LSW Promoter, Ricky Otazu

NOTE: To read Ricky's previous DOI interviews, check out my interview archive at:
http://www.declarationofindependents.net/doi/pages/reviews/mic_reviews/mcinterviews.html
Also, in the true spirit of Ricky O, the following interview wasn't spellchecked!

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Ricky, you've done plenty of interviews with the DOI in the past, and I'd like to welcome you again to yet another DOI interview. Obviously, the purpose of this interview is to talk about your upcoming Liberty States Wrestling (LSW) project. What's going on with LSW and how was LSW created?

Ricky Otazu: Glad to be back J nothing better then being on the front page of the worlds greatest wrestling website (cheap plug) LSw is going to be great! I am completely healthy and ready to go at this one percent. For the first time in 2 years I have a clear head about my health and ready for the challenge of today�s challenges.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What can fans expect on April 8th, at LSW's first ever event?

Ricky Otazu: One fast paced hard hitting show with storylines you can follow without a 145 page script and a mix of old school and today stiff style plus some comedy.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Why should any fans come to your show, considering the Super 8 is the same day, in addition to your reputation for canceling shows?

Ricky Otazu: Ricky Otazu: Well the show and the main event talents are paid the flights are booked and this is a chance to see the NWA world champion and a man that stood out on the WWE stage for years in a intimate setting. Also yes I cancelled a show or two but nothing more or less then other feds in the area. The super 8 is great but we are a lot closer to the NYC fans with a fresh Product and new faces not often scene in this area.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: As I mentioned in the last question, you don't exactly have the best reputation, as you've cancelled events in the past, hyped up two promotions that didn't even see the day of light (PWAI & SMW) and your JCW died with little fanfare. How do you plan on building up your reputation, and do you think you will have to prove yourself with several quality shows, before the people come out and trust Ricky O again?

Ricky Otazu: Well as stated already I am healthy and up to the challenge right now plus with LSW it isn�t just Rickyo I have people to answer to who have tons of experience and trust in me. To the fans all I can say is when JCW was on top and no matter who wants to question it for a long period of time we were on top in NJ we ran great family shows with a edge and you can expect that again with LSW

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Eric Nyenhuise is also part of the Liberty States Wrestling team, and he's someone else with a very poor reputation, depending on who you talk to. What's Eric's role in LSW and do you think he'll be more of a distraction, rather than an addition to your product?

Ricky Otazu: Ask Eric that question. So far the only thing he has done is prove he is close friend with Dave who everyone including myself didn�t believe. Create a awesome looking website and do a ton of leg work so far Eric is a major plus.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: One person that has been openly bashing your product and the LSW team, is Billy Firehawk of NWA Cyberspace. What are your thoughts on him and his shows? Do you think he's just bashing you guys because Eric Nyenhuise is affiliated with you?

Ricky Otazu: Billy is bashing us? Didn�t notice to be honest. Billy and Eric need to get along it is best for NJ indy wrestling and that�s what I want.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What are your thoughts on Joe Panzarino, the NWS, and the legacy of the Jersey J-Cup tournament?

Ricky Otazu: The J-cup is dead !! sold off to the highest ticket seller. Joe is bar none the biggest asshole I ever met. The J-cup was renamed for Chris Candido to sell tickets Chris nevereven worked the fucking show. Joe is a carny. I bet he prays at night for me to fail. God bless him and his family I wish no bad on anyone.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: With there being so many different shows in the northeast area, what will LSW do differently to warrant fan interest? What will make LSW stand out?

Ricky Otazu: Well first off we plan on running more then just NJ. Details after 4-8 show. Also we have plans to have a unique line up with tons of west coast and Canadian workers to keep the scene fresh.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: On April 8th, Christian will make his first NWA title defense in the NJ area. How pysched are you for that match, and what do you expect in his match against arguably one of Jersey's best, Jay Lethal?

