I'd like to thank Derrick once agian for taking his time to make this interview and on becoming my 40th Interview since day 1! I hope that you all will enjoy this interview and i am still looking for more people to interview so hit me up if your interested! ;) anyway enjoy!
give us a small introduction about yourself
Derrick Zane: I am Derrick Zane, the self proclaimed "Only Name in SL Wrestling you need to know." One of the founders of OEW, uHw, and the V.W.W.A.
IF you have a Stage/nickname: How did you get it?
Derrick Zane: The nickname "Only name is yadda yadda come about as a means to gather heat in a story line that was done back in my first run with OEW. The face of the company was being built to take on the big bad bully that was Derrick and in a promo I proclaimed the title as a means to underscore the promo I was cutting at the time, it just sort of stuck after that.
Who did you face in your First match ever and who won?
Derrick Zane: If I recall my first match was with David HawkActor back in Sinnies Birthright Pro Wrestling, and I can't recall if he went over or if I did. He might recall.
How did you Find Second Life and what made you join?
Derrick Zane: My birth date is a little misleading, I have been off and on in SL for about five years or so, I first came on when I saw a promotion about it on the Internet and found that it was a cheep and interesting way to interact with people from around the world. There was not a lot though that held my interest for long periods of time, not until I re-discovered the community.
How did you get into SL wrestling?
Derrick Zane: I had been vaguely aware of it for a while before I got involved, but did not really understand what it was, I had thought it was a sort of combat hud, like the CCS, and as such I had a wrong impression, until I watched a few VWE shows back when they were still under the old name. At that time neither VWE or DCWF was interested in bring in new talent and there was no word on if they ever would so I tracked down Alpins shop and bought the moves for myself and a few alts, then set about learning it. That's when I discovered BPW, and through that Savannah's SWF.
What Made you decide to get into SL Wrestling?
Derrick Zane: I am a worker in real life, I know that there are many who make this claim, I do however have several videos that back up my claim, including a bit part in a truly truly bad film called Dragon quest. When I started wrestling in the real world, I was already fairly old, and as such I knew that there was only so far I would go, and I'm okay with that, but if I could share what I learned with others who for what ever reason would never even get that much of a chance then it was worth the time and effort.
do you have a Dream achievement to accomplish in SL wrestling?
Derrick Zane: I've already achieved the first major goal I set for myself, I was able to pour what I know into a green rookie, and watch as said rookie developed into one of the best performers in our community, if I have a legacy its called Nina Prater.
What do you think makes Your Character Special?
Derrick Zane: This will seem strange, considering the Zane personality, but I don't really think about how much if any influence I may or may not have, I'm not a big self promoter, I suppose what makes Derrick Zane the heel good is that most everyone hates a bully, especially a bully that never quite seems to get his comeuppance the way we would lie to see. Zane the face, is I suppose a little less jerk and a little more the real me, if I, myself, happen to be special in any way, its news to me.
what is the name of your finishers and what are they?
Derrick Zane: I have a few, the first finnish I used regularly was the standing power bomb, after that it was the Air Raid Smash, a vertical suplex base that ended with the opponent being dropped neck first on my bent knee as we came down, the finnish I use now is a standing Burning Hammer called "The Business."
Cornbread Yay or Nay?
Derrick Zane: I have nothing against Cornbread, but I'm more of a pie man myself.
how long have you been in SL wrestling?
Derrick Zane: A little over two years now, closely running up on three.
do you have any Dream Matches?
Derrick Zane: Every match has in it the ability to be of a "dream" caliber. It just takes the right mix of psychology, chemistry, crowd, announcers and a give and take freely mentality on the part of the workers, so I suppose anyone I would face can be seen as a dream match.
if you could pick 5 Matches in any Federation which has been your favorites?
Derrick Zane: I don't often watch the matches myself, usually I am involved in the backstage coordinating aspect of a show, but a few that I did get to watch and enjoyed very much were Ryan Fury Vs. Brett Braveheart at First Contact for the first Multi Fed championship, the then called Television Title, also a great match was the Prater Sisters Vs. The Style Queens also from First Contact. I liked the dynamic between Mythil and Big Evil at DCWF and I have yet to not like any of Drewski's work.
How long have you been in your current Fed?
Derrick Zane: OEW was founded by my speaking to Lex Umaga, who in turn spoke to David HawkActor, who in-turn brought his brother Jedrick on board. So with the exception of the year or so where I had left due to disagreement with David over the future of OEW, its existence, IW, Intense Wrestling, was founded by Ryan Fury who asked me to come back into SL wrestling after I had left uHw over personal issues, that was back in late December, and I have been involved with APW since Brolly Blackheart Sr. asked me if I would like to perform there, about two or three months ago I think.
what have you accomplished in SL wrestling?
