One of the first people I interviewed for Wrestle Talk TV was the then the President of the NWA. As the NWA has changed direction in the last year I thought it was pertinent to post this interview. This file was posted on or around the 8th February 2015, the original post is long gone sadly. Bruce's vision for the NWA does differ greatly from Billy Corgan, but his Presidency started a very different kind of NWA. One of the direct results was Chase Owens joining Bullet Club for which I am very thankful. So without further ado, lets go to The Prez . . .
Historically the NWA has always been a place of promotional upheaval and political unrest, especially since it lost WCW and NJPW as its main standard bearers in the early nineties. However today, under a new President and board it is making its way back to the forefront of wrestling presentation. Once again associated with New Japan, and with a strong promotional base in the southern United States it is making headlines as it enters a new era of stability and hopeful prosperity. A new business model that has been led by NWA President Bruce Tharpe and his Vice President Chris Ronquillo. It has seen them move back into international waters. Its titles have been defended, lost and regained in North America and Japan. The NWA Champion Rob Conway has brought prestige and stability to the title with his two reigns, only losing to Satoshi Kojima at Wrestle Kingdom 8, man who now holds the distinction of being NWA, IWGP and Triple Crown Heavyweight Champions a very short list indeed (the others being the legendary Keiji Mutoh and Shinya Hashimoto). Things are looking good for the Alliance, so one sunny Sunday afternoon in here in Parts Unknown, I took the opportunity to contact the always talkative NWA President Bruce Tharpe and request an interview, he was more than happy to oblige.
First of all thank you for agreeing to be interviewed for wrestletalk.tv, we appreciate it. I would like to ask where Bruce Tharpe comes from, as our readers are mainly British and may not know of your history, how did you get started in the business and what led you to the position in the industry you now hold?
Bruce: I was born into the wrestling profession in Tampa, Florida. My father was involved in wrestling so it's definitely in my blood. My father is a direct throwback to the old NWA and he knew Sam Muchnick. Some of my earliest memories as a child are going to wrestling with my father. Some of the most famous wrestlers in history held me as a baby. I never in a million years anticipated that I would be President of the National Wrestling Alliance - however since I now have been entrusted with that position I am doing all I can to restore this great brand to its former position of prominence - and more!
You’ve been NWA President since 2013, and since then the NWA has seen its presence grow internationally as you are working once again with NJPW, and your strong regional promotions in the NWA’s old stomping grounds of the Southern United States. How much does the NJPW relationship mean to the NWA, and how do you see the relationship moving forward into 2015?
Bruce: We are very honored to be competing in NJPW. I will be leaving tomorrow on my 13th trip to Japan in less than two years. The NWA has been featured on quite a few international PPV's produced by NJPW so our exposure around the world has been tremendous. We appreciate NJPW for that and hope that our relationship continues to grow stronger long into the future.
Rob Conway has received rave reviews as NWA Champion. The Killer Elite Squad have been a real boon to the Tag Team title scene. Jushin Liger brings an obvious historical appeal to the Junior Heavyweight title, given this company how do you think Santana Garrett, the new NWA Women’s Champion, will do?
Bruce: It was a shock and surprise that BARBI HAYDEN was defeated by SANTANA GARRETT for the NWA World Women's Championship (the match happened just last night) but Santana is an amazing wrestler who is very well known from television and I expect her to fit right in with such an elite group.
Also what does the future hold for women’s wrestling in the NWA?
Bruce: The NWA is committed to developing its Women's Division and we are looking to forge alliances with groups like SHINE, SHIMMER and even some federations in Japan that feature women's wrestling. We believe that there is a place for women's wrestling on any NWA card - and in fact also believe that ALL girl PPV's may be something we look into in the future.
Given the history of the NWA title in the last twenty years and its more controversial moments, how important is keeping settled continuity to the brand?
Bruce: Continuity to the brand is critical. But controversy has always been a part of wrestling and most likely always will be.
You currently sit in the “chair” of former Presidents Pinkie George, Sam Muchnik, Fritz von Erich, Frank Tunney, Bob Geigel and Jim Crocket Junior. Given your posts history, are there any predecessors you look to for inspiration?
