The Awakening II: Night Five Press Conference Thread

[Slaine Rodrick]

The following fighters must present their press conferences here. No real restrictions, write whatever you want, how long you want as long as it pertains to the match. All fighters are seated at a single press conference table, starting with the first fighter on the left end and the last fighter on the right end.

BAD ASS vs. 

Conor Blackburn

Carrick Price vs. 

Ernest Cauldwell 

Finals
vs.

PRESS CONFERENCES DUE BY SEPTEMBER 16TH @ 11:59 PM EST

[carrickprice]

And then there were four. Four worthy fighters. Four who had been run through the ringer of rulesets and emerged at the end of the line. Having taken his allotted spot at the table that was set up for the four men who remained, Carrick settled in comfortably. With two weeks having passed since the Dragons Rage event for Caged Glory, the wounds suffered at the hands of a Katsumi Hoshiko cheap shot had healed well enough that there was just a slight discoloration where a scar had formed. Truly, the physical wounds had healed but the emotional and mental weight of coming up short was still weighing on him. All the same, he appeared to be the same focused fighter he had always been. Just, perhaps, a bit more humble than he had been at the previous Iron King press conferences.

As he sat patiently waiting for the press conference to begin, Carrick found himself lost in his thoughts. Every man that was seated at the table was someone he held at least a morsel of respect for. Ernest was a proven fighter in his own right, having amassed a total of twenty three fights in CGFC alone. He had championship victories to his name. As did Bad Ass, though he had essentially retired from fighting and was merely looking to keep his prior engagements. The man had plenty to fight for, Carrick knew. What could be better than going out on top in a tournament? And Conor. Conor was probably the man Carrick was least familiar with but, if anything, he had been the most impressive fighter of the remaining opposition. Naturally he had a gameplan for each one. He had spent time preparing for each one. But Ernest was the only certainty. He needed to get passed him, and figure things out from there.

A question snapped him from his thoughts, bringing his attention back to the moment at hand.

Reporter: Hola, Senor Price, how are you feeling?

Uncharacteristically, at least from what the media had seen previously, Carrick smiled.

Carrick Price: Swell lad. Fucking swell. I mean, I’m sure you’ve seen the news recently about my sister, yeah? Lost a child a year ago because her lad beat the shite out of her in a wrestling match. She wanted to keep that shite to herself, ya know? Didn’t want the whole fucking world pitying her. But then some dumb cunts thought it was their right to broadcast her life on television. So, lad, I’m doing great. Fucking wonderful.

Well, so much for the uncharacteristic smile. Ruined by his token sarcasm.

Reporter: So… you’re no-

Carrick Price: I’m about as pissed off as you can imagine. Probably more. We don’t need to review the last few weeks do we? We don’t need to review the shite that Katsumi got away with, do we? We don’t need to recap the shite that I have had to put up with for months, do we? No. We don’t. We’re here to talk about the fights. We’re here to talk about Ernest. And Bad Ass. And Conor. We’re here to talk about the final four fighters in a tournament that really only had five or six actual fighters in it to begin with. You want to ask me a question about that? Ask away. You want to ask how I’m feeling? Get fucked.

Another reporter decided to speak up, catching Carricks eye as he did so.

Reporter: I was wo-

Carrick Price: You’re Dave Scriven right? Yeah, fuck off. You want to be that lads little had picked bitch, that’s fine. But I won’t answer your questions. And when this shite is over you can personally ask him what it feels like to get his ass kicked by a mouthy little Irish cunt, yeah?

A few of the reporters seated in the room averted their eyes but Carrick saw the subtle grins on their faces and felt entirely justified in what he had just done. Turning his attention elsewhere, Carrick waited for the next question from anyone but Big Dave himself.

Reporter: Well, if you want to talk about the fights lets talk about the fights. How are you feeling about the first of a potential two fights in one night against Ernest Caldwell?

Carrick Price: Ernie? He’s a good lad. Probably the fighter most like me of the other three at this table. We both prefer to look for submissions, and to do work on the ground, as opposed to a stand up all out war. He’s one of the few that I don’t mind sittin’ up here saying I respect. Would be a bit foolish to not respect him, yeah? Ernie, he’s got the resume. The sort of resume that I want to build, and that I’ll begin to build by winning this tournament.

