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Thank You, Axl Rotten (And R.I.P.)

Friday, September 14, 2007

What's Up Ya Hooligan?? For September 14, 2007

by Art Shimko
http://www.combat-hooligans.com/

It's been a busy week for the staff of Combat-Hooligans.com, the website that provides combat sport fans the latest news and opinions from the world of mixed martial arts, professional wrestling and boxing.

We're constantly working on the site with daily updates and promoting it throughout various like-minded websites and this week is no different as we've recorded our weekly podcast as well as hosted the premiere "Sitting In The Front Row" podcast by our friend and fellow staff member Ric Gillespie of CanvasChronicle.com featuring Combat-Hooligans.com's own Casey Trowbridge as they interviewed the lovely Julie Hart talking about her upcoming book as well as the various charities she's involved in.

As far as live event coverage Casey will be covering Saturday night's EliteXC show with Robbie Lawler vs Murilo "Ninja" Rua in the main event and I will be covering Pro Wrestling Unplugged's Diamond Anniversary show in South Philadelphia... speaking of the PWU show we ran a contest last week and gave away a pair of tickets to winner EJ Hibian, congratulations again to EJ!

Also check out our latest site poll where we ask you, the readers what your opinion is on TNA Impact expanding to a two-hour program, each week we tackle a current topic poll to get a grasp on what today's fan thinks of the current product, whether it's WWE, TNA, UFC, Ring Of Honor, etc.

This week we have posted the first of a three-part review of CZW's Tournament Of Death 6 DVD, a review of the '95 Survivor Series by our own Wade Wallenstein and fellow Hooligan Mark Danger's Monday Night Raw report.

And don't forget the news items posted daily at Combat-Hooligans.com, including ProElite's latest acquisition this week, what former boxing champ underwent spinal surgery, who got fired from WWE this week, Ring Of Honor making another west coast debut, all the latest on upcoming events and so much more!

And on top of our regular staff we have contributors including former NWA heavyweight champ Dory Funk Jr., PWBTS.com's Bob Magee, Florida independent wrestling journalist Alan Wojcik, The Dark Match radio host Wacko Bob and Oliver Newman who provides wrestling reports from England.

Be sure to check out Combat-Hooligans.com, we will have plenty of PPV, TV and live events covered this month along with quality writing you've come to expect from our writing staff.

You can subscribe to email updates from us through Feedblitz, check out the Feedblitz widget above the site poll on the front page and enter your email address.

If you would like to be a contributor for the site and/or have a news item you'd like to send in email us at press@combat-hooligans.com

We welcome any contributors and if you're interested in covering boxing please drop us a line.

Feel free to donate funds to our site, we have a PayPal donation button atop of the front page, you can also help support us by clicking on our Google ads and/or purchasing products from our Amazon and Highspots affiliate banners.

Thank you as always for supporting Combat-Hooligans.com, have a great weekend and see you at the shows!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Julie Hart Joins Ric And Casey On The Debut Of 'Sitting In The Front Row'

On the first edition of 'Sitting In The Front Row,' Ric and Casey are joined by Julie Hart. Julie discusses her book project, and the process of writing it and getting it published.

She also talks about her world travels and work with charitable organizations.

Julie takes time to fend off both Ric and Casey hitting on her, and answers Ric's proposal of marriage.

All of that, and the subject of wrestling even manages to come up. Plus, find out which WWE superstar (here's a hint: Ric is in love with the guy) caused the end of the Ric and Julie union before it started.

It is a little over an hour with a woman that has many great stories to tell. Check out her website at http://www.juliehart.ca/.

You can access the episode on the right-hand side of this page, or by visiting http://sitfr.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=255502. A direct download is available at http://media.libsyn.com/media/sitfr/sitfr1.mp3. At some point, I'll figure out that RSS and iTunes crap.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Diva Search Finalist Speaks On The Contest, Playboy, WWE & Much More

Courtesy of Andy Steven:

WWE Diva Search 2007 finalist Lena Yada recently took some time out of her scheduled to take part in an interview with www.PWMania.com, she speaks on several topics from being in the 2007 Diva Search, her major goals, Playboy, making friends in the WWE and much more. Below is the complete interview:

Andy Steven: Hello Lena Yada, firstly I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview for www.PWMania.com. What’s it like to be involved in the 2007 WWE Diva Search?

Lena Yada: It's a whirlwind! One day I'm just lil' ol Lena, next day I'm this bigger than ever WWE future Diva to everyone. It's amazing how supportive everyone has been.

Andy Steven: Do you have any major goals you want to achieve personally and professionally?

Lena Yada: We'll see how this competition goes, and then I’d like to win a world championship for tandem surfing, be in another movie with a bigger role, and after that, we'll see.

Andy Steven: How did you hear about the Diva Search contest and what made you enter it?

Lena Yada: In 2005 and friends did it in the past. I was always interested but didn't want to be sooo buffed out. I saw this and thought, what a great way to enter into WWE. I can work my way in. It's still feminine, it challenges you, and builds your strength- physical and character. I consider it the ultimate challenge, if you can survive the search and win it, you can achieve just about anything else.

Andy Steven: You are ranked number 8 in the world in professional tandem surfing, when did you get into surfing and do you still surf?

Lena Yada: My partner Jason Lusk scouted me about 3 yrs ago. It took me 2 years to warm up to it. Once I did it my only regret was that I didn't try it sooner. I love it so much I think I’m addicted!

Andy Steven: You are a former Miss Hawaiian Tropic Japan, what was going through your head when you won the award and do you think this may help the chances of you winning the Diva Search?

Lena Yada: I don't think that being in HT makes a difference in WWE. HT you're judged on beauty in a bikini and a evening gown. WWE, looks will only get you so far.

Andy Steven: You have also appeared in commercials and movies, if you get signed, would you play a role in a WWE film?

Lena Yada: Heck Ya! I'd play a role in a WWE film.

Andy Steven: What auditions did you go through to make it into the 2007 Diva Search final, what were the procedures?

Lena Yada: You first apply in your hometown, online, or are scouted. Once you've passed 2 rounds of eliminations from photos and meetings, you are invited to the finals where you compete live against 50-100 girls. There you go through eliminations from swimwear, to clubwear, to personality, or maybe you're just not right for them that year, who knows?! ;-) Then they announce the top 8.

Andy Steven: Have you made any friendships with people in the WWE or any of the other Diva Search contestants?

Lena Yada: Yes I'm friends with Eve now. We were sitting next to each other at the same table during the auditions! :-).

Andy Steven: Who would you say is the sexiest diva in the WWE?

Lena Yada: I think each girl has her own sexiness about her. I'd go through and tell you why for each, but that'd take too long.

Andy Steven: If sign a WWE contract would you pose for Playboy as a WWE Diva like a few of the WWE Divas have done before? Or even if you were unsuccessful in signing, would you pose for Playboy?

Lena Yada: Either way I would not pose for Playboy. What I have is for me to know and that special someone only. Unless Playboy could shoot a swimwear thing or implied... but that's unlikely.

Andy Steven: What do you most enjoy doing in your spare time?

Lena Yada: Sleeping, travelling, playing with my dogs, sports.

Andy Steven: Have you and any of the Diva Search contestants been out together yet?

Lena Yada: Eve came with me to a Labor day party.

Andy Steven: I would like to thank you very much once again for taking this time to take part in this interview for www.PWMania.com, I wish you the best of luck in the future and do you have any messages to say to your fans?

Lena Yada: Our lives improve only when we take chances-- I’ve taken that chance twice and am standing before you now in the top 8. Take a chance on me and let's see where this life can lead to! Much love & Aloha, Lena

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Bill DeMott & "Pitbull" Gary Wolfe On Thursday's Edition Of 'The Dark Match'

Courtesy of Wacko Bob:

This Thursday, Bill DeMott and Pittbull 1 Gary Wolf will be on the same show, on the same day. And both will be shooting on wrestling as it is today, and both will have a lot to say too. Bill DeMott is one the fans request come back to The Dark Match. And Gary Wolf requested to return too make a big announcement that will be heard on TDM first.

Plus news about TDM that will change the face of TDM forever in more ways then one.

Check it out This Thursday at 7pm on www.wrestlingrn.com and www.wrestlingradionetwork.net.

SEE YA THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, September 10, 2007

Triple X ’Jakked Up’ Report By Oliver Newman

Triple X

Date: Sunday 9th September 2007

Time: 4pm

Attendance: Near capacity a few empty seats.

Price: £7

Location: Jumping Jaks, Coventry Skydome, Coventry.

Triple X ‘Jakked Up’

Gabriel Grey makes his way to the ring, he is the host for the night’s proceedings.

‘The Rockstar’ Spud vs Devilman

Fans boo loudly as Spud enters the ring. Spud takes the microphone “My name is Spud, I’m here for rock and roll” he continues “Devilman represents each and every one of you”. Devilman enters the ring (the fans cheer loudly) and start a “Devil-man” chant, the fans continue to taunt Spud with chants of “Midget” Spud retorts “I’m not a midget, I’m just a very small man!”. Devilman attempts a lock up with Spud but Spud ducks and hits Devilman with 2 kicks to the leg. Another kick by Spud this time Devilman is unfazed and returns with a lariat, uppercut, suplex and front suplex in quick succession for a two count. Spud rakes Devilman’s eyes and follows that up with a dropkick to the knee, Spud then focuses his attack on Devilman’s leg with a chop block, leg breaker and a leg snap. Spud poses for the crowd, fans chant “Devil-man” once more. Spud kicks Devilman in the back, Devilman returns the favour with two vicious kicks to Spud’s back. Devilman’s momentum is almost derailed when Spud hit’s the code red for a close near fall, but Devilman rallies with a hurricane DDT for the 1,2 and 3.

