I run the show ’round here!
You’re probably thinking; “Who is this woman, and why do I care about her blog?“
Well, I’m glad you asked! My name is Brandi Garcia-Valdes, and I am a public relations practitioner with over a decade of experience working in the sports entertainment business, primarily focused on the southern California region.
“Cool story and fancy words there, Toots. How does that make you an expert?“
Well, I am a trained journalist, who has several years of experience working in a newsroom. I used my reporting persuasion techniques and relative experience in the wrestling business to land some of the greatest names in sports-entertainment history, to sit down with me for on-the-record interviews. The method and thought process to my madness is what I’m going to show you throughout this blog.
“So, you worked in a WWE/AEW type of wrestling shows?!”
I have indeed! My wrestling career began in April 2010, working as an intern for Empire Wrestling Federation (EWF), based out of San Bernardino. I worked my way up from picking up ring gear, to producing my own column, where I gave results of every show, and various backstage interviews with local talent. My work with EWF led to two other opportunities working with Wrestling Cares Association (WCA) as a Public Relations Coordinator in Gardena, and a production staff member with Alternative Wrestling Show (AWS), in South Gate.
“Wow. OK, so what’s your personal background? Have you always loved this stuff?”
My love for professional wrestling started long before I was born, when my great-grandfather used to work at the Tampa, FL armories as a facilities manager in the 1970’s. He would take my mom and uncle with him to watch the live shows, and they were hooked from the start! That passion was passed down to me when I was in diapers. If the television had wrestling on, there was a 100% chance you would catch my toddler-aged self, running around the house like a maniac. Screaming at the top of my lungs that Roddy Piper and Bret Hart were on TV and telling my family to come watch the broadcast with me.
“A family history, nice! So, what made you want to start interviewing wrestlers, and why do you want to give up the tricks of your trade?”
I decided in January 2010 that I was going to evolve my passion and love for wrestling into a professional career. Naturally curious, I wanted to see the nitty and gritty road to success, that performers face when “chasing the brass ring”. This usually consists of a signed contract to a major promotion like WWE, Ring of Honor (ROH), New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Interviewing these athletes allowed me a deeper look into the journey before, during, and after they hit the big time. These moments away from the bright lights, and outside the squared circle; where you can see the emotions run through these performer’s eyes, is incredible. The sincerity and authenticity that comes often with these conversations, result in a camaraderie with your heroes. If I can pass on my knowledge for more of these conversations and connections to happen, I think the world could be a better and more relatable place.
Public Kayfabe 