a great champion, all around nice guy, and on November 24th, he will be inducted into the PCW Hall of Fame! Ladies and gentlemen... ADRIEN COCHRANE!
"Last One Standing" by Simple Plan plays and Adrien Cochrane walks out, wearing a simple button down shirt with dark slacks, black shoes and a black trilby hat. He shakes hands with Desiree before taking his seat.
Desiree Miles: Welcome to the show Adrien. It's been a minute since we've last seen you on a Premium based broadcast.
Adrien Cochrane: March 2nd, 2013...so yeah, it’s been a hot minute. I was still in my twenties the last time you saw me. I’m pretty sure I was only twenty-four when I first signed with PCW. Now I’m less than two weeks from turning thirty-three so...yeah, quite some time has passed. But you know, it’s cool because it makes it a bit more interesting for the Premium-universe to see me without knowing everything that’s happened to me and the changes I’ve made.
Desiree Miles: I think the first question on my mind is, what have you been up to as far as wrestling and outside projects are concerned?
Adrien Cochrane: Well, I’d be doing my current employer and myself a disservice if I didn’t give them a plug. I’m currently wrestling on the Unleashed brand of HYBRID Wrestling, which airs every other Sunday. I’m currently a tag team champion over there and I’m the only original member left of a stable that started a little more than two years ago called the Guardians. Outside of wrestling, I own a recording studio based out of New Orleans that I co-run with my manager. I actually got married earlier this year, and we have a baby due in December. So we got a little Dropkick Prince coming up soon.
Desiree Miles: You are a well regarded traveler in the industry, having wrestled and performed all across the world. Where would you say is your favorite place to perform?
Adrien Cochrane: In terms of venue, it’s always a special moment when I’m wrestling in either the Smoothie King Center or next door at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. It almost feels like an added motivator when I know I’m competing in front of a New Orleans crowd. The last time I did, actually, my opponent made it a point to insult the city and my New Orleans Saints, so I had to make sure I fought for the honor of my hometown. Winning had an even sweeter taste. My victory over Liam Reilly here in PCW was another example of a match in my hometown that had a similar feeling.
As for company, I’m always going to say the current company. If you would have asked me two years ago, it would have NGW. The year before that, #FSociety. Seven years ago, I would have said PCW. Right now, I’m going to say HYBRID because that’s where I am right now and I’m excited about the future I have with the company.
Desiree Miles: Prior to PCW, you had endured your struggles from the wrestling business, and correct me if I'm wrong, but at one point you had considered walking away from the sport for good... that was until PCW came calling. Was any of that true? And what reasons did you have in accepting PCW's offer of a contract?
Adrien Cochrane: My first major contract was with the southeastern region of the World Wrestling Alliance, not to be confused with the WWA that you guys currently work for. This was around early 2005. And yeah, I had my struggles there. I bounced around regions over there like a ping pong ball. I even had an owner terminate my contract because he said I would never be better than I was, despite the fact that I wasn’t even old enough to buy a lottery ticket. I kept getting close but never quite breaking through there. It was frustrating because I felt cursed...which looking back was nothing more than an excuse for me not doing what I had to in order to change my own fortune. I got a mid-card championship in a region, and a few runner-ups to this or that, but that was all.
As for if I was going to walk away, I kinda did. I stepped away and was reevaluating whether or not this career was even worth it anymore. I had a music career to focus on if I so chose to do so. I even did for about a year. But I got an itch to try again. I had a few people tell me they thought it was a shame I didn’t keep going after it, so I did. I wanted to see where interest was and PCW gave me a chance. It was a shot to see if I really did have potential in this career, and it proved to be the right decision.
Desiree Miles: And you had a relatively successful PCW tenure, having won the Platinum Championship, then later the World Title. I want to first get into the Platinum Title reign where you defeated Draven Logan Kennedy, your opponent at the #OneLastDance, for the title. What were your thoughts upon winning your first championship in years?
Adrien Cochrane: When I pinned Draven, it gave me something to rally behind. It showed me that I do have the potential people always told me that I had. It made me feel like I had a chance to finally kick things off. I wasn’t quite doing #Believe at that point quite yet, but I began believing in myself. I think my career hit a turning point that night.
Desiree Miles: Now we'll get into the World Title, which you received a shot from management via a great performance representing the company in a tournament, and you defeated Heather Monroe to win the PCW World Championship. Describe the feeling of winning your very first World Championship?
Adrien Cochrane: That felt like a culmination of all those little moments I had previously had where people thought I had flashes and was capable of great things if I could just put all those things together. All the hard losses, all the close but no cigars, all the times I was told I would never get the top of the mountain...all of that happened in that match with Heather Monroe. PCW may not have been the first company I wrestled under the banner for, but my career really began in PCW and it all came down to that match right there.
Desiree Miles: But as soon as you won the World Title, the persistent problems with then-affiliate True Honor Wrestling began to become problematic with several members of the roster. Then one February night, the proverbial shit hit the fan for a lack of a better term, and not only was Heather Monroe gone as she was taking a sabbatical from the business... but so was our World Champion. There have been rumors about you being poached by Ryan Dangerous to join the company even prior to you winning the PCW World Title, to you just being fed up with how chaotic and intense PCW can be, and even this one, Terrell Ryder declining to give you a pay raise. If you want to, why did you decide to leave? Was it any of the rumors? Or was it something completely different? And are there any regrets?
Adrien Cochrane: A lot of it was boring contract things, honestly. I try not to personally get involved in my contract negotiations because I don’t feel I’m quite qualified to do it. My job is dropkicking people in the ring, not digging through paperwork to figure out what kind of health insurance I’m getting, what kind of locker room I get, or how much my bonus should be if I go on a ten match winning streak. I hire people to do that for me.
After the Champions Showcase match, Richelle Ross got me a ten match extension to my contract which had a pay bump if I had won the World Title. Well, a few matches later, Richelle wasn’t my manager anymore and Adrianna was. The goal was for me to be a dual-company talent, which was allowed under the THW-PCW affiliation, which included a talent share which allowed people to be on both companies. People such as Jerry Matthews and Marina Valdivia were examples of that.
Adrianna, who had ties with THW a lot more so than she did with PCW, wanted to get me in the True Honor ring as well. Her sister was a champion there, after all. It was a decision we thought would benefit my career, wrestling in both companies. Ten matches occur, my contract technically expires, but I’m the World Heavyweight Champion, which I’m allowed to stick on under my contract’s previous terms while I hold the title. Me holding the title gave me more time to allow Adrianna to negotiate another extension with me, and I wanted something a lot more length with it. Adrianna wanted more money, which made sense. Then the affiliation was over. I’m signed to THW and have to figure out what I can do to stay in PCW after my championship, but the talent share was over. When I lost the championship in such a surprising fashion on a cash in when I wasn’t expecting it, I lost the only thing that was keeping me employed in PCW. I had no contract. I couldn’t get an extension, and in hindsight, I don’t think Adrianna was trying hard enough.
As for regrets, I guess you could say hindsight is 20/20, but knowing what I know now, I probably wouldn’t have signed with THW and found myself in that situation where I was forced to leave due to my THW contract. I would have liked a chance to win that title more than once...actually, something I have not done in my entire career was winning any championship more than once. I think I would have had a chance to do so had I been able to stay. It was a move that we thought we would benefit my career, but it turned into a series of what ifs.
Desiree Miles: Either way, you were gone after you completed your final PCW commitment, having landed in True Honor Wrestling where you experienced some success... until an even bigger shit storm emerged. How was your time there, and how did you feel when you found out about the THW situation that led to basically the entire roster walking out and seeking employment elsewhere?
Adrien Cochrane: Well, after I left PCW, I only wrestled six more matches in THW. I won their International Championship on their last show. The roster didn’t exactly walk out; the company started running out of money. There were some saying they were overpaying new people, me included, and didn’t budget themselves properly to take on all of the new talent. Ryan’s mismanagement led to EXODUS Pro buying out the company, so we didn’t walk out so much as we had EXODUS buy our contracts. We didn’t quit on Ryan so much as he gave us away.
Desiree Miles: Speaking of that, EXODUS Pro Wrestling was where you won your second World Championship... but issues later would come about within the company there too that lead to their demise, through no fault of your own. Overall, how would you view your experience in that company?
Adrien Cochrane: I was actually not with the company anymore when the company folded. I started off my run being roped in to a giant war going on between most of the roster. I had two friends from my time in the WWA on one side and I ended up on that side of the war. I spent all that time fighting for Jon Collins, a general manager I had never met, but it became a fight that I had no intention of losing. We won the war in the end, and I got the World Title shot shortly after.
When I lost the title, I stepped away from the ring for a period after me and Adrianna got married, and I once again turned my focus to music. I started working on producing Adrianna’s band’s album along with Eddie, and being a husband. When Adrianna ditched me and filed for divorce, I had no reason to stay away from the ring, but it didn’t feel the same and I began a losing streak until Jonathan Collins, the very man I fought so hard to defend in that war, decided to fire me. I was gone from wrestling again. It wasn’t until the rest of the roster began to oust Collins from his post, they actually dragged me for a battle royal on the final show to give him a bit of a middle finger. But I definitely looked like someone who hadn’t wrestled in almost a year without warning in the battle royal. But I met someone who would later become a member of the Guardians...ironically, the person who eliminated me in the battle royal, a youngster named Kenzie Rydell.
Desiree Miles: Then we move to #FSociety where you would win your third World Title, then NGW for your fourth. You're currently employed in HYBRID wrestling where you are a member of The Guardians and you are one half of their current Unleashed Duality Champions, effectively winning your first Tag Team Championship. What is it like finally being in a group and having your first Tag Team Championship under your belt?
Adrien Cochrane: Technically, my second, but the first tag team title was a bit weird. I won the KCW Karnage Cup, which is a tag title, with my ex-girlfriend, Stacy Sterling. The show never aired, it closed after that show, and I was never actually on the roster. But I got a belt, and I guess it still counts.
I’m actually the only original member of the Guardians remaining. It formed when I wanted to take a stand against a group called the Destroyers in NGW. I was prepared to fight them on my own, but apparently, favors I did when I was only trying to be a nice person, got me new allies. So it began as me, Jazmyn Rain, Honey and Alechs Aurelio. Alechs left and we were down to three. I get separate offers from Jessica Sears and the Jew Blazer...real name Joshua Goldstein... to take his place, and I just end up bringing in both of them. Honey left the company as well, so we were back to four. NGW closes, Jazmyn Rain goes her own direction then seems to go crazy so we were back to three. Then Kenzie, who had asked me to train her in how to be a better wrestler after the EXODUS Pro battle royal, joined HYBRID along with me and Josh. Jessica was already there. Jessica and I were friends for a long time after meeting in my EXODUS Pro tenure, so we started doing some work as a tag team in NGW with mixed results. I ended up marrying her sister, so she’s literally family at this point. I promised her I would get her a championship and even though it took two companies for me to follow through with that promise, but it is truly special to have that strong of a bond with someone and able to be a co-champion with them.
Desiree Miles: To briefly get off subject. For those who may not have followed Adrien past PCW, he had a falling out with on again off again friend Chris Marks. Is this falling out for good? Is the relationship strained for good? I realized I just asked the same question twice. And how was he overall as a competitor?
Adrien Cochrane: How was he as a competitor? Disappointing. I think PCW might have been his highest point. Our falling out basically happened in the match where I won the EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight Championship. He was still my friend at that point, and he ran out to the ring. I had no idea what the hell he was doing out there and when I get the cover, he yanks me out of the ring. I start asking him what the hell he was doing out there and then he lays me out with a superkick. The goal was for it to get me counted out and allow Heather Halliwell to retain. Apparently, she and a dishonest co-owner paid him off to betray me. Fortunately for me, I was able to pull myself back up in time and won the match despite all of those efforts.
He hung around but stayed very far away from me. He built up a huge resume of losses along the way, but when HYBRID came along, he got confident again. He wanted to ruin me as much as he could. He even got involved in another World Title shot and found a way to cost me that one by doing something beyond my control: kicking my opponent to get me disqualified. So I gave him an offer he couldn’t refuse. He had two shots to end my career. He had a match with Kenzie Rydell. He wins, my career is over. Josh and Jessica got wins over him previously so it was only right Kenzie got a shot at him. If Kenzie wins, he had to step into the ring with me, finally, in a steel cell match with my career still on the line. He couldn’t run anymore. It took me six years to get my revenge.
It wasn’t easy. He powerbombed me through the roof of the cell. But I kept fighting, dropkicked him off the cell and sealed the deal with the Adrien Cutter. Marks is done now, spending the next few years behind bars. That chapter of my life is closed, and I’m glad it is.
Desiree Miles: You have had quite a few managers in your career. From WWA’s official interviewer Richelle Ross, to Adrianna Rivers, and your current one Eddie Walker. Obviously they bring different aspects to the table. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the three of them? And how did each of them help you along this journey?
Adrien Cochrane: Well, you missed one from before my PCW days, the late Ripper Longshanks. Ripper was a retired wrestler and uncle to a tag team partner I had in the WWA. Ripper’s focus was more on Colby than me. His biggest contributions was mostly just short words of encouragement and advice before matches. He passed away a couple of years ago, sadly, but he always told me that there was a greatness inside of me. I didn’t see it back then, but I can’t thank him enough for trying to make me see it as hard as he could.
Richelle was my shortest manager, but she was there for some big moments and had a bigger impact than her time length would suggest. The biggest advantage she had for me was that she knew everyone in PCW. She knew people a lot more than I did. She could tell me things about opponents I didn’t know about. She had a little overlap with Ripper in that she kept telling me what I needed to hear. I wouldn’t have won my World Title without her telling me that I deserved to be where I was. She was an important part of my career, and I still occasionally catch up with her.
Adrianna...oh boy. Let’s go positive first. She did not let anyone say anything negative about me. She would start yelling her head off on my behalf, and that had some endearing moments. She oversaw my career in three different companies. She was definitely the most talented person to manage me, being a solid mouthpiece, a very good singer, and even had some skills in the ring. And she was the only manager I had any sort of romantic relationship with. On the flip side...she was very brash, even to me. Ripper, Richelle, and Eddie...their goal was to build me up. Adrianna would not be pleasant to be around when I lost a match. It was a bit degrading. She also had moments where she acted a bit selfish, which was more obvious in non-managerial duties rather than manager. I suspect she didn’t give some parts of her job as much effort as she should have, like the aforementioned PCW contract fiasco. And as much as I can mention she was the only manager to be in a romantic relationship with me, she is also the only person to divorce me.
Eddie, he’s a special case. Eddie was my music manager dating back to my PCW days and just had no interest in doing anything with my wrestling career, as I mentioned that we co-run a recording studio. Eddie is a little middle-aged ball of sarcasm and factoids, and always has been. He absorbs information like a sponge. When Adrianna was out of the picture, Eddie decided to give managing wrestlers a shot, and he got really good at it. He started managing a lot of other wrestlers, including Mariano and my tag partner Jessica. He takes the job seriously to the point where he acts almost like a personal assistant even though he’s one of my best friends. Eddie’s strongest attribute is his negotiation abilities. If Eddie was my wrestling manager in PCW at the time my contract expired, he would have gotten a deal done. He would have done something to protect me from what ended up happening with the ten million clauses he locks up in contracts. He would have incentified money for me to earn in the language of the deal where PCW would have agreed to the terms, but I still would get paid the money Adrianna wanted. He also has an incredible memory. The dude remembers what match I had on this day or that day. He knows my itinerary for each trip without looking at it. He’s extremely solid talking and is a lot more blunt than me when he is talking. He says he can say the arrogant things that deserve to be said on my behalf since he knows that I won’t say them myself. The downside to Eddie is that he doesn’t know what boundaries are. He’s also the least effective as taking care of himself if someone starts threatening them. When Chris Marks laid a hand on him, I had to step in. Richelle, Adrianna, and Ripper would not have been able to hold their own better.