Without letting Carrick get any further into his answer, the reporter interjected to press him further.

Reporter: So now you’re saying you actually care about this tournament? You’re invested in winning the Iron King now that you’re in the semi finals?

Carrick Price: Yeah. That’s what I’m saying. I know you lot don’t like to hear that. I know you want the same boring platitudes. Oh, I’ve been thrilled to be a part of this the whole time. It’s been an honor. Blah, blah, blah. You want someone that is going to tell you what you want to hear, instead of how they really feel. But that’s not me. It’s never been me. It’s never going to be me. This tournament, for me personally, has been a joke up to this night. I mean Christ. On my way to this fight I had to beat a lad named Heavy Chevy. Fucks sake. But now. Yeah, I’m invested now. I give a shite now. Because the fights that are happening at Awakening, they’re fights worthy of me. They’re fights worthy of the people paying to watch this shite. We’re done with the flippy fuckin’ wrestlers who want to give real fightin’ a go. The four of us? We belong. The rest of the tournament field? Ha. Each one of them can get fucked.

The questions didn’t slow down as another reporter was quickly speaking up.

Reporter: So you respect Ernest. And you admit he’s got experience and the resume. What makes you think you’re making it to the finals?

Carrick Price: Because resumes are good for one thing. That’s a paycheck. But what he’s done in the past. Who he’s beaten in the past. It doesn’t mean shite once he and I are in there together. The two of us? We’re hungry. I promise you that. We’re both looking to avenge losses in the Dragons Way. Coming up short isn’t something that either one of us is content with settling on. But Ernie? He’s the old lion. He’s been at the top of the mountain. He’s been king of the pride. But me? I’m the young, hungry lion. And sometimes, it’s just time for a changing of the guard. The Pride needs new blood breathed into it. And that comes at my hands as I take another step toward becoming YOUR Iron King.

Another question down, another question rapidly fired at him.

Reporter: Carrick Price. Iron King. I can’t say the sound of that is music to the ears of many outside of the Slaughterhouse circle. Why are you so certain it’s going to be you?

Carrick Price: I could say it’s because I’m fighting for my family. Or Sarah. Or that I want to make the Slaughterhouse brand proud. But the truth of the matter is, it’s none of those things. It doesn’t have shite to do with wanting it more than anyone else. We all want it the same, I’m quite certain of that. Ernie. Conor. B.A. Myself. Each of us could sit up here and list reasons why it’s going to be us. I’m quite certain you’re probably going to ask similar questions to each one of us. The simple answer is that there’s nobody better prepared for this. Nobody who has been run through the ringer more than myself the past few months. I’ve fought the best. I’ve fought idiots that don’t deserve tape my hands for me. But in every single fight I’ve ever had. I’ve learned something. Sometimes the moment just belongs to one person. Call it fate. Call it destiny. Hell, call it an awakening. At the end of the day it won’t matter. It’s my hand that’s going to be raised. And there’s not shite any of these three can do about it, yeah? Now piss off. I’ve had about enough of your questions.

Waving his hand dismissively at the reporters, Carrick sat back and waited to hear what the others had to say.

[turdferguson]

Following the conclusion of Carrick’s remarks the cameras pan over on the table to Conor Blackburn who is dressed in a slick suit with his long hair tied back. As per usual, his expression does not betray much of his feelings. He adjusts the microphone, tilting it slightly closer to him.

Conor Blackburn: Hello, I trust all are well. Mr. Scriven did a passable enough job the last couple of times out, so I will open questions up to him again.

Blackburn glances over at Big Dave who still seems a bit thrown off by getting blown off by Carrick Price moments earlier.

Conor Blackburn: Are you ready? I can interview myself if you’d like a moment to collect your thoughts.

Scriven indicates that he’s fine to go and clears his throat before shuffling through his notebook.

Dave Scriven: Um yeah Conor, so you’ve got a tough matchup here to start the night with BAD ASS, something I think a lot of PW fans looked forward to but didn’t get a few years ago. That said, if you advance you’ve got to be prepared for either Carrick or Ernest, how do you prepare for a situation like this? You know, balance it all out.