Ricky Otazu: Well no secret I am a huge mark for Lethal. The kid is awesome and what makes me feel better is the fact it is a NWA title match just like my idol Dennis used to run. Christian is the man and truly Is a star with unlimited up side and we will be talked about for months after this show because we booked it first.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: In a sort of a retro question, what are your thoughts on the infamous Bob C JCW parties and is there any footage of proof of these wild romps?

Ricky Otazu: Well no one can throw a party like Bob and his awesome Wife. Not sure on the footage question and please the family is having a big addition to them let them enjoy the kids and life move on.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: LSW debuts on April 8th, and LSW has announced a 6/10 return date. However, on 6/10 LSW will be at the Wayne PAL center. How did you get that building and are you afraid of Cyberspace trying to mess with your show there, considering that building has thrown that promotion out of its walls?

Ricky Otazu: The building said ok to us and we paid for it. After that only God knows what the hell people with do to mess with us. I don�t mess with Billy and I really don�t think they will do anything to us. The more we all draw the better for us all.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What wrestlers in LSW do you see breaking out?

Ricky Otazu: I will answer that with 2 names one old and one new Old Don Montoya is back and in a big way. The lost weight and found his edge. New Eric Matlock Young Hungry and tuff

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: There are rumors that Dave Marquez is involved with LSW. Do you care to comment on his role, if there is one?

Ricky Otazu: Dave is a great new friend and a true man of his world on Weds will be releasing some stuff on our new website WWW.libertystateswrestling.com that will have some Dave�s signature TV production on it. As far as LSW go Dave will comment on 4-8

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: With PW Elite having a sky-high budget and bombing, despite having an excellent show, what makes you think LSW will draw? Do you think the area is over-saturated with wrestling , and that fans will only go to established places, like JAPW? How can a new fed start up and be successful?

Ricky Otazu: Not sure but did PWE hang posters? Hand out flyers? I ain� t saying they did not do this but I know we have and I know we have busted our asses and that�s the best we can do.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What are your most looking forward to on April 8th, and is wrestling back in your blood again?

Ricky Otazu: I am totally hooked again. The most excited since my 3rd j-cup the one with Punk. Canbana. American Dragon and those names that went onto be huge. I have the feeling we will give the fans something other then what�s out there now. A alternative is good and LSW will be the alternative to what�s there now

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What similarities/differences will LSW have with JCW?

Ricky Otazu: Not many JCW was built on a small budget because that all we had and we were learning. Now we have a little bit of money and 5 years experience plus partners with tons of knowledge

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Retro question- what are your thoughts on Carmine Sabia, his mother and their relationship? Would you still take Carmine's challenge to fight him in his front lawn if offered again?

Ricky Otazu: Ricky Otazu: Carmine is gone and that�s ok with me. He buried me in his shoot I got even on the hotline why waste my breathe. Fight him lol I would kill him! I offered to go to his house he never challenged me.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What are your thoughts on the state of indy wrestling today? What feds do you like? What feds don't you like?

Ricky Otazu: Ricky Otazu: It is coming back strong and I like that. Jap is my favorite I follow everything they Ray and Frank and Jeff are great to me as friends. I also like CZW a lot.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Is it true that someone within LSW was booking talent without your knowledge? Can you confirm what matches will take place on 4/8 and what talent is booked on 4/8 for all the readers of the DOI?

Ricky Otazu: Yes and it was handled internally and will not be spoken about in public.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What does the short term and long term future of LSW look like?

Ricky Otazu: Well he have about 3 building set to run on the East Coast and not all in NJ. We would love to open a new door for people to choose and enjoy wrestling. Short term a solid show people leave talking about, Long term to kick ass and open a territory

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: What do you want to say to anyone reading this?

Ricky Otazu: Ricky Otazu: Love me or hate me just give me a chance to show you just how serious LSW is and how great we want to become. To the Mic thank you for this chance to clear the air. To Eric thanks for the introductions you made for me. To Jeff Gold welcome to the crazy world of Pro wrestling. See you on the 8th I hope!

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey: Thanks alot for the interview, and good luck on 4/8.