Desiree Miles: It was announced that you would face Draven Logan Kennedy at #OneLastDance, and we'll get to that in a bit. You also were announced as being inducted into the PCW Hall of Fame. What were your thoughts and feelings upon being selected as a member of the Hall of Fame?
Adrien Cochrane: It’s a real honor. It was something I was longing for and hoping for, quite honestly. I kept watching groups and groups of people get inducted into the Hall of Fame and kept waiting for me to get the call. I felt like the perception of me after the whole departure possibly put a sour taste in the mouth of whoever was making the decisions. But I definitely wanted it, and I was hoping that the work I did in the PCW ring would eventually be noticed. It’s funny, I had actually given up that it would happen. New people weren’t really getting in anymore. The company closed, save for the first Reunion show. I thought it wouldn’t happen, and I was just hoping that one of the other companies I won World Titles in would give me a shot. When I found out that I was finally going to get it, my heart leaped for joy. All the work I put into the ring under the PCW banner, twenty-four matches and two championships… it did mean something after all. All the blood, all the sweat, and all the tears...they led to a Hall of Fame induction and they did mean something in the end.
Desiree Miles: And knowing that not a single person involved in running PCW on either run put the card together, who exactly was it that gave you the invitation to compete on this final show?
Adrien Cochrane: Well, the whole thing started off as a direct message on the PCW Twitter account. Sent them my mailing address and got a letter. I didn’t see anyone face to face for a good bit and when the first meeting took place to make this official, Eddie was the one that went up there and based on the description of the person he met with, I was under the impression it was Danielle or one of the other Lopezes. I did a little research since I had no idea what happened to Ryder and Baker, and found out that apparently she gets all the stake due to her divorce from Baker. Which is fine, I have no issues with Danielle. She was also cool to me when I was in PCW. I assume she was also the one who approved my Hall of Fame induction, after all.
Desiree Miles: And lastly, what do you think of Draven Logan Kennedy knowing you're facing him for the final time, seemingly that is?
Adrien Cochrane: Well, I will go into a lot more detail soon in a video package. I believe Eddie has already recorded something for it but won’t release it until I shoot mine. The problem is with someone who hasn’t been on my radar in years is that everything I know about Draven Logan Kennedy is about six years old. He could be a completely different man by this point. But the fact remains this: there will be a match. There will be a ring. There will be a bell to signal the start and the end of the match. My job is to make sure that the day this company finally gives me a Hall of Fame induction sees me get a victory on the very last time I will step into the ring. I’ve been constantly trying to make myself a better wrestler, a tougher competitor, and a more skilled athlete. And I’m still trying to get even better. So Draven Logan Kennedy will be the test to show that I have come so far from where I was six years ago. Defeating the person who took a championship from me will be the bookend that will help me paint the picture that I’ve come a long way. But I can’t just say these things and hope it will happen. I have to be the better man between the ropes. I have to best him in a battle of skill, heart, and toughness. And it is my goal to make sure that will be the result of the match when the final bell sounds.
Adrien leaves the set.
Desiree Miles: That was Adrien Cochrane, who is always a class act. Speaking of class act's, my next guest is a classy woman in her own right. Matter of fact, she's my boss. Give it up for PCW Hall of Famer and owner of the Women's Wrestling Alliance, "The Lethal Latina" Danielle Lopez!
"Still I Rise" by Shadows Fall plays and Danielle Lopez walks out in a short black dress with matching heels and the PCW World Heavyweight Championship on her right shoulder. She and Desiree share a hug before the boss lady takes a seat with the title sitting on the desk.
Desiree Miles: Welcome Dani. Welcome to this show that you allowed me to have.
Danielle Lopez: Desiree, you're the best play-by-play commentator in the business today. You deserve this show. I know how much work you put into this vision you have had for years, and I'm beyond proud to see it play out.
Desiree Miles: Not only are you my boss, but you're also a close friend of mine, and we go back to The Black Rose Mafia. My first question will be about the Mafia, I'm randomizing these questions. Who's idea was it to form The Black Rose Mafia?
Danielle Lopez: The idea and the mastermind behind all of it was Talia Skye. As everybody knows, Talia and I are inseparable and no matter how hard people try to drive a wedge between us, she will always be my best friend. But back to the topic, we all were doing the Generation Xtreme thing at the time, but as we discussed with you, we needed something for us, something separate from the boys. Talia came up with the name, theme music, our overall concept, outfits, the whole nine yards, and this happened to have been riding that momentum of women's wrestling actually improving, which started with us. Of course, do you really think I would turn down teaming with my bestie? No way, I was completely in.
Desiree Miles: I want to talk about a persona of yours from the past. From your rookie days all the way until a certain incident we will discuss later, you upheld to a Code of Honor, vowing to not do anything to break that personal code, but it was only a matter of time until something broke it. But break down the concept of that person if you will?
Danielle Lopez: The Code of Honor was something that I set apart from everybody else. Fight for justice, but do it in an honorable fashion. I was smiling and kissing babies, I was THE FACE and I always fought against evil. Of course this could only last for so long as you pointed out, and we’ll get into the details of WHY that broke down, but I was the only one on the full-time roster who was doing that sort of thing and the fans appreciated it. I wasn't putting on a front for the people. I was being myself, I was bringing the passion and energy required to succeed, and it showed most definitely with everything I did and the way I dominated my competition.
Desiree Miles: Before you got into wrestling, you were in the world of modeling while also in college obtaining your business degree. Was wrestling something you always wanted to do, or was it something you thought of later in life?
Danielle Lopez: Not many people know my oldest brother Phillip was a professional wrestler, and my uncle Pedro who raised my cousin Christina, was also a wrestler, so the sport was there... but I wanted to do my own thing at first. I tried my hand at modeling and I didn't win, so I figured get my degree while wrestling to pay the bills. Regardless if wrestling had panned out, I was going to get my business degree one way or another.
Desiree Miles: 2009 hits, you're twenty-one years old. You sign on with Ring of Beauty where you had two matches but was released. Why do you think it didn't work out?
Danielle Lopez: I tried swimming with the sharks early which bit me in the ass. It wasn't a complete waste though. I met a couple of the girls who would become really good friends of mine throughout the years, and I ended up meeting Crystal Hilton, whom years later I find out is one of my cousin's that Mariah and Mariella's deadbeat father had abandoned when she was born and left her to be raised by my uncle Pedro, so looking back on that, I thought that was pretty cool and I generally liked the people. One who would end up working in WWA, while I still keep in touch with a couple of the others here and there.
Desiree Miles: You also signed up with the Classic Wrestling Federation through James Baker. How was your experience there?
Danielle Lopez: I made friends in that company. Mariano Fernandez is a wonderful soul, Israel Steele was cool as fuck, and I met Leon Lonewolf as well. There was some great talent there that ended up in PCW like Yoshiru Long, Curtis Wilkes, and the three names I mentioned before... but apart from that, I would have rather drank bleach than sign there again. I didn't want to be stuck as a manager working these lame ass skits that would mean nothing in the end. I wanted to compete against world class talent, and I wasn't even getting to compete. I needed to get better and I knew I wouldn't get to the level I know I can get to by staying there, so I ended up leaving when the boys did. Thankfully YCW had already started up by that point.
Desiree Miles: Ah yes, YouTube Championship Wrestling where the potential was seen in spades. Being a former Broadcast and Tag Team Champion there, which you held both simultaneously. How would you rate your time in YCW?
Danielle Lopez: Above a ten. It was phenomenal. I had a blast working there, getting to prove myself, and that whole roster was hungry and wanted to prove themselves too. YCW may have been small and seen as a rinky dink promotion but dammit, it was fucking awesome.
Desiree Miles: Of course, your contract is converted to a PCW contract upon the formation of Premium Championship Wrestling. You were nursing a neck injury, but during your recover, you met somebody who would ultimately change your life. But this person was initially a rival of yours as you two along with Heather Monroe were the three female wrestlers on the roster. How was working with Talia Skye from the beginning?
Danielle smiles then answers.
Danielle Lopez: We did the whole vlog thing which was amazing. We hardly ever touched each other in this four month build to Battle Finale II. It was designed like that as I couldn't do anything physical, and as we worked together, we found out we had a lot in common despite her being the rich girl while I come from a Mexican family who wasn't really rich per say. But Talia and I bonded instantly, its like we were meant to meet up. You're 100% right, she did change my life... and she changed it for the better.
Desiree Miles: She changed all of our lives for the better to be honest. I got to call that match at Battle Final II, and you two on a classic match, showing that both of you belong on the biggest stage. How were the preparations for that match? And how did you feel you lived up to the hype?
Danielle Lopez: We surpassed expectations because we were working our asses off to transition women's wrestling away from the bra and panties matches, to featuring actual athletic competition. It showcased Talia who was already a great talent, and made her into a bigger star. I don't give a damn what order you rank the original three or who you think is the bigger star of the three of us, myself, Talia and Heather Monroe are equally as talented as the other. We did this together and everything you see around you started with the three of us, and I'm proud of that.
Desiree Miles: Speaking of Heather Monroe, you had great matches with her, and even taking the PCW Broadcast Championship from her inside of a steel cage. How would you view her matches with her?
Danielle Lopez: My highest profile ones, no question. I always said her and Talia were my favorite opponents because each of them made me want to better myself in the ring. While mine and Talia's match at Battle Finale II was the catalyst for our rise, me versus Heather inside of the cage at Super Clash was what pushed it going forward, putting me on the map and cementing her as one of the best going forward. Heck, our last one-on-one match, she beat me to enter a four way Hell in a Cell match where she became PCW World Heavyweight Champion. Heather was fantastic to work with, and I try and keep up with her every now and then. She has zero interest in coming back to wrestling which as long as she's happy, then that's good enough for me.
Desiree Miles: Throughout your career, you have seen a lot of off camera controversies where it literally has changed aspects of a company. I will ask about the Liftoff situation featuring Rob Osbourne and CWF officials. You were employed there, but do you recall anything that happened?
Danielle Lopez: Not really. I largely tuned out of CWF things by that point. I was looking to get the hell out of there, which my last contractual match would've been Super Card VI with Kevin and J.T. then I would leave to concentrate solely on YCW.
Desiree Miles: You were there for the PCW version though where some of your friends were directly in that skirmish. How was seeing that?
Danielle Lopez: I was only around for part of it, but I was really recovering from the neck injury I sustained at the very first Battle Finale. In that part, PCW thankfully ended up thriving rather than becoming another statistic.
Desiree Miles: But the following incident, you weren't so lucky to avoid. Matter of fact, you were the main target. You know which incident I'm talking about.
Danielle Lopez: Yeaaaaahhhh I do. Fucking Tragically Horrifying Wrestling, fucking pieces of shit. I will gladly tell this story. Most people tend to remember my critically acclaimed yet infamous Struggle for Power III interview with Michelle Silva where I lost my shit and buried the entire promotion, but this whole thing actually started a little bit before my Broadcast Championship defense against Jessica Harmony at Wrestle Extravaganza II: Beantown Brawl. I remember a couple of THW's wrestlers with zero fucking talent throwing these little potshots at me even though I never spoke one word of them or even looked in their direction, they came after me first. They probably wanted to make a name for themselves or wish they had any fucking talent, who the fuck knows... but one of those fucking scrubs had sniped at me, calling me "Miss Untouchable" and knocking my accomplishments, claiming I never earned any of them when you know damn well I earn everything I have in this business.
Desiree Miles: I remember that clearly.
Danielle Lopez: But that was only the beginning. The shots THW was throwing at me got worse and even more explicit. I was going through a horrible time back then, and it only grew worse when Talia and the entirety of Generation Next left the company in protest after management had royally fucked up on the Jay Thunder and Damon Warrens situation. I never forgave James Baker and Terrell Ryder for what they did because both of them tried to throw me into that situation and attempted to split Talia and I apart. I didn't know what was going on because I didn't go to that house show for certain reasons. Those motherfuckers ultimately didn't succeed in splitting me up from my best friend, and again, nobody will ruin our friendship.
The bullying I endured from Totally Horrible Wrestling was just getting worse and I was also working hurt at the time, but I wanted to at least make it to the Battlefield, then if I didn't win, I would get surgery. But the final straw on what led to me doing what I did at Struggle for Power, conveniently involved Jay Thunder, who I never had an issue with but I know he was on decent enough terms with them, but they would piss him off too, and they pissed him off so bad to where he started telling me shit THW was saying about me behind my back. Those fucking nimrods had issues with damn near the entire roster by that point. Once Talia and company came back, they were public enemy number two in their eyes, while I was still their top target. I believe Liam Reilly and Damon Warrens were public enemy number three, I might be wrong on the order of that, but those cretins had their targets. Just an FYI, Damon should never have been fired from PCW to begin with.
Desiree Miles: I do remember you telling me everything Jay said. And it was bad. To what extent did he tell you what they said?
Danielle Lopez: It was to the point where they all could and should have been thrown in prison for terroristic threats against me. I won't repeat most of it, but some of it involved them wishing I was raped, wishing I would fucking die, all of that shit. When Jay told me all of this, I was beyond fucking livid and I knew I had to do something because for as much as I loved PCW and still do, I knew well and good management wasn't going to do shit, and I am not exactly willing to go to jail, so I came up with a plan. This is the first time the public will hear this.
Desiree Miles: Oh?
Danielle Lopez: Most people don't know that everything I said during the infamous and controversial interview with Michelle Silva was planned in advance. Every damn thing from that interview was planned for at least a week. Only people I told was Jay Thunder, and of course I told Talia Skye, she was the very first to know and I vented everything I said in that interview word for fucking word to her. You could very well say I went into business for myself, but I didn't give a fuck then and I damn sure don't give a fuck now. While the interview itself is known, nobody knew the atmosphere backstage. It was chaotic and there was a lot of tension because I think a lot of people knew something was going to happen, and after the Tag Team Title match between Thunder and Kai against Bull and Ape, Talia did everything she could to get me pissed off, and luckily enough she mentioned another talentless ape "Marina Valdivia", and that set me off. Smith Jones versus Brian Stryker concludes and I'm ready and angry for this interview.
Desiree Miles: You opened it up with a bag of straws as a prop, then it ended with some say you effectively killing off the Code of Honor. How much of a lift off of your shoulders was it to you at the time?
Danielle Lopez: I felt good saying all of that. I let out four months worth of stress in one segment, but I knew this conflict wasn't over. In fact, it got worse when "Miranda Rivers" involved "herself" in this, and I use that in quotation marks. If Adrien Cochrane hadn't have stepped in and was like the mediator for all of that, I would have been fired on the spot, but I don't think they wanted another wrongful termination case on their hands. I got scorn by the "major players" of THW at that time, while those in PCW, a large portion had my back and I'm very thankful they did. If I had to do it again though... you're fucking A right I would do it and in the same fucking fashion I did it in too.
Desiree Miles: In February of 2013, the affiliation between PCW and THW had ended when Valdivia, whichever personality this is, had taken yet another shot at you. Then that's when the whole situation went into a talespin. The company had to deal with that, as well as Heather Monroe taking a sabbatical and Adrien Cochrane's contract situation. But were you the only one involved in the situation?
Danielle Lopez: No, because I wasn't the only one with issues with them and everybody knew that. Damon Warrens got unfairly suspended for making comments that were true about these fucking parasites. He shouldn't have gotten suspended for telling the fucking truth.
Desiree Miles: Sometime in May though, about three months after the affiliation had ended, a bombshell was dropped. THW had money issues, the company died and Ryan Dangerous ended up being at least five other people. Miranda Rivers, Gabby Sparks, Marina Valdivia, all as the same people. How did you find out about this?