Conor takes a moment to consider the question before quickly responding.

Conor Blackburn: Listen, I think the preparation for a one-night tournament scenario is pretty straightforward. The first match is the one at the forefront of your mind because there is no appearance in the finals if you don’t get that, and how you approach that one can affect how you perform in the next fight if you do advance. Obviously the ideal situation is to get a quick knockout or submission, or cruise to a decision with top control where you don’t take a lot of damage.

He scratches his chin.

Conor Blackburn: Obviously that’s a lot easier said than done though, isn’t it? This is a high level of competition left here, and you have to be ready for things not to go according to plan. As for the potential match ups, obviously I’ve done my homework. First up you’ve got the all-out aggressive striker with the real scrambly submission game. After that you’ve got more patient fighters who also have the strong ground games, but are a little more measured in their approaches. There’s some differences between them of course, and I’m not saying anything groundbreaking. I’d imagine everyone left in this tournament knows these things, and has done at least some general tape study well before we got to this final four. You don’t wait until the last minute to suddenly try to figure a fighter out.

Shaking his head, he continues.

Conor Blackburn: Tape study only takes you so far though. Forget not knowing who you’re facing heading in if you advance, or what condition you’ll be in. You don’t know what kind of condition your opponent will be in. Hypothetically, you might study them favoring an overhand right, then they break their right hand in the first fight. A situation like this is more about yourself and the preparation than the opponent; it’s more about being ready to adapt and fight through adversity.

Scriven scribbles the key points down before following up.

Dave Scriven: So you’re focused more on yourself then? Some people theorized you might lean on your friend Aurora for some insight on BAD ASS, given they had some high profile match ups in the past.

Conor crinkles his nose, seeming a mixture of disappointed and disgusted at the question. He collects himself before answering.

Conor Blackburn: Yes, I believe I said that. As for the theorizing, I think the world of Aurora and respect her opinions. However, I can do my own scouting and make my own observations. More importantly, that was 4 ½ years ago, Mr. … B.A. has evolved immensely since then, which isn’t surprising. I haven’t seen eye to eye with him on much, but he’s always been a hard worker. Different rulesets, my fighting style is different than Aurora’s is, fighting a much more skilled fighter than he was back then.

A beat.

Conor Blackburn: But yes, my focus has been on myself. I’ve brought in Jenevieve Geroux for this latest camp, who I think has credentials that speak for themselves-- Tyson was actually able to finish fights without cheating while under her guidance-- and a great knowledge of the technical side. I’m not looking to greatly change things up or get someone to game plan for me, but I felt an extra set of eyes would help to make sure my technique is still tight, that I haven’t picked up any bad habits due to wear and tear over the past couple of months.

Big Dave nods.

Dave Scriven: Speaking of wear and tear, not asking to give too much on injuries. But y’know, how’s the arm doing after your last outing in Underground.

A blank stare follows before Conor finally forces a small smile.

Conor Blackburn: I believe I’ve gone over this before when I got asked about other ailments, but the arm is fine. The damage done to it wasn’t enough to submit me, and I treated it properly, I’m a professional. Maybe it will be sore again after this tournament is done, but I can double the jab, I can hook, I can fight underhooks. Everyone left has some wear on them, Price took some illegal blows from Hoshiko-- I know all about those-- B.A. here got finished his last time out, Cauldwell’s been in the thick of it.

A lightbulb seems to go off in Scriven’s head. He considers whether to ask the question or not, but then goes ahead.

Dave Scriven: Uh yeah, so BAD ASS got finished in pretty vicious fashion last time out, he’s talking retirement after this tournament. Even focusing on yourself, doesn’t that make it easy to want to y’know pursue the KO early and rest up? A lot of states medically suspend a fighter for a long time after getting finished like that.

Conor cracks his neck.

