Jamie O'Hara wrote:

Who are the best and worst to write for on Voltage?
Do you feel you get backhanded as a writer more often than you get appreciated?

1) This is going to sound like a very PC answer, but for the most part, I enjoy writing for everyone equally. I don't really like writing wrestling scripts to begin with, but it's one of those things that feels tedious as you're doing it that makes you feel accomplished when you are finished. I think I most hate any writing that I have to do for my own character. I strongly prefer to be just a character in an e-fed rather than being a writer of a brand or something like that. I think that's pretty much common knowledge.

2) Yeah. I think I'm among like eight or nine people whose contributions the average EAW e-fedder does not really understand, causing them to speak out recklessly from time to time. It's whatever though. I'm not hankering for the approval of other people. I just need the people that I care about to appreciate me, and that's enough. At the same time, I don't write anybody differently based on who I think appreciates me more. I operate on meritocratic principles using my judgment and almost nine years of experience. However, if someone has something negative to say about me, it doesn't matter if I'm writer or not - they can suck my dick. Always been the case.

Are there any direct inspirations for your booking philosophy (I.e you modeled your writing based on WWE or WCW or even the old NWA style)?

Are there any cool storylines or angles you pitched but never made it to the show?

showster26 wrote:

Are there any direct inspirations for your booking philosophy (I.e you modeled your writing based on WWE or WCW or even the old NWA style)?  

Are there any cool storylines or angles you pitched but never made it to the show?

1) This is a very good question, and I'd expect nothing less from you, man. I never thought about this in-depth, but I think whatever accounts for the largest portion of wrestling content I've absorbed has probably influenced my philosophy - so, WWE and mid-to-late '90s WCW. There are so many eras of WWE that I think you need to at least pinpoint one, though, in which case I would say my writing is mostly influenced by the period starting from 1998 and extending to 2006. Different eras, but just a mesh.

2) Yes! I'm glad you asked. Before I won the Answers World Championship for the third time in 2013, the plan if I had lost was actually for my character to have eliminated himself, spurring a multiple personality disorder gimmick that was unlike anything that I'd done before. I was going to kind of suspend disbelief in a way that e-feds allow more than "real" professional wrestling, creating multiple different gimmicks within one character, each with different names, personalities, and skillsets that I'd tap into. As for storylines that I have proposed for other characters? There have been many, but nothing that I can think of at the moment. I will definitely come back to this.

1.) Was there anything about Hexa-gun that you felt could have been differently or better?

2.) What makes a heel a heel, and for that matter what makes a face a face (in your perception)

Eclipse Diemos wrote:

1.) Was there anything about Hexa-gun that you felt could have been differently or better?

2.) What makes a heel a heel, and for that matter what makes a face a face (in your perception)

1) Nothing more that I could have asked for from the members. However, I would like to have changed the result of RTR to HBG and I winning, resulting in a continuation of the angle where Hexa-gun fulfilled its purpose and temporarily controlled EAW until around Reckless Wiring. I feel like the storyline was basically dumbed down when it became about controlling Voltage rather than EAW, not to say that it was bad or uninteresting, but watered down in comparison to its potential. For the record, I never expected to win that RTR match, but even before we lost my mindset was pretty much "well, we're going to lose so Dynasty can desegregate and EAW can be whole again, but more life would be breathed into this angle if we win," so yeah. All of the feuds that I had during Hexa-gun were excellent, even if my involvement in the stable possibly delayed my eventual seventh World Championship win by a year.

2) I think a heel is a figure that isn't relatable to the common man, someone that in some way or another has personality traits that are frowned upon by society. It isn't just about shaming the crowd or insulting the state in whatever arena you're in. It's about appealing, negatively, to people's beliefs and principles. Representing what they think wrong is, running contrary to their principles, playing by your own rules. There's a plethora of heel types, so it's not like my version is definitive or anything, but that's my view. On the flip side, I find that the best faces are those that appeal to the common fan, guys like Daniel Bryan and CM Punk. There is no better, more timeless story than that of the underdog. It will always stand the test of time because in every generation, every era, there will always be people that feel as though they've been marginalized in their field. An outspoken underdog character like CM Punk's lends itself to likability, whereas with a traditionally face character like John Cena you have the prototype. He'll never change, will always stick to those core maxims, but the people's preferences will - which is why he started getting booed. You can only remain vanilla for so long before the people get tired of you. To his credit, he's always managed to hold down that core base of female and child fans, been the top merchandise seller, accomplished and achieved virtually everything there is to accomplish and achieve. But the guys that are going to be almost universally loved are the characters in the Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, and even 2008-2009 Jeff Hardy mold.