Danielle Lopez: I found out the day after they found out through a phone call from somebody in management. That person had told me every single thing that was said in a meeting they had right after Rapture because that's apparently when they found out. To say I was angry is understating it, I was pissed off beyond belief. I apologized to that fucking idiot, which I have since taken back because coming to know that the apology he issued to me ended up being a fucking lie, why the fuck should I have an apology for somebody stand in-tact when that fucking shit-stain on the underwear of life BULLIED the fuck out of myself and other PROMINENT names on the PCW roster? Truth be told, I still hate that motherfucker to this day. FUCK HIM! Next topic please.
Desiree Miles: We move past that, and we move to you getting a shot at the PCW World Heavyweight Championship against Syn, whom I know there's still animosity between you two to this day.
Danielle Lopez: Animosity is putting it nicely. He wants to murder me, he wants to make sure I die. He hates me, and I have to be honest, the feeling is mutual. All because of a kick to the face that I have done thousands of times before, but its not that I didn't put him in the match, I never said continue the match when he got hit, that was all him. But the kick happened, yes I hit him with Potential Brain Damage that fucked up his eye, it was an accident but that said, if you stuck us in the same room as the other, its very likely somebody would die... and it sure as hell will not be me. That being said, the matches were really good although there are consequences, such as why I need hip replacement surgery six years after being thrown off and through the cell, which I'm hoping to get in the next few months.
Desiree Miles: PCW ended with you on top, and that was the end of your full time in-ring career... but certainly not the end of you in professional wrestling because in February of 2014, you created the Women's Wrestling Alliance, and in the beginning, not many people expected it to succeed... but we all proved them wrong as WWA is going as strong as ever. Other than a four month hiatus, WWA has been running non-stop for almost six years. What is the recipe for the longevity?
Danielle Lopez: Competence and not treating your employees like shit. You have to have people who know what they are doing. You have to hire secretaries that are good at what they do, office staff who know what they're doing, the announce team does an excellent job with you leading the way, and you have to hire wrestlers who have the ability to be stars. There are projects you have to sign, but it’s up to the agents as well as myself to put them in the position to not only develop properly but to also let them become stars themselves. Plus you have to be fair to everybody and treat them with respect and be honest with them. There are girls on the roster who fit the star mode perfectly.
Desiree Miles: Such as?
Danielle Lopez: Reyna Carter is an example. She came in when her stock was real low and she still had a lot to learn, but she was given that time and platform to develop, and look at where she is now, she is the current WWA World Champion. Eavan Maloney was given that same platform and she's a top end talent. Molly Hatchet is a budding star, Talia Areano, Joanna, even Athena. And cousin Mariah developed as a strong singles star here in WWA. Of course, you also have to have good established talent too. Talia Skye, Morgan Simmons, Terra, Crystal Hilton and Crystal Alvarez fit that bill. But not everybody pans out.
Desiree Miles: What are the notable wrestlers who didn't pan out but you had hopes for?
Danielle Lopez: Well Sophia Young failed because she wasn't dedicated to her craft. Lois Thomas failed due to drug violations, and we have a very clear drug testing policy in WWA. Both Aubrey and Penelope Cassidy it just didn't work out. Our code of conduct that we expect out of the talents as well is very reasonable. We expect the wrestlers to be law abiding citizens and not do anything stupid. Taryn Willow breaking into Mariah's home and beating her to a pulp was an example of that as she was arrested and she was fired because it was in no way shape or form a part of the wrestling activities.
Desiree Miles: I'm fortunate to call WWA matches. Out of the wrestlers, who do you think will take that next leap?
Danielle Lopez: Kelli Saint I believe will take a leap, she's that talented. Eavan Maloney is a no-brainer, she's too talented not to. Kate Steele is a sleeper, Molly Hatchet is legit. There's a lot of talent that can definitely do it, but you have to make every opportunity count, and I think those are just an example of girls who can and will do it.
Desiree Miles: What match are you looking forward to the most for Halloween Fury?
Danielle Lopez: There are a lot of matches we have. I will watch every one of them. I couldn't tell you because there's so many. I don't think there will be a bad match on the card.
Desiree Miles: Years ago you got a divorce from James Baker, you managed to get a lot of assets in the settlement, but the one significant thing you managed to get was the PCW library which includes PCW itself, YouTube Championship Wrestling, Libertarian Wrestling, Premium Women's Wrestling, Pride Wrestling's tenure as PCW's developmental fed, Honorable Championship Wrestling, the list goes on. How does it feel to own the entire PCW catalog?
Danielle Lopez: Knowing the rights of PCW is in the hands of somebody who was a talent and was the face of the company, its very fitting. The reunion show was my idea, I wanted one last opportunity for those who never got to participate in the first one to say their goodbyes and whatnot. Make it more of an official closure as we all move on with our other endeavors.
Desiree Miles: What do you plan on doing at the Reunion Show?
Danielle Lopez: Des, we both know I can't entirely spoil that for reasons. I could either kick somebody's ass, reform a group or two, or both. You never know.
Desiree Miles: I want to talk about your management style. You are a friendly boss, you tell it like it is, but you're also fair across the board. You have family members and very close friends on the roster. How do you keep it all fair?
Danielle Lopez: Most in my position couldn't do it, and wrestlers themselves, they blend what we do on camera with their personal lives, like any choice you make could have consequences. Its kind of like that with me, but being in my position, I have to separate family ties and my friendships from running my own company to be the best it can be. Like I would have to make decisions that I know Talia might not 100% agree with, or something Mariah will throw a fit at, but I have to put the company first and foremost. The great thing about Talia is she understands that completely, that's why her and I, we separate the business aspect from our personal lives and not a lot of people do that.
Desiree Miles: Any last words?
Danielle Lopez: If you have never watched WWA before, tune in to see the best women on the planet do their thing on October 11th for Halloween Fury, and tune in on November 23rd for the Reunion Show titled #OneLastDance. Thank you to all of the fans who have supported me for the last ten years and we will continue this journey for as long as possible. Thank you all again.
Danielle and Desiree share another hug before she walks to the back.
Desiree Miles: Always humble and never minces words. Danielle is a wonderful guest. My next guests are a Tag Team. Former PCW World Tag Team Champions and Hall of Fame duo. They are two twin brothers who are just excellent ambassadors for wrestling in Canada. Please welcome, Aaron and Nathan... THE WARRENS TWINS!
“This Will Be the Day” by Jeff Williams plays and Nathan and Aaron Warrens walk out on stage in black dress pants and red button ups.
Desiree Miles: Welcome boys, welcome to the show. How does it feel to be back on a more Premium type of show?
Nathan Warrens: It’s great! So excited to be here Desiree!
Desiree Miles: You two have competed all over the world, having competed against the best both in tag team AND singles competition. Tag team wise, which promotion, as well as tag teams do you two consider to have been the most enjoyable during your time together?
Nathan Warrens: Obviously our time in PCW as a team was amazing. And the most enjoyable tag team to face was in all honesty Styles and Banks. They were the toughest we ever faced.
Desiree Miles: Now we'll transition to singles. Both of you have done so, Aaron mostly on the international scale as a former JPW World Champion. As singles competitors, who was your favorite opponent and your favorite accomplishment?
Aaron Warrens: My favorite accomplishment…..beating Sickboy.
Nathan Warrens: I’d have to say my favorite opponent would have to be when I got to face my husband. Honestly I don’t really have many singles accomplishments though.
Desiree Miles: We'll get into more about wrestling in a bit. I want to talk about the beginning. You two are clearly twin brothers, no question about it, but you two also have had to overcome a lot of adversity in your lives such as your mother having passed away due to breast cancer, your step father being verbally abusive, and even a suicide attempt by Nathan at the age of sixteen. How did you two ultimately overcome that to become better human beings, and how do you use those experiences in your day-to-day life to not only continue being great people, but also set a fine example for young kids and even teenagers all across the world?
Nathan Warrens: Well honestly we got each other through it. We’ve helped each other through every obstacle we’ve ever had to face. We try to pass that message of support and strength onto the next generation...pun intended.. Through our various charitable works.
Desiree Miles: The one shining light throughout that bad period in your lives was going to a local gym in Toronto called the Squared Circle where you met, and I know you two agree with me on this, but there you met two exceptional human beings Jane Isis and Talia Skye. Describe your initial impression of the two and how well you four became a very tight-knit group of friends. And do you two still keep in great contact with them both?
Nathan Warrens: Jane right away was just the sweetest person. And so dedicated to improving.
Aaron Warrens: Talia seemed snobby.
Nathan Warrens: Damn.. yeah in fairness she seemed like a huge jerk at first, but it was a case of a hard shell protecting a soft inside. Once we broke through we saw how amazing and selfless she was. And yes we keep in fairly frequent contact. We actually have a GeNext group message that goes non-stop.
Desiree Miles: Following graduating the Squared Circle, you two went on to a very successful tenure on the Canadian independent wrestling scene before joining up with a Connecticut based wrestling promotion. How did you two feel about your time in that very promotion?
Nathan Warrens: It was a great opportunity.
Aaron Warrens: We were underutilized. It was honestly a bit of a waste.
Nathan Warrens: But it got us on PCW’s radar.
Desiree Miles: Great segway to our next topic, which is PCW. I want to say a day or two after the very first show, you two signed contracts with the company, but Nathan was the only one of you to have made the on-screen debut, teaming with Damon as WWI and participating in the Jerry Static invitational while also being trained in more extreme based matches by Da Xtreme Dynasty. Whereas Aaron had made his very first appearance at that abomination of a show called Alma Mater Diem. Was there a particular reason as to why Nathan's PCW run began more immediately? And why was Aaron's debut much later knowing you two and Damon signed your contracts on the very same day?
Aaron Warrens: I unfortunately had to nurse a minor injury, sprained ankle.
Nathan Warrens: It unfortunately delayed the twin brother thing for a bit, but ultimately was worth it.
Desiree Miles: Your PCW tenure had a lot of highs. From Aaron debuting as the Crimson Ghost, to you two having a classic contest with Da Xtreme Dynasty to kick off 2011, to you becoming PCW World Tag Team Champions, all in that first run. How would you two say that very run was for the both of you?
Aaron Warrens: It was incredible.
Nathan Warrens: It really was. It was the first time that a major promotion gave us the ball and let us run with it, so it was amazing to prove that we had what it took to reliably carry that ball.
Desiree Miles: We transition to the second run. For nearly all of it, you two were pretty much under Legends contracts if I'm not mistaken, I could be wrong as I was never privy to any of that. Then the Jay Thunder thing happened in September. You two, along with Talia Skye and Jane Isis walked out of PCW following Damon being controversially fired. Now I will ask Damon more details about this when he comes on the show, but how did you two feel about the situation from afar? And what was your contract situation with PCW at that time?
Aaron Warrens: It was objectively bullshit.
Nathan Warrens: I mean first off it’s hard to see the person you care about mistreated. Beyond that we were both friends with management so it was even a bit more personal. In terms of contracts we were in the negotiations process to ink a possible 2 year deal, but we tore up the contracts that night in the office.
Desiree Miles: But eventually you two along with Talia, Jane and Damon were let back into the Hall of Fame. Tell me your reaction to the whole thing?
Nathan Warrens: It was definitely a shock. When we were given the news we would be re-inducted it felt amazing. For me it really helped mend the bridge.
Desiree Miles: I want to kind of bring this particular subject to Aaron. Time passes, PCW closes off again and both of you went off the grid. However in 2014, 2015, you Aaron resurfaced in Japan Pro Wrestling where you were a part of the International Yakuza and that group was very successful with both you and Ciaran Quin as JPW World Champions. How was working the Japanese professional wrestling scene?
Aaron Warrens: It was a great opportunity. It’s a very different culture than in America… and they have such an unwavering respect for the business. Not to mention they have some of the hardest hitters I’ve every faced.
Desiree Miles: Once JPW did their mass exodus of talent's due to the ownership backing change and all that, not much was heard... until you two resurfaced in Cardinal City Pro. What lead you two to signing with the promotion?
Nathan Warrens: We both started to get that itch again… we missed being in the ring together. And it really helped that Damon was already under contract so it was an easy negotiation process.
Desiree Miles: For months upon months, Kevin Styles and J.T. Banks of Da Xtreme Dynasty have professed having a rematch with you two guys, wanting to recreate the magic from your classic 2011 match with them. What lead you guys to accepting that match months after they had wanted that match again?
Nathan Warrens: Honestly there was a big part of us that didn’t think the match would ever happen. Once we saw that the rumours of a reunion were more than just rumours … we had to accept.
Desiree Miles: I do want to get more into the Reunion Show. Obviously you two don't have that much venom against PCW, annoyance more than anything, but what lead you two to accepting the invitation to appear knowing none of the people who ran either iteration of the company even has the rights to it?
Aaron Warrens: It isn’t about who has the rights to PCW. The fans do. And they want one more night..and so we will give them it.
Desiree Miles: Do you have any words for Da Dynasty themselves?
Nathan Warrens: Banks… Styles… many years ago you barely walked away the victors. We’ve had years since to grow.. To improve.
Aaron Warrens: We took you to the limit before, but at the Reunion Show we will become the limit.
Nathan Warrens: We can’t wait to revisit one of the greatest matches of all time with you two… but this time we’re rewriting history. It’s time for a new generation to take control. It’s the time of Generation Next.
Aaron and Nathan walk off the stage and to the back.
Desiree Miles: We'll definitely get an entertaining match, that's for sure. My next guest is a surprise. He is a former Platinum Champion and Hall of Famer for his grit and grind nature. He is... RYAN ROBINSON!
"Chop Suey" by System Of A Down hits the sound system, and Ryan Robinson steps out on stage as the crowd erupts with cheers. Ryan takes time to pander to the fans before giving Desiree a hug, and taking a seat.
Desiree Miles: Welcome to the show Ryan. With all of the rumor and innuendo rolling around, I want to ask. How are you feeling?
Ryan Robinson: "Thank you for having me, my friend! I am feeling great! Thank you for asking!"
Desiree Miles: I'm going to jump in from the beginning. In wrestling lore, you're known primarily as "The Reaper", but it wasn't always that way. If you could, describe how Ryan Robinson was in pro wrestling before he became "The Reaper".
Ryan Robinson: "Well, Desiree. To be honest with you. At the beginning of my career. I was just me. A crazy Southern Metal Head who likes to have fun. Problem was I happen to have Autism which has always been a known fact. A lot of people can tell. And there were people who saw me as a publicity stunt. Just a guy with Autism who some small promotions were giving a chance to live his dream so they could get good publicity. And maybe that was true. Who is to say? You see, Desiree. I honestly didn't start out with the best win/loss record. I didn't have this unbelievable undefeated streak. I actually started out with a LOSING streak. You could have called me a jobber if I hadn't got any offense in those matches, but I did better every time I got in the ring, I kept getting a bigger reaction from the fans, and I started winning more and more matches. I became an Indy sensation!"
The crowd cheers.
Desiree Miles: Is there any fond memories from the pre-Reaper days, or no?
Ryan laughs.
Ryan Robinson: "Hell yeah there was! you better believe it! A lot of people tell me that I never would have became World Champion if I was never The Reaper....and they are more than likely correct about that."
Ryan and Desiree share a laugh.
Ryan Robinson: "But here is the thing. Sure I got to express my mean streak and my dark side as The Reaper, and that could be fun at times, but before I was The Reaper, I was always allowed to be myself, and I could connect with people on a whole different level. I had fun EVERY SINGLE TIME I got in that ring. Regardless of the match stipulations. I can't list any fond memories at the top of my head because it was all great to me. I loved it!"
The crowd cheers loudly.
Desiree Miles: I want to specifically ask about your life as a child. Rumor and innuendo has stated that you and your twin sister Rachel were beaten and battered on a constant basis by both your father and then your step mother all the while your mother sat there and watched. You specifically got abused even further when you stuck up for your sister. How was life growing up knowing that your sister was the only one who had your back, and vice-versa?