Winner: Devilman

Icons of Dominance (Scott Grimm & John Bull W/The Boss) vs CK Light & ‘That 70’s’ Andy Shoes

Gabriel Grey announces that I.O.D. weigh in at 1300 buckets of KFC which elicits laughter from the crowd. Grimm and Bull attack Light and Shoes before the bell, Bull & Grimm double team Shoes after dumping Light to the outside. “Shoes” chant starts up, the ref is distracted by Light allowing I.O.D. to double team Shoes further, fans start chanting “Bull-s**t” at John Bull. Finally Shoes tags in Light who has a barrage of forearms for the I.O.D. he then attempts to take Bull off his feet (to no avail), Bull hit’s a knee to the face followed by a suplex to down Light. Light attempts a tag but Shoes isn’t close enough I.O.D. hit a side slam and leg drop combination on Light for a two count. Bull taunts Shoes, who retorts with “You big fat man” which the fans pick up on starting a “Big fat man” chant. Light struggles once more for the tag but is caught in a bear hug by Bull, Grimm distracts the ref who doesn’t see the tag to Shoes. Shoes finally tags in and quickly hit’s a boot to the face and his patented bulldog to the knee on Bull. Light enters the fray as all four men fight in the ring I.O.D. are able to dominate once more and hit Shoes with their spike Pedigree, but decided that wasn’t enough punishment and hit Light with the same move and then simultaneously pinned both guys for the 1,2 and 3.

Winners: Icons of Dominance

Dragon Aisu vs Jekkel

Gabriel Grey shows favouritism towards his Damned Nation co-member “Current 3CW Champion, 5 Time 3CW Champion and 1PW Tag Team Champion” Jekkel’s introduction is pretty abrupt. Match starts with both men chopping the hell out of each other, Aisu misses a lariat unfortunately for him, Jekkel doesn’t. Aisu comes back with a kick to the leg and then grapevine’s Jekkel’s leg as the fans rally behind Jekkel. Uranagi by Aisu only manages a two count, Grey interjects himself in the match (distracting the referee) which allows Aisu the opportunity to attack Jekkel from behind with a chop block. Spinning toe hold by Aisu is quickly turned into a figure four as he looks for the submission victory, Jekkel is able to edge close (but not close enough) to the ropes before Aisu drags him back to mid ring once again.

Jekkel seeing his predicament decides to reverse the pressure by rolling to his side (Aisu quickly grabs the ropes to escape the hold). Jekkel and Aisu exchange vicious kicks to the back, the fans chant “One more time” attempting a third Aisu lies down so Jekkel hit’s a senton splash. Jekkel hit’s a German suplex and huge power bomb for a very close near fall. Aisu is able to rally though and hits his face forward DDT but on this occasion that only manages a near fall. A michinoku driver stops Aisu in his tracks, Jekkel then hit’s a double stomp off the top rope but amazingly that garners a two count only. Aisu distracts the ref allowing Grey to hit Jekkel with his Cane, Aisu follows up with a dragon suplex for the 1,2 and 3.

Winner: Dragon Aisu

Fans boo loudly! Jekkel is able to gain a measure of revenge with a tombstone piledriver on Grey. Grey then makes the match Damned Nation v Jekxodus for October 7th, fans voice their approval with chants of “Jekxodus” Grey explains that Hugh Mungus isn’t here (because of car trouble) but he still has an opponent for Exodus, enter ’Mr bad attitude’ Martin Kirby.

Exodus vs. ’Mr bad attitude’ Martin Kirby

Fans chant “Martin Furby” at Kirby, Kirby kicks Exodus and slams him to the mat. Aisu distracts the referee which allows Kirby to hit Exodus with a chop block and kicks to the leg. Kirby continues the attack with a spine buster which has seemingly setup the people’s elbow (instead of dropping an elbow he proceeds to slap Exodus across the face), that was a bad move! Exodus hits Kirby with a vicious lariat and then a boot to the face, a choke slam shortly follows and then Exodus puts Kirby down with the F6 for the 1,2 and 3. Fans clap loudly and chant “Jekxodus” as the match ends.

Winner: Exodus

Intergender Tag Match

Jetta & ‘King of Funk’ Cameron Kraze vs El Ligero & Violet

Kraze takes the referee’s glasses, puts them on and asks “How blind are you?”. Ligero checks the ref for illegal objects. “Huss” chants are directed at Kraze (who is wearing furry boots), the match starts with Jetta and Violet in the ring (not for long though) as Jetta ducks the lock up and tags in Kraze, Violet tags in El Ligero. Kraze attacks Ligero with a knee to the stomach and a fist to the face but as he attempts to ‘huss’ he misses an elbow (which allows Ligero back in the match) Kraze covers his head but is caught with a dropkick to the back of his head followed by a standing moonsault for a two count. Kraze tags Jetta, Jetta attempts Ligero’s clapping flying head scissors but Ligero just throws her off (Jetta lands on her face, I believe that is when she bloodied her nose). Ligero tags in Violet once again Jetta tags out to Kraze, “I can’t chop a girl” Kraze shouts and then proceeds to punch Violet in the face!

Jetta distracts the ref which allows for the double team, the fans rally behind Violet, Jetta suplex’s Violet and stands on her hands. Jetta and Kraze double team once more (Jetta whips Violet into Kraze’s elbow), this works on two separate occasions but on the third Jetta hits Kraze’s elbow and with that the momentum has shifted to Violet and Ligero. Violet drop toe hold’s Jetta and hit’s a short arm clothesline before tagging Ligero (somehow the ref missed it!), double clothesline has both women down. Violet finally makes the tag to Ligero, Jetta tags in Kraze, Ligero turns a wheelbarrow into a stunner and hit’s a running boot for the 1,2 Jetta breaks up the fall. Ligero hits her across the face, Violet then takes Jetta out with a spear, Kraze rallies with a suplex to his Knee on Ligero. Fans chant “El-Ligero” Ligero manages to fight back whipping Kraze into Violet who hit’s a jumping tornado DDT, Ligero follows this up with a top rope splash for the 1,2 and 3.

Winners: El Ligero & Violet

4 man elimination match

‘100% focused’ Stiro vs ‘Self professed iron man’ Chris Stone vs ‘Team Cream leader’ Ashton vs NWA UK Junior Heavyweight Champion Zach Sabre Jr

Stiro enters the ring (to loud boos) “I’ve come to Coventry to pay £1 for parking and wrestle three guys I have already beaten!”, Chris Stone enters the ring next (Stiro and Stone shake hands), Ashton makes his way to the ring  with chants of “Ashton” ringing in his ears, Zack Sabre Jr is the last to make his entrance, the fans greet him with “Zach” chants (Sabre and Ashton shake hands). Sabre and Stone start the match, Sabre is able to out muscle Stone and hits some vicious kicks before tagging in Ashton, Stone tags in Stiro. Ashton attempts a leglock, Stiro rolls through into an armbar, Stiro synchs in the waistlock Ashton reverses this into a drop toe hold. Stiro locks in a headlock and then an armbar but once again Ashton rolls through, this time Stiro is wise to a possible reversal and drops his knee on Ashton’s arm. Stiro puts Ashton in a chinlock but Ashton manages to reverse that too (into a pin for a close near fall). Stone pulls the rope and is admonished by the ref, Ashton slaps Stone (ref counts that as a tag) fans chant “You both suck” at Stone and Stiro. Stiro and Stone tag straight back out and Ashton and Sabre square off, Sabre locks in a Chicken wing on Ashton (but Ashton is able to reach the ropes).

Ashton and Sabre exchange punches and kicks, Ashton whips Sabre into the ropes and hit’s a dropkick on Sabre for a two count. Sabre tags in Stone (Stiro taunts Ashton), Stone chokes Ashton with his boot and then leg drops Ashton’s arm. Stone climbs to the top rope and hit’s a double stomp directly on to Ashton’s arm and tags in Stiro. Stiro and Stone isolate Ashton with consecutive tags, fans chant “Ashton” Ashton hit’s a bulldog and leg drop combination and tags in Sabre. Sabre runs through both men with vicious forearms, Ashton re-enters the ring but is quickly dumped out (with a back body drop on the wooden stage). Suicide dive by Sabre almost takes out the unsuspecting front row at ringside, all four men are back in the ring Ashton goes up top but Stone quickly follows and with a top rope Japanese arm drag Ashton’s participation in the match is over, Stone covers him for the 1, 2 and 3.

Ashton has been eliminated at 16 minutes 31 seconds into the match.

Stiro and Stone double team Sabre. Stiro hit’s a Gory Guerrero special onto Stone’s knee but as Stone attempts the pin Stiro stops him, Stiro attempts the pin (Stone stops him) and both men argue. Sabre kicks Stiro and quickly locks on the cross armbar which makes Stiro tap almost instantly.

Stiro has been eliminated at 18 minutes 41 seconds into the match.

“Zach” chants start up once more, Zach responds with a roaring forearm that almost knocks Stone’s head off, tiger suplex into a schoolboy roll up only manages a two count. Japanese arm drag by Stone (Sabre reaches the ropes), both men roll into a pin somehow Stone manages to lift his shoulder off the canvas before the 3 count and wins the match. Fans show their appreciation to Sabre (with loud clapping) as he leaves.

Winner: Chris Stone

Omar Ibrahim vs Edgar Stryfe

Omar takes the microphone “I have travelled all the way from Turkish Cyprus to wrestle for you” Omar then berates Stryfe as a “Big fat gothic mess” before stating “I don’t need to panic, I’m Islamic”, Stryfe enters to “E-Train” chants. “E-Train/O-Mar” duelling chants from the Triple X crowd. Stryfe takes Omar down with a waistlock he quickly changes into a headlock. Stryfe boots Omar in the stomach and then stands on him before hitting a big splash. Stryfe continues the attack with an inverted DDT leg drop combination. Omar comes back with a face wash variation (instead of using his boot, he uses his hand). Omar reverses Stryfe’s attempt at a diamond cutter into a spear but Stryfe lands too close to the ropes. Omar attempts a spear once again (although he hit it to perfection Stryfe amazingly brushes it off) and hit’s a diamond cutter/stunner for the 1,2 and 3! The fans have a very mixed view on the ending with both boos and cheers directed towards Stryfe.