Conor Blackburn: Maybe he’ll retire, maybe he won’t, I’m sure he thinks he will. Fighters change their mind about that all the time. That’s not really my concern besides how it affects him mentally. Some check out early and go through the motions, others become a caged animal and want to go out on their shield. Everything I know about him says he’ll be the latter. But, none of my three tournament fights have gone the distance. I finished two, and the other got himself disqualified after I had him dropped and hurt. And I didn’t do that by chasing the knockout recklessly. Of course I wanted the finish in the striking only match up, but I’m going out there to execute my game, see where the advantageous situations play out and take advantage of them. I’d have been happy winning either of my last two fights on the ground, I just happen to be an accurate striker with very heavy hands.

Dave Scriven: Uh, so would you say that power that size advantage you have is the biggest advantage you have in this tournament?

A shake of the head.

Conor Blackburn: I believe the advantage I have is that I’m the best. They’re all exceptional fighters and I know you don’t expect the big tall heavyweight to have skill or technique compared to smaller fighters. There’s areas they can outdo me with volume, pure speed and if the ground exchanges turn into scrambles. But, I am absolutely confident I’m the most dangerous fighter in all aspects. I have the technique, length and footwork to be an effective outfighter. My strength and focus on fundamentals can let me dominate the clinch, and I can use that underhook control to get takedowns without having to shoot and put my neck in danger. I have superb top control and attacks from top position, and I don’t get emotional or panic so I make rash decisions or gas myself out.

A light shrug of his broad shoulders follows.

Conor Blackburn: I’m not discounting anyone in this, but the facts are they’ve had to show off a lot in back and forth scraps. I’ve been winning with half a playbook, sure you can say there was a distraction for Cashe in my last fight but I was on cruise control up to that point. This isn’t ego, it’s simple fact to say that most would say my most dangerous weapon is elbows from the top on the ground-- I can either I couldn’t use those in Pankration Rules, PRIDE Rules, or Striking Rules. I’m not giving any strategy away either, my point is that my particular skill set might not be way more evolved than anyone else’s but it’s the best suited to dictate when and how the fight takes place.

After taking a few key notes, Scriven considers his next question before settling on it.

Dave Scriven: Okay uh, we’ve gotten into a lot of the technical stuff. But now that we’re closer to the finish line … Iron King, what does potentially winning it mean to you? Big picture, all that; obviously you’re a competitor but is there more to it than that.

Blackburn takes several moments to consider this before adjusting the microphone again.

Conor Blackburn: So I will go into the past here a bit, although I’ve been trying to focus on the future. Fact is, I was the most dominant performer in Phoenix to never hold a singles title. That’s not opinion, that’s a fact. Then I had my falling out, and I’m sure both sides will have differing opinions on who was at fault. That is irrelevant here, the point is I have a chance here to erase a label. Even better, I have a chance to do it working as an independent contractor. You all know I don’t exactly see eye to eye with wrestling promoters, and I don’t like leaving business unfinished. So it’s about a lot more than just joining the elite list of Iron King winners, it’s about erasing the asterisk. It’s about becoming the inaugural Iron King Champion, setting the tone for what it is about and associated with, while doing it on my terms.

A sharp exhale.

Conor Blackburn: I don’t take part in anything to be “the best with an asterisk”. My sole focus is to be the best, period. Not as competition with anyone else, not for comparison, but because I expect myself to be the best version of Conor Blackburn possible-- period. Being anything less than that is unacceptable. As long as I do my job, what I’m capable of, I will achieve this goal. My fate is in my own hands, and I have no designs of holding myself back-- period. I can't really hyperbolize my focus and drive any more than that; you either get what makes me tick? Or you don't.

With that confident, determined, determined utterance he pushes the mic away to indicate that he’s done here.

[BAD ASS]

(While most would be wallowing away in their loss on their first defense, throwing a big pity party for themselves, BAD ASS was quite the opposite. A sly smirk stayed on his face the entire press conference. Dark shades on his face to help with the concussion. The soothing sounds of water trickling through his earbuds. Well that and a shit ton of cannabis circulating through his blood stream. Now that he was no longer a contracted employee of CGFC meant there was no piss tests to worry about. Not like Slaine would piss test him either. So there he sat, patiently waiting for Conor to stop droning on about whatever serial killer analytical bullshit he was going on about, and proceeded to pull out his vape pen (sorry Sawtooth, this is my last BAD ASS rp, I'm stealing it.) He took several puffs, holding it in for a good eight seconds before exhaling a white cloud above his head. He then leaned into the mic.)

