Post by Sah'ta Thor on Oct 4, 2018 15:27:08 GMT -8
Phoenix Nest
Las Vegas, NV
September 4, 2018
1 PM
Las Vegas, NV
September 4, 2018
1 PM
It had been a few days since Chaos and Nathaniel Grant had had plenty of time to reflect on the match with Stasi. He had already met with Micheal Graves and Cadryn Tiberius about about it all and things would be getting interesting. Strangely though for a man who has lost a shot at being the first ever to hold the IPW World championship he looked rather amused. He was currently seated behind a redwood desk in a black high backed roller office chair. The desk showed the signs of copious use and the organized chaos of a businessman engaged in several projects at once.
On the other side of the desk sat IPW's investigative reporter Mickey "Mouse" Greer. He had been invited to come talk to Nathaniel about his recent loss and what he was going to next. Of course Greer had agreed to come up to Las Vegas to get the chance to talk. Afterall. Greer was an investigative reporter and this sound like a gold story.
"Thank you for the invite to this interview. I understand that you are a busy man. Between, being a professional, wrestler, businessman, husband, and father. How do you manage it all?"
Nathaniel chuckles a little at the question. Some days he wondered the same thing. However, he managed it all with a bit of creative multitasking.
"Glad to have you here Mickey. If you want anything to drink feel free to grab something from the fully stocked bar behind you. As for how I find time to do it all, I have found ways to utilize my time effectively. When I am working out I listen to audio from either my opponents promo for my wrestling or have verbal reports from the Imperial Enterprises Board of Directors. I may not have a hand in day to day operation but I keep up on my company. Thing is I have learned that it is best to hire those who know what you don't and then let them work their magic. It has been a good system so far. Another thing i do is use travel time to read reports or make notes. On show days I put everything by the upcoming match on the back burner. With the current bi-weekly schedule in Iconic I am able to fly home for a few days every week."
"What do you mean fly home? You are billed from Las Vegas but you make it sound like you don't life here. If that is the case where is home."
Here was a question that had been out there for years.
"My main residence is in the mountains south of Gray Prek about an two hours outside of Centennial, Colorado. It js a refurbished and relocates old castle that I had brought over from Europe and reassemble there. Castle Thorn, is a true castle and while it isn't fully staffed there are full time employees. It sits in the center of the several thousand acres plot I own the. Additionally at one corner of the land is a much smaller two three bedroom cottage known as Orchid Manor. If you have been in the area you know the terrain and climate are."
"Sounds like an impressive place. I also detect that there is a story behind the names."
"Well the thing is that my first wife had an impressive rose garden that I found and had transplanted here after the building was in place. Now those roses form a maze that has several secluded nooks and crannies for a romantic interlude or a peaceful get away. As for the cottage. It was where my first ex-wife and lived during the short time that we had tried to get back together. She loved orchids and it was our personal manor so it stuck."
Greer nods slowly in understanding at the meaning and importance of the names.
"Ahhh. Moving along, I am curious about the history of the Phoenix Nest.You have used this building a couple of times in you video uploads to the IPW website since you joined the company. How did you acquire such a fine arena?"
There is a hint of accusation in Greer's tone that Nathaniel just ignores.
"Back in 2008 I was part of a company known as Fantasy Wrestling Federation. There was ownership trouble that lead to a company hiatus. Shortly after the break started the majority of the company moved on and with the help of some investors Phoenix Wrestling Enterprise was born. I used my resources in the Imperial Enterprises to build it. When PWE closed I reclaimed ownership and have been using it as a training center since. I was going to open my own company here one day but things never just worked out to pull it all together. So now it is used to host local indie promotions when not being used by various members of the Imperial Enterprises or Empire Blood, the social movement i founded to make the world a better place, members who are in the area."
There is a pause as Nathaniel gets up and walks over to the bar to make himself a screwdriver. Once made he comes back to sit d9wn again. Meanwhile, Greer was making careful notes about topics he would look into later. Afterall, there could be much that wasn't being said.
"Now let's get to the question that every wants to know the answer to, are you afraid if Stashi after the way she beat you last Chaos?"
A smirk starts to cross Nathaniel's lips as he hears the question. This was what he had expected to have to answer. He know it was a burning issue on many people's minds but had wondered who would raise it first.
"No I am not afraid of Stashi because I have dealt with worse beatings in the ring many times. Even after she insulted me multiple ways going into our match the other night, I still didn't call her abilities in the ring into question. Sure she targeted my arm but you know how big a part playing to the crowd is in the wrestling business. Many people think that wrestling is just a matter of going out there and being the better fighter. It isn't there are often backstage matters that dictate match outcomes. I plan on exploring that at a later time. You ask if I fear Stashi for beating me with her brutal style and targeted attacking then choking me out? No I am not, in fact that match ended the way IPW needed it to. I am not saying Stasi didn't earn her victory but I allowed it to happen. It was what was the best for creating the future IPW image. As has been brought up several times IPW isn't EHWF 2.0."
