Behind the Desk with Inkwell Championship Wrestling: Merging Media Strategy with Fandom

By Jarrod Simpson

King Leo and Professor Jarrod interviewing “The All Father” Darius Carter with The ASÉ World Championship

For those who have followed my career, you know that my work typically lives behind the camera or in the strategic planning of digital media campaigns. I’ve spent years focusing on the architecture of content—building platforms, refining messaging, and helping brands find their voice. I rarely put myself in the forefront.

However, every so often, an opportunity comes along that allows me to bridge the gap between professional media strategy and personal passion. My role with Inkwell Championship Wrestling (ICW) is that opportunity.

When KingLeo of No Dirtsheets brought me on board as Professor Jarrod, the vision was clear: to create a platform that treats professional wrestling with the respect it deserves as an art form, while delivering the high-caliber media production that modern audiences expect. ICW is not a traditional wrestling promotion; it is a media property focused on long-form storytelling, in-depth interviews, and showcasing the humanity behind the athletes.

My Role: From Strategy to Studio

Professor Jarrod and King Leo with Shaloncé Royal

As a co-host and media strategist for ICW, my responsibilities span both sides of the production process:

Creative Direction & Interview Architecture: Leveraging my background in media, I work to structure conversations that go beyond the standard “how did you get your start” interview. We focus on narrative arcs—exploring the psychology of wrestling, the business of independent circuits, and the resilience required to sustain a career in the ring. My goal is to ensure that every episode serves as a compelling piece of content that highlights the guest’s unique brand.
On-Air Persona (Professor Jarrod): The “Professor” moniker isn’t just for show. In my discussions with talents like Cousin Beef (AEW/ROH), Darius Carter, and Shaloncé Royal, I bring an analytical eye to the conversation. I focus on the technical aspects of the business, the historical context of their careers, and the strategic decisions that define their trajectories. This allows me to showcase my ability to engage with high-level talent in a way that is both intellectually rigorous and accessible to fans.
Portfolio Development: For potential clients viewing my work, ICW serves as a case study in how I operate. It demonstrates my ability to:
- Collaborate with established personalities (KingLeo) to create cohesive branded content.
- Conduct professional interviews that put talent at ease while extracting meaningful insights.
- Produce consistent, high-quality media that serves both a niche fandom and a professional portfolio.

Why ICW Matters for My Work

Professor Jarrod with Cousin Beef

I am often asked why I, a media strategist, would step into the role of on-air talent. The answer is simple: to better serve my clients, I need to stay immersed in the trenches of content creation.

In the current media landscape, audiences crave authenticity. With ICW, I am actively practicing what I preach. I am not just advising on how to build a brand; I am building one alongside KingLeo. This partnership with No Dirtsheets allows me to enjoy my fandom of professional wrestling while simultaneously sharpening the skills I bring to my professional consulting work.

I understand the pressures of independent production—the financial realities, the scheduling conflicts, and the need to stand out in a saturated market—because I am living them in real-time with the talents we interview.

Looking Ahead

Inkwell Championship Wrestling is a testament to what happens when you combine strategic media production with genuine passion. For potential clients reviewing my portfolio, I invite you to look at ICW as a representation of what I can do for you: whether that is structuring a podcast, developing a content strategy, or managing the narrative arc of a brand.

I am proud of the work we are doing here. It allows me to be a fan of pro-wrestling, yes—but more importantly, it allows me to demonstrate the value of thoughtful, well-executed media in any industry.

If you are interested in collaborating or learning more about how I can bring this level of strategic media production to your project, please reach out for a free consultation here.