BAD ASS: It's THC.

(Gasps, laughs, and "YEAH!!!"s from the divided Mexican crowd as he then leaned back with a smile and looked out at the crowd. It wasn't long before an overweight soccer mom of a white journalist waddled onto her soapbox.)

REPORTER: BAD ASS!! What kind of example are you trying to set to the children?! 

(A big laugh from BAD ASS as he drew closer to the mic.)

BAD ASS: Lady, my fucking name is BAD ASS, in case you haven't realized that. I'm a prizefighter. We're not role models. None of us up here are role models. Now shut your beaver mouth and sit down, I want a real question. 

(The lady sat down, and seconds later a tall young Mexican male stood up.)

REPORTER: Bad Ass, I have question for fight. How you fight Conor?

(His smirk grew to a grin.)

BAD ASS: Most direct question of the night.

(Some chuckles from the audience.)

BAD ASS: He's a dangerous motherfucker. He knows it, I know it, Ernie knows it, and even though Carrick doesn't want to admit it, he knows it too. I mean just look at this guy. He's a walking mountain of muscle. Practically a giant over most of his opposition. Seriously go look at most of his past fights, it was a tall heavyweight beating the shit out of much smaller opposition. Finally he gets someone of manweight. Some could say his past wins were what would happen when you put a semi-skilled heavyweight against smaller opposition, and they would be right. However in this situation you have Conor facing his first legitimate MMA fighter in his path to Iron King glory. A man who is one of the chosen few to be a World Champion in pro wrestling and MMA. A man who fought to the semi-finals of the most loaded Iron King Tournament in history. Conor realizes the threat I stand to him, and for that I appreciate the sincerity. Because believe me Conor...

(He turned to Conor.)

BAD ASS: I may be a battered carcass. Sixty percent of what you could be facing. But you better believe Conor I'm going to give you every last percent until my body quits on me. This brain...

(Finger tapped temple.)

BAD ASS: Will not quit. I will keep coming at you. I don't care if I only have one eye, one unbroken arm, and a couple intact ribs, I will Terminator you hardcore motherfucker until I haunt your nightmares. You will never get this blood covered mug out of your head after I'm through with you. If you think that the P3 strategy will work against me, think again. You do not have the ground game or technical acumen P3 has. Yet. Not only that but I got a completely different strategy for you, being this is my favored rule set. 

(He looked back to the crowd.)

BAD ASS: I know the thinking man over there has his own complex set of strategies for me, and I welcome his cold, reptilian approach to the game. He's on a quest of personal redemption as he wants to remove the asterisk on his career. Good. Everyone in this tournament needs something to fight for. Carrick's fighting to prove that he gives a shit for at least the semi's and final. Ernest is fighting to prove what he has over in PW before possibly jumping aboard. I'm fighting to go out with one last accolade before I retire from combat sports permanently. Conor's asterisk though is something I personally think he could have had back during his PW run, had he simply just asked. What sane promoter would deny a man of that talent a shot at the big belt? I know his tag partner holding the title at the time could've been a monkey wrench in the gears, but even then I know he'd take Aurora on one on one. You want to know what it really is? He didn't have the confidence back then. He's not the type of guy to admit to his faults, so I'll speak for him on this issue. Subconsciously he felt he was on the back burner to Aurora's career. And maybe, JUST MAYBE he feared hurting his friend in his pursuit for destiny. Either way sulking and storming his way out of the company was the ultimate tell tale sign that he had a loss of confidence. Look at me, over-analyzing people like Sigmund Blackburn over there.

(Laughs from the crowd as BAD ASS took a quick swig of water.)

BAD ASS: But it looks like that time on the unemployment line was just what Conor needed. He needed time to build up his confidence, and realize his true potential. That potential is being fulfilled as he pulls double duty as one of the top wrestlers in HKW Underground and one of the top fighters in the Iron King Tournament. The dude is such a favorite to win Iron King that he's the poster boy for the Awakening II. If that ain't Slaine bettin' the whole house on Conor, then I don't know what is. Conor, stop playing the victim. That's way too Anastasiash of you. Real champions don't sit there and pout, they beat ass and keep on going. That's exactly what I'm going to do at the Awakening II. I'm going to do my best to beat Conor's ass and keep on going. This is my last stab at the big time, and I'm going out with a bang.