Derrick Zane: Nina Prater.
do you have a Dream Tag team Partner/Stable members?
Derrick Zane: I would like to have the chance to work with most everyone, but for all the progress that our community has made, there is still a lot further to go, so some people that I would like to work with, Benja, Drewski, Shinja...exct. I just have to accept that back stage politics will keep that from happening and focus on the things that can be done.
if you could be the Booker for 1 day and you could pick Any wrestler male or female from any fed who would you pick for the Main event?
Derrick Zane: Honestly, I would like to see a story line between Drewski and Bryce Lexenstar, the only issue is something like that you don't just hot shot in one night, if you gave me a three to four month run up to that ME then sure, I would say the same for a Nina Prater V Misaki match.
who trained you?
Derrick Zane: "Youth Suicide" Andre Verdun, also known as "The Evil Lonestar" as for here in SL, I tinkered enough with he system to learn the basics and got a lot of help from JWolf Viper and Savannah Mohegan
if you have a top 1 moment since the beginning of your Career to now can you tell us about that and why?
Derrick Zane: Tagging with Nina Prater against Wolfy Kessel and his lady Izzy. I know I bring Nina up alot, but I have kind of a big brother/dad complex were in Nina is concerned, one of the proudest moments I ever had was to hear from the much reviled Eric Stewart that a promo she cut in the ring at OEW had got to him on such an emotional level that he was wanting to find Even Briggs, and do the avatar physical harm for firing Nina via Fed Ex. And understand, Nina had to come a long way getting past her shyness and fear of how people would react to her voice, that i think are my best moments thus far.
is there anyone you'd like to thank for being there since you began your adventure in SL wrestling?
Derrick Zane: Ryan Fury, Lex Umaga, Bryce Lexenstar, Tiesa Peirs, Aislinne Drakostuu, Maven Gothly, Glen Dundren, Brolly Blackheart, Scott Hexicola, Bloodjack, Giles Smithington, on and on and on. Everyone who gives of their time, and their selves to go out and put on the best live show that they can, who steps up to help pull the rope so to speak, that's who I want to thank, in what ever promotion you wrestle for, thank you for being you.
If you have been in more then One Federation how many have you been in and what was the names?
Derrick Zane: In order, BPW, SWF, OEW, uWs, uHw, IW, OEW again, APW.
do you have anyone that inspires you in SL wrestling? and why?
Derrick Zane: Yes, two names, and they are not the names that everyone would expect, Nina is obvious but not who I am thinking of. Maven Gothly and Glen Dundren, they are two guys who have had a massive amount of collective sand kicked in their faces by a lot of people, and many times justly so, but then when have any of us been perfect? But I name them because no matter how much people take a crap on them, they keep coming back, they keep trying to improve themselves and they still have the desire to give to a community that often enough wants to spit in their faces and dismiss them outright. If that's not inspiration then I guess its called something else.
Do you have anyone that inspires you in RL wrestling and why?
Derrick Zane: I am the worlds biggest Roddy Piper mark and I will fight whoever else claims to be so with broken bottles and chains if need be. I am always inspired by Andre and Gorge Gonzales a.k.a. Carnage, my other real life trainer, and by the man that trained them "The Human Horror Show" Supreme, they are three men, men who didn't have to accept a guy who was obviously never going to make it to the New York or Orlando shows, yet they gave of themselves without question or second thought and showed me that a dream could be achieved, even if it comes around a little late in life.
If you have a custom Attire what does it look like?
Derrick Zane: I make all my own gear, with the exception of my wrist tape and knee pads, simply because I'm not that good as small line artwork, as for my ring gear its self, I wear MMA style bike shorts, of various colors, but dominantly black and silver or black and white when working heel and UCLA Gold and Blue or Dodger Blue and white with red when working face, combined with matching Wingtip style boots.
what was your goals when you founded the federations you've been in?
Derrick Zane: OEW was created as a place to A. provide a foot in the door for new talent to the community, as I said DCWF and VWE were not interested in new people at the time, so our idea was to give another place for people who wanted to learn a shot at it, uWs and its change to uHw was for myself a desire to work with people I was never going to get the chance to, bare in mind I didn't want to leave OEW in the first place, we simply couldn't come to an agreement. IW was started to see if the ideas that were taught to myself and Ryan from our real life trainers could actually work here in SL and I feel they are proving to be very relevant. APW is Brolly and Scotts baby, I just work there. As for the V.W.W.A. its not a fed, but more of an organization to allow for greater communication between member feds, as well as the vessel to create the first ever multi fed recognized SL Worlds Heavyweight, Worlds Woman's, and Worlds Tag Team champions. Some might think its all the same company, and yes I can see why that may confuse, but all one has to do is ask and observe and it will become very clear what the V.W.W.A. is.
can you name your top 5 Favorite matches in OEW?