Nathaniel takes a drink from his glass as Greer goes over to get a water.
"So you are saying that you intentionally lost last Chaos? What is the motivation behind that?"
"I never intended to make it out of the first round. I entered the tournament with one specific goal. Sure it would have been amazing to get my name in the book as the first IPW Champion and my competitive side hungered for that. However, I made a business decision and invested in Iconic Media, LLC. Along with Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Holloway I am an IPW Investor. My spot in the tournament was to be a credible opponent whose history in the ring would add to the momentum of whoever beat me. Thing is I knew that that even if I made the finals there would be IPW Original as well. I The key to Stasi's victory was that I able to make my losing to Stasi not look like I was purposely putting her over by exaggerating the pain in my shoulder didn't hurt but not as much as I let on."
Greer sits making notes as Nathaniel falls quite. Truth was that his shoulder hurt was still a lovely mass of purple, black and yellow bruised flesh.
"Let me get this straight you purposely entered this tournament with the express plan of losing? I find that hard to believe that a competitor with you experience and age would give up what could be your last shot at the IPW World CHampionship. Yu say it is because are supposedly an Iconic Media, LLC Investor but I just think you really do fear Stasi."
A moment of tension passes before Nathaniel starts to laugh before sliding over a folder labeled Iconic Media, LLC. Inside the folder we copies of a sponsorship contract between Imperial Enterprises and Iconic Media for future expansion and growth. The date of the document was the day before the first Metal. The second form was a receipt for a personal Investment from Nathaniel expressly earmarked for better wages for new hires. Also include was a list of long term ideas that Nathaniel was working on that would need to be discussed with the other Investors.
"I know you are just looking for a story, which is why i called you in the first place, but that doesn't give you the right to question my credibility. I don't appreciate the insinuation that I am scared of someone just because they are half my age. Speaking of age I am s sick of being discriminated against because I am old. I heard that people are wondering why I am mad about this when I am in fact old.THe answer is that I don't to hear EVERY time someone opens their mouth about me. Women don't like being constantly referred by their gender. Blacks sure as hell don't put up with constantly being reminded every conversation that they are black. So WHY do those of us in this business who are older than 35 get treated like we are? FOr my case I know full well that I am old I don't need to be reminded about before every match. My body does that well enough on it own. That is the core of my anger, the bottom line is that Ageism is even a bigger problem than sexism is in the wrestling Industry. I applaud Stasi for wanting to be an inspiration to you girl and women but at the time I wonder if her methods and attitude send the right message."
Another drink is taken from his glass as Nathaniel waits for Greer to ask his next question.
"Well then you are going to have trouble getting that opinion to stick. I do want to know how this ties into the Imperial Youth Wrestling organization that you founded back in 2010."
"Honestly, if you look back in history, until about the mid 1800's kids were used in several manners in military settings. While wrestling isn't a military there are somethings that can be said about that compare. First, wrestling success comes down to discipline. This is something that has become lacking in kids these days. I know than many would argue that teaching kids as young as 7 how to wrestle the professional style is dangerous.SUre but then again is peewee football or karate. My kids have gotten hurt just messing around outside. The point is the IYW circuit allows kids to learn discipline as well as some self defense techniques in a way that inspires them to the things they see on chows like Chaos. Though you really have to understand that the IYW is because of my adopted daughter Isabella. I rescued her from a rather sick and twisted situation that left her a traumatized. I took her from that and she latched onto my wrestling career and wanted to be one herself. I created a trial group and in a short time I noticed she was less spooked by things the more she learned. THe other kids involved where the same way. Friendship started and real healing came out it. So now the IYW is a way for kids to work out their emotions in a safe responsible place."
Looking up at the time Nathaniel smiles setting his quarter full glass on the desk.
"Do you have any further questions? I have an appointment I need to get to in few minutes."
"What is it you want from the people in the IPW locker room?"
"Respect. They don't have to like me as a person. They don't have to see the world as I do but that can give me the respect that having done the things I have done in my career has earned me. I understand ego and competition but I want people to respect that there are lines that shouldn't be crossed in talking about upcoming matches. I treat even the people who think I am trash with enough respect not to stoop to petty insults, most of the time. I would hope to get the same back."
With that Nathaniel signals that the interview was over and waits for Greer to leave before making a phone call. For Greer's part he had gotten some things worth following up on that could leader to several future stories.
"Now let's get to the question that every wants to know the answer to, are you afraid if Stashi after the way she beat you last Chaos?"
A smirk starts to cross Nathaniel's lips as he hears the question. This was what he had expected to have to answer. He know it was a burning issue on many people's minds but had wondered who would raise it first.
