Kayfabe Commentaries has issued the following:
SAPOLSKY SITS WITH OUTWARD-BOUND GARGANO IN CAREER RETROSPECTIVE
This week saw the announcement by NXT superstar and WWE Cruiserweight Classic competitor Johnny Gargano that he was departing the indies for a more full-time role on WWE’s NXT programming. It’s no surprise that his long-time booker Gabe Sapolsky should be mentioned frequently in such media coverage, given his significant role in Gargano’s career. Now, rather fittingly, Gabe can sit with Gargano and give the wrestling world a nearly two-and-a-half hour retrospective of their time together, complete with significant match footage. Comically enough, it even features their first email exchange to each other, dramatic reading and all.
Today marks the premiere edition of the new shoot series “Gabe Sapolsky’s Next Evolution,” produced by Kayfabe Commentaries (www.shootinterviews.com). In each edition, Gabe sits with talent on the cusp of mainstream superstardom as they walk down memory lane, discussing the poignant matches and career decisions they made together. There is often as much hilarity as there is tribute. Kayfabe Commentaries president Sean Oliver says the series is the perfect mix of retrospective show and shoot interview.
“Gabe really nailed the mix,” Oliver says of Sapolsky’s hosting abilities. “The behind the scenes stories are so great and no one has more intimate knowledge about the careers of the talent we will be spotlighting on the show than Gabe. Plus, with all the matches shows in their entirety it allows the talent and Gabe to really dig deep into the evolution of both the talent’s workrate and overall development. These shows will be the perfect send-off for the world’s most talented wrestlers.”
The series premiere spotlights NXT superstar Johnny Gargano, and features matches against Ricochet, Yamato, Cima, Rich Swann, and The DGUSA Fray match. Gabe and Johnny pore over all the details as the matches play for viewers. “This was a really important episode for me because Johnny has played such a critical part in my career over the last seven years,” Sapolsky began. “This interview gave us the opportunity to reflect on some of the most pivotal matches that paved the way for everything that is happening with us and WWE now. Johnny and I held nothing back in giving the behind-the-scenes details and never-before-told stories that got us to where we are today.”
Sapolsky also highlighted the special nature of the series, given his recent working arrangement with WWE. “I’m really excited for the start of the Next Evolution series,” Sapolsky says. “Each of these interviews were done with people that are very important to the history of the various promotions I’ve worked for. We are giving you the inside scoop on the benchmark matches that defined their careers. The world will see these guys on bigger stages, and these are the matches that helped them get there. Now you will know the real backstory told in an unprecedented way.”
Johnny Gargano was similarly proud of the endeavor. In a statement today Gargano says, “As my independent career is coming to a close, being able to sit down and watch these matches back with Gabe was a fun, unique experience. These are the matches and moments that made me the man I am today and I’m excited to share them with fans.”
The debut episode is now available on both DVD and instant OnDemand from Kayfabe Commentaries at www.shootinterviews.com.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