Ryan Robinson: "Well. Despite the fact that I was viewed as a reject, and the same goes for my Sister just for the unfair fact that she is my Sister. We actually did have friends. One of them obviously being my beautiful Wife, Bella!"
The crowd cheers.
Ryan Robinson: "But yes. The thing is our friends weren't always around. Rachel and I are not only Siblings, but Twins so we have ALWAYS been together, and have never been apart. Getting beat by my Father and verbally abused by my Step Mother was hard, but I knew I had to be strong. Not just for me. Not just for Rachel, but also for our Younger Sister who we were both protecting. I know there are people who grew up hating the World because they grew up that way, but I never allowed myself to be that Person. I always believed there was more to life. I aimed for something bigger. As for my Mom. The part about her letting all of that happen is a tad exaggerated. I wouldn't say she just sat there and watched. I believe she did her best under those circumstances. Hell. She's the reason we were able to get out of there. I don't hate her. I never did. I have even forgave my Father over the years. I think he has changed, and besides. He made me as tough as I am so I am thankful for that. It's just a shame that our Family is going through such tough times with Rachel's career ending injuries as well as other things which you agreed you wouldn't ask me about, Desiree. So thank you for that."
Desiree Miles: By the age of 13, both you and Rachel escaped the home, lived with various relatives until you two met Damian Seth, prominent wrestler in the Louisville wrestling territories who would later become a well renowned trainer in the sport. How much of a father figure would Damian become to the two of you, and what life lessons did you both learn from him?
Ryan Robinson: "Damian watched out for us, but he also taught us to watch out for ourselves. This business is full of selfish promoters who only care about the money you make them. You have to be careful because if something happens to you, they are finished with you, they don't care, so it's good to have a backup plan. Damian has been around for a long time so he would know. He has seen it happen. Especially as someone who has competed in some of the most dangerous matches in this business. He was a hardcore wrestler just like I am,"
Desiree Miles: Now back to the business of wrestling. Fans are wondering, how exactly did you become The Reaper?
Ryan Robinson: "There is actually an interesting story behind that. There has actually been a number of wrestlers in this business who has had some form of a Reaper or Incarnation of Death gimmick, but one guy who did it before me was a guy by the name of Steve Callaway. Anyway. I had just wrestled a match for an Indy show in Brooklyn, and after the show, I was legit attacked, and beat down by some thugs in the Parking Lot."
Desiree gives Ryan a look of disbelief as the crowd lets out a gasp.
Ryan Robinson: "It's fine! I am obviously still alive, and surprisingly nothing was stolen that night."
Ryan lets out a small chuckle.
Ryan Robinson: "But I was beat pretty bad, and needed to take some time off to heal, and I get a phone call from Damian Seth. He tells me that Steve Callaway is retiring, and he wants me to be the new Reaper because he believes I could pull it off...I won't lie. My first thought was "Well this is going to be a disaster!"
The crowd laughs as Desiree smiles.
Ryan Robinson: "But I felt my character probably needed an edge, and if it failed, which luckily it didn't. I knew I could Go back to being myself. So I just agreed to it, and we turned my situation into a storyline where Stephon Jones and The Dark Cyde Mafia were revealed as the people who attacked me, and there was actually a rumor going around in real life that I had been killed for some reason so we kinda took that into play to transform me into The Reaper. We started making these creepy video packages, which were warning Stephon Jones, and telling him to "Fear The Reaper". I eventually returned. I was actually able to somehow get over with the gimmick, and the rest is history."
Desiree Miles: You were very prominent in Cardinal City Pro, having won their World Title on several occasions... then, you were signed by a promotion called Wrestle Kings Federation, whom let's be honest with ourselves, the only wrestlers worth a damn that came from there were yourself and Syn. How was it like working for that promotion?
Ryan laughs.
Ryan Robinson: "I'm over it to be honest, but yeah. Putting the anger I had during it's run aside. I didn't agree with a lot of the booking. I think Fire and Ice should have been the first Tag Team Champions, and I was told by some of the top Pro Wrestlers in this industry that I should have won some of those matches that I lost which you could say is a matter of opinion although I think the guys who told me that knew what they were talking about. I think those losses kinda affected my momentum in other promotions, but I will say that Syn being World Champion was a PERFECT choice. As for the Owner himself. I no longer have beef with him. I don't agree with some of his views on things, but I myself no longer have any personal business with Curtis. He always told me he liked my character. Rather he was telling the truth or not. Who knows? He could have thought I was a joke or maybe he just felt those guys needed to beat me. It's all a matter of opinion, and I choose to forget about it, and move on. I did win the World Championship in the end, so I have no reason to be butthurt."
Desiree Miles: I did mention Syn in there. You two have a bipolar relationship at best. Both like and hate at the same time. How did you two meet, and how would you describe your relationship with him today?
Ryan Robinson: "We seemed like the worst of enemies on screen, but off screen is a completely different story. I love that guy! He's my best friend in this business. We both had a rough childhood, and we can relate to each other. We always had fun when we were in that ring together. Our feud was hands down the best part of WKF in my opinion, and I still love that guy. We have fun beating the hell out of each other, but he knows I would do anything for him, and I know he would do the same for me."
Desiree Miles: I did state that you and Syn were the only wrestlers worth a damn on the WKF roster, and fittingly, you two were signed to PCW contracts when the promotion returned in 2012. What were your initial thoughts of PCW?
Ryan Robinson: "PCW was the first major promotion to ever sign me so it was a very big deal for me. Things didn't start out too hot but I was still feeling the effects of WKF so I was trying to evolve my character a bit more so I could get back on track. Which I eventually did, but I mostly loved working for PCW. Experiencing some of the backstage drama wasn't the best thing in the World, but other than that. It was great. Loved my feud with Jerry Matthews. Winning the Platinum Championship was most definitely the highlight of my time in that promotion."
Desiree Miles: In PCW, Reaper initially was up against Syn, but then you took some time off, but when you came back, you were at the top of your game, going up against Jerry Matthews who held the Platinum Championship at the time, gaining an upset win and later beating him for the title. You were white hot in 2013 but a nagging hip injury took you down and you dropped the title to Jay Thunder in September of that year. Overall, how would you view 2013 for you and are there any regrets?
Ryan Robinson: "Yeah. That damn hip injury!"
Ryan shares a laugh with Desiree and the fans.
Ryan Robinson: "Nah. My only real regrets are my ego I developed. not standing up for certain people I could have helped out or not trying to play peacemaker in certain situations when I should have. I feel like certain situations could have possibly been avoided if I involved myself in them. But I was too worried about being Platinum Champion, and by the time I was injured....it was too late to do anything. This caused my friendship with Liam Reilly to become a bit rocky although things have got better, and I was never able to become close friends with Damon Warrens who I always had a lot of respect for regardless of how he may or may not feel about me."
Desiree Miles: Since then, you've primarily wrestled in JPW, with returns to CCP every now and then. You also for a time were the General Manager in WWA. How was that GM tenure for you?
Ryan Robinson: "It was an absolute disaster! It wasn't my idea, but I agreed to it, and I apologize for it."
Desiree Miles: I noticed a month back, Abby Parker had become The Reaper and I let my own thoughts known about that particular move. How do you, Ryan Robinson, feel about her stealing your persona?
Ryan Robinson: I'm okay with it. It was of course my idea. I know people aren't happy with how it's being handled. Especially due to reports about my health, but people just need to remember that Abby is playing the role of a heel who needs heat, and I have given her permission to do everything she is doing. Someone needs to be The Reaper once I'm gone. Might as well be a Protege of mine,
Desiree Miles: I don't think I follow... but go on ahead.
Ryan Robinson: "Not going to lie, Desiree. My career is coming close to an end, and my match with my friend, Liam Reilly will indeed be the last time I ever step into the ring. I will be wrestling as The Reaper one last time, and I plan on leaving all of my fans with something they will never forget. But once it is all over, and I am gone. I need someone else to be The Reaper. It might as well be someone I have trained who would do a good job carrying the gimmick. That person is Abby Parker."
Desiree Miles: Lastly, any response to Liam Reilly heading into the Reunion Show?
Ryan looks into the camera.
Ryan Robinson: "Liam. You want a fight with PCW so there is no better opponent for you than me. As I stated before, you deserve a chance to get revenge, but I can't just lay down, and let you take it. I'm a fighter till the end, and I have a legacy to defend so I plan on carrying the PCW flag to victory. So this is how things are going to go. I'm going to beat you, and after the match? You and I are going to shake hands because THAT is what needs to happen! Until then?....well....Fear The Reaper!"
"Don't Fear The Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult hits the sound system, and a creepy blue light fills the scene while Ryan stares into the camera with a blank expression on his face as lightning strikes the stage, the crowd cheers loudly, and Desiree looks at him with a surprised on her face.
"Down Rodeo" by Rage Against the Machine plays and Desiree Miles comes out from behind the curtain and waves to the studio audience. She takes a bow before walking over to a large desk, then takes a seat on a leather chair, adjusts her glasses, and addresses the audience.
Desiree Miles: Thank you so much, and welcome to the debut episode of The Desiree Miles Show! This pilot episode is going to be amazing. We have some kick ass guests. This show is LIVE, uncensored and uncut. I will ask the questions most people are afraid to ask. Legends like Talia Skye, Damon Warrens, The Warrens Twins will join us while rising stars like Reyna Carter and Molly Hatchet will be on the show, along with a surprise or two!
Desiree takes a pause for a bit.
Desiree Miles: Now for our first guest... I should say guests because this is a tag team. Give it up for WWA's resident Mean Girl tag team, The Pretty Committee!
The Pretty Committee arrives to the set dress to the nines as always. As they are both wearing black dresses, black high heel pumps, and a black Gucci handbag on each of them. As they smirk shaking hands with Desiree Miles though, they are quick to grab the hand sanitizer from Bianca's bag.
Desiree Miles: Bianca, Vero, welcome to the show.
Bianca Davis: You’re welcome I mean you totally forgot to thank us for being here. But its okay after all we are the show.
Veronica Taylor: So true, but don’t worry we will make this the best first episode ever!
Desiree Miles: Right! My first question to you both, how are you enjoying being a part of the Women's Wrestling Alliance?
Bianca Davis: Well here is the thing we are making this place prettier it started with me I came here and looked around and saw that their were way to many uggos, freaks, and basics even for the Queen B herself to handle so I said you now what I might need some help so.
Bianca points to her tag team partner standing next to her.
Bianca Davis: So who better than the Queen of Mean herself Veronica Taylor.
Veronica Taylor: And I totally said yes as soon as I looked up and down this roster like these hags ewwww!
Desiree Miles: Now that you two have brought your infamous and some might say controversial team to WWA, what are your goals as a team in this company?
Veronica Taylor: Our goals well those tag titles will look so fab around our waist but in reality our goal to is make WWA pretty again. Like seriously?!
Bianca Davis: Well we're making it pretty I mean was it really ever pretty before us?
The Pretty Committee share a bitchy giggle with each other.
Desiree Miles: This one is for Bianca. In your biography, it states you have won quite the number of beauty contests… but a lot of those came via controversial means and there is a section of the modeling community who hates your guts. Any response to your haters and is there any truth to those allegations of dirty tactics?
Bianca Davis: Such excuses why? Because those in the pageants against me were losers. Not my fault I am prettier and better than them. So rather their is truth to their envy or not does it matter? No all that matters is that Bianc Davis slayed the uggos as she always does and with ease mind you.
Desiree Miles: Okay then. Veronica, a lot of people claim you are this cold hearted bitch who cares about nothing but herself. Some might say that's accurate, but in case your critics are wrong, then who is Veronica Taylor?
Veronica Taylor: Oh please like they would know who Veronica Taylor is? And Veronica Taylor is a visionary, a superstar, a woman who has shown the world that supermodels can transition into wrestling successfully. A true role model but you already knew that.
Desiree Miles: I'll list a wrestler and you provide your thoughts. Talia Areano.
Veronica Taylor: Cow.
Bianca Davis: Cowila basic shes gonna moooooove out of the way get it?!
Desiree Miles: I got it. How about Molly Hatchet?
Bianca Davis: Hobbit
Veronica Taylor: Still looking for her pot of gold EWWW!
Desiree Miles: Mariah Lopez.
Bianca Davis: Amazing person.
Veronica Taylor: Total sweetheart.
Desiree Miles: Eavan Maloney.
Bianca Davis: Freak
Veronica Taylor: Gross.
Desiree Miles: Reyna Carter.
Bianca Davis: Didn’t I slay her on twitter?
Veronica Taylor: Was the standard.
Desiree Miles: Alright, this past Frenzy, Talia Areano pinned Veronica to win the match for her Trios team. With Areano going to pick a partner of her choice in a match against you two at Halloween Fury, who do you think she will pick to combat you two?
Veronica Taylor: Does it matter probably some freak loser like Hobbit Hatchet or something.
Bianca Davis: Plus a fluke win it won’t happen again because quite frankly she can’t sit with us.
Desiree Miles: Continuing on to you two as a tag team, what do you girls think of the Tag Team Champions? And how soon do you two think you will be Tag Team Champions in this company?
Veronica Taylor: That the current champions are just their to keep the belts warm for us? Because thats totally what the are their for.
Desiree Miles: Any last words for Areano heading into Halloween Fury?
Bianca Davis: Nah.
The PC walks off the stage.
Desiree Miles: That was definitely a nice way to get this show started. But we have plenty more here, because my next guest is a surprise. One of a few. A rising star in the Women's Wrestling Alliance. I give to you... ATHENA!
“Angel with the Shotgun” by The Cab plays over the P/A as Athena enters the stage, waving to the audience. She is wearing a long black dress with red outlines all over. She shakes Desiree's hand hits down on the loveseat next to Desiree's desk.
Desiree Miles: Welcome to the show Athena.
Athena: Thank you, Desiree. Happy to be here.
Desiree Miles: I have to ask. How are you feeling heading into perhaps the biggest match of your career on October 11th?
Athena: I’ve already been down this road before, Desiree. A few months ago, when me and Reyna went 1-on-1 for the first time, that was the biggest match of my life. I was fighting one of my best friends, it was for the World Championship. Round 2 was no different. Only difference was instead of the title being vacant, I was the champ. I was top dog. She was the contender trying to take it all away. This rubber match, this final battle is also no different. Only this time, the roles are swapped. Reyna is the top dog and I am the one trying to take it all away. I am proud of what we’ve done the last 2 times, and I have no doubt this rubber match will be amazing. I’m gonna even gonna boldly predict that this trilogy will win us multiple end of the year awards.
Desiree Miles: Other than the Inferno Championship Wrestling, your brief stint into ICW and Cardinal City Pro for a brief time as well, JPW if I'm not mistaken, there's been a few places here and there outside of your well-known stint today in the Women's Wrestling Alliance. Are there any promotions I'm missing from the equation? And out of the promotions, which is your favorite?
Athena: No, you got them all down. I’ve worked a few indy shows here and there, but those were all the big ones. As for my favorite, other than WWA of course, would have to be ICW, where I got my first big break. I won my first titles there, I had some great matches, it was fun.
Desiree Miles: Who would be your favorite opponent?
Athena: Reyna Carter, for sure. The fact that we know so much about each other yet we tend to surprise each other with every match. Our last 2 matches were my absolute favorite and I have no doubt our third will be just as amazing.
Desiree Miles: Though not as experienced within the premium atmosphere like some of our guests here, outside of the Network/Ninja Squad ordeal, were there any controversies you experienced or had seen first hand?
Athena: Well I was trained by Leon Lonewolf himself and he taught me almost everything I know. After PCW closed, he went into a dark place. He tried to ignore it as he went to a few smaller promotions himself, but in the end, he left for a few years before coming back as the monster he is today. I feel partially responsible for his sudden change in attitude because I saw the signs, but did nothing. I only hope that he realizes the error of his ways and snaps out of it sooner rather than later.
