2022-06-22 Drew Stevenson Press Conference

Drew Stevenson Press Conference

Participants: Stevenson Alison Terri

Location: The Hollywood Palladium

Date and Time: June 22, 2022

Summary: Drew Stevenson holds a press conference to talk about his acquisition of the WWL and the start of the women's promotion ACW

<Terri>

The Hollywood Palladium has been set up tonight for what's been abuzz in the wrestling world. That buzz is surrounding Drew Stevenson and his acquisition of the World Wrestling League, or WWL. The usual stage that everyone is accustomed to when watching the WWL has been restructured to allow seating of many reporters and interviewers, along with a table and comfortable office chairs behind it, facing where the reporters are sitting. This press conference is being streamed online on the Premier Wrestling Network. Your source for great wrestling content at only $4.99 a month! It has a plethora of promotions from yesterday and today! One of those promotions is the WWL. Heavy rock music is playing as those watching are greeted with the WWL logo and are told to please wait. We now see the table and chairs and it's time for the man of the conference, Drew Stevenson to step out!

<Stevenson>

Stepping out from behind the curtain, Drew Stevenson smiles and waves at everyone who decided to show up today as he is really grateful for everyone coming out. Sporting his traditional baby blue Armani suit, this really brings out his strong features as he makes his way to a wooden podium that has already been set up for him to say his peace about some of the things that are going on, or getting ready to.

"Hello everyone, I would like to take this time to thank everyone for coming out today. As you guys have probably heard by now, I made a pretty big acquisition and managed to talk Mr. Parker into selling me the WWL, and if I may say so myself, I can promise you that we have some really big things planned for all of you."

With a soft smile, the people give him a small round of applause before quieting down so he can continue.

"The time has come for the wrestling business to be rejuvenated, and even though it's not dead or anything of the sorts, I would like to bring it back to what many called the "golden era" because I feel that wrestling should be at the very heart of each and every promotion, and I know for a fact that Mr. Parker felt the same way and I do believe that is one of the reasons why he was so willing to sell it to me when the right offer came along."

Causing everyone to let out a small chuckle, Stevenson is a legend in the wrestling business and people know who he is and what he is capable of, which is one of the reasons why people trust him so much.

"As you can see behind me, there are a few seats that are currently empty, but I promise you this, they are not going to be for long because I have some big things planned, and I would like to share some of them with you today, if I may."

Motioning back to the empty chairs, Stevenson takes a moment to pause, which allows a couple of the wrestlers to come out in support of the big news that is about to break.

<Alison>

Alison Crowne and Frank Washington made their way out from the back to the podium to join Drew Stevenson. Frank was wearing a red suit, playing to his gimmick as The Revolutionary (with Turncoat tacked on depending on which side of the good/bad divide he was sitting) with his hair tied back in a ponytail. Alison Crowne meanwhile kept it very business casual with a pair of tan khaki pants and a white shirt buttoned up. Smart fans would know, as well as fans in general that Alison and Frank are cousins, with Frank being the eldest of the Washington clan nearing 40 having achieved mainstream success alongside one of his best friends, Drew Stevenson. Alison was a headline grabber in her own right having recently tried out for the US Olympic Team in boxing, hoping to one day stand on the Olympic stage. In addition to wrestling she also had a background in MMA, muay thai in particular, holding a perfect 3-0 record in amateur MMA.

Frank: "You know, it warms my heart to see the future of this business to be in such good hands. I've worn many hats in my career and as a resident of LA myself I just had to come by to support my family; Alison, Drew, and my girlfriend Terri. We've got a lot of big things in the pipeline. It's a privilege to be out here in front of you today because you are all an integral part of the show and what we do; without you, there is no us. So go ahead, give yourselves a round of applause!"

Frank waits for the people to calm down from their applause before continuing.

Frank: City of big dreams, am I right? I want you to give the stars of today and tomorrow a big warm, Los Angeles welcome, lets make a bit of noise!

