It’s Day 3 of the EWC Season 24 Preview series and we’re tackling the brand that brought it all home last season at Parabellum – Paramount!
Paramount took to Season 23, hot on the heels of their win as Season 22’s brand of the year. Paramount GM Chris Brock looks to bolster the men and women in orange even further this season, and he’s made sure to do so by inking new talent like Nika Kosov and returning names like Emma Louise, Shaker Jones, and one of last season’s breakout Paramount superstars – Sally Talfourd.
New talent wasn’t all Chris Brock had his eyes set on, as broadcast negotiations have been underway for months between Paramount and their broadcast partners, the CW. To make a long, boring legal mumbo jumbo story short – the CW is OUT and Paramount has gone fully digital in the 2023 season! Paramount will premiere on Apple TV+ and EWCTV this February 22nd live from their home at the Cow Palace in Daly City, California.
News & Rumors
- Tag Team Turmoil?
- Rumor has it that former EWC Manager of the Year – Bunny Love – might be hopping herself right toward the unemployment line. With her contract not yet lapsed, and the retirement of the Southern Express at this past Wrestlefest… Bunny Love is contractually obligated to deliver a tag team to Paramount. Will she dig into the trenches to find another diamond in the rough? Or will she latch onto an existing team and see if she can steer them to the promised land she brought Southern Express to?
- Do you believe in Magic?
- We caught up with recently re-signed Paramount star, Sally Talfourd, and in an exclusive brief, the former CW Champion had this to say – “Last year was all about getting back into the ring, finding the Magic. Well: I’ve found it! Season 24, you’ll see all new tricks, all new illusions and by the end of it all, you won’t believe what you’ve seen.”
- A New Vision for Paramount?
- Sources close to the EWC Network tell us that Paramount’s season premiere will unveil the hottest new talk show in pro wrestling. We haven’t gotten any definitive details yet, but we’re told to be on the look out for something early in the night.
- Missing in Action?
- CW Broadcast champion Asriel Buzzard hasn’t been seen since Wrestlefest. Sources close to Paramount’s GM tell us that the enigmatic superstar left the CW championship and his cell phone. in his locker room at FNB Stadium. Word around Johannesburg is that a man fitting Asriel’s description was last seen wandering away from town on foot. Chris Brock has been tight lipped on the situation, but one can only assume the silence will break at the Paramount season premier.
Champion Spotlight
El Pablo – EWC X-Division Champion
How would you sum up your 2022 season?
- Beyond my wildest dreams, honestly! To go from feeling like my time at this level could genuinely be done after bottoming out on Prime two years ago, to now standing as the Greatest X-Division Champion of All Time, soon to be the second-longest reigning champion in EWC history behind my boy Ace and 777…it’s humbling, satisfying and gratifying in equal measure.
Has being champion changed your perspective on being in this industry?
- Absolutely. When I won the Indy Championship back in 2017, I don’t think I was truly ready for it. It was so early in my EWC career and, with everything I had going on in my personal life at the time on top of that, I let the pressure completely consume me. This time, though, I’ve done the hard yards; I’ve been through that purgatory and come out the other side, scratched and clawed my way back to the top and so now, whatever happens from here on out, I know that I absolutely belong as part of the biggest, brightest and boldest EWC conversations.
What can we expect to see from you in 2023?
- We’re well into uncharted waters now as far as the X-Division Championship goes, but as we cross that 500 day threshold and start to see the very faintest glimmer of 777 creep over the horizon, you’d best believe that we’re gonna continue to raise the bar; continue to prove that the X-Division is home to the most innovative, most dedicated and most uncompromising subsection of the EWC roster!
Outside of that…I owe our beloved Queen a considerable receipt from what she tried to do to me at WrestleFest XX, so I’mma do everything I can to earn the Rainbowlution another opportunity to cash that in.
Do you have your eye on any particular challengers next season?