Desiree Miles: I did mention the Network/Ninja Squad thing. What were your thoughts when you learned about Mariah Lopez and that slut Aubrey Cassidy going into business for themselves with their "live celebration"? And how quickly did you try to get to the ring to stop that abomination of a segment?
Athena: I was pissed, like everyone else in the locker room. All amounts of respect were tossed out the window. The fact that she went and did that was not only a spit in the face of us, but it was a spit in the face to her family, the WWA fans, and the company as a whole. I would place that slut moniker on Mariah, though. Yes, Aubrey horrible, Mariah was a manipulator and was the brains of that tag team. Aubrey was just following along like a dog on a leash.
Desiree Miles: Of course, during that time, you along with Talia Skye were embroiled in a feud with Mariah Lopez who had cheated to win the WWA World Title from Talia. But with the Network butting into WWA business after that stunt, how much did their interference affect you?
Athena: It definitely messed me up. Here she was, the top slut of the company, getting backed by the Network who once wanted her fired or else WWA would get pulled from the Network. That made no sense! In what alternate universe do you reward the very person who went and tried to destroy the reputation of the promotion, the network, the advertisers, and everyone in between. Instead they went and punished the promoter and everyone who was not involved. Yes, we later found out they used her as a crutch to destroy WWA, but it was so fucked up and the face that the Network had no faith in Danielle, in Talia, in Reyna, in myself, or in anyone else that wasn’t a Ninja to revive WWA from the ashes of this mess.
Desiree Miles: Now obviously their interfering in shit they had no business being in led to the company going on hiatus. You were at that final show along with myself and all of the others, but I want your accounts of how chaotic it was backstage. And were you one of those that was planning on walking out in protest of Danielle Lopez unfairly being removed from her post?
Athena: Me, Reyna, and Talia were basically in the forefront of that protest. We were literally seconds away from picketing the event and refused to work that show until justice was served. But in the end, it was Crystal who convinced us that the show must go on. As much as we wanted to say no, the fans wanted to see us kick the Ninja’s ass and save this company. So we went and made sure that that show went off without any hitches. If the Ninjas wanted Mariah to stay champ that badly, then we were gonna do all we can to make sure that she drops that title. One way, or another.
Desiree Miles: But there would be somewhat of a happy ending. In April coming off the boss lady's birthday, WWA was rumored and later announced as having returned from the ashes but the only title that would be vacant would be the World Championship due to Leon Lonewolf injuring Crystal Alvarez. How did it feel to not only be one of the eight competitors competing for a shot at that title, but ultimately winning it over one of the greatest competitors to have ever held the WWA World Title?
Athena: It felt amazing. Danielle saw a lot of potential in me, I knew I had what it takes to become World Champion, but Mariah would keep pulling something out of her sleeve to constantly come out with the win. It didnt help that she had Lonewolf and the Network in her pocket in addition to Aubrey and the Ninja Squad. Danielle saw how hard I worked to try and save WWA, so I was overjoyed that I was one of the I competitors. I was a little shocked that Mariah was one of them, but Reyna knocking her out in the first round made everything better in the end.
Desiree Miles: I'll get back to you and Rey in a bit. Knowing you're signed here exclusively, are there any other opponents you wouldn't mind facing?
Athena: You know, I may be a former and soon to be 2-time World Champion, I would love to tackle the other titles here in WWA, So Talia Skye, Morgan Simmons, I got a few.friends I can ask to tag up for a go at Jungle Warriors and Killswitch Knockouts. I know I've had a few matches with them, but I feel that I am closer to my prime now than I was back then so matches with them would be phenomenal. I know the Premium Reunion show is coming up and while I'm not a PCW Original, I'd love a round with some legends like Draven Kennedy, James Baker, my old teacher Lonewolf, I'm a huge Mariano Fernandez fangirl so I'd love an hour long spectacle with him.
Desiree Miles: You know I have to address the elephant in the room. You and Mariah Lopez's hatred for one another was very heated, but with what happened to her wife Rachel at the hands of The Horsewomen, as well as Mariah herself having seen the error of her ways. Is it safe to say you feel Mariah is genuine in knowing she was wrong? And what is the status of the two of you today?
Athena: I dislike her than hate her. She made a lot of stupid mistakes that put the company and us in jeopardy. A lot of us don't have another job or promotion that we could rely on. And the fact that we had to just about sic the entire locker room and Danielle herself just to make her drop the title to Crystal because she would do anything and everything both on camera and backstage to keep the title was ludicrous. Regarding Rachel, first off I'm surprised they even got back together I thought they hated each other. Second, with Mariah apparently now turning a new leaf, I don't know yet. They just got back together and Rachel's career is I jeopardy, it's hard to tell at this stage if it's genuine or of shes manipulating everyone for sympathy. For now, all we can do is wait and see.
Desiree Miles: How would you view The Horsewomen as they have turned up the aggressiveness in their attitudes?
Athena: As much as I dislike Mariah and the Ninjas, attacking someone who’s only crime was having association with Mariah, but never participated in her shit is disgusting. I will always consider Talia and Reyna a friend, and I’m glad Reyna disagrees with the Horsewomen’s tactics, but attacking people to the point where they are forced to retire...Rachel almost died from that neck injury. That’s crossing the line. There are only a few things that cross the line with me in WWA: Going to business for your yourself, and maliciously assaulting someone to the point where their life changes forever...if they wanted to just push the Ninjas out of WWA, that's one thing, but crippling an innocent woman is heinous and disgusting
Desiree Miles: On Twitter, we have seen a woman by the name of Bianca Yates state that she's coming soon and has signed her contract. Do you know this woman? And if so, can you shed some light for us?
Athena: Who? Bianca Yates? Is she a new hire? Never heard of her. Either she’s an import overseas that I’ve never heard of or some rookie who convinced the talent scouts to get her a contract. Whoever she is, She better watch out.
Desiree Miles: Back to Reyna Carter. It's no secret you two are friends, but with the WWA World Title up for grabs, does that friendship factor in how you will approach her when it comes to your match at Halloween Fury?
Athena: It never has. We both know that we wish for nothing more than to give each other 120% in that ring. One minute, I’m, kicking a tooth out of her mouth, the next minute, we’re at the bar downing a pint of beer and a slice of pizza. I love her to death and consider her a close friend, but we’ve promised each other in every encounter we’ve had that for those 20-30 or more minutes where we’re standing across from each other in that squared circle that we toss all of our friendship aside and put on the best damn match that we can.
Desiree Miles: Do you have any last words?
Athena: I do…
The lights begin to flicker and buzz as Athena takes a deep breath and stares coldly into the camera with the most wicked smile.
Athena: Reyna, I sincerely apologize from the bottom of my heart for the brutal beating that I’m going to give you at Halloween Fury. When I’m through with you, you will be missing a lot more than a few teeth. I will be walking out of Montreal with your pride, your dignity, your soul, and with MY WWA World Championship. And everyone will bow down to your Goddess…
Athena gives a cute little wink and the lights return to normal.
Desiree Miles: It's always great to have superb talent on this show!
The studio audience agrees with Desiree.
Desiree Miles: Now for our next guest. Its been a long time since the Premium fanbase has seen him. A stellar athlete, a great champion, all around nice guy, and on November 24th, he will be inducted into the PCW Hall of Fame! Ladies and gentlemen... ADRIEN COCHRANE!
"Last One Standing" by Simple Plan plays and Adrien Cochrane walks out, wearing a simple button down shirt with dark slacks, black shoes and a black trilby hat. He shakes hands with Desiree before taking his seat.
Desiree Miles: Welcome to the show Adrien. It's been a minute since we've last seen you on a Premium based broadcast.
Adrien Cochrane: March 2nd, 2013...so yeah, it’s been a hot minute. I was still in my twenties the last time you saw me. I’m pretty sure I was only twenty-four when I first signed with PCW. Now I’m less than two weeks from turning thirty-three so...yeah, quite some time has passed. But you know, it’s cool because it makes it a bit more interesting for the Premium-universe to see me without knowing everything that’s happened to me and the changes I’ve made.
Desiree Miles: I think the first question on my mind is, what have you been up to as far as wrestling and outside projects are concerned?
Adrien Cochrane: Well, I’d be doing my current employer and myself a disservice if I didn’t give them a plug. I’m currently wrestling on the Unleashed brand of HYBRID Wrestling, which airs every other Sunday. I’m currently a tag team champion over there and I’m the only original member left of a stable that started a little more than two years ago called the Guardians. Outside of wrestling, I own a recording studio based out of New Orleans that I co-run with my manager. I actually got married earlier this year, and we have a baby due in December. So we got a little Dropkick Prince coming up soon.
Desiree Miles: You are a well regarded traveler in the industry, having wrestled and performed all across the world. Where would you say is your favorite place to perform?
Adrien Cochrane: In terms of venue, it’s always a special moment when I’m wrestling in either the Smoothie King Center or next door at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. It almost feels like an added motivator when I know I’m competing in front of a New Orleans crowd. The last time I did, actually, my opponent made it a point to insult the city and my New Orleans Saints, so I had to make sure I fought for the honor of my hometown. Winning had an even sweeter taste. My victory over Liam Reilly here in PCW was another example of a match in my hometown that had a similar feeling.
As for company, I’m always going to say the current company. If you would have asked me two years ago, it would have NGW. The year before that, #FSociety. Seven years ago, I would have said PCW. Right now, I’m going to say HYBRID because that’s where I am right now and I’m excited about the future I have with the company.
Desiree Miles: Prior to PCW, you had endured your struggles from the wrestling business, and correct me if I'm wrong, but at one point you had considered walking away from the sport for good... that was until PCW came calling. Was any of that true? And what reasons did you have in accepting PCW's offer of a contract?
Adrien Cochrane: My first major contract was with the southeastern region of the World Wrestling Alliance, not to be confused with the WWA that you guys currently work for. This was around early 2005. And yeah, I had my struggles there. I bounced around regions over there like a ping pong ball. I even had an owner terminate my contract because he said I would never be better than I was, despite the fact that I wasn’t even old enough to buy a lottery ticket. I kept getting close but never quite breaking through there. It was frustrating because I felt cursed...which looking back was nothing more than an excuse for me not doing what I had to in order to change my own fortune. I got a mid-card championship in a region, and a few runner-ups to this or that, but that was all.
As for if I was going to walk away, I kinda did. I stepped away and was reevaluating whether or not this career was even worth it anymore. I had a music career to focus on if I so chose to do so. I even did for about a year. But I got an itch to try again. I had a few people tell me they thought it was a shame I didn’t keep going after it, so I did. I wanted to see where interest was and PCW gave me a chance. It was a shot to see if I really did have potential in this career, and it proved to be the right decision.
Desiree Miles: And you had a relatively successful PCW tenure, having won the Platinum Championship, then later the World Title. I want to first get into the Platinum Title reign where you defeated Draven Logan Kennedy, your opponent at the #OneLastDance, for the title. What were your thoughts upon winning your first championship in years?
Adrien Cochrane: When I pinned Draven, it gave me something to rally behind. It showed me that I do have the potential people always told me that I had. It made me feel like I had a chance to finally kick things off. I wasn’t quite doing #Believe at that point quite yet, but I began believing in myself. I think my career hit a turning point that night.
Desiree Miles: Now we'll get into the World Title, which you received a shot from management via a great performance representing the company in a tournament, and you defeated Heather Monroe to win the PCW World Championship. Describe the feeling of winning your very first World Championship?
Adrien Cochrane: That felt like a culmination of all those little moments I had previously had where people thought I had flashes and was capable of great things if I could just put all those things together. All the hard losses, all the close but no cigars, all the times I was told I would never get the top of the mountain...all of that happened in that match with Heather Monroe. PCW may not have been the first company I wrestled under the banner for, but my career really began in PCW and it all came down to that match right there.
Desiree Miles: But as soon as you won the World Title, the persistent problems with then-affiliate True Honor Wrestling began to become problematic with several members of the roster. Then one February night, the proverbial shit hit the fan for a lack of a better term, and not only was Heather Monroe gone as she was taking a sabbatical from the business... but so was our World Champion. There have been rumors about you being poached by Ryan Dangerous to join the company even prior to you winning the PCW World Title, to you just being fed up with how chaotic and intense PCW can be, and even this one, Terrell Ryder declining to give you a pay raise. If you want to, why did you decide to leave? Was it any of the rumors? Or was it something completely different? And are there any regrets?
Adrien Cochrane: A lot of it was boring contract things, honestly. I try not to personally get involved in my contract negotiations because I don’t feel I’m quite qualified to do it. My job is dropkicking people in the ring, not digging through paperwork to figure out what kind of health insurance I’m getting, what kind of locker room I get, or how much my bonus should be if I go on a ten match winning streak. I hire people to do that for me.
After the Champions Showcase match, Richelle Ross got me a ten match extension to my contract which had a pay bump if I had won the World Title. Well, a few matches later, Richelle wasn’t my manager anymore and Adrianna was. The goal was for me to be a dual-company talent, which was allowed under the THW-PCW affiliation, which included a talent share which allowed people to be on both companies. People such as Jerry Matthews and Marina Valdivia were examples of that.
Adrianna, who had ties with THW a lot more so than she did with PCW, wanted to get me in the True Honor ring as well. Her sister was a champion there, after all. It was a decision we thought would benefit my career, wrestling in both companies. Ten matches occur, my contract technically expires, but I’m the World Heavyweight Champion, which I’m allowed to stick on under my contract’s previous terms while I hold the title. Me holding the title gave me more time to allow Adrianna to negotiate another extension with me, and I wanted something a lot more length with it. Adrianna wanted more money, which made sense. Then the affiliation was over. I’m signed to THW and have to figure out what I can do to stay in PCW after my championship, but the talent share was over. When I lost the championship in such a surprising fashion on a cash in when I wasn’t expecting it, I lost the only thing that was keeping me employed in PCW. I had no contract. I couldn’t get an extension, and in hindsight, I don’t think Adrianna was trying hard enough.
As for regrets, I guess you could say hindsight is 20/20, but knowing what I know now, I probably wouldn’t have signed with THW and found myself in that situation where I was forced to leave due to my THW contract. I would have liked a chance to win that title more than once...actually, something I have not done in my entire career was winning any championship more than once. I think I would have had a chance to do so had I been able to stay. It was a move that we thought we would benefit my career, but it turned into a series of what ifs.
Desiree Miles: Either way, you were gone after you completed your final PCW commitment, having landed in True Honor Wrestling where you experienced some success... until an even bigger shit storm emerged. How was your time there, and how did you feel when you found out about the THW situation that led to basically the entire roster walking out and seeking employment elsewhere?
Adrien Cochrane: Well, after I left PCW, I only wrestled six more matches in THW. I won their International Championship on their last show. The roster didn’t exactly walk out; the company started running out of money. There were some saying they were overpaying new people, me included, and didn’t budget themselves properly to take on all of the new talent. Ryan’s mismanagement led to EXODUS Pro buying out the company, so we didn’t walk out so much as we had EXODUS buy our contracts. We didn’t quit on Ryan so much as he gave us away.
Desiree Miles: Speaking of that, EXODUS Pro Wrestling was where you won your second World Championship... but issues later would come about within the company there too that lead to their demise, through no fault of your own. Overall, how would you view your experience in that company?
Adrien Cochrane: I was actually not with the company anymore when the company folded. I started off my run being roped in to a giant war going on between most of the roster. I had two friends from my time in the WWA on one side and I ended up on that side of the war. I spent all that time fighting for Jon Collins, a general manager I had never met, but it became a fight that I had no intention of losing. We won the war in the end, and I got the World Title shot shortly after.