Alison goes to take her seat as Frank plays the role of hypeman, knowing her time to have her voice heard would be coming very shortly.

<Terri>

The reporters and wrestling journalists are murmuring amongst themselves until Drew Stevenson steps out. There's a round of applause for him and they're soon taking in every word once he begins to speak. Many of them are jotting down notes, looking at their notepads, tables and laptops as they retain all of the information they're given. More applause is given as both Frank and Alison step out. They are two accomplished wrestlers with decades of experience in the industry combined with the two of them. The reporters wait for Stevenson to continue with more information before the floor is opened for questions.

<Stevenson>

"Thank you Frank for that wonderful speech. It's true that you and I have been up and down the road together for many years, both as friends as well as enemies, so if there's anyone out there who knows me probably better than I know myself then it would be you."

Watching the crowd and reporters as they eagerly wait to begin asking questions, Stevenson decides to keep his road stories to himself for now, so business can pick up.

"I know that a lot of you are super excited to get this thing started, so why don't we go ahead and get the questions out-of-the-way first and then we can talk about anything else that you guys would like to know afterwards."

<Alison>
Alison took her seat as Frank gave Drew a hug and a pat on the back before taking his seat next to her as just about everyone had filed in by this point. Alison was used to being in front of the cameras with her Olympic media tour so the lights of LA weren't too bright for her, she usually kept a very cool, calm, and collected demeanor. Frank meanwhile definitely acted like someone who's been here before, leaning in to whisper something in Alison's ear, perhaps a reminder or a last minute detail before the presser began.

<Terri>

When it's time for questions, a woman stands up. She's somewhere in her early 40s. She has dark brown hair just above her shoulders, with a fit and athletic build underneath her business suit. Drew, Frank and Alison may already know her. She is... "Thank you, Drew. Emily Martinez from Sports Insight Network. First of all, congratulations on your acquisition of the World Wrestling League. It's a bold move that has certainly caught the attention of the wrestling world. Can you give us some insight into your vision for the WWL under your leadership? What can fans expect to see in terms of changes or improvements?" After she asks her question, she continues to stand waiting for the answer.

<Stevenson>

Listening to the awesome question from Emily Martinez, Stevenson places both of his hands at each side of the wooden podium and immediately begins to speak as he knows exactly what he has planned for the future of the WWL.

"Thank you for the kind words, Miss. Martinez. I have always been revered as one of the best technical wrestlers to ever lace up a pair of boots and as many of you know, I value old school wrestling tradition and that is definitely something that I would like to keep going. Far too often, especially in this day and age, you get a lot of things going on that I wouldn't really call wrestling and I would like to avoid that."

Drew pauses, but only for a brief moment.

"I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the very best that this industry has to offer over the many years that I competed inside the squared circle, and I would most certainly like to keep that rapport with them going. My vision is simple, give the next generation the opportunities that they may not get otherwise, because we have a young crop of men and women who are incredibly hungry, and if I may say so myself, I am incredibly eager to see what these men and women do with the opportunities that are being given to them."

<Alison>

"Michael Reynolds with Ringside Digest" A man raises his hand in the press pool with a shaved head and a goatee, appearing to be in his 30s. "It's evident that your passion for wrestling is unwavering, and your plans for the WWL are certainly intriguing. Now, you mentioned giving opportunities to the next generation of wrestlers. Could you elaborate on the ways you plan to support and develop these emerging talents? Are there any specific initiatives or programs you're considering to help them flourish in the industry?"

<Stevenson>

"As many of you already know, the Emerald Academy is open to any new person, or even returning person who wants to get back into the game or to simply train. I plan to work with them, side-by-side and hand-in-hand, to make sure that they get not only the best training possible, but also the knowledge needed to go as far as they want to in this business. I'm not going to lie to you, it's going to take a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice because that's what the wrestling business is all about and I know speaking for myself that I had to make a lot of sacrifices back in the day. Unfortunately I wasn't home most of the time, and I missed my children growing up but if you're passionate about this business, which I know a lot of them are, then they would be willing to make those sacrifices if they needed to."

