In my latest installment of “Questions With” I had the honor and privilege to sit down and chat with the current Owner and President of the National Wrestling Alliance, Bruce Tharpe.
1) With TNA, Global Force Wrestling, House of Hardcore, Ring of Honor and others fighting for TV spots and exposure, where do you see the NWA’s place over the next 5 years?
NWA will continue to maintain its position in the market and increase its popularity and positive exposure. We don’t see ROH or GFW as competitors – we work with both of them in New Japan and believe that the more wrestling products out there is good for the fans. Plus it gives wrestlers more places to work and earn a living. There is enough room for all of us.
2) As we all know there has been a wave of talents released from WWE, and TNA. With that being said, are there any free agents that you may be interested in bringing into the NWA?
There are a lot of free agents we are interested in working with – the list is endless. And you can break it down into tag teams – heavyweights – junior heavyweights – etc. And we have great talent in the NWA as well but in terms of free agents – Paul London is an amazing talent – Kurt Angle would be an amazing talent to work with – we would love to do some type of project with Mike Tyson and we also think that Goldberg has some great matches left in him.
3) Speaking of WWE and TNA, how closely do you follow those brands? Are there any wrestling companies outside of the NWA that you try to keep up with?
I wish I had the time to watch more wrestling on television but I don’t do most of the wrestling I watch – if it isn’t NWA – is New Japan because I truly feel that a hybrid NWA – New Japan style is the wrestling product of the future.
4) Has there been any kind of working relationship with WWE or NXT? Are you interested in sending new talents their way?
We have had no relationship whatsoever with WWE / NXT however we greatly respect their success and would always consider a working relationship with them
5) People feel that there has been a shift from Traditional Wrestling in the WWE, including but not limited to, Women’s Wrestling. Do you feel that your company’s continued focus and showcasing of all areas of Wrestling, such as Tag Team matches, is in the long run, advantageous?
The NWA / just like New Japan Pro Wrestling – is focused on presenting the most believable – credible – athletic matches possible. We also have some of the most unique and compelling personalities on television. We are not sports entertainment – we are a different product. But we feel we are no less entertaining – only in a different way.
6) There has been a lot of discussion about NWA’s legal issues a few years back which led to you taking control, and also saw the loss of a few major promotions. How much about this time are you willing/able to discuss? While some details may understandably be off the table for discussion, can you describe what this experience was like for you as you were going through it?
Regarding the legal issues I am glad they are over but they were needed to streamline the organization. I think the NWA is in a much better place than where it was at some 10 to 15 years ago.
7) What can you tell the average WWE or TNA fan about why they should follow the NWA in 2015?
Because the NWA presents a different product than WWE and TNA – and we believe that this is the wrestling style of the future that is going to catch the United States by storm.
8) How do you feel about Jeff Jarrett’s new promotion and Global Force Wrestling’s partnership with New Japan Pro Wrestling? Do you worry that this will affect your working relationship with NJPW in any way?
I am not concerned with Jeff Jarrett’s GFW as New Japan works with many differemt groups – including ROH – CMLL – NOAH – and the NWA.
9) A hot topic as of late has been TNA Wrestling and their business practices. What do you, as a promoter and owner of a major promotion, think of Dixie Carter? Where do you personally see TNA in 5 years?
I don’t really follow TNA but from what I can gather Dixie Carter isn’t necessarily a “wrestling person” as her backgound is in different areas. To really succeed in wrestling – you have to know wrestling – and I think that’s one area where Dixie has had problems. I’m not good at predicting the future so I’m not sure where they will be in 5 years but I hope they are still around because that’s better for the fans and the wrestlers.
10) I personally am a huge fan of the NWA and follow many of the promotions under the NWA banner regularly. Tell the average fan what NWA Wrestlers they should look out for? What NWA talents do you feel deserve mainstream attention and publicity? Who would you consider to be a “break-out star”?
Obviously all of our champions are main event competitors. Rob Conway is our World Champion. Jushin “Thunder” Liger is our World Junior Heavyweight Champion. Lance Archer and Davey Boy Smith are the NWA World Tag-Team Champions. All world class wrestlers. Breakout stars to keep your eye on include Godzilla Jax Dane – Houston Carson – James Claxton – Damien Wayne – Jason Kincaid – Steve Anthony – Byron Wilcott to name a few.
11) I have noticed that you have spent a lot of time in Japan over the last few years. Can we expect to see the NWA Titles featured on NJPW TV that will be airing on AXS TV in the United States in 2015?
I don’t have the answer to that question for you – but I will say that the NWA is actively working on its own television project in the US featuring New Japan talent.
12) It’s no secret that you have lost a good deal of weight recently. What has inspired you, and helped you make the changes necessary to accomplish your goals?
Actually the wrestlers that I am working with in Japan inspired me to get in shape. They are all in fantstic physical condition from guys like Gedo and Jado – to younger stars like Tanahashi and Okada. And guys like Fergal Devitt – Alex Shelley – Rob Conway and Jax Dane. Just being around those guys inspired me to eat healthier and workout. No doubt my travels to Japan have changed my life! Thanks very much for noticing.
13) Which aspect of the business do you enjoy more, promoting and working behind the scenes, or being part of the show – like your managerial character in NJPW?
Working behind the scenes and being a character on TV are so totally different – yet both quite rewarding. My work behind the scenes with the NWA is very important yet sometimes tiring – tedious and frustrating. My work on TV in Japan is usually a 20 minute adrenaline rush. So in terms of actual fun – I would have to say being the “NWA Shacho” in Japan.