Do you think wins and losses are the most pivotal thing in EAW?

What was the hardest loss you've ever had to write for someone(if ever)?(As in, it was hard for you to write it because you felt it should go a different way but were left with no alternative)

What do you look for in back up show writers?

Jon McAdams wrote:

Do you think wins and losses are the most pivotal thing in EAW?

What was the hardest loss you've ever had to write for someone(if ever)?(As in, it was hard for you to write it because you felt it should go a different way but were left with no alternative)

What do you look for in back up show writers?

1) No. Winning too much strains character growth and vice versa, imo. I think that's about the end of it. There's more to e-fedding than winning and losing. It's about how you develop and build your character, what he or she experiences, so that wins and losses are more impactful when they do occur, regardless of which end of the spectrum you fall under.

2) Writing Nasir Capitani to win by DQ over Aren Mstislav at TI was extremely difficult. I had a very tough time deciding between the two and had flipped between choices on multiple occasions. Writing Aren Mstislav's title defense at Pain for Pride had some degree of difficulty to it, too, since Carlos did such a great job.

3) Willingness. That, and writing in the format that EAW shows are written, is pretty much all that is required to be a backup writer. Also, I'm not sure if this is common knowledge or not, but I don't mind if someone wants to write their own segment as long as they do it under the specific guideline of the writer.

1. How are you this morning? 

2. When judging two promoers who are almost equal in all respects, what factor helps you determine who wins and who loses?

3. One thing that pisses you off?

4. Who do you think Jericho will face at WM?

5. Best match you wrote? 

6. One tip for someone who in the future might become the writer for a show?

1) In my feelings, like always.

2) Coin flip. Kidding, haha. When I'm judging two promoers that I feel are almost equal in every respect, I ask myself who the win will benefit more in shaping their future, and how the loss will affect the loser, if the effect will be as pronounced if one or the other wins. And usually when this is the case, I try to find a way to push the loser afterward, too.

3) A LOT of things. There are far more things that anger me than there are things that make me happy. What pisses me off more than anything is when I get second-hand information about people who are talking shit. I will at least do someone the courtesy of shitting on them directly. If you're a fake POS and can't be bothered to come at me, I have no patience or respect for you.

4) I can't see any scenario where he doesn't face Kevin Owens. It's probably going to be for the United States Championship after Owens drops the Universal Title to Reigns, but I'm hoping it's title vs. title. Reigns, imo, is the number one leading cause of WWE's sped-up ratings decline in the past 3 years.

5) Aren Mstislav (c) vs. Carlos Rosso vs. Vic Vendetta for the EAW Championship at Pain for Pride. I was very proud of that match after I wrote it and seeing it get posted live in the chat and the subsequent reactions of the crowd was very gratifying.

6) Expect more people to slight you than appreciate you. Writing is thankless. If you are five hours late, then at that point it doesn't matter if it's five hours or two days - you've been stigmatized. It's a bunch of bullshit, honestly. I think a requirement for being a long-term writer is having a high sense of self-worth. If you don't, the noise is going to get to you. Also, invest in backup writers.

1. What's the one mistake you see rookies make more often than not? 

2. If someone who (for some odd reason) not heard of Y2Impact, what promo/segment/or match would you show them in order to get a good sense of what the EFed Character was all about?

KellyHackenschmidt wrote:

1. What's the one mistake you see rookies make more often than not? 

2. If someone who (for some odd reason) not heard of Y2Impact, what promo/segment/or match would you show them in order to get a good sense of what the EFed Character was all about?

1. When they join and automatically expect to be in championship matches and win every match. If you join here and you lose your first two or three matches, you shouldn't be discouraged. Taking two or three consecutive losses can hurt, but there is truth to the idea that you should trust in the process. A lot of people join and lose their first match, then never show up on the site again. I have no earthly idea how people become so entitled that they always expect immediate gratification, but I honestly think you shouldn't even join if your expectation is to make an unreasonably rapid ascent. Can that happen? Sure, but is that the norm? No, not for anyone. Now, does that mean you are going to be catapulted to World Championship candidacy after you take a few losses? No, but the cream always rises to the top and you should be better positioned for the future based on what the writers have learned about you.