"No I am not afraid of Stashi because I have dealt with worse beatings in the ring many times. Even after she insulted me multiple ways going into our match the other night, I still didn't call her abilities in the ring into question. Sure she targeted my arm but you know how big a part playing to the crowd is in the wrestling business. Many people think that wrestling is just a matter of going out there and being the better fighter. It isn't there are often backstage matters that dictate match outcomes. I plan on exploring that at a later time. You ask if I fear Stashi for beating me with her brutal style and targeted attacking then choking me out? No I am not, in fact that match ended the way IPW needed it to. I am not saying Stasi didn't earn her victory but I allowed it to happen. It was what was the best for creating the future IPW image. As has been brought up several times IPW isn't EHWF 2.0."
Nathaniel takes a drink from his glass as Greer goes over to get a water.
"So you are saying that you intentionally lost last Chaos? What is the motivation behind that?"
"I never intended to make it out of the first round. I entered the tournament with one specific goal. Sure it would have been amazing to get my name in the book as the first IPW Champion and my competitive side hungered for that. However, I made a business decision and invested in Iconic Media, LLC. Along with Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Holloway I am an IPW Investor. My spot in the tournament was to be a credible opponent whose history in the ring would add to the momentum of whoever beat me. Thing is I knew that that even if I made the finals there would be IPW Original as well. I The key to Stasi's victory was that I able to make my losing to Stasi not look like I was purposely putting her over by exaggerating the pain in my shoulder didn't hurt but not as much as I let on."
Greer sits making notes as Nathaniel falls quite. Truth was that his shoulder hurt was still a lovely mass of purple, black and yellow bruised flesh.
"Let me get this straight you purposely entered this tournament with the express plan of losing? I find that hard to believe that a competitor with you experience and age would give up what could be your last shot at the IPW World CHampionship. Yu say it is because are supposedly an Iconic Media, LLC Investor but I just think you really do fear Stasi."
A moment of tension passes before Nathaniel starts to laugh before sliding over a folder labeled Iconic Media, LLC. Inside the folder we copies of a sponsorship contract between Imperial Enterprises and Iconic Media for future expansion and growth. The date of the document was the day before the first Metal. The second form was a receipt for a personal Investment from Nathaniel expressly earmarked for better wages for new hires. Also include was a list of long term ideas that Nathaniel was working on that would need to be discussed with the other Investors.
"I know you are just looking for a story, which is why i called you in the first place, but that doesn't give you the right to question my credibility. I don't appreciate the insinuation that I am scared of someone just because they are half my age. Speaking of age I am s sick of being discriminated against because I am old. I heard that people are wondering why I am mad about this when I am in fact old.THe answer is that I don't to hear EVERY time someone opens their mouth about me. Women don't like being constantly referred by their gender. Blacks sure as hell don't put up with constantly being reminded every conversation that they are black. So WHY do those of us in this business who are older than 35 get treated like we are? FOr my case I know full well that I am old I don't need to be reminded about before every match. My body does that well enough on it own. That is the core of my anger, the bottom line is that Ageism is even a bigger problem than sexism is in the wrestling Industry. I applaud Stasi for wanting to be an inspiration to you girl and women but at the time I wonder if her methods and attitude send the right message."
Another drink is taken from his glass as Nathaniel waits for Greer to ask his next question.
"Well then you are going to have trouble getting that opinion to stick. I do want to know how this ties into the Imperial Youth Wrestling organization that you founded back in 2010."
"Honestly, if you look back in history, until about the mid 1800's kids were used in several manners in military settings. While wrestling isn't a military there are somethings that can be said about that compare. First, wrestling success comes down to discipline. This is something that has become lacking in kids these days. I know than many would argue that teaching kids as young as 7 how to wrestle the professional style is dangerous.SUre but then again is peewee football or karate. My kids have gotten hurt just messing around outside. The point is the IYW circuit allows kids to learn discipline as well as some self defense techniques in a way that inspires them to the things they see on chows like Chaos. Though you really have to understand that the IYW is because of my adopted daughter Isabella. I rescued her from a rather sick and twisted situation that left her a traumatized. I took her from that and she latched onto my wrestling career and wanted to be one herself. I created a trial group and in a short time I noticed she was less spooked by things the more she learned. THe other kids involved where the same way. Friendship started and real healing came out it. So now the IYW is a way for kids to work out their emotions in a safe responsible place."
Looking up at the time Nathaniel smiles setting his quarter full glass on the desk.
"Do you have any further questions? I have an appointment I need to get to in few minutes."
"What is it you want from the people in the IPW locker room?"
"Respect. They don't have to like me as a person. They don't have to see the world as I do but that can give me the respect that having done the things I have done in my career has earned me. I understand ego and competition but I want people to respect that there are lines that shouldn't be crossed in talking about upcoming matches. I treat even the people who think I am trash with enough respect not to stoop to petty insults, most of the time. I would hope to get the same back."
With that Nathaniel signals that the interview was over and waits for Greer to leave before making a phone call. For Greer's part he had gotten some things worth following up on that could leader to several future stories.