Bruce: Wow - that is an excellent question. I feel so very honored to be carrying on the legacy of these great men which is why I feel such a strong responsibility to develop and present the NWA properly. All of our current champions are absolute legends in the wrestling profession. But in terms of inspiration - I look to one of the greatest former NWA Presidents in history - a man who was one of the greatest bookers / promoters / wrestlers of all time. A man I knew personally and broke into wrestling working for. The great EDDIE GRAHAM.
You have been the most vocally evangelical of NWA Presidents since perhaps Sam Muchnik, and your TV character, especially in NJPW, has had certain heelish qualities but I always enjoy them, how do you develop that character while still trying to keep the serious business head as NWA President?
Bruce: Yes I put a lot of time into promotion of the NWA because I truly love and respect it. The character in Japan sort of developed on its own. When we first went to Japan I simply explained to the people that the NWA World Champion is the best wrestler in the world - and we were there to prove it. The Japanese didn't like it when IRONMAN ROB CONWAY defeated some of their greatest wrestlers so the people started booing me. My relationship with the Japanese fans has become more adversarial every trip I take - and I do take exception when the fans and television commentators don't show the NWA the proper respect.
Are you happy with the growth of the NWA as a brand and where do you think the NWA could go to next to develop its presence?
Bruce: Yes I am happy because I see the NWA making great progress - however sometimes I wish the progress would be faster. But it's better to be slow and methodical in my opinion. The next step for the NWA to develop its presence is network television and we are currently in negotiations on this. If we are able to forge an alliance with the broadcast partner we are seeking - fans in the UK may be able to see the NWA on television there soon!
Thank you once again for your time Sir!
Bruce: My pleasure!
Bruce was preparing for a trip to Osaka and Sendai where NJPW will present their New Beginning shows. Conway will defend the NWA heavyweight title against Hiroyoshi Tenzan in Sendai and will tag with Chase Owens against Tenzan and Jushin “Thunder” Liger in Osaka . They will be available on New Japan World, you can follow Bruce on twitter @rbtharpe, where he seems to have endless time for fans. His love of the NWA is undoubted, a great man to follow in some great men’s footsteps.
NWA President Bruce Tharpe; Man on a Mission
Historically the NWA has always been a place of promotional upheaval and political unrest, especially since it lost WCW and NJPW as its main standard bearers in the early nineties. However today, under a new President and board it is making its way back to the forefront of wrestling presentation. Once again associated with New Japan, and with a strong promotional base in the southern United States it is making headlines as it enters a new era of stability and hopeful prosperity. A new business model that has been led by NWA President Bruce Tharpe and his Vice President Chris Ronquillo. It has seen them move back into international waters. Its titles have been defended, lost and regained in North America and Japan. The NWA Champion Rob Conway has brought prestige and stability to the title with his two reigns, only losing to Satoshi Kojima at Wrestle Kingdom 8, man who now holds the distinction of being NWA, IWGP and Triple Crown Heavyweight Champions a very short list indeed (the others being the legendary Keiji Mutoh and Shinya Hashimoto). Things are looking good for the Alliance, so one sunny Sunday afternoon in here in Parts Unknown, I took the opportunity to contact the always talkative NWA President Bruce Tharpe and request an interview, he was more than happy to oblige.
First of all thank you for agreeing to be interviewed for wrestletalk.tv, we appreciate it. I would like to ask where Bruce Tharpe comes from, as our readers are mainly British and may not know of your history, how did you get started in the business and what led you to the position in the industry you now hold?
Bruce: I was born into the wrestling profession in Tampa, Florida. My father was involved in wrestling so it's definitely in my blood. My father is a direct throwback to the old NWA and he knew Sam Muchnick. Some of my earliest memories as a child are going to wrestling with my father. Some of the most famous wrestlers in history held me as a baby. I never in a million years anticipated that I would be President of the National Wrestling Alliance - however since I now have been entrusted with that position I am doing all I can to restore this great brand to its former position of prominence - and more!
