Post by mav on Feb 26, 2010 9:26:51 GMT -5
A SEASON OF CHANGE
By Scott C. Despres, Promoter-Front Row Wrestling
It was recently announced that No Limits Pro (NLP), and organization that promotes shows in Woburn, Ma and more recently Peabody, Ma was granted the honor of being admitted to the National Wrestling Alliance.
I must admit, I took this news with a mixed overview. I was considering applying Front Row Wrestling for membership to the Alliance myself. With our 4 year track record and our way of running shows, I though we might be a good match for the traditions and trappings of the NWA. I am a person concerned with the watering down of anything however. The NWA has a proud tradition and with membership to the Alliance. There is the expectation of the oft-used (but sadly seldom practiced) “Gentleman’s agreement”. NWA members, as is my understanding, are expected to not be stepping on the toes of other members.
With the admittance of NLP (now NWA Liberty States) and the historic and legendary Savoldi family as NWA On Fire committed to bringing wrestling to Connecticut and Maine-I considered the New England area a full house for the Alliance, so to speak. I saw nothing to be gained by entering the Alliance and in fact saw only the ill will it would create should Front Row Wrestling join up and have the NWA essentially carving up the small 6 state region to 3 promoters. In short, I considered it a dead issue.
Regardless of this, I have developed a very friendly relationship with both NLP/Liberty States promoters and the local NWA rep in our area. Through some combined talks, and idea began to form between us. First, it was just a passing thought. Eventually, the thought morphed into an actual question…
…what about a merger?
Over the past month, I have been in some very productive, occasionally frustrating but for the greater part fruitful discussions; discussions that led to negotiations. Now, as we hammer out some minor details, I am pleased to announce that Front Row Wrestling has forged a partnership and merger with NWA Liberty States.
These are exciting times for me. Front Row Wrestling was for 4 years my pet project; my effort to bring the art form of professional wrestling to towns in New Hampshire and Vermont that wouldn’t ordinarily get to see wrestling. If I was going to move forward with a merger with NWA Liberty States, a had to be sure that as a promoter I saw eye to eye with the Liberty States promoter on several key issues regarding structure, show presentation and talent. I am happy to say that while we may differ on some minor points, we are very close on the most important aspects…including all over show quality.
This merger expands both companies range, as I will arrange for NWA Liberty States to run in all the old Front Row Wrestling haunts; meaning we are adding New Hampshire and Vermont to the mix. Additionally, this will allow people in our range to see the combined talents of both the former NLP’s and FRW’s.
So, with a touch of sadness in my heart, I head wholeheartedly into this new partnership. The Front Row Wrestling name will be absorbed into NWA Liberty States. I think this move is a good one for us, for NWA Liberty States and most of all for fans in Woburn; in Peabody; in White River Junction; in Rochester and in places yet to be promoted. We are stronger from this move, and with a stronger base, can march strongly into the future.
I’ll see you at the matches!
Scott C. Despres
NWA Liberty States Co-Promoter
By Scott C. Despres, Promoter-Front Row Wrestling
It was recently announced that No Limits Pro (NLP), and organization that promotes shows in Woburn, Ma and more recently Peabody, Ma was granted the honor of being admitted to the National Wrestling Alliance.
I must admit, I took this news with a mixed overview. I was considering applying Front Row Wrestling for membership to the Alliance myself. With our 4 year track record and our way of running shows, I though we might be a good match for the traditions and trappings of the NWA. I am a person concerned with the watering down of anything however. The NWA has a proud tradition and with membership to the Alliance. There is the expectation of the oft-used (but sadly seldom practiced) “Gentleman’s agreement”. NWA members, as is my understanding, are expected to not be stepping on the toes of other members.
With the admittance of NLP (now NWA Liberty States) and the historic and legendary Savoldi family as NWA On Fire committed to bringing wrestling to Connecticut and Maine-I considered the New England area a full house for the Alliance, so to speak. I saw nothing to be gained by entering the Alliance and in fact saw only the ill will it would create should Front Row Wrestling join up and have the NWA essentially carving up the small 6 state region to 3 promoters. In short, I considered it a dead issue.
Regardless of this, I have developed a very friendly relationship with both NLP/Liberty States promoters and the local NWA rep in our area. Through some combined talks, and idea began to form between us. First, it was just a passing thought. Eventually, the thought morphed into an actual question…
…what about a merger?
Over the past month, I have been in some very productive, occasionally frustrating but for the greater part fruitful discussions; discussions that led to negotiations. Now, as we hammer out some minor details, I am pleased to announce that Front Row Wrestling has forged a partnership and merger with NWA Liberty States.
These are exciting times for me. Front Row Wrestling was for 4 years my pet project; my effort to bring the art form of professional wrestling to towns in New Hampshire and Vermont that wouldn’t ordinarily get to see wrestling. If I was going to move forward with a merger with NWA Liberty States, a had to be sure that as a promoter I saw eye to eye with the Liberty States promoter on several key issues regarding structure, show presentation and talent. I am happy to say that while we may differ on some minor points, we are very close on the most important aspects…including all over show quality.
This merger expands both companies range, as I will arrange for NWA Liberty States to run in all the old Front Row Wrestling haunts; meaning we are adding New Hampshire and Vermont to the mix. Additionally, this will allow people in our range to see the combined talents of both the former NLP’s and FRW’s.
So, with a touch of sadness in my heart, I head wholeheartedly into this new partnership. The Front Row Wrestling name will be absorbed into NWA Liberty States. I think this move is a good one for us, for NWA Liberty States and most of all for fans in Woburn; in Peabody; in White River Junction; in Rochester and in places yet to be promoted. We are stronger from this move, and with a stronger base, can march strongly into the future.
I’ll see you at the matches!
Scott C. Despres
NWA Liberty States Co-Promoter