When I lost the title, I stepped away from the ring for a period after me and Adrianna got married, and I once again turned my focus to music. I started working on producing Adrianna’s band’s album along with Eddie, and being a husband. When Adrianna ditched me and filed for divorce, I had no reason to stay away from the ring, but it didn’t feel the same and I began a losing streak until Jonathan Collins, the very man I fought so hard to defend in that war, decided to fire me. I was gone from wrestling again. It wasn’t until the rest of the roster began to oust Collins from his post, they actually dragged me for a battle royal on the final show to give him a bit of a middle finger. But I definitely looked like someone who hadn’t wrestled in almost a year without warning in the battle royal. But I met someone who would later become a member of the Guardians...ironically, the person who eliminated me in the battle royal, a youngster named Kenzie Rydell.
Desiree Miles: Then we move to #FSociety where you would win your third World Title, then NGW for your fourth. You're currently employed in HYBRID wrestling where you are a member of The Guardians and you are one half of their current Unleashed Duality Champions, effectively winning your first Tag Team Championship. What is it like finally being in a group and having your first Tag Team Championship under your belt?
Adrien Cochrane: Technically, my second, but the first tag team title was a bit weird. I won the KCW Karnage Cup, which is a tag title, with my ex-girlfriend, Stacy Sterling. The show never aired, it closed after that show, and I was never actually on the roster. But I got a belt, and I guess it still counts.
I’m actually the only original member of the Guardians remaining. It formed when I wanted to take a stand against a group called the Destroyers in NGW. I was prepared to fight them on my own, but apparently, favors I did when I was only trying to be a nice person, got me new allies. So it began as me, Jazmyn Rain, Honey and Alechs Aurelio. Alechs left and we were down to three. I get separate offers from Jessica Sears and the Jew Blazer...real name Joshua Goldstein... to take his place, and I just end up bringing in both of them. Honey left the company as well, so we were back to four. NGW closes, Jazmyn Rain goes her own direction then seems to go crazy so we were back to three. Then Kenzie, who had asked me to train her in how to be a better wrestler after the EXODUS Pro battle royal, joined HYBRID along with me and Josh. Jessica was already there. Jessica and I were friends for a long time after meeting in my EXODUS Pro tenure, so we started doing some work as a tag team in NGW with mixed results. I ended up marrying her sister, so she’s literally family at this point. I promised her I would get her a championship and even though it took two companies for me to follow through with that promise, but it is truly special to have that strong of a bond with someone and able to be a co-champion with them.
Desiree Miles: To briefly get off subject. For those who may not have followed Adrien past PCW, he had a falling out with on again off again friend Chris Marks. Is this falling out for good? Is the relationship strained for good? I realized I just asked the same question twice. And how was he overall as a competitor?
Adrien Cochrane: How was he as a competitor? Disappointing. I think PCW might have been his highest point. Our falling out basically happened in the match where I won the EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight Championship. He was still my friend at that point, and he ran out to the ring. I had no idea what the hell he was doing out there and when I get the cover, he yanks me out of the ring. I start asking him what the hell he was doing out there and then he lays me out with a superkick. The goal was for it to get me counted out and allow Heather Halliwell to retain. Apparently, she and a dishonest co-owner paid him off to betray me. Fortunately for me, I was able to pull myself back up in time and won the match despite all of those efforts.
He hung around but stayed very far away from me. He built up a huge resume of losses along the way, but when HYBRID came along, he got confident again. He wanted to ruin me as much as he could. He even got involved in another World Title shot and found a way to cost me that one by doing something beyond my control: kicking my opponent to get me disqualified. So I gave him an offer he couldn’t refuse. He had two shots to end my career. He had a match with Kenzie Rydell. He wins, my career is over. Josh and Jessica got wins over him previously so it was only right Kenzie got a shot at him. If Kenzie wins, he had to step into the ring with me, finally, in a steel cell match with my career still on the line. He couldn’t run anymore. It took me six years to get my revenge.
It wasn’t easy. He powerbombed me through the roof of the cell. But I kept fighting, dropkicked him off the cell and sealed the deal with the Adrien Cutter. Marks is done now, spending the next few years behind bars. That chapter of my life is closed, and I’m glad it is.
Desiree Miles: You have had quite a few managers in your career. From WWA’s official interviewer Richelle Ross, to Adrianna Rivers, and your current one Eddie Walker. Obviously they bring different aspects to the table. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the three of them? And how did each of them help you along this journey?
Adrien Cochrane: Well, you missed one from before my PCW days, the late Ripper Longshanks. Ripper was a retired wrestler and uncle to a tag team partner I had in the WWA. Ripper’s focus was more on Colby than me. His biggest contributions was mostly just short words of encouragement and advice before matches. He passed away a couple of years ago, sadly, but he always told me that there was a greatness inside of me. I didn’t see it back then, but I can’t thank him enough for trying to make me see it as hard as he could.
Richelle was my shortest manager, but she was there for some big moments and had a bigger impact than her time length would suggest. The biggest advantage she had for me was that she knew everyone in PCW. She knew people a lot more than I did. She could tell me things about opponents I didn’t know about. She had a little overlap with Ripper in that she kept telling me what I needed to hear. I wouldn’t have won my World Title without her telling me that I deserved to be where I was. She was an important part of my career, and I still occasionally catch up with her.
Adrianna...oh boy. Let’s go positive first. She did not let anyone say anything negative about me. She would start yelling her head off on my behalf, and that had some endearing moments. She oversaw my career in three different companies. She was definitely the most talented person to manage me, being a solid mouthpiece, a very good singer, and even had some skills in the ring. And she was the only manager I had any sort of romantic relationship with. On the flip side...she was very brash, even to me. Ripper, Richelle, and Eddie...their goal was to build me up. Adrianna would not be pleasant to be around when I lost a match. It was a bit degrading. She also had moments where she acted a bit selfish, which was more obvious in non-managerial duties rather than manager. I suspect she didn’t give some parts of her job as much effort as she should have, like the aforementioned PCW contract fiasco. And as much as I can mention she was the only manager to be in a romantic relationship with me, she is also the only person to divorce me.
Eddie, he’s a special case. Eddie was my music manager dating back to my PCW days and just had no interest in doing anything with my wrestling career, as I mentioned that we co-run a recording studio. Eddie is a little middle-aged ball of sarcasm and factoids, and always has been. He absorbs information like a sponge. When Adrianna was out of the picture, Eddie decided to give managing wrestlers a shot, and he got really good at it. He started managing a lot of other wrestlers, including Mariano and my tag partner Jessica. He takes the job seriously to the point where he acts almost like a personal assistant even though he’s one of my best friends. Eddie’s strongest attribute is his negotiation abilities. If Eddie was my wrestling manager in PCW at the time my contract expired, he would have gotten a deal done. He would have done something to protect me from what ended up happening with the ten million clauses he locks up in contracts. He would have incentified money for me to earn in the language of the deal where PCW would have agreed to the terms, but I still would get paid the money Adrianna wanted. He also has an incredible memory. The dude remembers what match I had on this day or that day. He knows my itinerary for each trip without looking at it. He’s extremely solid talking and is a lot more blunt than me when he is talking. He says he can say the arrogant things that deserve to be said on my behalf since he knows that I won’t say them myself. The downside to Eddie is that he doesn’t know what boundaries are. He’s also the least effective as taking care of himself if someone starts threatening them. When Chris Marks laid a hand on him, I had to step in. Richelle, Adrianna, and Ripper would not have been able to hold their own better.
Desiree Miles: It was announced that you would face Draven Logan Kennedy at #OneLastDance, and we'll get to that in a bit. You also were announced as being inducted into the PCW Hall of Fame. What were your thoughts and feelings upon being selected as a member of the Hall of Fame?
Adrien Cochrane: It’s a real honor. It was something I was longing for and hoping for, quite honestly. I kept watching groups and groups of people get inducted into the Hall of Fame and kept waiting for me to get the call. I felt like the perception of me after the whole departure possibly put a sour taste in the mouth of whoever was making the decisions. But I definitely wanted it, and I was hoping that the work I did in the PCW ring would eventually be noticed. It’s funny, I had actually given up that it would happen. New people weren’t really getting in anymore. The company closed, save for the first Reunion show. I thought it wouldn’t happen, and I was just hoping that one of the other companies I won World Titles in would give me a shot. When I found out that I was finally going to get it, my heart leaped for joy. All the work I put into the ring under the PCW banner, twenty-four matches and two championships… it did mean something after all. All the blood, all the sweat, and all the tears...they led to a Hall of Fame induction and they did mean something in the end.
Desiree Miles: And knowing that not a single person involved in running PCW on either run put the card together, who exactly was it that gave you the invitation to compete on this final show?
Adrien Cochrane: Well, the whole thing started off as a direct message on the PCW Twitter account. Sent them my mailing address and got a letter. I didn’t see anyone face to face for a good bit and when the first meeting took place to make this official, Eddie was the one that went up there and based on the description of the person he met with, I was under the impression it was Danielle or one of the other Lopezes. I did a little research since I had no idea what happened to Ryder and Baker, and found out that apparently she gets all the stake due to her divorce from Baker. Which is fine, I have no issues with Danielle. She was also cool to me when I was in PCW. I assume she was also the one who approved my Hall of Fame induction, after all.
Desiree Miles: And lastly, what do you think of Draven Logan Kennedy knowing you're facing him for the final time, seemingly that is?
Adrien Cochrane: Well, I will go into a lot more detail soon in a video package. I believe Eddie has already recorded something for it but won’t release it until I shoot mine. The problem is with someone who hasn’t been on my radar in years is that everything I know about Draven Logan Kennedy is about six years old. He could be a completely different man by this point. But the fact remains this: there will be a match. There will be a ring. There will be a bell to signal the start and the end of the match. My job is to make sure that the day this company finally gives me a Hall of Fame induction sees me get a victory on the very last time I will step into the ring. I’ve been constantly trying to make myself a better wrestler, a tougher competitor, and a more skilled athlete. And I’m still trying to get even better. So Draven Logan Kennedy will be the test to show that I have come so far from where I was six years ago. Defeating the person who took a championship from me will be the bookend that will help me paint the picture that I’ve come a long way. But I can’t just say these things and hope it will happen. I have to be the better man between the ropes. I have to best him in a battle of skill, heart, and toughness. And it is my goal to make sure that will be the result of the match when the final bell sounds.
Adrien leaves the set.
Desiree Miles: That was Adrien Cochrane, who is always a class act. Speaking of class act's, my next guest is a classy woman in her own right. Matter of fact, she's my boss. Give it up for PCW Hall of Famer and owner of the Women's Wrestling Alliance, "The Lethal Latina" Danielle Lopez!
"Still I Rise" by Shadows Fall plays and Danielle Lopez walks out in a short black dress with matching heels and the PCW World Heavyweight Championship on her right shoulder. She and Desiree share a hug before the boss lady takes a seat with the title sitting on the desk.
Desiree Miles: Welcome Dani. Welcome to this show that you allowed me to have.
Danielle Lopez: Desiree, you're the best play-by-play commentator in the business today. You deserve this show. I know how much work you put into this vision you have had for years, and I'm beyond proud to see it play out.
Desiree Miles: Not only are you my boss, but you're also a close friend of mine, and we go back to The Black Rose Mafia. My first question will be about the Mafia, I'm randomizing these questions. Who's idea was it to form The Black Rose Mafia?
Danielle Lopez: The idea and the mastermind behind all of it was Talia Skye. As everybody knows, Talia and I are inseparable and no matter how hard people try to drive a wedge between us, she will always be my best friend. But back to the topic, we all were doing the Generation Xtreme thing at the time, but as we discussed with you, we needed something for us, something separate from the boys. Talia came up with the name, theme music, our overall concept, outfits, the whole nine yards, and this happened to have been riding that momentum of women's wrestling actually improving, which started with us. Of course, do you really think I would turn down teaming with my bestie? No way, I was completely in.
Desiree Miles: I want to talk about a persona of yours from the past. From your rookie days all the way until a certain incident we will discuss later, you upheld to a Code of Honor, vowing to not do anything to break that personal code, but it was only a matter of time until something broke it. But break down the concept of that person if you will?
Danielle Lopez: The Code of Honor was something that I set apart from everybody else. Fight for justice, but do it in an honorable fashion. I was smiling and kissing babies, I was THE FACE and I always fought against evil. Of course this could only last for so long as you pointed out, and we’ll get into the details of WHY that broke down, but I was the only one on the full-time roster who was doing that sort of thing and the fans appreciated it. I wasn't putting on a front for the people. I was being myself, I was bringing the passion and energy required to succeed, and it showed most definitely with everything I did and the way I dominated my competition.
Desiree Miles: Before you got into wrestling, you were in the world of modeling while also in college obtaining your business degree. Was wrestling something you always wanted to do, or was it something you thought of later in life?
Danielle Lopez: Not many people know my oldest brother Phillip was a professional wrestler, and my uncle Pedro who raised my cousin Christina, was also a wrestler, so the sport was there... but I wanted to do my own thing at first. I tried my hand at modeling and I didn't win, so I figured get my degree while wrestling to pay the bills. Regardless if wrestling had panned out, I was going to get my business degree one way or another.
Desiree Miles: 2009 hits, you're twenty-one years old. You sign on with Ring of Beauty where you had two matches but was released. Why do you think it didn't work out?
Danielle Lopez: I tried swimming with the sharks early which bit me in the ass. It wasn't a complete waste though. I met a couple of the girls who would become really good friends of mine throughout the years, and I ended up meeting Crystal Hilton, whom years later I find out is one of my cousin's that Mariah and Mariella's deadbeat father had abandoned when she was born and left her to be raised by my uncle Pedro, so looking back on that, I thought that was pretty cool and I generally liked the people. One who would end up working in WWA, while I still keep in touch with a couple of the others here and there.
Desiree Miles: You also signed up with the Classic Wrestling Federation through James Baker. How was your experience there?
Danielle Lopez: I made friends in that company. Mariano Fernandez is a wonderful soul, Israel Steele was cool as fuck, and I met Leon Lonewolf as well. There was some great talent there that ended up in PCW like Yoshiru Long, Curtis Wilkes, and the three names I mentioned before... but apart from that, I would have rather drank bleach than sign there again. I didn't want to be stuck as a manager working these lame ass skits that would mean nothing in the end. I wanted to compete against world class talent, and I wasn't even getting to compete. I needed to get better and I knew I wouldn't get to the level I know I can get to by staying there, so I ended up leaving when the boys did. Thankfully YCW had already started up by that point.
Desiree Miles: Ah yes, YouTube Championship Wrestling where the potential was seen in spades. Being a former Broadcast and Tag Team Champion there, which you held both simultaneously. How would you rate your time in YCW?
Danielle Lopez: Above a ten. It was phenomenal. I had a blast working there, getting to prove myself, and that whole roster was hungry and wanted to prove themselves too. YCW may have been small and seen as a rinky dink promotion but dammit, it was fucking awesome.
Desiree Miles: Of course, your contract is converted to a PCW contract upon the formation of Premium Championship Wrestling. You were nursing a neck injury, but during your recover, you met somebody who would ultimately change your life. But this person was initially a rival of yours as you two along with Heather Monroe were the three female wrestlers on the roster. How was working with Talia Skye from the beginning?
Danielle smiles then answers.
Danielle Lopez: We did the whole vlog thing which was amazing. We hardly ever touched each other in this four month build to Battle Finale II. It was designed like that as I couldn't do anything physical, and as we worked together, we found out we had a lot in common despite her being the rich girl while I come from a Mexican family who wasn't really rich per say. But Talia and I bonded instantly, its like we were meant to meet up. You're 100% right, she did change my life... and she changed it for the better.
Desiree Miles: She changed all of our lives for the better to be honest. I got to call that match at Battle Final II, and you two on a classic match, showing that both of you belong on the biggest stage. How were the preparations for that match? And how did you feel you lived up to the hype?