Winner: Edgar Stryfe

Main Event

No DQ match

‘Bad boy of British wrestling’ Jon Ryan vs. ’Suicidal, Suicidal, Suicidal’ Jimmy Havoc

“Jimmy” chants greet Jimmy Havoc as he makes his way to the ring, fans also get behind Ryan (clapping loudly as he enters the ring). Both men exchange forearms to start the match, Havoc hit’s a dropkick (Ryan just brushes him off) a spinning wheel kick has more success. Ryan shows his strength by Gorilla press slamming Havoc from inside the ring to the wooden floor below! A Chair comes into play and is quickly smacked against Ryan’s head but that only manages a two count. Havoc looks under the ring and pulls out a crutch and a frying pan, Ryan takes the crutch and smacks Havoc with it and then uses it to choke him. Ryan manages to break the crutch over Havoc’s back with a third shot! Havoc is able to rally though and quickly uses the frying pan to good effect (with two vicious shots to Ryan’s head). Havoc ascends the turnbuckle for a splash but is met by a chair to the face. “Jimmy/Ryan” duelling chants from the Triple X faithful, Havoc sets up the chair while Ryan is crotched on the top rope (Havoc uses the chair to springboard and hits Ryan with a kick knocking him to the outside). Havoc follows that with a high cross body, Ryan recovers and both men proceed to brawl around Jumping Jaks.

Havoc is able to reverse Ryan’s momentum with a backdrop on the wooden floor! Ryan frustrated throws Havoc down the stairs to the wooden floor below. Ryan then picks up a wooden board (from under the ring), Ryan then places the board between a chair and the turnbuckle, with Havoc down Ryan climbs the turnbuckle. Havoc crotches Ryan and then hit’s a double stomp through the board and chair on Ryan but only manages a two count. Havoc pulls out another wooden board and sets it up in the opposite corner this time Ryan is able to hit Havoc with a T-Bone suplex through the wooden board 1,2 but Havoc is able to get his shoulder up. Ryan returns under the ring once more ( he picks up three steel chairs and a metal case) Ryan hits Havoc’s head with the metal case three times!! He then sets up the chairs, Ryan picks Havoc up and stands on the chairs and hit’s a Ryan-oku driver for the 1,2 and 3!

Winner: ‘Bad boy of British wrestling’ Jon Ryan

Fans clap loudly for Ryan, Ryan shows Havoc respect by shaking his hand, which elicits a loud cheer for Havoc also followed by “Jimmy” chants from the fans. “Triple X” chants follow and as Grey returns to the ring the fans chant “Omar’s better” (Omar has been a ring announcer at previous Triple X shows).

Overall Thoughts:

The match I paid to see (four man elimination) was worth the price of admission alone, it was a tremendous match between four of the best up and comers in the U.K. Zach Sabre Jr v Chris Stone is a match I may just pay another £7 to see! Ryan v Havoc was the other stand out match as the two absolutely brutalised each other for the fans entertainment. Lots of entertainment and two top notch matches made Triple X ‘Jakked Up’ a very good show.

Next show:

Sunday 7th October 2007,
Jumping Jaks,
Coventry Skydome,
Coventry.

Card thus far:

Damned Nation (Majik & Dragon Aisu) v Jekxodus (Jekkel & Exodus)

W.A.R. Buried Alive Report By Oliver Newman

Wrestling Association of Rugby

Date: Saturday 8th September 2007

Time: 7:30pm

Attendance: Near capacity a few empty seats.

Price:
Adults: £5
Under 15's : £4

Location: Lawrence Sheriff Grammar School, Clifton Road, Rugby.

W.A.R. Buried Alive

Grudge Match

Nero v Fireman Stan

Fans boo loudly as Nero enters and chant ‘You suck’, the fans cheer loudly as Fireman Stan enters. Stan dresses the ref up like a fireman, Nero sneaks in from behind and rolls him up (believing he is Stan) and Stan counts to two before the ref kicks out! Nero and Stan criss cross the ropes and Stan slides out of the ring, hilariously Nero keeps running. Stan re-enters the ring and points up (Nero looks up) so Stan slaps him across the face. Nero tries to repay the favour but is slapped once again. Fans chant “Stan, Stan, Stan”. Nero elbows Stan as he attempts a corner splash and follows that up with a vicious dropkick to Stan’s knee.

Stan looks injured!? Stan is helped to the back by the referees as he is unable to continue. Nero attacks Stan from behind and brings him back to the ring. Nero applies the spinning toe hold on Stan but Stan will not quit, Stan in desperation manages to hit a spine buster and both men are down. The ref starts the count 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and both men are to their feet once more, Nero hit’s the incoming Stan with a double boot followed by a dropkick. Then he heads up the turnbuckle for a moon sault….Stan is able to move out of the way, Nero runs at Stan, Stan hit’s the Fireman Slam for the 1,2 and 3!

Winner: Fireman Stan

The Executioner & Red Tiger enter the ring, the Executioner attacks Stan. Fans direct ‘You suck’ chants at Tiger, Executioner hits his finishing move the choke bomb on Stan. He then takes the microphone “Shut the hell up” he tells the fans “I’ve never been pinned, no man can beat me!” Tiger opens the casket and W.A.R. Heavyweight Champion Louie Zerr comes out and attacks the Executioner. Fans chant “Louie, Louie”. Louie takes the microphone “I don’t have to pin you! I’ve got to shove you in that casket and shut the lid”.

Dante w/Roselyn v Wheeler

The ref takes Dante’s Singapore cane away, Wheeler seeing his opportunity hit’s a step up enzurguri. Dante retreats, Wheeler follows so Dante uses Roselyn as a shield and then sucker punches Wheeler (the fans boo loudly). Drop toe hold by Wheeler gets a two count, Roselyn gets up on the apron and distracts Wheeler, who walks right into a Sky High by Dante for a close near fall. Dante shows his sinister side by choking Wheeler when the ref isn’t looking. Back suplex by Dante on Wheeler, Dante picks him up and executes another but as he attempts a third Wheeler manages to reverse it into a bulldog. Both men are down the ref starts the count 1,2,3,4,5,6! Wheeler comes back once more with clotheslines, a flying head scissors and a chin breaker in quick succession, once again Roselyn distracts Wheeler. This time to no effect as Wheeler nails Dante with a code red for a long two count. Wheeler climbs the turnbuckle, Roselyn distracts Wheeler yet again. Dante is able to crotch Wheeler and quickly follows up with a Tower of London for the 3 count. “She’s a man” chants directed at Roselyn, Wheeler leaves with applause ringing in his ears.

Winner: Dante

B52 Lance Corporal v Jimmy Ocean

Ring announcer announces Corporal as “The man that puts the fun in confrontational”. Ref checks both men for illegal objects. “Jimmy, Jimmy” chants by the fans. Corporal offers Jimmy a handshake (Jimmy looks for the crowds approval) and then shakes Corporal’s hand, and gets sucker punched for his naivety. Ocean fires back with a series of forearms and a dropkick sending Corporal to the outside. High cross body by Ocean he then attempts to ram Corporal into the ring post (Corporal blocks), so does Ocean, Corporal goes shoulder first into the ring post. Ocean attempts another high cross body this time Corporal blocks and rams Ocean back first into the ring post. Fans chant “Jimmy” in unison. Ocean attempts a super kick Corporal reverses into a knee to the stomach for a two count, Corporal frustrated by his inability to put Ocean away starts using some underhand tactics unbeknownst to the referee.

Ocean is locked in a bear hug the referee raises his hand it drops twice but on the third time, Ocean rakes Corporal’s eyes and lands a DDT. “Jimmy, Jimmy” chants once more, Ocean follows that with a head scissors and boot into a hurracanrana on Corporal which sends him to the outside once more. Ocean soon follows with a slingshot press to the floor. Ocean attempts the super kick once more and again it is counted this time into a full nelson slam by Corporal. Corporal attempts a suplex from inside to outside of the ring Ocean manages to fend him off and runs towards the opposite ropes and sunset flip power bombs Corporal on the wooden floor! Ref leads a count 1,2,3,4,5,6,7! Both men return to the ring. Ocean goes up to the top rope for an axe handle Corporal counters that into his AA spine buster for the 1,2 and 3. Fans clap loudly as Ocean exit’s the ring.

Winner: Lance Corporal

4 man Ladder match for No1 contendership to W.A.R. Heavyweight Title
‘Old School’ Dan London v ’King of spin’ Spindoctor v Tank v ’Bird of prey’ Falcon

Tank and London shake hands as do Spindoctor and Falcon. All four men exit the ring straight away in search of a ladder. Spindoctor’s ladder catapult hits both London and Tank directly in the face, Falcon hits Tank with a monkey flip into the ladder. Falcon climbs the ladder but is shook off by London, flapjack on Spindoctor looks like it has dented the ring! Double flapjack on Falcon by London and Tank in exactly the same place (may not help matters). Falcon is thrown head first into a ladder, London attempts to do the same thing again (this time Falcon slides out of the ring) Spindoctor hits London and Tank with a top rope double dropkick. Van Terminator by Falcon into the ladder into London’s face, Falcon ascends the ladder but is shoulder blocked off by Tank. Spindoctor sets up a second ladder (all four men climb) and all four men fall just as quickly.

“Ginger Ninja” chants by the fans directed at Falcon. Falcon and Tank climb, Tank is pushed off by Falcon who is inches away from the W.A.R. Title shot contract, Falcon has other ideas though and proceeds with a Swanton bomb from the top of the ladder onto Tank below! Spindoctor climbs the ladder but is caught by London’s low blow and Spindoctor is then suplexed off the ladder. Falcon, London and Spindoctor climb the two ladders, London and Spindoctor’s ladder is shook by Falcon and they fall off into Tank leaving Falcon with his best chance to win the match, he takes it by pulling down the W.A.R. contract to win the match.