(A nod and a smile from the reporter as another stood up, this the infamous Dave Scriven.)

BAD ASS: This fucking guy.

(Laughs from the crowd, and a play along chuckle from Dave.)

REPORTER SCRIVEN: I gotta ask you BAD ASS about the rumors being flung around about you suffering from a concussion and a possible fractured orbital bone. Is this true, and if so will you be allowed to compete?

(That smirk of BAD ASS's dropped a little.)

BAD ASS: Good question. As for the concussion goes, I did suffer a light one from the TKO at the hands of P3. Two weeks no contact. It's been two weeks no contact, so I'm good to go at the Awakening II. As for the fractured orbital bone, inconclusive. I got a doctor in the states saying one thing while a doctor in Mexico is saying another. Being the event is in Mexico, I'm gonna go with the Mexican doc and say no, no fracture here. Severe bruising and swelling? Yes. Don't believe everything you read on the dirt sheets.

REPORTER SCRIVEN: I was also wondering should you get past Conor, how do you feel you fare against the remaining opposition?

BAD ASS: Everyone in this tournament is tough. Carrick is a tough, scrappy little shit talking beanpole. He's like me when I first started pro wrestling but with an otherworldly ground game. Ernie is durable, flexible, incredibly unique grappler with the most unassuming frame ever. Either one of them is a very tough fight for me, especially if I make it past Conor. But if I had to hypothetically put myself in a fight against either, well, I think I could win. I got a damn good ground game, so as much as these guys love getting down on the mat I'm just good enough to force them to stand. And I assure you, this battered zombie will out strike them in route to a victory. But that's all a fantasy until I beat Conor. That's where my mind is at, as this man is completely focused on destroying me to become Iron King Champion. I can't let that happen. 

(Big Dave sat down, and there was a silence for several seconds. The silence broke as a squatty Mexican man with glasses stood and cleared his throat.)

REPORTER: Bad Ass...Why you retire? So good still!

(A comical nod to the crowd as BAD ASS's ego soaked in the question.)

BAD ASS: Because I realize that you need to give up this game once there's nothing more to accomplish. I've checked everything on the bucket list. I've faced, or will have faced some of the biggest names in pro wrestling and MMA. If I get to face Ernie or Carrick, that's another cherry on top. I'm young, and in my prime. I could easily heal up with a three month vacation and then take a camp for a big fight. But why? What the hell do I have to prove? I'm already financially taken care of for life. I have a steady job to look forward to in coaching, which I can't wait to get into after I'm done with Iron King. I've heard it said before, that it's best to burn out than to fade away. I completely agree. Go out in your prime when you still have your brain and your body. To the other three fighters on this panel, I suggest you take my advice. There's way too many fighters who refuse to give it up and fight till' they extinguish. That's not the path for me. This fight, this event is my swan song. I'm going out on my terms. I'm done.

(With that said he popped back in his earbuds and reached for his vape pen. He proceeded to puff away as the crowd digested his words.)

[ernie]

When it rains it pours. Since Redemption 128 and the subsequent controversy, everything that could have possibly gone wrong.. has. Ernie was knocked out and eliminated from the Dragon's Way Tournament; The Outliers lost their DTW Unified Team Championships in a headliner at the Korakuen Hall, and most recently, the Battalion Championships. In less than a month -- it was all gone. The weight of these recent losses, these recent wars, hit the Portland native like a blur of fists on repeat. And through convincing himself it's all been one giant cosmic ass blast, beneath the surface, Ernie knows he's made some missteps. He also knows that if he gets too far entrenched in the fog and fault lines of recent events, the throne of the Iron King will be just out of reach. At this level missteps come at a high price, and none would be afforded on the 16th. It was time to regain some traction.

Donning a SUPREME 'Gonz Ramm' straight bill and a Willowtip Records t-shirt, the bony grappler leans over the side of his chair, dropping his cellphone in the backpack he has propped up against the leg of the table on the far right end. As he postures back up, one of the reporters notices and takes aim.