2. Any of my promos for this past year's first ever 40-man Grand Rampage match that I won. My collective magnum opus. I pride myself on my consistency. There has been maybe one match in the past two years that I haven't cut at least one promo for. As for writing, I mostly started co-writing brands out of necessity starting with Showdown. I find it extremely draining, thankless, and unenjoyable, but I've done it every week since April of last year to the very best of my ability because I know that's what EAW deserves. Some, who probably enjoy that facet of e-fedding much more than I do, have been doing it much longer than me. That's a big part of why I respect Mr. DEDEDE so much. The amount of scripts he has written for EAW, and the writing he's done in general, is probably the most impressive feat in EAW history, imo. I always appreciated them, but writing for almost a year now, I've grown amazed. The idea of writing for a brand every week for three years straight makes me want to shoot myself in the head, if I'm being candid. Part of that is probably attributable to the fact that I have been e-fedding for quite a long time now (since March 2008), so I have grown a bit weary. But at the same time, I'm grateful, and I love EAW.

For you, who was the best faction in WWE ?
For you, who would you to see to be in a faction here in EAW ? Under which name ?

Anthony Leonhart wrote:

For you, who was the best faction in WWE ?
For you, who would you to see to be in a faction here in EAW ? Under which name ?

1. The Ministry of Darkness

2. Meh, I think we should all cool it on factions for a while, but what is a faction that I could see if I could mesh anyone together? Probably something like Lannister, Sheridan, Nico Borg, and Rex McAllister. Have no idea about the name.

Jack Ripley wrote:

1. Have you ever read any of Chris Jerichos books?

2. Do you listen to Fozzy?

3. Favorite Chris Jericho persona?

4. Why do you have more world title reigns then Chris Jericho? Are you better then him ?

5. If you wrote an autobiography what would be its title? 

6. Now that Tyler Parker is retired, who's going to fill the void in your heart? 

7. Any questions for me?

Thanks for your questions, Jack, and congratulations.

1. Yes, I have read all three, but haven't finished his last one. About three quarters of the way through, if I recall. Honestly some of the most entertaining stuff that I've ever read. His stories are insightful and hilarious, matched only by his commentary on them. I would highly recommend everyone read his books. Pages go by before you even realize it. Not saying it's some literary work of excellence or anything, but for a wrestling fan? Among the best reads, no doubt.

2. Nah. I like a few of their songs, but I'm not really a huge fan.

3. Probably his "Honest Man" 2008-2010 gimmick. He really put everything together and became the total package when he transitioned from his party host personality. That said, from 1998-2005 he was probably one of the top three funniest wrestlers (especially as a face). I think that era of Jericho is more iconic, but just my opinion. The work he's done since his heel turn last year has been pretty excellent, too, but I lowkey wish he could have adopted this persona and stayed this long around 2012-2013 when he was in better shape. He's still in good shape for a 46 y/o dude, but he's not hitting the DDP Yoga hard enough, if you ask me.

4. If I thought everybody with more World Title reigns was better than Jericho, I'd think someone like Orton was better than him, and that definitely isn't the case, at least not in my opinion. I generally don't believe in the idea that more world title reigns = better in WWE. Cena having 16 World Titles still doesn't mean he's fucking with The Rock and Stone Cold, nor does it in the case of someone like Orton w/ Jericho. As for the actual question, nah.

5. If I answered right now, it'd probably be something depressing. I hope I can come back to this later with a more uplifting title.

6. No one can fill those shoes, sadly. But I guess I'll just have to try to love my Taco Bell twice as much as I already do, which is no small feat, I assure you. However, if someone wants to create an application to become the next object of my affections, who knows? Nobody can take me across the park like Tyler took so many people across the park in his career here, but perhaps we can take a long walk on the beach or something.

7. Sure! What inspired you guys to come back? Who's your favorite wrestler? Favorite band? Most disliked genre of music? Any inspiration behind the casino/gambling bit of your gimmick, or just something you thought of 100% organically? I'm sure you've been asked some of these things already, but hey, it's news to me. Hope you are enjoying your second go-around!

Would you be open to the possibility of Owens defending against the returning Balor 1 on 1 at Mania and Jericho instead defending the US Title in a big match against someone like Sami?