Winner and new No1 contender: Falcon

Intermission

Martial Arts Exhibition

Array of kicks by Danny to a club, then he breaks a board with his fist. Dante and The Judge interrupt the exhibition, Judge bellows “I’m not impressed” and then attempts to break the wooden board (but fails). He then challenges Danny to a 1 on 1 match, which Danny accepts.

Danny v Judge

Judge outwrestles Danny in the early going, Danny is able to recover and kicks Judge directly in the ass. Judge frustrated illegally chokes Danny behind the refs back, the fans start chanting “Jelly, belly” at the Judge. Judge has too much strength for Danny as shown by an avalanche splash in the corner followed by a running cannonball on the fallen Danny. Judge takes Danny to the top rope and hit’s a fall away slam for a close nearfall. Judge power bombs Danny hard to the canvas but as the pinfall is taking place he pulls him up off the canvas. Judge takes the microphone “You could have taken the easy way out, now you are going to be punished” Judge sets up another power bomb but Danny rolls through 1,2 and 3! The fans go crazy for Danny!!

Winner: Danny

Red Tiger’s cruiserweight open challenge

Red Tiger and Nero make their way to the ring “Rob Hunter isn’t here tonight, so I issue an open challenge”. ’Mean Machine’ Iggy Taylor answers the challenge “Tonight your going down, right here in Rugby”.

Red Tiger v Iggy Taylor

Iggy hits Tiger with a side effect and a bulldog for a two count. Iggy attempts a moonsault but Tiger moves (Iggy is able to land on his feet), this isn’t advantageous though because he is quickly hit by a running boot. Tiger chokes Iggy in the corner (the fans boo loudly). Iggy rallies with a jumping hurracanrana and wheelbarrow into a DDT. Tiger retreats to ringside, Iggy attempts a suicide dive but is caught and thrown over head with a belly to belly suplex. Tiger taunts the crowd “The more you speak, the more he gets hurt”. The action returns to the ring, Iggy manages to hit the code red for a close near fall. Nero attacks Iggy from behind, Tiger heads up to the top rope (but he’s wasting time taunting the crowd) Iggy crotches him on the turnbuckle and then hit’s a top rope twist of fate! Both men are down as the ref starts the count 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8! Double jump whisper in the wind by Iggy, Tiger exit’s the ring. Asai moonsault by Iggy on Tiger and Nero, Nero distracts Iggy which leads to a hook ddt by Tiger (luckily for him Iggy’s foot is under the ropes). Iggy attempts a twist of fate it’s reversed into a splash mountain for the 1,2 and 3!

Winner: Red Tiger

Main Event

Casket Match for W.A.R. heavyweight Title
Louie Zerr © v The Executioner

Fans chant ‘You suck’ toward the Executioner, the fans surround Louie as he makes his way to the ring. Louie hits Executioner with a dropkick, (Executioner lands in the casket) Louie tries to shut the lid but Executioner manages to escape. Kick and axe handle to the back by Executioner “Shut up, this could be you kid”. Executioner drags Louie out of the ring and hit’s a slam on the hard wooden floor, Executioner picks up Louie and suplexes him into the casket. “Louie” chants around the building, Louie is somehow able to escape. Back in the ring Louie attempts a high cross body but Executioner ducks out of the way, Executioner rolls Louie to outside. He picks Louie up and straddles him on side of the casket and follows that up with a big boot which knocks Louie into the casket. Executioner continues the attack and inadvertently knocks Louie outside the casket. A ladder is brought into play, cross body off the ladder onto Executioner puts Louie in control. Louie forces Executioner into the casket Louie then dropkicks the lid but Executioner manages to escape. A chair is brought into play Executioner smacks Louie with it across the head he attempts a second shot but Louie dropkicks the chair into Executioner’s face! Executioner is able to recover though, choke slamming Louie from the ring into the casket, he then shuts the lid and the match is over! Executioner is the NEW W.A.R. Heavyweight Champion, Tiger congratulates him. “No man can beat me”, cue No1 contender Falcon who appears the two men stare each other down as the show comes to a close.

Winner and NEW W.A.R. Heavyweight Champion: The Executioner

Overall Thoughts:

A decent show which was highlighted by a thrilling ladder match that was worth the price of admission alone, the show had the right mix of entertainment and wrestling which sent the fans home happy.

Next show:

Saturday 8th December 2007,
Lawrence Sheriff Grammar School,
Clifton Road,
Rugby.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Funking Conservatory Press Release - Dory Funk Jr., Daunte Culpepper And Luciano Pavarotti Headline Ocala Star Banner TV

Courtesy of Dory Funk Jr.:

In the wake of the Chris Benoit situation, Ocala Star Banner TV came to Dory Funk Jr. at the Funking Conservatory to ask about how important safety is in professional wrestling. Of special interest is Head Trauma or injury to the head. Dory Funk Jr. explains that at the Funking Conservatory our training program begins with safety first.

Tonight is the opening of the NFL season and Daunte Culpepper has signed with the Oakland Raiders.

Luciano Pavarotti who took Opera from the stage to the stadium passed away today.

The complete interview is on our website at www.dory-funk.com. For training information and schedules at the Funking Conservatory, Call 352-895-4658.

To go direct to the Ocala Star Banner TV story, follow this link - http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1137691851/bclid1155072931/bctid1173324699

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Ultimate Fighter Fights Back (In Court), Sues Mayor, Police Officials And Police Officers For Misconduct

Courtesy of The Law Offices of Blake Horwitz:

CHICAGO, Sept. 5 -- Professional fighter for the Ultimate Fighting Championship(1) Terry Martin, fights back, but this time in court, against the Chicago Police Department, the mayor and other officials. Martin alleges that the corruption found within the department led to him being arrested and criminally prosecuted (he was ultimately found not guilty).

On October 22, 2005, Martin was in his car with his girlfriend (a 911 operator for the City of Chicago) when he was stopped by Chicago Police Officers. He was stopped due to a purported minor traffic violation (not using his turn signal). During the encounter, the officers repeatedly called Mr. Martin "nigger" and other disrespectful comments, making references to his career as a professional fighter.

The next day, Martin went to the police station to report the misconduct by these officers. While trying to enter the station, the officers that were involved in the incident the night before saw Martin. They rushed him and arrested him. They handcuffed Martin, refused his request for a lawyer (laughing at him), impounded his car and ridiculed him. Martin was criminally prosecuted for fleeing and eluding, on said date, even though he was approaching the police department, in his car, to
complain about the officers' misconduct.

Martin defended himself in criminal court (Defense Counsel, Stuart Goldberg) and won. The police officers contended that a vehicular chase ensued (up to a mile) from the police station. However, and fortunately for Martin, their position was undermined by the fact that one officer, an honest officer who decided not to cover up for his fellow officers, stated that Martin had simply driven his car to the police station (and not fled) just before he was arrested.

Martin is now fighting back with a significant lawsuit against the officers, the mayor and the city, claiming that political corruption, internal conflicts of interest between the mayor and the police department and bogus internal affairs investigations cause Chicago police officers to run amok.

Blake Horwitz, a police misconduct lawyer, states: "Mr. Martin has taken a bold step to attack the entire system. His lawsuit seeks to attack the system from the bottom up -- getting at the root of the problem."

Blake Horwitz has had many successes in the field of police misconduct, including a $28,000,000.00 verdict against the City of Chicago, the largest police misconduct verdict in the Midwest.

Note (1): (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/modrowski/476635,CST-SPT-fite20.article)

Blake Horwitz
lobh@att.net
Office: 312-616-4433
Fax: 312-565-7173
Suite 723
155 N. Michigan Ave
Chicago Il 60601
http://www.policewatchers.com

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Silverbacks, Anacondas Battle In IFL World Championship Semifinals On "IFL Battleground" Monday On MyNetworkTV

Courtesy of the International Fight League:

Miletich’s Quad Cities Squad Looks To Avenge Only ’07 Loss In Defense of Title

NEW YORK, September 4, 2007- The International Fight League (OTC.BB: IFLI), the world’s number one professional mixed martial arts league, moves to the 2007 World Championship semifinals, highlighting the matchup between Pat Miletich’s Quad Cities Silverbacks and Shawn Tompkins’ Los Angeles Anacondas in the next episode of “IFL Battleground” on Monday, Sept. 10, at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT/MT). The Silverbacks, who won the IFL Legends Championship and IFL World Team Championship in 2006, look to avenge their only loss of 2007 in the rematch with the Anacondas. “IFL Battleground” airs every Monday night, with a replay on Saturday, on MyNetworkTV.

Matchups and personalities featured in the episode include:

Ben Rothwell (Milwaukee, Wis.) of the Silverbacks takes on his Anacondas counterpart Krzysztof Soszynski (Winnipeg, Manitoba) in a rematch of heavyweights.

Rory Markham (Chicago) of the Silverbacks, who returns after missing two of his last three bouts with an eye injury, battles Chris Clements (Chatham, Ontario), a late replacement for the Anacondas’ injured star welterweight Jay Hieron (Las Vegas).

Mike Ciesnolevicz (Williamstown, Pa.) looks to continue his run of four straight victories in a rematch with the Anacondas’ Alex Schoenauer (Las Vegas/El Bolson, Argentina) in a battle of top light heavyweights.

Bart Palaszewski (Wonder Lake, Ill), who, along with Rothwell, has the most wins (7) in IFL history, competes against another late Anacondas addition in Hawaii’s Harris Sarmiento.

Gerald Harris (Tulsa, Okla.), who has competed for the Wolfpack, has been picked up by the Silverbacks for a middleweight tilt with Benji Radach (Coconut Creek, Fla.), unbeaten in IFL competition after a more than two-year layoff from the sport. Harris talks about leaving his job as a teacher (and part-time gig as an up-and-coming comedian) to devote his full-time efforts to competing in mixed martial arts. Radach returns to the restaurant where he and fellow IFL athlete Dennis Hallman once thwarted a robbery attempt.