PRESS PASS: Juan Lopez reporting for BloodyElbow, Ernie, thanks for taking the question. I haven't seen any MMA news outlets or Youtube videos offering any insight to where you stand on this controversy surrounding your fight against Rebirth Champion, Anastasia Starling in the last round. Care to break the silence and fill us in?

With the enthusiasm of a dead moth, Ernie squints his eyes and rubs his forehead.

CAULDWELL: Sounds like some bullshit to me, you know? All pretty suspect, but I don't know. I won the fight, that's for sure. Rewatch it. Beyond that, I don't really give a fuck. It was a good scrap, I gave her respect, I gave her credit. Do I think it was reciprocated? Nah, not really. I don't think she was very gracious either, but that's me. I been around a while, I ain't a dirty fighter and I don't fuck around like that, so.

With visible irritation, Ernie pushes the mic forward and hangs his arms.

PRESS PASS: No, I don't think anyone doubts that at all. During your entire career, Pro Wrestling or MMA, you've never been called into question as far as any of that's concerned. The judge under scrutiny WAS seen wearing one of your shirts, though. Do you feel that any of this has cast doubt on your win against Starling?

Emphatically shaking his head from left to right..

CAULDWELL: Like I said, roll back the tape. Any self-respecting fight fan's gonna see it clear as day, I'm tellin' ya. I'm a professional fucking fighter, sporto. I've been training in these disciplines for YEARS. With the stipulations in this tournament, it just is what it is, I've got the superior skill set. Technically sound with all this, straight up and down. And Pride Rules? Nah. She was never movin' on. 'Fraid to say it.

Shrugs, still shaking his head.

PRESS PASS: this one's also for Ernest. String of misfortune recently as you've suffered some real significant losses. How difficult has it been to recenter for the finish of the Iron King after Dragon's Way? Your second knockout loss in months?

Both eyebrows go up and Ernie's cheeks inflate; slumping back in his seat, he gently exhales and reluctantly readies a response..

CAULDWELL: Sheit, go ahead and cue the Modest Mouse track, 'Shit Luck' for me, my dude. I mean, I really had my heart set on taking that whole fucker. The competition was much steeper this year, but I've grown exponentially as a martial artist. I prepared a ton for it and I reeeally liked my chances, man. No joke, though, I was for real pretty fucked up about it. Tom is a tremendous fighter, super game opponent, but I can beat any of those top guys. Been sayin' it a lot lately, but it's cause I think some of'em are startin' to forget, I'm up there too. And the second you think otherwise, you'll find yourself rebootin' in front of thousands of fans, makin' spit bubbles from the mat, you follow?

The reporter waves as he concludes, and as the low-key fighter nods, another question comes from the opposite side of the room. 

PRESS PASS: Hi, guys! Terrance Martin with MMAFighting.com. During the early phases of the tournament, you expressed interest in the participants flying the Caged Glory flag, specifically one's you haven't been matched up with yet during your tenure there. How pleased were you to find out your semi-final opponent would be none other than the young and extremely promising Slaughterhouse rep, Carrick Price?

With his head lowered, Ernie fidgets with the brim of his hat, pulling it down over his face. He scoots in his chair and speaks faintly into the microphone..

CAULDWELL: Fuckin' kiddin' me? I was totally stoked. This is the exact typa' fight you wake up every morning praying for, the ones that keep you on the grind day in, day out. He's been confident and.. outspoken.. about his abilities inside the cage for as long as I've been watching him come up. The sick part about Carrick is that, ninety percent of the time, kid makes good on what he sets out to accomplish, which makes him a real riot to watch perform. That's what I can't get enough of. I mean, I'm not gonna sit here and say the cat doesn't get on my nerves on occasion, but for the most part, I have no problem reading between the lines with him. He's got a righteous support system with the Slaughter crew behind him; he's a gnarly fighter and he knows it; he's ravenous, and not only for straps, but to continue to showcase and test his mettle. He's obsessed with this sport and ready for more. Something I can relate to and completely understand. He's gonna be a champion soon, no doubt, just ain't gonna be the Iron King..

Ernie folds his arms and leans into the question..