Nasir Moore wrote:

Would you be open to the possibility of Owens defending against the returning Balor 1 on 1 at Mania and Jericho instead defending the US Title in a big match against someone like Sami?

Well, it doesn't really matter if I'm open to it since WWE's gonna WWE, but I *guess* I wouldn't hate it. I've never been the biggest Sami Zayn fan (sorry to disappoint you), but he's obviously really good at what he does. On the flip side, I would feel kind of let down if WWE decided to use Jericho's last remaining months to have Owens NOT feud with him leading into their biggest event. The team they've had, the segments, characters, it's a perfect recipe for a WrestleMania feud. A feud with anyone else, be it Sami or whoever, would feel like a total curveball. I admit Finn Balorsaur vs Owens would be fucking dope, but I need Jericho vs Owens in my life, damn it!

Who are your top picks in NXT ? (excluding big names)

Anthony Leonhart wrote:

Who are your top picks in NXT ? (excluding big names)

Tbh, I actually don't watch a lot these days, and that includes NXT. I'll watch it here and there, but I don't follow it enough to have any kind of a say on anything.

is there something that in hindsight that you wish you had never written for a show?

showster26 wrote:

is there something that in hindsight that you wish you had never written for a show?

Nothing I regret, really, but from time to time I get pissed off that I had Piff win the NB Championship on Showdown only for him to get fucked in the ass a month later by JJ Silva or whoever the fuck it was on Battleground. I think that sapped all of Piff's motivation. Not that people here aren't adults that should handle their shit, but I was hoping for and expecting much more from Piff's reign. Quite annoyed about that, honestly.

Thanks for the congratulations, I appreciate it! 

What inspired you guys to come back?: Well basically I felt like David and I had a lot more to offer than what we did on our first stint, we didn't get to the ultimate goal of becoming the Tag Team Champions. Real life got in the way, I got a girlfriend, and I lost track of what really matters, Efeds. So when she broke up with me I realized how much I missed promoing as The High Rollerz, and our team. So when David said we should bring the High Rollerz back together, I was all in.. haha all in.. betting pun

Who's your favorite wrestler? Not to be a mark for my pic base, but I got exactly who I wanted, Johnny Gargano is currently my favorite, and has been for a long time. Eddie Guerrero would probably be my favorite of all time though, him, Christian, and Chris Jericho

Favorite band? Currently, Issues, Tyler Carter has the voice of an angel that makes you cry jizz out of your eye balls

Most disliked genre of music? Cuntry... ha totally got the genre of Country by saying that, not very keen on Techno or Dubstep either

Any inspiration behind the casino/gambling bit of your gimmick, or just something you thought of 100% organically? So basically we wanted an original idea that really hasn't been done before. And the way I thought of a gambling gimmick was through the old team the APA. They used to do backstage segments where they played cards, drank, and smoked cigars, basically gambling.  So I just thought instead of it being an agency for protection, why not just have it be a betting agency. it was a perfect gimmick to use. But David and I prefer being funny goofs, and doing things that make ourselves laugh, rather than being tough bad guys. Hence all the interviewer stuff, don't want to be a one dimensional promo where it's about just betting all the time. Felt like that could get stale, and it kind of just manifested into what it is now.


Sorry it seems like I hijacked your AMA lol, so back on track, 1 more question for you... Do you incorporate any of your character Y2Impact into your real life?

Jack Ripley wrote:

Sorry it seems like I hijacked your AMA lol, so back on track, 1 more question for you... Do you incorporate any of your character Y2Impact into your real life?

It's all good, bro! I usually prefer to hear about other people, anyway. As for your question, I think I incorporate tidbits of things that happen to me in my real life into my character. I don't think any of my character here seeps over to my real life, but that's mostly because as Y2Impact I've always portrayed an exaggerated version of myself. My character represents the thoughts that I wouldn't necessarily express in real life, that I internalize. That doesn't mean when I mention something about someone in a promo that I actually believe whatever insult I'm slinging, but it's impossible for the logic my character uses to not correlate with the logic I use when trying to solve a problem or explain something in real life, or even just to myself. I would never say something that you'd read my character saying IRL, though.

What do you think is left for the Y2Impact character to accomplish? What keeps you going?

Any "new guys" you like here in EAW?

What's the best part about writing Voltage?

What do you think is the best match you have written?

Will SK finally win a World title?

Are there any storylines you would like in the future for Voltage?