The “My Ink” feature, highlighting the unique tattoos sported by some of the IFL athletes, returns with a look at Palaszewski’s art.

Viewers can find their local MyNetworkTV affiliate at www.mynetworktv.com/local_stations.html.

About the IFL

International Fight League™ (IFL) is the world’s first professional mixed martial arts sports league. IFL has its headquarters in New York and offices in Las Vegas. For more information about IFL, please see: www.ifl.tv.

WWE Raw Report (Monday 3rd September 2007) By Oliver Newman

Before I start my Raw report, I have to talk about a very good wrestling match that was shown on WWE Heat.

Mickie James v Jillian Hall

The match started of with a feeling out process as both women looked for the advantage, lots of reversals as neither woman could take control of the match. James attempted a victory roll which Hall turned into a backdrop, this gave Hall control of the match. Not for long though as James came back once more, the match goes back and forth as both women try to put the other away, James attempts a tornado ddt but Hall shoves her off for a long 2 count. James regains her composure and hit’s a dropkick to Hall’s knee and follows that up with a roundhouse kick for the 1,2 and 3. Now this is what women’s wrestling in the WWE should be! A tremendous showcase of both women’s wrestling skills and athletic abilities.

Now onto WWE Raw…..

This weeks Raw emanates from Columbus, Ohio. The show starts with a recap video of Randy Orton’s brutal assault on John Cena’s Dad from last week.

WWE Intercontinental Title

Before the match a recap video is shown of Hardy’s return to Raw last week (v Mr Kennedy) and Umaga’s surprising subsequent attack on Hardy.

Umaga © v Jeff Hardy

This match is a question of Umaga’s power v Hardy’s speed. Umaga’s power advantage allows him to dominate the early going of the match, Hardy tries to rally on numerous occasions but Umaga keeps cutting him off (in this instance with a cybot kick which sends Hardy to the arena floor).Umaga believes the match is over and signals for his flying head butt….but Hardy manages to move out of the way. Hardy continues his offence by hitting his patented whisper in the wind for a long two count. Umaga comes back strong and looks like he will finally put Hardy away….. but Hardy manages to straddle Umaga on the top rope and goes for the pin 1,2 and 3! Jeff Hardy is the NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion.

Footage is shown of Umaga going crazy at ringside. Vince McMahon and The Coach are talking about the McMahon family confrontation that will take place tonight. McMahon talks of having a good offence against his family. Carlito enters the room…..McMahon makes Carlito’s match v HHH tonight into a handicap match (Carlito & Umaga v HHH). Carlito says “That’s cool”.

Maria and Santino Morella are shown backstage, Maria seems confused as to why Santino has booked a rematch between her and Beth Phoenix (after Phoenix assaulted her last week on Raw) Santino says “I know you better than you know yourself”. Melina is shown talking with William Regal, she whispers something in his ear about her ’meeting’ with Mr McMahon. Regal is mortified! Stephanie McMahon enters looking angry, despite Melina’s feeble apology Linda McMahon (who had entered moments earlier) slaps Melina across the face. Ron Simmons appears and shouts out “DAMN”.

In the ring Santino takes the microphone and states that when his arm is 100% he challenges Ron Simmons, when the fans boo Santino he tells them to “shut up ya face” and then calls Columbus a “disgusting dump of a city”. The Sandman enters (through the crowd). The Sandman paces around the ring as Santino asks him “Why are you here”. Santino knows “Your jealous of Santino, while I get to make love to Maria you get to make love to your stick”. At this point Sandman levels Santino with his Singapore Cane, Sandman continues the attack until both men have left ringside.

Maria v Beth Phoenix

Maria attacks Phoenix from the bell but each time she is easily brushed of by the stronger Phoenix. Phoenix lands her cradle suplex and gains the 1,2, and 3 for the emphatic win. Phoenix takes the microphone “I’m the uber diva, I have strength, confidence, class and beauty. I’m the Glamazon” Phoenix then cashes in her No1 contender ship to the WWE Women’s title v Candice Michelle at Unforgiven. Phoenix isn’t done though and hits Maria with another cradle suplex, this causes Michelle to run in to the aid of Maria.

Photos of Cena’s father’s eye are shown.

Regal is standing in the middle of the ring with the microphone “I denied Orton a rematch v Cena”. Vince McMahon then stated to Orton “Show me you deserve a shot”. They then show a recap video of Orton’s attack on Cena’s father. Regal makes the rematch between Orton and Cena for WWE Unforgiven. Regal states that Orton isn’t there tonight but will be here via satellite. Orton blames Cena for his father’s injuries and states “I hope your father never forgives you for what you have done”.

Cena comes into the arena and enters the ring. Regal warns Cena off but after contemplating what he is about to do (for a few seconds), Cena attacks Regal and they fight to ringside with Cena applying the STFU on Regal, that is until he is forced to break it by a number of referees.

World tag team champions Trevor Murdoch & Lance Cade join Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler at ringside. Lilian Garcia announces “This next match is for no1 contender ship to the World tag team titles at Unforgiven”

No 1 contender ship to World tag team titles

World’s Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin) v Paul London & Brian Kendrick

The match starts with Haas grounding London with his amateur wrestling skills, London is able to regain his composure and begins a serious of quick tags with Kendrick isolating Haas from his partner Benjamin. Haas is able to reverse the trend with a release German suplex on Kendrick and is able to tag in Benjamin. Benjamin gorilla presses London into a vicious gut buster.

The W.G.T.T. take control of the match….that is until an accidental clash of heads between Haas and London. London finally has a chance to make a tag, and despite Haas’s best attempts he is able to do just that. Kendrick comes in and cleans house with his patented high flying arsenal (taking out Benjamin with a dive over the top rope to the arena floor). Haas attempts a splash in the corner, Kendrick moves and hits his slice bread number 2 for the 1,2,and 3. London & Kendrick are the new No1 contenders to Cade & Murdoch’s World tag team titles.

Murdoch and Cade are impressed as they lead the fans in applauding London & Kendrick, although weary at first London & Kendrick accept the handshakes offered by Cade & Murdoch.

The camera shows Regal being attended to by the EMT’s as Shane McMahon makes an appearance.

Carlito tries to psyche Umaga by stating that “HHH has been laughing at you”, after Umaga lost the WWE I.C. title earlier. Vince McMahon and Coach are talking once again (this time with McMahon’s lawyers), one of the lawyers advises McMahon to pursue a settlement. McMahon becomes angry and fires the lawyer.

Jillian Hall & Davari are in the ring. Hall takes the microphone saying “Even though I have just had my wisdom teeth removed, I will sing for my adoring public”. Hall starts singing a rendition of ’Summer loving’ and Davari joins in. Mickie James & Cody Rhodes bring an end to the festivities as they enter the arena.

Jillian Hall & Davari v Cody Rhodes & Mickie James

Hall and James square off, but as James has the advantage Hall screams out “Not the face” and then sucker punches James with a kick to the ribs. Hall tags in Davari, James leaves the ring as Rhodes enters. Davari is able to ground Rhodes with his offence targeting Rhodes’s neck and back. Rhodes refuses to give up though, and comes storming back, while (James and Hall fight to the arena floor) Rhodes hits Davari with a DDT for the 1,2 and 3.

Carlito is shown continuing to psyche Umaga in the back.

HHH v Umaga & Carlito

Carlito attacks HHH from behind, HHH is able to retaliate and disposes of Carlito. Then proceeds to invite Umaga into the ring, as HHH has the advantage Umaga and Carlito double team him causing the ref to call for the bell. Umaga and Carlito continue the punishment with Carlito hitting the backstabber and Umaga following that up with his flying head butt. Carlito takes two steel chairs from ringside and renters the ring, with HHH in place Umaga runs towards him, HHH moves and then takes Carlito out with a steel chair shot.

HHH whacks Umaga with numerous chair shots forcing a bloodied Umaga to his knees, HHH leaves the ring and picks up his trademark sledgehammer. He returns and hits Umaga with it. HHH shows why is the cerebral assassin by hitting Umaga in the back of the head with a second sledgehammer shot (as Carlito watches from the ramp).

J.R. and Jerry Lawler run down the Unforgiven card:

WWE Title
John Cena © v Randy Orton

Mark Henry v The Undertaker

World Heavyweight Title
The Great Khali © v Rey Mysterio

Vince McMahon makes his way to the ring (with Coach and his lawyers). McMahon says “This paternity suit is all about the money! They want what each and everyone of you want a handout”, Linda McMahon enters and refutes this statement “Being the C.E.O. of the WWE I have money, and based on the women you have flaunted with I could take you for every penny you have”. McMahon talks of how the road is a lonely place and how he was working his fingers to the bone creating the WWE.

Stephanie McMahon enters…. before she is allowed to talk Vince states although they have had their differences there have also been some good moments shared between the two. He then asks her to watch a video ‘A fathers love’ on the titan tron. The video showed isn’t what Vince intended (it is a recap of the I Quit match he had with Stephanie from WWE No Mercy 2005). Vince is fuming “Someone must have switched the tape”. HHH is shown on screen but refuses to take the blame “I had nothing to do with that”. Stephanie states “I do still love you but you need help if you don’t get help you should step down as Chairman of the board”.

Shane McMahon enters….. “On one hand my dad is a pioneer and leader but on the other hand he is an arm flapping, ego maniacal, lunatic”. Fans chant obscenities causing Vince to state “Next time you call my wife that, I’ll beat the hell out of all of you”. Vince admits that the flaunting of women he has slept with was a lie, used to build his own ego, the only time he has been unfaithful was with his illegitimate son’s mother. Vince “I will change and I’ll become a better person”. Mr Kennedy enters…Coach asks what he is doing here, “Everything happens for a reason” Kennedy says “There is a reason I was there when you found out your illegitimate child was a son and there is a reason why you were going to find out who your son was next week in my hometown of Green bay, Wisconsin” Kennedy states that he is Vince McMahon’s son. Stephanie fumes “Where’s your proof” “Chill out Sis” Kennedy replies.

