Exclusive Interview with Jeff Jarrett

From Larry Goodman: Our Carolina News and Notes columnist Jeff Richards secured the following interview with Jeff Jarrett, the CE...

From Larry Goodman:

Our Carolina News and Notes columnist Jeff Richards secured the following interview with Jeff Jarrett, the CEO of Global Force Wrestling (GFW), during Jarrett's appearance in Gastonia, NC on 4/18/15.

Q: With your being so heavily involved in the start-up of Total Non-Stop Action, what challenges have you faced in the launching of the GFW brand?

JJ: Well, you know, it's a different day. 2002-2015 from a media standpoint, from a distribution standpoint, it doesn't even almost compare. The traffic is different with Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, streaming services...I think it's much easier to get your product seen and known. Coming off the heels of "Wrestle Kingdom IX," we promoted that pay-per-view strictly online and very successfully. We're very happy with that. We announced it last April just the name of the company and put together the different alliances, the different promotions of the world. I was aware of it before; everyday the world is just so much more connected, more closer together. There's fans from all over the world that are Global Force fans, and that excites me. It really, really does. AAA fans and New Japan fans and all the promotions throughout Europe, they're all inter-connected now.

Q: How will you differentiate your product from the other wrestling and/or sports entertainment organizations already in existence?

JJ: You know what? My shorter answer is "stay tuned." You will definitely see in the weeks and months to come. But how are we different? We're already different in that we recognize promotions from around the world, and we're very proud of it. We're a professional wrestling organization called Global Force Wrestling, but you're going to see stars from New Japan, AAA and independents from all across the country. I can't tell you how deep or rich the roster is out there. There's talent from all over the world and not just good talent. There's great talent. That excites me. The month of May is going to be really exciting for Global Force with the announcements that we're going to be making. At the very top of that list is the live events that we're going to announce as well as the talent. So, I'm excited.

Q: Seeing that you are revisiting the independent scene as a worker and working one of your first dates in NC in years, what talent are you still hoping to find to complete your roster?

JJ: Well, you know, Gunner. I just saw him and, you know, he's under contract. He's a phenomenal talent. Corey Hollis...that dressing room is full of talent tonight. My opponent, Mike Knox, is a heck of a talent. I know I sound repetitive but all over the globe. It is so rich, so deep. So, this booking came out of the blue, but I've got an event tomorrow at the Smokies' ballpark in Knoxville on the way back home. This is my roots. Coming to a high school gym...I grew up with my grandpa, my grandmom going to high school gyms, setting up the ring, setting up chairs, selling concessions, selling pictures. Now they call it "independent wrestling," but this is wrestling, and it's for a fantastic, great cause. The sheriff came into the dressing room before the event tonight and really thanked each one of us individually and talked about where the money goes. The money goes to the kids who have fallen off track and helps get them back on track. When you think about it, I'm blessed that I get to come to work and help raise money for those type causes. That's the wrestling I feel good about.