You’ve been NWA President since 2013, and since then the NWA has seen its presence grow internationally as you are working once again with NJPW, and your strong regional promotions in the NWA’s old stomping grounds of the Southern United States. How much does the NJPW relationship mean to the NWA, and how do you see the relationship moving forward into 2015?
Bruce: We are very honored to be competing in NJPW. I will be leaving tomorrow on my 13th trip to Japan in less than two years. The NWA has been featured on quite a few international PPV's produced by NJPW so our exposure around the world has been tremendous. We appreciate NJPW for that and hope that our relationship continues to grow stronger long into the future.
Rob Conway has received rave reviews as NWA Champion. The Killer Elite Squad have been a real boon to the Tag Team title scene. Jushin Liger brings an obvious historical appeal to the Junior Heavyweight title, given this company how do you think Santana Garrett, the new NWA Women’s Champion, will do?
Bruce: It was a shock and surprise that BARBI HAYDEN was defeated by SANTANA GARRETT for the NWA World Women's Championship (the match happened just last night) but Santana is an amazing wrestler who is very well known from television and I expect her to fit right in with such an elite group.
Also what does the future hold for women’s wrestling in the NWA?
Bruce: The NWA is committed to developing its Women's Division and we are looking to forge alliances with groups like SHINE, SHIMMER and even some federations in Japan that feature women's wrestling. We believe that there is a place for women's wrestling on any NWA card - and in fact also believe that ALL girl PPV's may be something we look into in the future.
Given the history of the NWA title in the last twenty years and its more controversial moments, how important is keeping settled continuity to the brand?
Bruce: Continuity to the brand is critical. But controversy has always been a part of wrestling and most likely always will be.
You currently sit in the “chair” of former Presidents Pinkie George, Sam Muchnik, Fritz von Erich, Frank Tunney, Bob Geigel and Jim Crocket Junior. Given your posts history, are there any predecessors you look to for inspiration?
Bruce: Wow - that is an excellent question. I feel so very honored to be carrying on the legacy of these great men which is why I feel such a strong responsibility to develop and present the NWA properly. All of our current champions are absolute legends in the wrestling profession. But in terms of inspiration - I look to one of the greatest former NWA Presidents in history - a man who was one of the greatest bookers / promoters / wrestlers of all time. A man I knew personally and broke into wrestling working for. The great EDDIE GRAHAM.
You have been the most vocally evangelical of NWA Presidents since perhaps Sam Muchnik, and your TV character, especially in NJPW, has had certain heelish qualities but I always enjoy them, how do you develop that character while still trying to keep the serious business head as NWA President?
Bruce: Yes I put a lot of time into promotion of the NWA because I truly love and respect it. The character in Japan sort of developed on its own. When we first went to Japan I simply explained to the people that the NWA World Champion is the best wrestler in the world - and we were there to prove it. The Japanese didn't like it when IRONMAN ROB CONWAY defeated some of their greatest wrestlers so the people started booing me. My relationship with the Japanese fans has become more adversarial every trip I take - and I do take exception when the fans and television commentators don't show the NWA the proper respect.
Are you happy with the growth of the NWA as a brand and where do you think the NWA could go to next to develop its presence?
Bruce: Yes I am happy because I see the NWA making great progress - however sometimes I wish the progress would be faster. But it's better to be slow and methodical in my opinion. The next step for the NWA to develop its presence is network television and we are currently in negotiations on this. If we are able to forge an alliance with the broadcast partner we are seeking - fans in the UK may be able to see the NWA on television there soon!
Thank you once again for your time Sir!
Bruce: My pleasure!
Bruce was preparing for a trip to Osaka and Sendai where NJPW will present their New Beginning shows. Conway will defend the NWA heavyweight title against Hiroyoshi Tenzan in Sendai and will tag with Chase Owens against Tenzan and Jushin “Thunder” Liger in Osaka . They will be available on New Japan World, you can follow Bruce on twitter @rbtharpe, where he seems to have endless time for fans. His love of the NWA is undoubted, a great man to follow in some great men’s footsteps.
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