Danielle Lopez: We surpassed expectations because we were working our asses off to transition women's wrestling away from the bra and panties matches, to featuring actual athletic competition. It showcased Talia who was already a great talent, and made her into a bigger star. I don't give a damn what order you rank the original three or who you think is the bigger star of the three of us, myself, Talia and Heather Monroe are equally as talented as the other. We did this together and everything you see around you started with the three of us, and I'm proud of that.
Desiree Miles: Speaking of Heather Monroe, you had great matches with her, and even taking the PCW Broadcast Championship from her inside of a steel cage. How would you view her matches with her?
Danielle Lopez: My highest profile ones, no question. I always said her and Talia were my favorite opponents because each of them made me want to better myself in the ring. While mine and Talia's match at Battle Finale II was the catalyst for our rise, me versus Heather inside of the cage at Super Clash was what pushed it going forward, putting me on the map and cementing her as one of the best going forward. Heck, our last one-on-one match, she beat me to enter a four way Hell in a Cell match where she became PCW World Heavyweight Champion. Heather was fantastic to work with, and I try and keep up with her every now and then. She has zero interest in coming back to wrestling which as long as she's happy, then that's good enough for me.
Desiree Miles: Throughout your career, you have seen a lot of off camera controversies where it literally has changed aspects of a company. I will ask about the Liftoff situation featuring Rob Osbourne and CWF officials. You were employed there, but do you recall anything that happened?
Danielle Lopez: Not really. I largely tuned out of CWF things by that point. I was looking to get the hell out of there, which my last contractual match would've been Super Card VI with Kevin and J.T. then I would leave to concentrate solely on YCW.
Desiree Miles: You were there for the PCW version though where some of your friends were directly in that skirmish. How was seeing that?
Danielle Lopez: I was only around for part of it, but I was really recovering from the neck injury I sustained at the very first Battle Finale. In that part, PCW thankfully ended up thriving rather than becoming another statistic.
Desiree Miles: But the following incident, you weren't so lucky to avoid. Matter of fact, you were the main target. You know which incident I'm talking about.
Danielle Lopez: Yeaaaaahhhh I do. Fucking Tragically Horrifying Wrestling, fucking pieces of shit. I will gladly tell this story. Most people tend to remember my critically acclaimed yet infamous Struggle for Power III interview with Michelle Silva where I lost my shit and buried the entire promotion, but this whole thing actually started a little bit before my Broadcast Championship defense against Jessica Harmony at Wrestle Extravaganza II: Beantown Brawl. I remember a couple of THW's wrestlers with zero fucking talent throwing these little potshots at me even though I never spoke one word of them or even looked in their direction, they came after me first. They probably wanted to make a name for themselves or wish they had any fucking talent, who the fuck knows... but one of those fucking scrubs had sniped at me, calling me "Miss Untouchable" and knocking my accomplishments, claiming I never earned any of them when you know damn well I earn everything I have in this business.
Desiree Miles: I remember that clearly.
Danielle Lopez: But that was only the beginning. The shots THW was throwing at me got worse and even more explicit. I was going through a horrible time back then, and it only grew worse when Talia and the entirety of Generation Next left the company in protest after management had royally fucked up on the Jay Thunder and Damon Warrens situation. I never forgave James Baker and Terrell Ryder for what they did because both of them tried to throw me into that situation and attempted to split Talia and I apart. I didn't know what was going on because I didn't go to that house show for certain reasons. Those motherfuckers ultimately didn't succeed in splitting me up from my best friend, and again, nobody will ruin our friendship.
The bullying I endured from Totally Horrible Wrestling was just getting worse and I was also working hurt at the time, but I wanted to at least make it to the Battlefield, then if I didn't win, I would get surgery. But the final straw on what led to me doing what I did at Struggle for Power, conveniently involved Jay Thunder, who I never had an issue with but I know he was on decent enough terms with them, but they would piss him off too, and they pissed him off so bad to where he started telling me shit THW was saying about me behind my back. Those fucking nimrods had issues with damn near the entire roster by that point. Once Talia and company came back, they were public enemy number two in their eyes, while I was still their top target. I believe Liam Reilly and Damon Warrens were public enemy number three, I might be wrong on the order of that, but those cretins had their targets. Just an FYI, Damon should never have been fired from PCW to begin with.
Desiree Miles: I do remember you telling me everything Jay said. And it was bad. To what extent did he tell you what they said?
Danielle Lopez: It was to the point where they all could and should have been thrown in prison for terroristic threats against me. I won't repeat most of it, but some of it involved them wishing I was raped, wishing I would fucking die, all of that shit. When Jay told me all of this, I was beyond fucking livid and I knew I had to do something because for as much as I loved PCW and still do, I knew well and good management wasn't going to do shit, and I am not exactly willing to go to jail, so I came up with a plan. This is the first time the public will hear this.
Desiree Miles: Oh?
Danielle Lopez: Most people don't know that everything I said during the infamous and controversial interview with Michelle Silva was planned in advance. Every damn thing from that interview was planned for at least a week. Only people I told was Jay Thunder, and of course I told Talia Skye, she was the very first to know and I vented everything I said in that interview word for fucking word to her. You could very well say I went into business for myself, but I didn't give a fuck then and I damn sure don't give a fuck now. While the interview itself is known, nobody knew the atmosphere backstage. It was chaotic and there was a lot of tension because I think a lot of people knew something was going to happen, and after the Tag Team Title match between Thunder and Kai against Bull and Ape, Talia did everything she could to get me pissed off, and luckily enough she mentioned another talentless ape "Marina Valdivia", and that set me off. Smith Jones versus Brian Stryker concludes and I'm ready and angry for this interview.
Desiree Miles: You opened it up with a bag of straws as a prop, then it ended with some say you effectively killing off the Code of Honor. How much of a lift off of your shoulders was it to you at the time?
Danielle Lopez: I felt good saying all of that. I let out four months worth of stress in one segment, but I knew this conflict wasn't over. In fact, it got worse when "Miranda Rivers" involved "herself" in this, and I use that in quotation marks. If Adrien Cochrane hadn't have stepped in and was like the mediator for all of that, I would have been fired on the spot, but I don't think they wanted another wrongful termination case on their hands. I got scorn by the "major players" of THW at that time, while those in PCW, a large portion had my back and I'm very thankful they did. If I had to do it again though... you're fucking A right I would do it and in the same fucking fashion I did it in too.
Desiree Miles: In February of 2013, the affiliation between PCW and THW had ended when Valdivia, whichever personality this is, had taken yet another shot at you. Then that's when the whole situation went into a talespin. The company had to deal with that, as well as Heather Monroe taking a sabbatical and Adrien Cochrane's contract situation. But were you the only one involved in the situation?
Danielle Lopez: No, because I wasn't the only one with issues with them and everybody knew that. Damon Warrens got unfairly suspended for making comments that were true about these fucking parasites. He shouldn't have gotten suspended for telling the fucking truth.
Desiree Miles: Sometime in May though, about three months after the affiliation had ended, a bombshell was dropped. THW had money issues, the company died and Ryan Dangerous ended up being at least five other people. Miranda Rivers, Gabby Sparks, Marina Valdivia, all as the same people. How did you find out about this?
Danielle Lopez: I found out the day after they found out through a phone call from somebody in management. That person had told me every single thing that was said in a meeting they had right after Rapture because that's apparently when they found out. To say I was angry is understating it, I was pissed off beyond belief. I apologized to that fucking idiot, which I have since taken back because coming to know that the apology he issued to me ended up being a fucking lie, why the fuck should I have an apology for somebody stand in-tact when that fucking shit-stain on the underwear of life BULLIED the fuck out of myself and other PROMINENT names on the PCW roster? Truth be told, I still hate that motherfucker to this day. FUCK HIM! Next topic please.
Desiree Miles: We move past that, and we move to you getting a shot at the PCW World Heavyweight Championship against Syn, whom I know there's still animosity between you two to this day.
Danielle Lopez: Animosity is putting it nicely. He wants to murder me, he wants to make sure I die. He hates me, and I have to be honest, the feeling is mutual. All because of a kick to the face that I have done thousands of times before, but its not that I didn't put him in the match, I never said continue the match when he got hit, that was all him. But the kick happened, yes I hit him with Potential Brain Damage that fucked up his eye, it was an accident but that said, if you stuck us in the same room as the other, its very likely somebody would die... and it sure as hell will not be me. That being said, the matches were really good although there are consequences, such as why I need hip replacement surgery six years after being thrown off and through the cell, which I'm hoping to get in the next few months.
Desiree Miles: PCW ended with you on top, and that was the end of your full time in-ring career... but certainly not the end of you in professional wrestling because in February of 2014, you created the Women's Wrestling Alliance, and in the beginning, not many people expected it to succeed... but we all proved them wrong as WWA is going as strong as ever. Other than a four month hiatus, WWA has been running non-stop for almost six years. What is the recipe for the longevity?
Danielle Lopez: Competence and not treating your employees like shit. You have to have people who know what they are doing. You have to hire secretaries that are good at what they do, office staff who know what they're doing, the announce team does an excellent job with you leading the way, and you have to hire wrestlers who have the ability to be stars. There are projects you have to sign, but it’s up to the agents as well as myself to put them in the position to not only develop properly but to also let them become stars themselves. Plus you have to be fair to everybody and treat them with respect and be honest with them. There are girls on the roster who fit the star mode perfectly.
Desiree Miles: Such as?
Danielle Lopez: Reyna Carter is an example. She came in when her stock was real low and she still had a lot to learn, but she was given that time and platform to develop, and look at where she is now, she is the current WWA World Champion. Eavan Maloney was given that same platform and she's a top end talent. Molly Hatchet is a budding star, Talia Areano, Joanna, even Athena. And cousin Mariah developed as a strong singles star here in WWA. Of course, you also have to have good established talent too. Talia Skye, Morgan Simmons, Terra, Crystal Hilton and Crystal Alvarez fit that bill. But not everybody pans out.
Desiree Miles: What are the notable wrestlers who didn't pan out but you had hopes for?
Danielle Lopez: Well Sophia Young failed because she wasn't dedicated to her craft. Lois Thomas failed due to drug violations, and we have a very clear drug testing policy in WWA. Both Aubrey and Penelope Cassidy it just didn't work out. Our code of conduct that we expect out of the talents as well is very reasonable. We expect the wrestlers to be law abiding citizens and not do anything stupid. Taryn Willow breaking into Mariah's home and beating her to a pulp was an example of that as she was arrested and she was fired because it was in no way shape or form a part of the wrestling activities.
Desiree Miles: I'm fortunate to call WWA matches. Out of the wrestlers, who do you think will take that next leap?
Danielle Lopez: Kelli Saint I believe will take a leap, she's that talented. Eavan Maloney is a no-brainer, she's too talented not to. Kate Steele is a sleeper, Molly Hatchet is legit. There's a lot of talent that can definitely do it, but you have to make every opportunity count, and I think those are just an example of girls who can and will do it.
Desiree Miles: What match are you looking forward to the most for Halloween Fury?
Danielle Lopez: There are a lot of matches we have. I will watch every one of them. I couldn't tell you because there's so many. I don't think there will be a bad match on the card.
Desiree Miles: Years ago you got a divorce from James Baker, you managed to get a lot of assets in the settlement, but the one significant thing you managed to get was the PCW library which includes PCW itself, YouTube Championship Wrestling, Libertarian Wrestling, Premium Women's Wrestling, Pride Wrestling's tenure as PCW's developmental fed, Honorable Championship Wrestling, the list goes on. How does it feel to own the entire PCW catalog?
Danielle Lopez: Knowing the rights of PCW is in the hands of somebody who was a talent and was the face of the company, its very fitting. The reunion show was my idea, I wanted one last opportunity for those who never got to participate in the first one to say their goodbyes and whatnot. Make it more of an official closure as we all move on with our other endeavors.
Desiree Miles: What do you plan on doing at the Reunion Show?
Danielle Lopez: Des, we both know I can't entirely spoil that for reasons. I could either kick somebody's ass, reform a group or two, or both. You never know.
Desiree Miles: I want to talk about your management style. You are a friendly boss, you tell it like it is, but you're also fair across the board. You have family members and very close friends on the roster. How do you keep it all fair?
Danielle Lopez: Most in my position couldn't do it, and wrestlers themselves, they blend what we do on camera with their personal lives, like any choice you make could have consequences. Its kind of like that with me, but being in my position, I have to separate family ties and my friendships from running my own company to be the best it can be. Like I would have to make decisions that I know Talia might not 100% agree with, or something Mariah will throw a fit at, but I have to put the company first and foremost. The great thing about Talia is she understands that completely, that's why her and I, we separate the business aspect from our personal lives and not a lot of people do that.
Desiree Miles: Any last words?
Danielle Lopez: If you have never watched WWA before, tune in to see the best women on the planet do their thing on October 11th for Halloween Fury, and tune in on November 23rd for the Reunion Show titled #OneLastDance. Thank you to all of the fans who have supported me for the last ten years and we will continue this journey for as long as possible. Thank you all again.
Danielle and Desiree share another hug before she walks to the back.
Desiree Miles: Always humble and never minces words. Danielle is a wonderful guest. My next guests are a Tag Team. Former PCW World Tag Team Champions and Hall of Fame duo. They are two twin brothers who are just excellent ambassadors for wrestling in Canada. Please welcome, Aaron and Nathan... THE WARRENS TWINS!
“This Will Be the Day” by Jeff Williams plays and Nathan and Aaron Warrens walk out on stage in black dress pants and red button ups.
Desiree Miles: Welcome boys, welcome to the show. How does it feel to be back on a more Premium type of show?
Nathan Warrens: It’s great! So excited to be here Desiree!
Desiree Miles: You two have competed all over the world, having competed against the best both in tag team AND singles competition. Tag team wise, which promotion, as well as tag teams do you two consider to have been the most enjoyable during your time together?
Nathan Warrens: Obviously our time in PCW as a team was amazing. And the most enjoyable tag team to face was in all honesty Styles and Banks. They were the toughest we ever faced.
Desiree Miles: Now we'll transition to singles. Both of you have done so, Aaron mostly on the international scale as a former JPW World Champion. As singles competitors, who was your favorite opponent and your favorite accomplishment?
Aaron Warrens: My favorite accomplishment…..beating Sickboy.
Nathan Warrens: I’d have to say my favorite opponent would have to be when I got to face my husband. Honestly I don’t really have many singles accomplishments though.
Desiree Miles: We'll get into more about wrestling in a bit. I want to talk about the beginning. You two are clearly twin brothers, no question about it, but you two also have had to overcome a lot of adversity in your lives such as your mother having passed away due to breast cancer, your step father being verbally abusive, and even a suicide attempt by Nathan at the age of sixteen. How did you two ultimately overcome that to become better human beings, and how do you use those experiences in your day-to-day life to not only continue being great people, but also set a fine example for young kids and even teenagers all across the world?
Nathan Warrens: Well honestly we got each other through it. We’ve helped each other through every obstacle we’ve ever had to face. We try to pass that message of support and strength onto the next generation...pun intended.. Through our various charitable works.
Desiree Miles: The one shining light throughout that bad period in your lives was going to a local gym in Toronto called the Squared Circle where you met, and I know you two agree with me on this, but there you met two exceptional human beings Jane Isis and Talia Skye. Describe your initial impression of the two and how well you four became a very tight-knit group of friends. And do you two still keep in great contact with them both?
Nathan Warrens: Jane right away was just the sweetest person. And so dedicated to improving.
Aaron Warrens: Talia seemed snobby.
Nathan Warrens: Damn.. yeah in fairness she seemed like a huge jerk at first, but it was a case of a hard shell protecting a soft inside. Once we broke through we saw how amazing and selfless she was. And yes we keep in fairly frequent contact. We actually have a GeNext group message that goes non-stop.
Desiree Miles: Following graduating the Squared Circle, you two went on to a very successful tenure on the Canadian independent wrestling scene before joining up with a Connecticut based wrestling promotion. How did you two feel about your time in that very promotion?