Derrick Zane: Tiesa Piers Vs. Anarchy Fang for the OEW women's title at the first show I had as the official owner of OEW after my return, as it was an affirmation that OEW would not die, it might be limping and breathing hard, but its far from dead. The Buried Alive match I had with Francis Constantine, he was a guy who embodied everything that was good about OEW, hard work, determination, and a desire to learn. When he was looking at not having a home at the time, much less Internet, he wanted to be "removed" from OEW in a special way, that match was for him his reward for all his efforts and to my knowledge the only match of its kind ever held at OEW and ever will be held at OEW until he returns, if I have anything to say about it. Okita Thor and JWolf Viper put on very good matches when they gelled just right, most every match I had with David was solid and my favorite was the Thommy Connolly Vs. Even Briggs "Boston Street Fight"
can you name your top 5 Feuds in any Fed of SL wrestling?
Derrick Zane: I would say the biggest story that I am aware of currently is Even Briggs seeking to control all the member feds of the V.W.W.A. with his various cronies and the faces of the member feds trying to rally against him. My feud with Bryce Lexenstar has been interesting. I enjoy the hell out of the Fang Sisters vs. Tiesa Vs. Themselves Vs. Everyone they can get their hands on, and I loved the Nina Prater Vs. Arcana over at Hawx, very proud of her to see that she could overcome her fear and win that gold.
has it been easy being the owner of a federation?
Derrick Zane: No, far from it. There are some who believe me to be arrogant, or an elitist, I've even been called the "Illuminati" of Sl Wrestling, but i wont apologize for sticking to the tools that I know work, some claim that what we do is a role playing experience, but let me ask you the reader a question, when you role play, do you have an audience watching you role dice? What we are doing at every fed is putting on live entertainment, Pro Wrestling is simply the greatest example of high entertainment on a low budget there is, and the SL version should not be different, yes the physicality is non existent, there for the psychology should always be stronger and what may get me in-trouble with others is that they don't realize that there are choices they make that ultimately hurt them in the long run in terms of getting the crowds attention and keeping it.
as we know theres alot of rumors in SL wrestling some are bad some are good what do you think causes these rumors?
Derrick Zane: A lack of communication, plane and simple. If all you hear is. "That guy said this." But your not sure if it happened, then go ask that guy. uWs and OEW were in the midst of a dumb ass bickering fight ob face-book and other social means a while back, each side would accuse the other of something bad but no one really wanted to talk like normal people, just accuse and hurl insults back and forth, at the end of the day, when all the smoke cleared it ended with uWs becoming uHw and a lot of hurt feelings on both sides over things that never existed, or never truly mattered, and what hurts the most is that there could have been great things both companies could have done together, but because no one wanted to actually talk to the other-side, it was all waisted.
is there any certain Federation you would want to work with OEW?
Derrick Zane: I am open to any and all, but I'm a realist and I know that not everyone is as willing as I am, do I like that VAW runs directly on top of my show, no, its a hindrance and it denies fans a chance to see both programs, but that's Vince's choice to make. I would like to see other feds join the V.W.W.A. but that's a choice each company needs to make for themselves, so I don't go hounding others about it. If others want to they will, if they don't, they wont and that's okay to, some one once accused Seth Cameron and Numbers Rossini of trying to monopolies all of SL wrestling, hell I've even said it in times of annoyance and frustration, but the truth is this, when Alpin released the system to the community he let the Genie out of the bottle, and there is no putting it back in.
if you could name top 3 Feds which would they be and why?
Derrick Zane: How would you rate a fed that would be A. fair and B. factual?
Tyress: whatever your opinion bases on :)
Derrick Zane: Every operation has its strengths and weaknesses, an arbitrary ranking is far from accurate or even telling of what each promotion brings to the table.