- I’m sure some of the usual suspects will be looking to give themselves another go on the merry-go-round – the likes of Dio, Aiya and especially Darius. I’d love to see some new blood start to force their way up the rankings as well, though; the likes of Caleb Scott, Addy Aquilla, Tanja Devereaux and Jamie Love. Even Mercenary – I still owe him one from 2021!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are now, next season?
- Take every moment as it comes – even if you have a greater overall goal in mind. If I’d set out to break Kinsley’s record from the outset, I never would’ve made it – but, I could win this defence; then this one; then the next one and, before you know it, history was right there for the taking!
Setbacks are an opportunity for refocusing and growth; a little extra sauce in whatever story’s being told.
Know who you are and what you bring to the table. Nobody else is gonna gas you up so, if you don’t back yourself, you may as well give up before you even step out through the curtain!
Green Skittles are the best, followed by orange; then yellow, purple and, finally, red. Try to stick to three different colours at a time max; only take the full hit if you really need to go Super Sonic.
Any final thoughts?
- Thanks to all my brothers and sisters for taking this Rainbowlutionary ride with me – I can’t wait to do it all again in Season 24!
Also, in a complete contradiction to what I just said, I’m calling my shot now: If, by some miracle, I’m still X-Division Champion come Wednesday November 8th, it’d be my honour to face Ace King at the Paramount season finale to see who gets to keep the record.
Goodnessspeed and Viva La Rainbowlution!
Marcu$ $t John – North American Champion
How would you sum up your 2022 season?
- History making. Becoming the first ever 2-Time North American champion was a big deal. Being able to defend the title successfully my second time around was an important roadblock that I had to overcome. My name will forever be in the record books for that but the proudest and biggest accomplishment was being the sole survivor of Parabellum and earning the Paramount/FSWs first ever victory at the event. Brand loyalty has always been important and bringing that victory home was the cherry on top of a successful 2022. The confidence that was put in me to help lead us to victory was enough to push me to the win. Now it’s forward into making more history.
Has being champion changed your perspective on being in this industry?
- As having been champion before it taught me what it takes to keep the title. Working for it is gratifying but keeping it means so much more. Carrying one of these titles makes you want so much more. I don’t just want to be the Champion of Paramount, I want to be Champion of the entire EWC. Being Champion puts a target on your back, but Marcu$ $t. John will not be hunted. I’ll be the one doing the hunting.
What can we expect to see from you in 2023?
- More. More matches, more appearances, etc. I won’t just be Paramount exclusive this year I promise you that. If I’m chasing after the EWC Undisputed Title, which is my goal then I have to show not just Paramount that I’m serious but everyone on Brawl, Rampage, and Prime that I’m a force to be reckoned with. I’ll defend my championship with everything I have and still represent my brand but now it’s time for me to expand out and Bankrupt people from all over the EWC. To Jordan Sharpe, Grizzly Duggan, and Jim Connors, $ee you $oon.
Do you have your eye on any particular challengers next season?
- Of course I do. My top 2 are Melody Malone, because she has something in her possession that I want and Ibuki Ito because I’ve never beat him in the ring. Outside of those two there are other people I have my eyes on but I’ll save those surprises for the fans during the season. Just know when I show up on these other brands, these people will come face to face with Money.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are now, next season?
- I don’t consider myself to be some sort of role model but follow your own path. There’s more than one way to reach your goals. Whether you’re from a rich wrestling family, trained in MMA, or didn’t have a wrestling background, forge your own story and do it your way. Whether it’s solo or in a group, set your goals and don’t lose sight of them regardless of whether things go your way initially or not. This business has its growing pains that almost everyone experiences but stay true to your plan and yourself and I promise you will see the light.
Any final thoughts?
- I want to be a future Hall of Famer and leave my mark on this industry and company. If you stand in my way you’re an enemy whether I respect you or not. If you don’t look past my wealth, you are certain to fall. People no longer can say I didn’t earn it so you’ll have to come up with something else. Hunting season is about to begin and I’m locked and loaded. You can take that to the bank and cash it!