PRESS PASS: Carrick has mentioned the respect he has for you going in, something you don't see often from him, as I'm sure you heard a few moments ago. Is it fair to say you echo the same sentiment then?

Puzzled having just answered the question, Ernie deadpans and issues a long drawn out stare in hopes of making the gentleman feel uncomfortable. After the pause the former Dragon Champion clears his throat.

CAULDWELL: You're a sharp one, I'm gonna hafta keep an eye on you. Yes. That is indeed what I'm saying. I do take exception to the whole resume/paycheck business, though. I get his point, and there's a certain amount of self-talk and internal monologue that goes along with fighting someone packin' a "laundry list" of accolades, but I don't expect anyone to look at what I've done in my Pro Wrestling or MMA career and cower. For any reason. Just know the shit I've been able to get done, has all been due to my hand, my hard work. There's promotions poppin' up on every fuckin' street corner built to cater to their buddies in the business, that don't require shit from their roster -- winnin' for nothin' and titles for free. Not me. I've never been in anyone's ear or on anyone's jock to further my career. No suh.

Aware he's gone off task, Ernie smirks.

CAULDWELL: I know that's not what Carrick was getting at, and quite the opposite, he's in the process of building a super respectable resume the right way. I just got myself off on a little tangent there, but only because I felt like it was worth mentioning -- too many bootleg ass fighters out there eager to flaunt their diluted bullshit. Carrick ain't one of'em and that's what makes this such an exciting fight for not only myself, but all the fans in the loop. If not for Phoenix Wrestling, I don't know if this is a fight that'd be on Caged Glory's radar for a minute yet, so I think it's a treat a lot of folks probably weren't expecting. And the both of us, regardless of the outcome, come to take advantage of those precious moments after the bell rings to put some fun shit on display, you know? We leave it all out there, and in that respect, we always deliver. Like Carrick got through tellin' ya, we're both fixin' to avenge these recent setbacks. Sure as shit ain't a do or die kinda moment for either of us, but I think we're both takin' it as such.. and I think that's a part of the mindset we share that keeps us successful in this game. 

PRESS PASS: The two of you match up well too. Wha--

Cutting the inquiry short, Cauldwell forgoes the customary reserved demeanor for an intensity not often seen at the pressers. 

CAULDWELL: On paper, for sure. We're both smaller competitors, both fast, and both with tanks for days, right? He's got some dope subs on his record too. I think his stand up might be a little better than mine, but as far as jitz goes, I'd take the edge. Wrestling too probably. Do I think experience is everything? Not in all cases, but I think it's gonna prove to be a factor with this one here. We're gonna see, though. 

Ernie lifts his hat a rubs his hand through his mohawk, nodding at his opponent.

PRESS PASS: Obviously without looking passed Carrick, between BAD ASS and Conor Blackburn, who would you like to see in the Main Event for the final of the 2018 Iron King Tournament, should you get there?

Tilting his head in thought..

CAULDWELL: Yeah, one-hundred percent focus on the Irishman right now, but I'd hafta say, BAD ASS. We've been working the same promotion for a minute now, since Caged Glory acquired Macto, I believe? So, I been watchin' him ever since, you know? He's a good fighter. And I think there'd be a good show to be had there, for sure. No disrespect to Conor none, I 'm just not familiar with him aside from what I've seen here in Phoenix.

PRESS PASS: One final! A couple years ago in Tijuana, you won Pandora's Box and became GOL's 2016 God of War in what was an instant classic, 8 man ladder match, eventually cashing in to become their World Champ. This could be another monumental moment in Mexico for you if you're able to get this done, Ernie! Hypothetically speaking, if you were to win the tournament and become THE Iron King, have you given any thought to what possible plans you might have in store while under contract for Phoenix Wrestling? In the immediate or otherwise?

CAULDWELL: Not at all.

Chuckles.

CAULDWELL: Not even concerned with it right now, to be honest. All kindsa wacky shit, I'm sure. You guys know how I do when it comes to rasslin', so yeah. Best from The Outliers has yet to come, if you can believe that.. We could be movin' in.

Throwing up some 'spooky fingers', he wraps up by thanking the fans.