Derrick Zane: Well I'll put it this way, if I named DCWF the top promotion, I'm sure that there will be members of VWE who feel that they are, and vice a verse. To say nothing of the people at uHw, or IW or APW, or VAW, ext ext. A ranking of promotions without specifics, of which we don't have the time or blog space to get into would be folly
what is your opinion on the "SL Wrestling Community"
Derrick Zane: It has come a long way, yet it still has an even greater way to go, its like any community of alpha minded people, its a chaotic, raucous, brawling kind of thing, but that is in its self a part of its charm, the SL Pro Wrestling community is a living thing, and its going to continue to grow and change as its component parts continue to grow and change that's why it's important to not just seek out new talent, but to nurture it, develop it and help all the new faces reach the pinnacles of their potential, so that they can continue the cycle, cause if we don't, it will stagnate and die, and if we let that happen, then whats the point of yelling and screaming and getting pissed off at each-other in the first place then?
Tyress: Ten Question Game! i will say 10 names/words say the first thing that pops up in your head..
1: Legend
A: Alpin Criss
2: Derrick Cult
A: The Other Derrick
3: Best Gimmick
A: Currently "Sir Giles Smithington the IV, XVIIth Earl of Wigan" The current OEW Television Champion.
4: Top 3 Hardcore Legends
A: Derrick Zane: Hardcore without meaning is to me is a watering down of the style, so with that I will name three names that most wont agree with, and that's okay, Okita Thor, Curt Bombastic, and Francis Constantine, each of them made the story matter in their hard core matches, in my opinion.
5: Nemesis
A: The Northern United States *Canada* Watered Down Stunt man Version of Derrick Zane, one Curt bombastic.
6: Top Comedian
A: Benja, Sir Giles, Ryan Fury, Bazza Windlow, Jerico Scarbridge and if I may allow myself the indulgence, Derrick Zane.
7: Top Technical
A: Vince Easterwood, Ryan Fury, Misaki Yumako, Drewski, and Maven Gothly, when he focuses and calms down, he's very good in the ring.
8: Top Brawler
A: Big Evil, Ranma Yoshirro, Scott Hex, and his brother Damien Hex, again when he calms down and focuses on making the match more important then himself.
9: Best of the Best
A: Hard to say, without a specific category its far to vague a question to answer with a couple of names. Benja is great as a funny man, getting better as a serious voice in the ring, Shinja is great at making you dispell belife, Drew is the most white meat baby face I have ever seen, Lex umaga as Even Briggs is great at pushing a crowds buttons wit-out even locking up with an opponent, Nina is great for not just telling you a story, but pulling you in to care on that emotional level. I like to think I'm pretty great on the stick *microphone*
10: Who would you not want to face in an alley?
Derrick Zane: If the avatars were real?
Tyress: mhm
A: Vladimir Poliatevskia, Jacknife Mc Mullens, Exotica just cause that would be creepy, Benja I'm not scared of, I'd offer him a lot lizard and then run the other way.
Tyress: Kings And Queens these are not who holds current belts or was the best champions. but who you think are the Best in their division
1: King Of UHW
A: King: Curt Bombastic, as he knows whats needed to elevate the others around him.
1: Queen of UHW
A: Queen: Honey Bluntz, as she can work with just about anyone in the ring and give you a five star match
2: King of DCWF
A: Currently the King to me is Mythil, to be that persistent, and posses that much longevity as he has and finally show everyone that you don't have to be a giant to get over in DCWF.
2: Queen of DCWF
A: Queen: Nina Prater...cause.....well just cause. So there.
3: Queen of HAWX
A: Qweens: Arcana, Nina, Isabelle, Tiesa...exct exct
3: Princess of HAWX
A: Princes, not sure I would call Bazza a prince, he's a card, just not sure its a prince.
4: King of VWE
A: If I had to name a king of VWE it would be Benja, for now. but there is a kid named John Struck who has his head on right, he's hungry to learn and whats most important he's humble enough to ask questions on how he can get even better, and that is way more important then I can possibly make clear.
4: Queen of VWE
A: Queen? Nanners and Vendetta returning may be a one two tandem that will shake up a division that has been carried by a few for a while, combine them with Lilly, your looking at a breath of fresh air that's been needed for a while now, good things to come from that I feel.
5: King of OEW
A: OEW has been in a decline for a while, and its not the fault of a few as some want to claim, its the victim of situation, but we will rebuild, we will get stronger and we will continue on. Who are the queen and king? Wel
5: Queen of OEW
A: Queen is a tie between Aisline and Tiesa, the amount of work, heart and soul they put into it is without measure, as for kings, Bloodhawk is a kid who has a speech impediment, and many feel he is held back by that from being a successful performer much less a champion that people would want to care about, but his work ethic is such that if all I had was Bloodhawks on the roster, I would gladly go into battle and know I would come out on top.
