Post by Samuel on Sept 10, 2011 23:57:28 GMT -5
Pro Wrestling Illustrated Exclusive Interview:
EWN Co-Owner Ivory talks about EWN re-opening, her career ambitions, and the state of EWN as a whole.
[/color]EWN Co-Owner Ivory talks about EWN re-opening, her career ambitions, and the state of EWN as a whole.
by: Jason Lee Scott
Jason Lee Scott: Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with the Elite Wrestling Network or EWN founder and co-owner Lisa "Ivory" Moretti.
Lisa "Ivory" Moretti: Thank you for having me Jason, I'm really glad to be here.
So Lisa the wrestling world is buzzing about the re-opening of EWN and there have been some troubles getting off the ground and gaining a solid foot-hold. So my question is what is going to make it work this time around?
Well Jason when we had our temporary closing I conducted what the Army likes to call an After Action Review and I asked myself what was supposed to happen, what actually happened, what should I sustain, what can I improve on for next time. After answering those questions which I will share with you in a moment I decided that I owed it to myself, the fans, and all those that were or are still employed with EWN to come back faster, harder, and stronger than any other company out there. I owed it to myself to own my own successful company and show the world that women can run a successful wrestling company without becoming a joke or allowing her company to become a joke.
What has The Rock been bringing to table of this partnership?
Honestly Jason he has been absolutely wonderful. I know everyone out there was scratching their heads at this partnership choice for running a wrestling company but we actually balance one another out. I'm more of the serious "straight to business" type and he's about entertainment and making sure everyone has a good time. He keeps me from being too serious and I keep him from being too playful so it's a very good balance though we fight like always and it's quite funny when I see some of our antics on film but infuriating while going through them.
I've been sorting all the business of contracts and the "books" while he's been out traveling to scout new talent for the roster. He brings them in and I sign them up. This works perfectly because I really wanted hands on this aspect of everything and we usually meet and debrief one another as often as we can. He trusts me and I trust him and that's important in this business.
It sounds like you two have a good business relationship with one another but what is the relationship between the two of you and those on the roster.
The relationship is as it's always been. The Superstars and Femme Fatales are allowed and encouraged to speak their minds about anything and everything, listening to them can only make for a better company since without them none of this is possible. Everyone understood that they were free to leave without penalty or free to stay as they saw fit. We welcome anyone and everyone and if someone ever wants to return we'd welcome them with open arms and there would be no animosity from myself or anyone on the staff. Sure we have people who left and may or may not return but we also had people to stay. I can't cry over spilled milk and I think everyone understands that The Rock and I did what we did because it was better for business at that time.
We now know what things to keep close hold and what things to delegate out. I've personally made some changes to the entire staff and as our numbers grow so will our staff. After taking a serious look in the mirror and asking myself do I still have it left in me to do this my honest assessment was yes. I've worked for some wonderful people who taught me a lot and as to running a company I've been tutored by some of the best in the business to include ZX, Kirsten, and Raven, I owe them a lot and I'll never forget them and I'd be more than willing to work with them when opportunities arise.
That was actually my next question, you've had legal battles with other companies in the past and will that be an issue this time around? And since you mentioned those other wrestling legends that have successful companies what is the feeling in the wrestling world about you owning your own company?
Well I think the feeling is one that I shared for them and that is the wish for much success in everything that they do. I maintain relationships with them and it's always been nothing but pleasant. The bond that we all share simply cannot be broken and trust me many have tried to break the bond but being who they are and me being who I am we sorted it all out and there are no issues there. They know they can pick up the phone at any time and I'll help them anyway that I can.
That's nice and everything but you are now their competition and that involves money and business and friendships usually don't last when those key factors come into play.
Yes this is a business but it is about fun as well. The Rock taught me that, when it's time for business it's time for business but playtime is playtime. I don't view this as a competition, each of us offers our own unique product and I do what I do because it's good for my business and not to take anything or anyone from theirs. They've been doing this far longer than me and I'm still learning everyday when it comes to this side of the business. Sure I can lace up the purple boots and I know my way around the ring like nobody's business but being in the office is challenging but rewarding as well. So nothing I do is motivated towards them in anyway. I'm humbled by the fact that I have the opportunity to do something like this. I'm eternally grateful to them but this is something I want to do for me.
So you've pretty much talked about EWN's re-opening and your career ambitions, but where you see your company in this world.
I see this company as taking off and rising every second and I for one do not plan on looking back. There are plenty of business out there that are doing quite well for themselves and I want to attain their status and more. I'm learning the affiliate process but that will come once we're a fully functional company with some time under belt.
Simply put Jason I believe the state of this company is pretty darn good at the moment and I have faith that we will go down in history as one of the greats. I plan on giving all I have for my roster, the fans, and the wrestling world in general. It's time to bring class and quality into this business and you know I'm the right woman for the job.
Well thank you for joining us Ivory and we look forward to October 1, 2011 when the EWN will officially re-introduce itself to the world.
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