Kennedy states that Vince inspired him to become the greatest WWE superstar of all time and his name is Mr Kennedy………….Kennedy-McMahon. A man enters and states that Mr Kennedy is not Vince’s son! The son will be named next week, the man then gives Vince a clue as to who his son is ‘Things are looking up’. The McMahon family and Mr Kennedy stand bemused as Raw goes of the air.

Overall Thoughts:

An enjoyable Raw, highlighted by two good matches (Jeff Hardy v Umaga and tag team no1 contenders match). A lot of entertainment as well with numerous funny moments throughout the show and a cliff-hanger of an ending…… if Mr Kennedy is not Vince McMahon’s son then who is!?

Sunday, August 26, 2007

My Interview With California Championship Wrestling's Buddy Sotello Esquire

Courtesy of Oliver Newman:

BSE: Buddy Sotello Esquire

ON: For the readers who are unfamiliar with Buddy Sotello Esquire, could you tell them a little bit of background information on yourself?

BSE: I got my start in 2000 working for the All Pro Wrestling Federation in Hayward, CA. Because of issues with that particular fed and a lot of complicated issues involving the talent and the way APW was managed, Pro Wrestling Iron was formed and I moved over there to manage wrestlers in that fed. Several years later, PWI closed because the principals all went their separate ways, but in 2006 I helped form the successful new federation known as California Championship Wrestling, which I am now an active part of both managing and running the fed.

ON: Were you a Wrestling fan growing up, and if so who were some of your favourites to watch?

BSE: Absolutely. I was so into wrestling from the very beginning. It all started with Big Time Pro Wrestling broadcast on local cable TV here in the San Francisco Bay area where I grew up. I watched a lot of Peter Maivia, Pat Patterson, Pepper Gomez, Don Muraco, Jimmy Snuka and The Valiant Brothers. There was a lot of great wrestling but then it went away for a while in the late 70's to early 80's, then it came back on TV on Channel 20. It was the early days of Hulk Hogan and the whole Rock and Wrestling connection was getting started with the then-WWF. I went with my friends to the first Wrestlemania closed circuit broadcast and gave a report on it in history class in high school the next day. Then I went to see Wrestlemania II in person in LA, from that moment my brother and I was totally hooked. I loved the incredible spectacle and the characters that the WWF had back then, even more than NWA (WCW) at the time but for me, whenever there was wrestling on TV, no matter where or when it was, I seemed to have a way of finding it and back then it wasn't as easy to always find wrestling on TV like it is now!

ON: What was it about Pro Wrestling that appealed to you?

BSE: It was those character driven stories and the fact that guys were larger than life, also I enjoyed the antics of Andy Kaufman ringside he had a genius way of moving the crowd without being overly physical. Guys like Kaufman and the Grand Wizard were role models for me early, and also Jim Cornette and Jimmy Hart, because they were never wrestlers but they could annoy the crowd so well without being profane or obscene even though they were never physically imposing.

ON: Was there a defining moment or match when you said to yourself 'this is what I would like to do for a living'?

BSE: Well to be honest, I don't do this for a living, almost nobody in California that I know does, and I have had the fortune of working with the rare people who have made a full time living off of it-- for the 1-2-3 that I have known (John Morrison, Samoa Joe, Frankie Kazarian, Chris Daniels, Mark Smith, Sara Del Rey, The Ballard Brothers), I know 30-40 who don't do anything but earn $20-$50 dollars a show doing it. So if I was in this "for the money" I would have been done a long time ago, just a point of clarification here not to tear your question apart, because it's a valid one however, if anyone based their choice on becoming an indy wrestler in CA because of the $ they'd be sadly mistaken!

ON: How did you know Pro Wrestling was for you?

BSE: I knew I wanted to be involved in Pro Wrestling, when I first stepped into the ring and I didn't die! Also the first time that I held the microphone and was able to get my speech out despite all the boos and that I could interact with the crowd, as scary as they seemed, and even early on, manipulate them like putty in my hands...get them to boo or cheer almost like a light switch.

ON: Can you tell the readers more about the character Buddy Sotello Esquire?

BSE: What I love about being Buddy Sotello Esq. is that he is "me" but he's the evil opposite of me. I put into the character that is Buddy, all the things people have always assumed was part of me being a real life attorney, but I am not...people assume that I am since they want to define me by what job I have. That's how people are...trust me on this though, more people want to find out about what I do when I tell them that I am a pro wrestling manager than when I tell them that I am an attorney dealing in legal technology!

ON: How did you get your start in All Pro Wrestling?

BSE: I watched a program on a local news show talking about the APW wrestling school, and I looked online and saw that they advertised training managers. I called up Donovan Morgan and Michael Modest who thought it was a good idea for them to work with me to trade my services as a legal attorney by helping APW with contract matters, in exchange for training.

ON: Can you tell the readers what training to be a wrestling manager was like?

BSE: Well I wish it had a lot less bumps and bruises involved than it had! I can also say this; nobody should ever get involved around the wrestling ring at all unless they have had some serious training serious training...Even as a manager, I have suffered some pretty rough injuries-- ones that I never expected I would get! Before I had ever stepped into a wrestling ring, I had over 3 years of Ju Jitsu training (and I can't stress that enough) not the Brazilian stuff either which really doesn't do you much good in the ring despite its popularity. I am talking strict Okinawan Dan Zan Ryu Ju Jitsu, the whole martial arts thing.

ON: Your thoughts on Vinnie Massaro as a Trainer?

BSE: Working with Vinnie Massaro was tough because he was stiff and I think he wanted me to prove something in the ring if I was going to be there. I now realise there was a weird dynamic going on at APW at the time-- so I think everyone is different now than they were at the time. When Vinnie was training me, after about 3-4 months, we were notified that a new valet was coming in and training with us. That turned out to be Veronica, whom Vinnie would eventually fall in love with and now has his son with her. I think when he met Veronica she had a way of really helping him move towards greater maturity. When the core of all the wrestlers left APW in 2001 and formed PWI, Vinnie was not part of it for a long time and I think he felt left out and that may have sent a message to him. Since then we have made him a part of CCW from the very beginning and he has been a really great champion, even coming back early from a hand injury to regain his current title reign! Vinnie is a guy with very little patience and I think when he gets annoyed he can be very obnoxious-- but I also think he has very high standards for what goes on in the ring and he hates to see a substandard product, he is very critical about that, and in doing so, it has given CCW a really quality product when we do our shows live and on TV.

ON: How long were you training for before you managed your first wrestler?

BSE: I was told I needed a year but it really was more like about 5-6 months because they needed to move Vinnie out of his good guy character "the Gigolo" and move him towards a more sinister character with me. When he had the internet title on him, we were amongst the most hated people on the bay area wrestling scene at the time! I didn't get as much training in APW as you would think the one guy who did take the time out of his schedule to really take me aside and teach me stuff was Shane Dynasty. There weren't too many classes outside of the wrestling stuff that told me how to do stuff like cut a promo, etc. Shane would take me aside and make me think about what I was doing, why I was saying things, how to do things without over preparing them. APW was really into that especially with promos and Shane kind of "untaught" me that, and instead taught me to go more off the top of my head and gave me the encouragement and positive reinforcement to give it a try, and it's worked for 7 years now!

ON: Thoughts on Shane Dynasty as a Trainer?

BSE: I look to Shane the way a student looks at his sensei. Shane will probably forget more about wrestling than almost anyone who reads this article will ever know about it! Shane is great because of where his perspective is I have rarely met anyone in wrestling that takes storylines and character motivation (at all times), as the most important part of being a wrestler. Shane went from being a ref, to manager (where he was voted manager of the year almost every time), to wrestler in his mid 30's, very Diamond Dallas Page-esque. Shane has performed in front of 1,000's of people and crowds of 20-30 and he gives it his all every time. He'll never be in the WWE and I don't think that bothers him one little bit because of how much he loves what he does. Bringing him back into CCW was such a great honour, the way that a student inviting his sensei to come perform in his new dojo would have the same sort of martial arts honour.

ON: Thoughts on Ric Thompson?

BSE: When I was at Pro Wrestling Iron I had the fun of working with Ric Thompson who helped found the training part of APW, he really understood ring psychology better than anyone.

ON: Thoughts on your early APW career?

BSE: I started up right away with Vinnie Massaro, whom I am still working with today in CCW he wanted to transition from good guy to bad guy and become "the innovator" and I was going to help sue for gimmick infringement, a storyline we never took up on. I also worked with Mark "The Bison" Smith to put him in the role of Super Destroyer 2000 which was a big hit and something I have recreated with my wrestler Mr Massacre in CCW. My debut show was in August 2000 in Antoich CA where I was on the same card with the Honky Tonk man-- he won the Title off Frank Murdoch (whom I would work with later in PWI) and never returned it!

ON: Thoughts on working with Bison Smith?

BSE: One of the best things in APW in 2000 was working with Mark "Bison" Smith. When he was 'The Bison' he was doing all these great moves and getting no reaction from them. I thought it was such a tragedy because I saw what was an awesome guy just not getting the reaction he deserved. I have always loved the big scary masked guy, most people see masked guys and they think Lucha Libre but there was a time when masked guys meant 'The Spoiler' 'The Masked Superstar' and 'The Grappler' and with Mark, that was my idea, to transform him into one of those old school masked wrestlers. Mark totally took to it and he was perfect in the role he turned from a goofy guy that nobody cared about into a savage, scary, ominous and someone that everyone feared in the ring. He was the perfect compliment to Buddy Sotello Esq. Mark became one of my closest friends and we still keep in touch even though he's on the road wrestling full time in Europe, Japan and Puerto Rico. Mark is a man of complete and total nobility even though his background is humble from central California and Colorado. He is the kind of person they would have made into a knight back in ancient times. I have never met someone to whom the meaning of honour carried more weight, or worked harder at what he does and yet has remained as humble and down to earth now as he was when I first met him and told him I hoped I could manage him some day!

