Corrigan’s Corner: Jeff Jarrett Talks Global Force Wrestling, TNA Return, And More

Why does Global Force Wrestling owner Jeff Jarrett handle the company’s press, taking calls and fielding questions from diehard schmucks like me?

Because he loves promoting. And he’s pretty darn good at it.

Jarrett shocked the world by returning to TNA TV three weeks ago, his first appearance since December of 2011. After an official off-screen departure last year, it seemed unfathomable that the King of the Mountain would come back to the company he co-founded with his father.

However, with pro wrestling in his blood, Jarrett knows better than anyone to “never say never.”
Especially when there’s money to be made like this Friday in Erie, PA for GFW Live at Jerry Uht Park.

Scheduled So Far:

Bullet Club (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows) vs. P.J. Black & Sanada

Sonjay Dutt vs. Jamin Olivencia

Moose vs. Jon Bolen

Kongo Kong vs. Magnus

Taeler Hendrix vs. Cherry Bomb

Also appearing is the Big Bad Booty Daddy, Big Poppa Pump, Scott Steiner!

For ticket information, check out GlobalForceWrestling.com

I had the privilege of speaking with Jarrett over the phone on Wednesday, as we discussed his relationship with TNA, hanging up the tights, and the future of Global Force Wrestling.

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John Corrigan: Let’s get right to it–What is the deal with Global Force Wrestling and TNA seemingly working together?

Jeff Jarrett: “Well, I’ll say it’s a business relationship that came about in a real last minute jolt. It’s no secret that Global Force, as part of our business statement, that we want to connect fan bases, connect audiences, connect different styles of wrestling. We’re in the beginning of what I’ll call a talent trade.

I came back to TNA two weeks ago and made my return in the King of the Mountain match at Slammiversary. We announced shortly thereafter that Bobby Roode is headed to Las Vegas for our TV tapings. We haven’t decided exactly how far we’ll go with this, but we’re definitely in discussion.”

Global Force Wrestling’s Roster (LINK)

JC: What brought you specifically back to TNA?

JJ: “Well, if you watched the interview on Destination America a few weeks ago, it was exactly how it went down. I got a text from TNA management, the text turned into a conference call, a conference call turned into meeting about them wanting me back. I wasn’t interested in wrestling at first, but they sort of tugged at the heart strings with the King of the Mountain match.

It goes without saying that it was a highly emotional several days. They wanted me back for the match, and I wanted to continue to promote and raise awareness for Global Force Wrestling. So far it’s been a win-win for both promotions.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCXgSJNFda4

JC: TNA has received criticism over the years for lacking an identity. What do you want GFW’s identity to be?

JJ: “I believe there are a lot of styles available, whether they be lucha libre or strong style from Japan or all the different promotions throughout Europe. We want to put all those different wrestling styles under one umbrella where the fans can win. What I mean by that is fans can see fresh matchups and different styles. That’s our main focus inside the ring.

Then outside the ring, it goes without saying that not just in professional wrestling, but in any sports or entertainment brand, you have to be highly engaged with the audience. If you go to our , it shows that we’re not about writing stories—we’re about documenting stories.

For example, the story that has come out of King of the Mountain with Eric Young, who believes in his heart of hearts, and hats off to the guy, but he believes he should have won the title. I think he’s in the minority and he had an issue with it. So as part of this agreement, Eric has taken it upon himself to be a part of the Grand Slam Tour. I gave him an open invitation so something’s gonna go down. Not sure what, but it is part of our brand identity.”

JC: How do you feel GFW’s first live events went?

JJ: “My family has been in the promotion business for a long time, over 70 years. On the flipside, it’s a brand new brand. We have four shows under our belt. We’re going to do another three this weekend. The biggest barometer I have is all four ball clubs came up to me at the end of the night and said, ‘Jeff, we love what you’re doing. We want you back next year.’

Now they’re stadiums so did I expect sell outs? Hell no. (laughs) I don’t think anybody in their right mind would. But we’re a part of growing this brand, brick by brick and step by step, so we’re very pleased. The in-ring action with the Bullet Club and P.J. Black and Chuck Taylor and Trent Baretta and I could go on and on. We’re very happy.”

JC: Why did you choose Erie rather than Philly or Jersey for the July 10 event?

JJ: “You know, one of the biggest challenges in putting together the Grand Slam Tour was routing. We’re having our events in these stadiums when the home team is on the road so it’s a scheduling situation. The Erie Seawolves management has been great to work with and we came to a deal pretty quick. We’re also in discussions with several entities in New Jersey and New York and those are TBD. So it’s certainly nothing against the Philly area, we’re actually in discussions about that, but right now it’s all about routing.”

JC: You mentioned a few names earlier on the roster but let me ask your thoughts on perhaps the next big star in pro wrestling: Moose?

JJ: “Great athlete, great athlete. He was a veteran in the NFL and you can certainly see him coming into his own.”

JC: What compelled you to start another wrestling company from scratch?

JJ: “Passion. My passion for the business. Without question, I love it. I’m very excited about GFW. The vision came to me over several months on just how to build out this brand. It is a global brand. You know, with the WWE Network, you can go there and with the click of a button and watch multiple promotions through the years. With social media and technology and with the Flipps App that we used for Wrestle Kingdom 9, it was shown all over the world. The world is a different place now and that excites me about launching this brand.”

JC: You told Rolling Stone that you would be scaling back your time in the ring with GFW. Do you enjoy the creative, managerial side more than competing in the squared circle?

JJ: “At this stage in my career, absolutely. One of the allures of the King of the Mountain match was getting on that stage one last time. I’ve been an active wrestler for 29 years. Obviously that was my first love, but I’ve got a huge passion for promoting.”

Looking To Buy GFW Tickets (LINK)

JC: What can fans expect at the July 10 show in Erie, PA?

JJ: “Kongo Kong is the guy to watch. He’s facing Magnus. We have a great main event with P.J. Black and Sanada versus the Bullet Club. We’ll have Sonjay Dutt. Scott Steiner will be our legend. And Eric Young is going to be the first TNA-contracted wrestler to come to a GFW show. So this Friday will truly be groundbreaking.”

Wrestledelphia.com editor John Corrigan can be reached at . Follow him on Twitter at .