Nathan Warrens: It was a great opportunity.
Aaron Warrens: We were underutilized. It was honestly a bit of a waste.
Nathan Warrens: But it got us on PCW’s radar.
Desiree Miles: Great segway to our next topic, which is PCW. I want to say a day or two after the very first show, you two signed contracts with the company, but Nathan was the only one of you to have made the on-screen debut, teaming with Damon as WWI and participating in the Jerry Static invitational while also being trained in more extreme based matches by Da Xtreme Dynasty. Whereas Aaron had made his very first appearance at that abomination of a show called Alma Mater Diem. Was there a particular reason as to why Nathan's PCW run began more immediately? And why was Aaron's debut much later knowing you two and Damon signed your contracts on the very same day?
Aaron Warrens: I unfortunately had to nurse a minor injury, sprained ankle.
Nathan Warrens: It unfortunately delayed the twin brother thing for a bit, but ultimately was worth it.
Desiree Miles: Your PCW tenure had a lot of highs. From Aaron debuting as the Crimson Ghost, to you two having a classic contest with Da Xtreme Dynasty to kick off 2011, to you becoming PCW World Tag Team Champions, all in that first run. How would you two say that very run was for the both of you?
Aaron Warrens: It was incredible.
Nathan Warrens: It really was. It was the first time that a major promotion gave us the ball and let us run with it, so it was amazing to prove that we had what it took to reliably carry that ball.
Desiree Miles: We transition to the second run. For nearly all of it, you two were pretty much under Legends contracts if I'm not mistaken, I could be wrong as I was never privy to any of that. Then the Jay Thunder thing happened in September. You two, along with Talia Skye and Jane Isis walked out of PCW following Damon being controversially fired. Now I will ask Damon more details about this when he comes on the show, but how did you two feel about the situation from afar? And what was your contract situation with PCW at that time?
Aaron Warrens: It was objectively bullshit.
Nathan Warrens: I mean first off it’s hard to see the person you care about mistreated. Beyond that we were both friends with management so it was even a bit more personal. In terms of contracts we were in the negotiations process to ink a possible 2 year deal, but we tore up the contracts that night in the office.
Desiree Miles: But eventually you two along with Talia, Jane and Damon were let back into the Hall of Fame. Tell me your reaction to the whole thing?
Nathan Warrens: It was definitely a shock. When we were given the news we would be re-inducted it felt amazing. For me it really helped mend the bridge.
Desiree Miles: I want to kind of bring this particular subject to Aaron. Time passes, PCW closes off again and both of you went off the grid. However in 2014, 2015, you Aaron resurfaced in Japan Pro Wrestling where you were a part of the International Yakuza and that group was very successful with both you and Ciaran Quin as JPW World Champions. How was working the Japanese professional wrestling scene?
Aaron Warrens: It was a great opportunity. It’s a very different culture than in America… and they have such an unwavering respect for the business. Not to mention they have some of the hardest hitters I’ve every faced.
Desiree Miles: Once JPW did their mass exodus of talent's due to the ownership backing change and all that, not much was heard... until you two resurfaced in Cardinal City Pro. What lead you two to signing with the promotion?
Nathan Warrens: We both started to get that itch again… we missed being in the ring together. And it really helped that Damon was already under contract so it was an easy negotiation process.
Desiree Miles: For months upon months, Kevin Styles and J.T. Banks of Da Xtreme Dynasty have professed having a rematch with you two guys, wanting to recreate the magic from your classic 2011 match with them. What lead you guys to accepting that match months after they had wanted that match again?
Nathan Warrens: Honestly there was a big part of us that didn’t think the match would ever happen. Once we saw that the rumours of a reunion were more than just rumours … we had to accept.
Desiree Miles: I do want to get more into the Reunion Show. Obviously you two don't have that much venom against PCW, annoyance more than anything, but what lead you two to accepting the invitation to appear knowing none of the people who ran either iteration of the company even has the rights to it?
Aaron Warrens: It isn’t about who has the rights to PCW. The fans do. And they want one more night..and so we will give them it.
Desiree Miles: Do you have any words for Da Dynasty themselves?
Nathan Warrens: Banks… Styles… many years ago you barely walked away the victors. We’ve had years since to grow.. To improve.
Aaron Warrens: We took you to the limit before, but at the Reunion Show we will become the limit.
Nathan Warrens: We can’t wait to revisit one of the greatest matches of all time with you two… but this time we’re rewriting history. It’s time for a new generation to take control. It’s the time of Generation Next.
Aaron and Nathan walk off the stage and to the back.
Desiree Miles: We'll definitely get an entertaining match, that's for sure. My next guest is a surprise. He is a former Platinum Champion and Hall of Famer for his grit and grind nature. He is... RYAN ROBINSON!
"Chop Suey" by System Of A Down hits the sound system, and Ryan Robinson steps out on stage as the crowd erupts with cheers. Ryan takes time to pander to the fans before giving Desiree a hug, and taking a seat.
Desiree Miles: Welcome to the show Ryan. With all of the rumor and innuendo rolling around, I want to ask. How are you feeling?
Ryan Robinson: "Thank you for having me, my friend! I am feeling great! Thank you for asking!"
Desiree Miles: I'm going to jump in from the beginning. In wrestling lore, you're known primarily as "The Reaper", but it wasn't always that way. If you could, describe how Ryan Robinson was in pro wrestling before he became "The Reaper".
Ryan Robinson: "Well, Desiree. To be honest with you. At the beginning of my career. I was just me. A crazy Southern Metal Head who likes to have fun. Problem was I happen to have Autism which has always been a known fact. A lot of people can tell. And there were people who saw me as a publicity stunt. Just a guy with Autism who some small promotions were giving a chance to live his dream so they could get good publicity. And maybe that was true. Who is to say? You see, Desiree. I honestly didn't start out with the best win/loss record. I didn't have this unbelievable undefeated streak. I actually started out with a LOSING streak. You could have called me a jobber if I hadn't got any offense in those matches, but I did better every time I got in the ring, I kept getting a bigger reaction from the fans, and I started winning more and more matches. I became an Indy sensation!"
The crowd cheers.
Desiree Miles: Is there any fond memories from the pre-Reaper days, or no?
Ryan laughs.
Ryan Robinson: "Hell yeah there was! you better believe it! A lot of people tell me that I never would have became World Champion if I was never The Reaper....and they are more than likely correct about that."
Ryan and Desiree share a laugh.
Ryan Robinson: "But here is the thing. Sure I got to express my mean streak and my dark side as The Reaper, and that could be fun at times, but before I was The Reaper, I was always allowed to be myself, and I could connect with people on a whole different level. I had fun EVERY SINGLE TIME I got in that ring. Regardless of the match stipulations. I can't list any fond memories at the top of my head because it was all great to me. I loved it!"
The crowd cheers loudly.
Desiree Miles: I want to specifically ask about your life as a child. Rumor and innuendo has stated that you and your twin sister Rachel were beaten and battered on a constant basis by both your father and then your step mother all the while your mother sat there and watched. You specifically got abused even further when you stuck up for your sister. How was life growing up knowing that your sister was the only one who had your back, and vice-versa?
Ryan Robinson: "Well. Despite the fact that I was viewed as a reject, and the same goes for my Sister just for the unfair fact that she is my Sister. We actually did have friends. One of them obviously being my beautiful Wife, Bella!"
The crowd cheers.
Ryan Robinson: "But yes. The thing is our friends weren't always around. Rachel and I are not only Siblings, but Twins so we have ALWAYS been together, and have never been apart. Getting beat by my Father and verbally abused by my Step Mother was hard, but I knew I had to be strong. Not just for me. Not just for Rachel, but also for our Younger Sister who we were both protecting. I know there are people who grew up hating the World because they grew up that way, but I never allowed myself to be that Person. I always believed there was more to life. I aimed for something bigger. As for my Mom. The part about her letting all of that happen is a tad exaggerated. I wouldn't say she just sat there and watched. I believe she did her best under those circumstances. Hell. She's the reason we were able to get out of there. I don't hate her. I never did. I have even forgave my Father over the years. I think he has changed, and besides. He made me as tough as I am so I am thankful for that. It's just a shame that our Family is going through such tough times with Rachel's career ending injuries as well as other things which you agreed you wouldn't ask me about, Desiree. So thank you for that."
Desiree Miles: By the age of 13, both you and Rachel escaped the home, lived with various relatives until you two met Damian Seth, prominent wrestler in the Louisville wrestling territories who would later become a well renowned trainer in the sport. How much of a father figure would Damian become to the two of you, and what life lessons did you both learn from him?
Ryan Robinson: "Damian watched out for us, but he also taught us to watch out for ourselves. This business is full of selfish promoters who only care about the money you make them. You have to be careful because if something happens to you, they are finished with you, they don't care, so it's good to have a backup plan. Damian has been around for a long time so he would know. He has seen it happen. Especially as someone who has competed in some of the most dangerous matches in this business. He was a hardcore wrestler just like I am,"
Desiree Miles: Now back to the business of wrestling. Fans are wondering, how exactly did you become The Reaper?
Ryan Robinson: "There is actually an interesting story behind that. There has actually been a number of wrestlers in this business who has had some form of a Reaper or Incarnation of Death gimmick, but one guy who did it before me was a guy by the name of Steve Callaway. Anyway. I had just wrestled a match for an Indy show in Brooklyn, and after the show, I was legit attacked, and beat down by some thugs in the Parking Lot."
Desiree gives Ryan a look of disbelief as the crowd lets out a gasp.
Ryan Robinson: "It's fine! I am obviously still alive, and surprisingly nothing was stolen that night."
Ryan lets out a small chuckle.
Ryan Robinson: "But I was beat pretty bad, and needed to take some time off to heal, and I get a phone call from Damian Seth. He tells me that Steve Callaway is retiring, and he wants me to be the new Reaper because he believes I could pull it off...I won't lie. My first thought was "Well this is going to be a disaster!"
The crowd laughs as Desiree smiles.
Ryan Robinson: "But I felt my character probably needed an edge, and if it failed, which luckily it didn't. I knew I could Go back to being myself. So I just agreed to it, and we turned my situation into a storyline where Stephon Jones and The Dark Cyde Mafia were revealed as the people who attacked me, and there was actually a rumor going around in real life that I had been killed for some reason so we kinda took that into play to transform me into The Reaper. We started making these creepy video packages, which were warning Stephon Jones, and telling him to "Fear The Reaper". I eventually returned. I was actually able to somehow get over with the gimmick, and the rest is history."
Desiree Miles: You were very prominent in Cardinal City Pro, having won their World Title on several occasions... then, you were signed by a promotion called Wrestle Kings Federation, whom let's be honest with ourselves, the only wrestlers worth a damn that came from there were yourself and Syn. How was it like working for that promotion?
Ryan laughs.
Ryan Robinson: "I'm over it to be honest, but yeah. Putting the anger I had during it's run aside. I didn't agree with a lot of the booking. I think Fire and Ice should have been the first Tag Team Champions, and I was told by some of the top Pro Wrestlers in this industry that I should have won some of those matches that I lost which you could say is a matter of opinion although I think the guys who told me that knew what they were talking about. I think those losses kinda affected my momentum in other promotions, but I will say that Syn being World Champion was a PERFECT choice. As for the Owner himself. I no longer have beef with him. I don't agree with some of his views on things, but I myself no longer have any personal business with Curtis. He always told me he liked my character. Rather he was telling the truth or not. Who knows? He could have thought I was a joke or maybe he just felt those guys needed to beat me. It's all a matter of opinion, and I choose to forget about it, and move on. I did win the World Championship in the end, so I have no reason to be butthurt."
Desiree Miles: I did mention Syn in there. You two have a bipolar relationship at best. Both like and hate at the same time. How did you two meet, and how would you describe your relationship with him today?
Ryan Robinson: "We seemed like the worst of enemies on screen, but off screen is a completely different story. I love that guy! He's my best friend in this business. We both had a rough childhood, and we can relate to each other. We always had fun when we were in that ring together. Our feud was hands down the best part of WKF in my opinion, and I still love that guy. We have fun beating the hell out of each other, but he knows I would do anything for him, and I know he would do the same for me."
Desiree Miles: I did state that you and Syn were the only wrestlers worth a damn on the WKF roster, and fittingly, you two were signed to PCW contracts when the promotion returned in 2012. What were your initial thoughts of PCW?
Ryan Robinson: "PCW was the first major promotion to ever sign me so it was a very big deal for me. Things didn't start out too hot but I was still feeling the effects of WKF so I was trying to evolve my character a bit more so I could get back on track. Which I eventually did, but I mostly loved working for PCW. Experiencing some of the backstage drama wasn't the best thing in the World, but other than that. It was great. Loved my feud with Jerry Matthews. Winning the Platinum Championship was most definitely the highlight of my time in that promotion."
Desiree Miles: In PCW, Reaper initially was up against Syn, but then you took some time off, but when you came back, you were at the top of your game, going up against Jerry Matthews who held the Platinum Championship at the time, gaining an upset win and later beating him for the title. You were white hot in 2013 but a nagging hip injury took you down and you dropped the title to Jay Thunder in September of that year. Overall, how would you view 2013 for you and are there any regrets?
Ryan Robinson: "Yeah. That damn hip injury!"
Ryan shares a laugh with Desiree and the fans.
Ryan Robinson: "Nah. My only real regrets are my ego I developed. not standing up for certain people I could have helped out or not trying to play peacemaker in certain situations when I should have. I feel like certain situations could have possibly been avoided if I involved myself in them. But I was too worried about being Platinum Champion, and by the time I was injured....it was too late to do anything. This caused my friendship with Liam Reilly to become a bit rocky although things have got better, and I was never able to become close friends with Damon Warrens who I always had a lot of respect for regardless of how he may or may not feel about me."
Desiree Miles: Since then, you've primarily wrestled in JPW, with returns to CCP every now and then. You also for a time were the General Manager in WWA. How was that GM tenure for you?
Ryan Robinson: "It was an absolute disaster! It wasn't my idea, but I agreed to it, and I apologize for it."
Desiree Miles: I noticed a month back, Abby Parker had become The Reaper and I let my own thoughts known about that particular move. How do you, Ryan Robinson, feel about her stealing your persona?
Ryan Robinson: I'm okay with it. It was of course my idea. I know people aren't happy with how it's being handled. Especially due to reports about my health, but people just need to remember that Abby is playing the role of a heel who needs heat, and I have given her permission to do everything she is doing. Someone needs to be The Reaper once I'm gone. Might as well be a Protege of mine,
Desiree Miles: I don't think I follow... but go on ahead.
Ryan Robinson: "Not going to lie, Desiree. My career is coming close to an end, and my match with my friend, Liam Reilly will indeed be the last time I ever step into the ring. I will be wrestling as The Reaper one last time, and I plan on leaving all of my fans with something they will never forget. But once it is all over, and I am gone. I need someone else to be The Reaper. It might as well be someone I have trained who would do a good job carrying the gimmick. That person is Abby Parker."
Desiree Miles: Lastly, any response to Liam Reilly heading into the Reunion Show?
Ryan looks into the camera.
Ryan Robinson: "Liam. You want a fight with PCW so there is no better opponent for you than me. As I stated before, you deserve a chance to get revenge, but I can't just lay down, and let you take it. I'm a fighter till the end, and I have a legacy to defend so I plan on carrying the PCW flag to victory. So this is how things are going to go. I'm going to beat you, and after the match? You and I are going to shake hands because THAT is what needs to happen! Until then?....well....Fear The Reaper!"
"Don't Fear The Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult hits the sound system, and a creepy blue light fills the scene while Ryan stares into the camera with a blank expression on his face as lightning strikes the stage, the crowd cheers loudly, and Desiree looks at him with a surprised on her face.