During a backstage interview at today’s NJPW Super Jr. Tag League 2024 event, DOUKI expressed his desire to wrestle Sammy Guevara at NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty in January 2025.
DOUKI said, “I know Taiji Ishimori said he wants to wrestle Darby Allin… I’d like to face Sammy Guevara.”
During a recent interview with the Asbury Park Press, GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale discussed what sets the promotion apart from other independent wrestling companies.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On what sets GCW apart: “It’s different than any other independent show or TV show. We don’t have a script so to speak, we have our own flow, our own way of doing things. More laid back in terms of just the rhythm of a show. Wrestling has all these unwritten rules and written rules, do it like this because that’s how it’s always been done. We write our own rules, we do things the way they want to do it and it resonates as our show unfolds. Our characters connect with the audience, they thrive off it. That makes it a highly enjoyable experience. We are all in it together.”
On next month’s event at the American Dream Mall: “It’s cool, it’s a different setting, different environment and we love doing things that are different. It’s one of the things that makes GCW different. It’s in the middle of the mall with three stories of people looking down. It’s almost sold out already. There’ll be a lot of excitement, calling in favors, pulling strings, I hope to make it a regular occurrence. It’s special, we’re putting a little extra effort to make it special and it should be special, it deserves to be special. I had my eyes on this event since I walked the grounds of American Dreams three or four years ago and it never worked out. But this time it did. The first Nitro was at the Mall of America and because of the history, the wrestlers are so excited.”
On former GCW wresters that have had success elsewhere: “We are good at spotting and identifying diamonds in the rough or talent that’s on the rise. People who are just in need of experience. I think part of that is because I try to put people in position to win. Emphasize their strengths. It allows the performers to do what they’re good at. It helps them get over more, it helps the crowd get behind them and when we bring someone in who is a relative unknown, they love being part of the rise. It’s something we have a track record with. Just look at the people who have gone to AEW. We’re not responsible for anyone’s success, they’re super talented performers, but GCW offers a platform better than any other independent promotion. Sheer fact that the companies above pay attention to us. That’s a fact. Wrestlers knowing that, they know the value of wrestling for GCW. Makes them try that much harder.”