Before anyone can say anything further, or interrupt him, Stevenson holds up his index finger.

"But I would also like to point out that I would like for a lot of those men and women to be home with their families as well. It's a tough road and it's going to be very grueling, but I know for a fact that each and every person who really wants this will shine, and I will do absolutely everything in my power to make sure that it happens. So to really answer your question in simple terms, I plan to offer them the training, guidance, and really anything else that they need in order to move forward and to be successful. I know one of the other things that I would like to offer the men and women is a great health insurance policy, because I believe in taking care of my own and if they get injured or anything else that could happen then I want them to know that they can turn to me to take care of them instead of leaving them high and dry when they need someone the most."

<Terri>

"John Anderson with Wrestling Insider Magazine," A man who is middle aged, with short hair and a beard, both salt and pepper, stands up, "It's clear that you're dedicated to upholding the traditions of wrestling while also nurturing new talent. Now, with this exciting acquisition, there's been speculation about the potential for cross-promotional events or collaborations. Can you shed some light on whether we might see collaborations between the WWL and other wrestling promotions in the future?"

<Stevenson>

Right after Mr. Anderson asks his question, Stevenson expresses a big grin while immediately beginning to speak as everyone is hanging on to his every word.

"I can tell you that we definitely have some big things in the works. So to answer your question in the best way that I know how, let me bring out a special surprise if I may, who will definitely be able to answer your question far better than I ever could."

Turning his large frame away from the podium, Stevenson motions with his right arm for the special surprise to be brought out.

<Terri>

To the surprise of everyone gathered, "Gutter Trash" Terri Thompson emerges from the backstage area. She's dressed in her usual ring gear, with denim blue jeans tucked into black combat boots, a white t-shirt that's her merch of a Surgeon General's Warning that Gutter Trash causes Lung Puncturing, Heart Punches, Enzugiris, and may complicate Professional Wrestling. Over it is her black, leather warvest adorned with various pins and patches. She shakes hands with Drew Stevenson, gives Alison a hug, and then leans in and gives Frank Washington a kiss on his cheek before she takes an empty seat next to Frank. She adjusts the mic in front of her and scoots forward a bit. "Wow! This is my first time doing one of these! You know, I had the same question when I spoke to Drew after his acquisition of the WWL. I also brought up to him why aren't there any ladies in the WWL? And well, he answered that by telling me a piece of info that I get to reveal to you all. Now at the WWL Glory Farewell show, Mr. Parker talked about Angel City Wrestling. I get to explain all about that tonight! Mr. Stevenson's starting a brand new women's promotion, which will be the SISTER promotion of the WWL. It's called, as you can guess, Angel City Wrestling. You'll be seeing a lot of familiar faces from NEW2 (OOC: North Eastern Women's Wrestling) out here, and I'm here to announce that I'm the first one signed! And not to steal the thunder of the WWL but our first event is going to be RIGHT HERE!" She pauses, giving that Mick Foley pop it seems! "... At the Hollywood Palladium on July 30th, 2022 (OOC: OOC date is Sept 30th 2023.) So get your tickets when they go on sale this friday!" A pause, and Terri looks over to Drew Stevenson, "How was that? Was that good?" She laughs. Some of those gathered laugh as well.

<Alison>

"Jason Anderson from Wrestling Insider Magazine," a man in his late 30s with a well-groomed beard and glasses stands up to address Alison Crowne. "Alison, it's great to see someone with your background and skills stepping into the wrestling world. As someone who's excelled in both boxing and MMA, how do you see those experiences shaping your approach to professional wrestling, and what unique perspectives do you think you can bring to the world of sports entertainment? Have you signed on with Angel City Wrestling"

As Jason Anderson finishes his question, he waits expectantly for Alison's response.

Alison: Looking at signing number two.

She flashed a grin.