ON: Your thoughts on APW King of Indies 2001?

BSE: Well the first night which I was a part of, in fact I was part of the opening match, nobody was there, we performed in front of maybe 100 people. The second night was bigger but all the APW talent was pushed aside to make room for the outside talent which really pushed the APW guys the wrong way.

ON: Overall experience working for APW?

BSE: Well APW had some great moments, obviously in the 2000's-2001 (before 9/11), wrestling was probably at its highest point in CA in terms of indy popularity I met some of APW's most famous graduates, Sara Del Rey and Dalip Singh, right when they arrived at APW. I think I admired Sara's talent a little more than I just marvelled at Dalip's size. I felt more sorry for Dalip because he was (and is) a piece of meat that doesn't have much control in his own life or at least didn't when I saw him. I was able to manage in some great matches, including with/against Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, Super Nova, and Barry Horowitz. However I never did get along that well with a couple of the production guys, and there was always a constant tension between myself and the owner. I also could see that the owner's attitude in APW changed a lot after APW held a really bad indy show in 2001 called King of the Indies which lost a lot of $$$ and alienated a lot of the talent that I was friends with after that, PWI was formed and I was more than ready to leave APW and the politics behind and go to a new fed where none of that stuff existed- and PWI was great until it closed up!

ON: The formation of Pro Wrestling Iron?

BSE: APW was experiencing a lot of problems in 2001 and going into 2002, things were really negative there... After the King of the Indies show in 2001 wrestlers were locked out for weeks and had nowhere to go and train....Morgan and Modest opened a new school in the same city to compete with APW they called me right up after they left APW and had me do some legal things for them including forming a legitimate company which APW never actually did. PWI's focus was to work with NOAH to generate students to go on trips to NOAH in Japan and get overseas work, and it did work for a number of those who worked for PWI, like Ryan Drago, Sara Del Rey and Mark "Bison" Smith.

ON: Why did you choose PWI?

BSE: I really liked the PWI locker room so much more than anything I had experienced in APW (nobody was yelling at anybody else) and nobody was trying to get leverage on anyone else so they could move up in the bookings or the card. PWI was a fed run by workers, not promoters. PWI was also another school, but this time the guys who were running it, Donovan Morgan, Mike Modest and Frank Murdock, were all wrestlers. Those 3 had total respect from the wrestlers, which I think helped them succeed longer than even the 2-3 years they were in existence. A lot of the wrestlers worked the PWI shows for free (I know I never got paid for any of those shows, but I never got paid at APW either). Still people came to PWI because it was an alternative to APW, a lot of the wrestlers in PWI had a strong following from the wrestlers performances back in APW so a lot of APW fans gravitated towards the PWI product naturally.

ON: Thoughts on PWI's No Manager policy when it started?

BSE: It was difficult for me to become a spectator again when all my friends were involved in the show, even my brother was there as an announcer, but it didn't take long for them to work Buddy into the show.

ON: The policy was waved and you were back managing again………….

BSE: I started working with Bart Blaxton, and soon we added Frank Murdock and even Big Time Wrestling's Hawkeye Shane Kody as a bunch of rough-and-tumble bad boy cowboys. Now my typical NY Persona was not going to work with a bunch of cowboy types, so I had to come up with something new I grabbed an old cowboy hat that I found at a Goodwill store, put a hay straw in my teeth and started calling myself "Good Ol' Cousin Buddy", and started pretending I was a hick, still dressed in my suit!

ON: It wasn't all plain sailing in PWI though………..

BSE: Unfortunately not, PWI made a big strategic mistake. With it being hard to have two promotions running in the same geographic area PWI thought that it would be a good idea to go to the outreaches of California as a place to generate interest so they picked Lathrop, Riverbank and Angel's Camp as places to perform. They did a bunch of shows in Lathrop, a tiny freeway town in the middle of CA but PWI was located over an hour away in Hayward, so they had no local connections PWI did work with a guy named Chicano Flame who lived in the area and for the first 2-3 shows he helped promote it so the crowds were ok but shortly after he stopped performing (and presumably inviting a ton of his own friends) the Lathrop crowds dropped off significantly.

ON: How and why did PWI close?

BSE: Morgan and Modest were too busy working NOAH shows in Japan, and Modest was even getting some attention from WCW before it went out of business (and did a couple of matches against Christopher Daniels) which was great for Modest but his lack of presence eroded the popularity of PWI as well. Murdoch was somewhat overwhelmed by trying to keep the fed running by himself with Morgan and Modest travelling so much and although I really respect Murdock as a wrestler and as a person, I don't think he was good at all at being a promoter. After a certain point, I think he lost the ability to care whether or not PWI would continue to be a success and how to utilize what PWI had to keep it afloat. However, I was having a great time when I was performing for PWI, we had some amazing people come through those doors and perform for us including Christopher Daniels, Nigel McGuiness, BJ Whitmer, Tony Kozina and the Tomaselli's. However as Modest and Morgan stepped back, Murdock also had a problem. He was in the ring with Modest and Morgan in a tag match and Modest dropped him on the back of his head with a powerbomb, causing Murdoch to break his sternum and get a concussion. He was never the same after that, he told me he suffered from dizzy spells for at least 3 months after the incident so he really retreated from the day-to-day management of PWI and PWI became somewhat rudderless.

ON: Mike Veloza…………….

BSE: The rudder completely fell off when Murdock turned to maybe one of the feeblest minds in the history of bay area wrestling in the 2000's, a mental midget by the name of Mike Veloza...He literally ran PWI into the ground in the space of 6 months! He was some sort of super fan that endeared himself to Morgan and Murdock when Modest was in Japan and WCW he started doing "story line" work for PWI but his stories were the worst pieces of dung ever written. I suddenly lost any sort of story lines. It was Veloza who decided to hold the Angels Camp and Riverbank shows which I mercifully missed, but they generated a total of 30-50 fans each show, even though they had the Ballard Brothers and Christopher Daniels on them! The final straw came when there was a show at a local high school which was looking like a promotional disaster, we knew that we weren't going to generate a good crowd that night and we should have just cancelled but Veloza was too filled with his own self worth as a promoter to cancel a show so he wrote a $900 check on a show that generated about $500 in tickets that combined with the costs for gas, ring truck and other related expenses meant he overdrew the PWI account by at least $1,000 and that was it for PWI. I think in the end PWI had about $10,000 in debt which Veloza was responsible for and even at the very end of PWI, even the last night of PWI, Veloza was promising to take over PWI, to keep it going, to pay off all of PWI's debts and start the school back up where he was going to become a major deal in the bay area wrestling's future, well that was 4-5 years ago and he hasn't been heard from since.

ON: The Malachi title win…….

BSE: One of my favourite memories, I was involved in a great storyline where I was managing every outside talent that came in to challenge Mark Smith for his championship for about 4-5 months in a row which finally culminated in me managing my first federation heavyweight champion, in Malachi, when we won the title in 2003 in Swiss Park against Mark Smith. Unfortunately, I was never even able to give a proper title defence back to Mark Smith as he decided to no longer work for PWI because of the terrible shows that PWI was putting on. Mark Smith now almost exclusively works full time in Puerto Rico, Japan and Europe-- I haven't seen the big guy now in years because he's been so busy!

ON: How did the idea of California Championship Wrestling come about?

BSE: One of the announcers, JJ Purdom, and I were friends from PWI and we were both bummed out that PWI failed without ever having a chance to give our own creative input on what could have been done with the wrestlers at PWI and the story lines and giving better characters with real motivations, but nobody ever asked us what we thought or how we could improve the PWI product, in fact Veloza went out of his way not to listen to any other constructive criticism on the PWI product. JJ managed to talk to a guy who was a former mayor of a tiny town in the middle of CA called Newman and we decided to create a new fed trying to throw back to the old days of Mid South, World Class and Georgia Championship Wrestling. JJ said he thought it would be great to make me the "center of evil" in this particular fed. In September of 2005, I met with JJ and the owner of CCW over in Sacramento at the Mel's Diner on Howe avenue...and history was made as we decided to make it work! Unfortunately only 6 weeks after we had this meeting I wound up in the hospital and almost died due to a rare onset of adult Type 1 diabetes, when my pancreas stopped making insulin and almost killed me. While I was in the hospital JJ called me every single day and my brother brought tapes of my wrestling performances from APW and PWI which I watched over and over again. I made it my mission that CCW was going to be a success.

ON: Thoughts on being a CCW promoter?

BSE: Being on the promoter side for the first time, I now understand how incredibly hard it is to put on a show. In CCW we even had a guy who was booked for a title shot, who had won a royal rumble the month before to become the 1 contender, tell us he couldn't make it the morning of the show! Injuries I can understand, we have had Vinnie Massaro break his hand the week before a show training, that sort of thing happens especially here in North California when guys work 2-3 shows on a weekend. A lot of times we have had wrestlers for CCW work another show at the beginning of a card, and then drive 1- 1 1/2 hours to our show to work the later part of the card! You have to live with that when you deal with the indies, where some wrestlers have so little invested in your promotion and even if you have a storyline worked with them that has taken months to form there is nothing to keep them from just blowing you off at the last minute. In the 1 year existence of CCW we have had to change every single card we have ever had because of this sort of thing fortunately we always have "spare wrestlers" show up in the back who are willing to step in, in order to get in the ring and work.

ON: The Alameda County Fairgrounds affair…………..

BSE: CCW almost didn't get off the ground, (even with me nearly dying) because of a screw-job by the Alameda County Fairgrounds we had to cancel our first show the day of the event! The incompetents at the Fairgrounds had told us we could use the Fairgrounds insurance, which we paid for prior to the event. Then the week of the event they tell us that their insurance carrier decided not to honour our payment and that we needed to get our own insurance. They said we could do it if I wrote a disclaimer which said we wouldn't sue them no matter what happened so we got all ready to perform and then they said the disclaimer wasn't enough, we had to have insurance and so our first set of matches had to be cancelled and I spent the rest of the night in front of the fairgrounds telling people to turn around and go home! We just looked at this as a temporary setback. Two months later we put together our first matches in July and we got a crowd of about 220, which was totally outdrawing any of the other established indies except for maybe BTW which still was only getting 350 with people like Kamala, Mick Foley and Rob Van Dam appearing for autograph sessions! We were getting good crowds at the Fairgrounds and being in Pleasanton was actually like being in a major city. After that first event, the guy at the Fairgrounds apologized and they actually treated us really well but that guy didn't stay there and when he left to manage a gym in the area.

