Post by Awesome Stick Labor on Feb 9, 2016 19:23:38 GMT
~RECORDED VIA SKYPE ON 2/9/2016~
IWF.com caught up with Jack Gaither on Skype this afternoon from his hotel room in downtown Omaha, NE regarding the recent news of Tristan "Nighthawk" McDaniel's release from the Imperial Wrestling Federation. Word of disclaimer: the opinions expressed by Mr. Gaither do NOT in any way, shape, or form reflect the views of IWF and its members.
IWF.com: Jack, thanks so much for joining us during your lunch this afternoon.
Jack Gaither: Not a problem--I'm munchin' on a meatball sandwich from a local joint in town that ain't Subway.
IWF.com: We see that...opting for the small diner instead of the big chain?
Jack Gaither: Welp the best places to eat in every city I've been to are them smaller eatin' joints, things ya can't find everywhere ya go.
IWF.com: Anyways, this morning the IWF came to terms on the unconditional release of Nighthawk, someone you've had your dealings with her and, as we understand it, in the old Premiere Wrestling Alliance. Your thoughts?
Jack Gaither: Ya know...where do I begin? Tristan and I go back a few years prior to IWF as you correctly pointed out. We were workin' in the old PWA from...I'd say September 2008 to December 2011. In those three years, we never were exactly on the same page on a professional scheme, tearin' each other to shreds in that ring and on the stick for the sake of entertainin' y'all folks. On a personal level, Tristan was a brother to me in this gig, and we had a great workin' chemistry in that ring, adaptin' our styles to put on some really good programs.
IWF.com: Do you think that Nighthawk might've simply had a case of burnout after all these years, both in IWF and other organizations?
Jack Gaither: We all have burnout--it's just a part of makin' an honest livin'. Sometimes the travel and constant hounding by other wrestlers or fans becomes too much for one to handle, but we are reminded that there's more to life than simply steppin' through them ropes every day. By definition, professional wrestling is simply about grown men and women gettin' paid to play a game and beat each other up for entertainment purposes, and some wrestlers have done this craft all their lives like 'Hawk has. Yet there comes a point in time when ya just can't do it no more--and it happens for a wide variety of reasons to some of the game's greats. I understand that 'Hawk wants to live up to a high standard of competition, and frankly I can't dispute that--for we ALL wanna set standards for ourselves.
IWF.com: What was your biggest issue with him in IWF or anywhere else?
Jack Gaither: Bein' a proud Trekkie, I once called him the Borg of professional wrestling 'cuz he always assimilated other people's styles, adapting them into his own and always lookin' stone-faced. He always treated the sport of wrestling like a chemistry class instead of simply goin' out there and havin' FUN with it. He got himself so caught up in the technical aspects that, in my professional opinion, he forgot to simply enjoy the game and its trappings. In the end, wrestling might've been a lifelong calling for him and a host of other folks, but it's just a game--a mere part of everyday life that allows us to break away from the depression that the world seems to provide, either through the news or social media, and let out some steam. There are more things goin' on in the world outside them ropes that make us put our gig into perspective.
IWF.com: What would you say to Nighthawk now that he's gone from the Imperial landscape?
Jack Gaither: I wish him all the best in the world--wherever he goes. He's always been one of the good guys, and despite our professional differences he's been like a brother to me. That's all I can say...except I hope he learns how to have fun in a world that's constantly riddled with sadness.