Alison: Well, I'm a hopeful in boxing, pursuing the Olympic dream. Martial arts has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, watching Bruce Lee movies, picking up Muay Thai and learning all these different disciplines; jujitsu, judo, the list goes on and on. You always got to approach each match like a big time fight; the people are expecting you to come out and give it your all and conditioning, it's super important. You can go months between martial arts tournaments, professional fights, you can train for a set maximum timelimit but in wrestling? you could be out there for five minutes or an hour. So having a foot in both worlds I've got to keep my cardio game strong. At the end of the day thought, no matter what medium a fight is a fight and people have paid their hard earned money to see a show. Now I'm not huge on the term Sports Entertainment but I get it; athletes entertaining the masses. You see all the celebrations in the NFL, the NBA after big plays and scores? That's entertainment in your sports. At the end of the day though I see myself as an athlete and?

A slow clapping could be heard as Alison is slowly cut off as the press room's attention turns to a figure slowly making his way to the podium. Custom made Armani suit, alligator shoes that cost more than most of the average person's cars. The man in question appeared to be in his early 50s, perhaps a little younger and sported short, brown hair with a touch of grey and a pair of glasses resting on his nose and an aura of sleaze about him.

Mystery Man: Alison, I'm hurt. All of this pomp and circumstance and you don't even utter my name? Not even as a simple thank you for all that I've done for you in your career leading up to this point?

He flashed a smarmy smirk as Alison was glaring daggers his way.

Alison: Gordon, what do you want?

Gordon: That's Mr. Barrows to you and everyone in this room.

Indeed, the man that stood in this press room was none other than Gordon Barrows, a well known attorney in the legal realm known for taking on (and winning) high profile cases. Some suspect that he doesn't exactly always play above board, there's been rumors of him cutting backroom deals among other things to get the result he wants. People are used to seeing him in news articles and occasionally on TV in legal panels as a guest analyst; what people may not realize however is that he also works as a sports agent and wrestling manager in his spare time. Those that may have followed Alison's career would know that at one point in time in other promotions Mr. Barrows himself worked as her manager when she was on top of the mountain, only for a falling out to have happened sometime prior to today.

Gordon: I'm happy for you Alison, I truly am. But? I remember once upon a time slaving away with my brilliant mind and photographic memory of the legal code and wrestling bylaws to keep you on top, a position I felt you had rightfully earned. We've made a lot of money together but when I got hurt in the line of fire? where were you? I didn't even get a 'get well soon' card from you, nothing! I was wheelchair bound for six months! Six months and you couldn't even get the job done with my selfless sacrifice.

Alison rolled her eyes.

Alison: Gordon, what's your point? You and I haven't been manager and client for a while. I'm not going to litigate this in public and take away from what we're trying to build here, so get on with it.

Gordon: What I'm here? is to give you a warning, Miss Crowne.

He holds up his finger ominously.

Gordon: You and I both know you're not this angel that you're trying to present yourself in the City of Angels of all places. You've got a lot of blood on your hands, and more than a few skeletons in your closet. I'm not the only person you've wronged and neither is Lexi. The truth is going to come out very soon? so keep both eyes open and your head on a swivel. I may be willing to allow a few old friends of mine to cash in a favor? just to bring justice at long last! Give Frank my best regards by the way!

Debauchee that is, he's an old friend of mine because a little birdie told me that a familiar face for you wants to have a little professional wrestling contest, you're going to be going one on one with his mail order bride, Olga! And I know how prideful you are Alison; you're not going to back down.

<Stevenson>

After chaos had begun to form, Stevenson steps back up to the podium and begins to wrap this thing up before anything else can rear its ugly head around the corner.

"I want to thank all of you for coming out today and as you can see, there's already a lot of tension rising and big surprises headed your way. Before we wrap this up, I would like to say that I am proud to announce that every week on Thursdays, WWL Glory will be live and our next event is Thursday, June 30th, and if you haven't already, then I highly suggest that you get your tickets now before they sell out."

Bringing up his right hand to wave at all of the reporters and people who are snapping pictures of him, Stevenson steps away from the podium as this press conference comes to a close.