An exclusive interview with Candice Fairchild (TF-Previously recorded on 11-27-05)
by Darkside Wrestling Federation
"Daniel Douglas of CNN. Today I have the distinct pleasure of speaking with Candice Fairchild, the president of the Dwf sports entertainment promotion. A new promotion that has taken the industry by storm and the reason for it's success, it's headed by several very prominent and well known industry leaders. "There's Vice President, Dr, Damien Death, a man whose reputation preceeds him as he has done it all from coming up in the ranks to holding world championship reigns to managing a wrestling promotion."
"The devious Aggression General Manager, Shane Lestat who has run the gamut from managing wrestlers to holding a managment position and is currently doing that again. The creative and driven talent, Strikezone General manager Kevin McKain who is about to show the industry what he can do. Last but by far the least, the newly appointed Commissioner, Nyeka. A past and possibly present wrestling star that has sent aftershocks through the industry, not only because of her appointment, but the mystery surrounding, who appointed her in that position."
"Before we start, i'd like to quote Ms. Fairchild from an earlier interview she had with E!"
"A good Sports entertainment promotor is many things to his or her roster,” remarked Fairchild. “He or she can be a friend, a mentor, a coach, or wear one of any number of hats depending on the circumstances. That is what I am and that is what I do"
D.D: It is a pleasure to have you with us Ms Fairchild
CF: The pleasure is all mine
D.D: Let's go back to the beginning if we may. You held a large party for the talent, the stars that make up the Dwf just before the public announcement was made; why was that important for you to do?
CF: Because the stars are the most important aspect of this company. Without their hard work and committment every time they step into the ring, we, the Dwf would have never gotten the fan support and the ensuing t.v deal to showcase their talents in every home. It was important to me that they heard the news directly from me, as this is how I have always established my relationship with the roster and my management team. . I make myself available, accessible and personally recognize their vital contributions to the company.
D.D: Your background sports entertainment and sports marketing is well documented, how is this wrestling promotion different than the one you were once with or others for that matter?
A: There are many major differences. First, I have greater involvement in how this promotion is run and while that brings greater responsibility, i've got to be honest with you Mr. Douglas, I welcome it and I relish it. Second, there's a greater sense of freedom. I know what makes a promotion successful and let's be honest, it's one part managment and two parts the roster. Those under your roof are the lifeblood of any successful company, if you give them your best, they in turn will give you their best.
I've seen and made note of the mistakes that other promotions make and I can tell you right now, those mistakes will not be repeated here in the Dwf. But differences aside, three are a lot of similarities in that you are selling the personalities and focusing on the emotional involvement of the fan. You are using television, live events and products, namely, merchandise bearing the star's names, images and catch phrases. They are living representations of the unique personalities that we are proud and fortunate to have in the Dwf. Every time a fan wears a tee, a hat or supports their favorite superstar by chanting their names or catch phrases, they become part of each and every show
The goal is to make the emotions of the fan so strong that they integrate them and the product into their lives. It’s interesting when you see the fans arrive wearing a tee from one superstar while another wears a different one. Those fans identify with our stars, connect with them on a level where they want to recreate that magic wherever they go. It lets the fan relive that experience over and over again.
D.D: Undeniably, the Dwf's locker room is quite possibly the most impressive in the industry so i'd like to ask you about the free agents coming up from the indy's and other promotions. What is the Dwf's strategy in signing them?
CF: Not possibly, they are the most impressive in the industry. We(the Dwf) take a great deal of pride when people praise our locker room and our wrestler’s attitudes. That's because we, take the time to look at each potential free agent on a case by case basis. If they are a right fit, we invite them to join us and sign them right away. You see Mr. Douglas, our first priority is the talent and to expose them to as many people as we possibly can. The stars that join the Dwf have worked their butts off here and they deserve this exposure to show the world how amazing their talent is.
D.D: Ms. Fairchild, on a more personal note. You left a company where most would say, you were set for life. You had job security and financially, you were in a great position to put it delicately. Could you tell us why the bold move?
A discernible smile immediately beamed from ear to ear as Candice looked at the interviewer. It became evident to Daniel Douglas and the viewers watching that she was about to impart some invaluable wisdom.
CF: While I understand how many cannot fathom a person's decision to walk away from status, fame and the allure of material possesions, there are many who can, those are the people that love what they do. Quite simply Mr. Douglas. I love the business that i'm in
Unfortunately, this is a pretty cut-throat business where many of those in power sometimes abuse that power. Where promoters often sell their show atop a soulless landfill of broken promises, dreams and broken bones and all to sate their own overblown egos. In this world, it is an inspiring thing to see when you see the men and women of this federation not selling or having to sell their souls at the expense of their principles. No. Mr. Douglas, I would not sell mine, and neither would the supertars nor the managment of the Dwf.
But to get back to your question, I am my father's daughter in other words. My father and Dwf Ceo, John Fairchild is a self made man. (Interviewer's note- That's multi-billionaire John Fairchild III) He is an entrepreneur like his father before him and his father before him. I wanted to establish a promotion where the stars, the artists and they are artists Mr.Douglas, could do what they love best without limits on how far or how high they can go. So you could say that those that have struggled and labored only to feel the sting of frustration and relative obscurity can bask in the limelight alongside those that have achieved the success and fame that all have endeavoured to possess.
D.D: Which brings me to my next question. Ms Fairchild, you have become more visible when you have generally remained behind the scenes, is there a reason?
CF: There's always a reason Mr.Douglas. Before, I wanted to prove myself, not by who my family was but by who I was and what I could do. Now that I have, you'll all be seeing alot more of me.
D.D: Last question. When will we see you and the Dwf next?
C.F: Why live at Aggression on December 2nd. This is our pilot t.v. show where you will all have the chance to see what we can do. The Dwf fans and the world haven't seen anything yet!