6: King of IW
A: Over IW way you got Bryce, Bazza, Resin, Jerrico, Ari Lane when he returns after getting his college situation settled, though I'd rather he focus on that rather then SL wrestling,
6: Queen of IW
A: Queens are Victoria Vain, and the sisters Fang.
7: King of APW
A: But the Kings and Queens over at APW are to me, the Blackhearts, Deamon Rage and this monster of a man he found to tag with him, some guy called Abbadon.
7: Queen of APW
A: Queens to me are again Honey Bluntz and the Deviant Darlings.
Match Predictions!
APW's Ignition:
Match 1: Maven Gothly Vs Thommy Connoly Who wins and why?
A: Derrick Zane: Both competitors have their strength, Gothly has that mean streak and killer instinct that you need in wrestling, but then again so does Connolly, but were I give the advantage to Connolly lies in his experience and the Celtic Knot submission he has developed, once your in the knot, you don't get out till old man Connolly lets you out.
Match 2: Angelique Vs Iris Who wins and why?
A: Derrick Zane: Angelique is a tough competitor, tough and determined, but then Iris is a bit of a wild card, she's very mysterious, most in the APW have never seen her perform yet, so if Iris is smart she's been scouting, formulating a game plan while remaining an unknown quantity.
Match 3: Josh Poffo Vs Scott Hex - APW World championship match Who wins and why?
A: Derrick Zane: I'm a little biased on that one, mostly because it was one of Scott's fellow Sports Entertainment Extreme members, Bryce Lexenstar that put me on the shelf, so I'm tossing my weight behind Josh Poffo, not just simply because he's a great competitor, but simply screw S.E.X. and all its members.
Main event!: Bryce Lexenstar Vs Michael Karsin Who wins and why?
A: Derrick Zane: Michale Karsin, why? Cause of no one is looking, I fully intend to hit Bryce with my car, three or four times...in a row.
HAWX's Scorn!
Match 1: HAWX Championship match - Nina Prater Vs Crystal Neutron Who wins and why?
A: Derrick Zane: Nina Prater wins, because she has the heart, the talent and the training of yours truly backing her up. No need for crossing fingers, no need for clever words of long winded speeches, Nina Prater with or without gold is a champion, plain and simple.
Match 2: Jessie Kalil Vs Maxine Darkwatch - Non Title - Who Wins and why?
A: Derrick Zane: I got to toss my support behind Maxine on that one, simply due to the influence of experience, you can't substitute it, you can't measure it, you earn it, and that in the long run helps you more then anything else.
Match 3: Anarchy Fang & Tara Duffield Vs Princess Aurora & Toxic Fang who wins and why?
A: Derrick Zane: Sheesh, can you have a winner when the Fang sisters are standing outside a ring, most likely holding sharp sticks and grinning? I would say that Aurora's strength is the factor, if the Sisters Fang weren't involved, but Tarra's fear of Anarchy is something that can't be accounted for.
Main Event!: Paulz Vs Isabelle Martinezwho wins and why?
A: Derrick Zane: Paulz is a world class competitor, make no mistake about it, she's got experience, she got strength and size, but there is some weird thing that drives Isabelle, some weird inner drive that makes her almost inhuman. I'm not sure who will win, but I'm damn sure its going to be an instant classic.
if you could give one advice to a rookie that just joined SL wrestling what would that advice be?
Derrick Zane: Ask, listen and learn. Ask your vets how things are done, and not just one, ask any who will talk to you. When they do tell you the answers, listen to them, even if it doesn't make sense at the time, it will later on, and finally learn what they tell you, absorb it, and use your new tools to always get better.
What is your thoughts on this Interview?
Derrick Zane: There are times were I feel that your interviews may be geared towards a certain section of the community, to the exclusion of the other half, intentional or not, most likely not, its still a feeling that a few out there share. Perhaps this interview will help to release some of the tensions and feelings of resentment. I am ultimately hopeful, its why I do this, if I didn't care about the business I wouldn't put myself out there for others to comment on, or judge or say what ever pops into your head when I'm cutting a promo on the stick. We all care and we all want to know that what were doing is appreciated. So for this time you have granted me I thank you.
any last words?
Derrick Zane: Do what you believe in, do it to the full of your ability, but remember you are one in a bigger community, and your actions affect the ones around you, so as the old saying goes, put good in, get good out.
I'd like to thank you readers and i hope you enjoyed it! I'd also like to thank those who plugs this blog on their shows week in and week out those being HAWX,VWE and UHW three great federations if you want your federation or place to have a logo on the blog with link to your site hit me up and we'll see what we can do! check them out! they all rock! until next week with a new interview! have a good weekend!
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