ON: All's well that ends well……

BSE: Not quite, a new guy came in and was the biggest jerk in the universe he said "you guys are making too much money" and decided, again the week before we were going to have our matches, to charge us double everything we were getting "for free". Even though we had a contract, there were a number of items that were not covered by the contract that we were never being charged for. This guy wanted to charge for parking, for the benches (which were already in the building when we got there) and even for the porta potties which were in the area! He figured that by forcing us to pay right before a show we would never cancel again like we did before but we weren't going to play that game! The owner decided during the week to change venues and we moved out to Newman, the tiny town that he was the mayor for. As this was a home base for JJ Purdom and the owner so they could promote locally unlike what happened with PWI in Lathrop. That was the greatest thing for the future of CCW, moving to Newman, sure it's a tiny town on the freeway (nobody has heard of it) but the people there, they are dying for live entertainment. For them, to get to a major city like San Francisco or San Jose is a major effort and going to a WWE show will set back a family of 4 perhaps $200-$300 when all is said and done. Here we bring big city style live wrestling entertainment to them for $10 adults and $5 for kids. A family of 4 can go see us perform for 2 hours less expensively than a movie and we really have made our focus family style entertainment there is no sex, we have had a "little" blood as it's not a major focus of what we do. We have had no garbage matches; no lightbulbs, thumbtacks, barbed wire matches and our wrestlers aren't allowed to swear ringside. We have had a continuing story line between my Sotello Syndicate and the good guys of CCW since I came in a year ago. My situation with Vinnie, first facing him as my opponent for a year and now I am managing him as the heavyweight champion. After he lost his title due to the hand injury I mentioned earlier, his best friend Big Ugly won the title then Vinnie betrayed him. Is a story we've been working almost a year to accomplish! Tell me another indy out there that has a story line that goes a whole year to culminate?

ON: Managing your 1st tag team to CCW tag title glory………..

BSE: The current CCW tag team champions (they won it in the debut title tournament) are the twins DD and T-Rent, known as the Bad Apple Associates. CCW had a 4 team 1 night tournament for the newly created tag belts the tournament featured R-Cayde & Hammerhead Drake vs Reno Scum ("Rock Legend Scum" Adam Thornstowe & Luster the Legend managed by "Showtime" Shane Dynasty) and my Sotello Syndicate (The Bad Apple Associates, DD & Trent Badapple) vs The McTwists, Jason & Johnny from Portland, OR. The Bad Apple Associates and the Reno Scum (featuring wrestlers that I used to manage-- all 3 of them!) faced each other in the final round of the title tournament. Thanks to my interference, (I distracted Luster the Legend outside the ring to give an advantage to DD & Trent who double teamed Adam for he title victory!) It was the first tag championship that I have ever managed and really a lifelong accomplishment, as much as managing two feds heavyweight single's titles meant tag team action is the best.

ON: Can you tell the readers a little about the creative process involved in CCW?

BSE: Well JJ and I love doing this, creating a complicated story line and telling it over a number of shows, and letting it develop and having to change it sometimes because of talent restrictions or guys blowing us off.. Vinnie also helps a lot in the locker room in match-to-match booking and inner-match storylines, and all the workers respect the things he brings to the table. I work with JJ on coming up with new characters, "macro" story lines (not in match blow-by-blow booking), and I do all the "write-ups" for CCW (can you guess why that is?). Our ultra popular Hacksaw Jim Duggan type character, Mother Truckin Otis, actually came to me as an idea with all the driving I do back and forth to the shows and all the truck drivers I pass on my way. The mysterious masked man of mayhem, Mr. Massacre, was a character I developed while I was in high school for a wrestling game I wrote (it's awesome when you have these ideas as a kid and as an adult you can actually make them come to life!)

ON: Overall thoughts on California Championship Wrestling?

BSE: CCW is everything I had ever hoped for and dreamed for in a federation even with the hardships, tough times, and hard work, it's been the greatest experience of my life without a doubt! CCW really reflects the ultimate culmination of my creative efforts and what I have always thought I could do for a federation when we did our first TV program for Comcast On Demand and I got to do the commentary with JJ, it was the greatest thing of all (other than managing the tag champs and heavyweight champ!!!) he is the Gorilla Monsoon to my Bobby Heenan and we just ad lib it and it comes off like water off a ducks back people say it's entertaining but it's the easiest job I've ever had!

ON: Who would be a dream person to manage for Buddy Sotello Esquire?

BSE: I am not going to be glib here but I am managing my dream right now! The Sotello Syndicate is exactly the type of team I want to manage they remind me of this generations' Devastation Inc (one of the big influences on me). I have a masked giant in Mr Massacre, based on a character I created years ago, the "California Crippler" Ryan Drago, the CCW Tag Champions the Bad Apple Associates and the CCW Heavyweight Champion, my once mortal enemy, Vinnie "The Innovator" Massaro.

ON: Are there any websites where the readers can find out more about you?

BSE: Yes please visit my myspace page at www.myspace.com/buddysotelloesq or the CCW web page www.californiachampionshipwrestling.com!

ON: Any final words for the readers?

BSE: For every show, whether it has 50 people show up or 10,000 people show up, so few of the fans in the audience understand the thousands of hours that go into every production and how much of a contribution has to be made on every level to make even a poor indy fed show happen. The amount of work that goes into setting a ring up, the hours of street teaming and promoting, the late nights working on web pages and photo uploading and flyers and posters, sometimes I think the fans and the public in general takes that for granted and doesn't recognize that even on a small level what an amazing amount of work goes on to make those shows happen. I always stay late after every match and hang with the crews as they take everything apart and let them know how important it is that they gave a contribution to us with their labour because without that there wouldn't be a show for anyone to see! As for me, if what I do never goes beyond what I have done, I couldn't have been happier doing what I did the way I did it. I don't have any regrets about my time in wrestling yet I have seen stuff that I thought I would never see, both good and bad, from people in this industry. It's changed my life forever but I don't regret a single moment of it, and I will be in this business until CCW goes away, we get bought out by Vince (ha-ha) or until I shuffle off this mortal coil.

ON: Thanks once again for taking the time out for this interview Buddy!

Overall Thoughts: Buddy provided me with my most informative interview thus far! I want to thank him for that, his insight into the California independent scene was fascinating and I wish him and California Championship Wrestling the best of luck in the future.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Where Are They Now?: Tony Atlas

In today's edition of Lewiston, Maine's Sun Journal, there's mention of this Saturday's World Body Building Guild's Hall of Fame, which will be inducting Tony Atlas as a member.

Atlas presently works as a personal trainer at an area gym, and actually looks good (considering what he's been through) for sixty-three.

To read the article, click here.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Tonight's Episode Of 'ECW On Sci Fi' Is In The Books

The lowdown from South Carolina's Colonial Center:

- Jesus, another new theme for this show?!

- Armando Estrada "surprised" all of us with tonight's 'Extreme-Rules Match.' Doesn't anyone visit WWE's website?

- Big-Daddy-V (accompanied by Matt Striker) defeated Tommy Dreamer. Dreamer didn't take near the legit punishment I thought he would (and that's a good thing), before taking a Samoan drop through a table and being pinned. BDV, of course, didn't bump or sell for a thing

- Speaking of punishment, Mr. McMahon and Jonathan Coachman have arrived.

- CM Punk got his own video segment.

- McMahon and Coachman are back to looking for McMahon's illegitimate son. They made up for cutting Balls Mahoney out of 'Saturday Night's Main Event.'

- Mahoney defeated Elijah Burke. I have no idea what was going on in the crowd, but it didn't have a thing to do with the match. Burke gave his towel to the ref, which was supposed to serve as a distraction, but the ref was back in time to see Burke wrap Mahoney's leg around the post (which isn't even grounds for a disqualification). Okay?... I really used to dig Burke, you know, but they split up the New Breed and don't do shit with him (case in point), so now he's officially entered the "I don't care" stage. Burke missed a charge into the corner, allowing Mahoney to score with a schoolboy and pin.

- John Morrison also got a video segment.

- The Miz and Extreme Exposé ran into Mahoney and were extremely (pardon the pun) irritating to me. Kelly Kelly winked at Mahoney. She musta had something in her eye.

- Kevin Thorn was jumped by Stevie Richards, but it didn't last long, as they were broken up by a bunch of old, fat guys.

- Pink can't be McMahon's son, because he's straightedged. Punk nearly talked himself into a beating, but luckily for Punk, Coachman was in the room to save his goofy ass.

- Punk & The Boogeyman defeated Morrison & Miz (accompanied by EE). Kelly sure looked happy to be with the people who won't stop insulting her crush. Must be a multilayered technique of acting, with which I am not yet familiar. This went on too long for my taste, although did solidify my belief Morrison is better off (even with the world's shittiest partner) in a tag team, as he's more creative and interesting to watch. More weird chants from the crowd. Morrison came in on a blind tag, hit Punk with whatever he's calling his neckbreaker, then scored the pin (which, for business, was definitely the right finish). Shave off the first ten or twelve minutes, and this would've actually been a good match.

An awesome show (must've been airing somewhere, but this sure wasn't it)!

Matt Hardy Between The Ropes Interview

Courtesy of Adam Samons:

Between The Ropes
Friday, August 17, 2007
Central Florida's Sports Radio 740 The Team
Simulcast online at BetweenTheRopes.com

This week Between The Ropes host Brian Fritz was able to talk with WWE Superstar Matt Hardy about his boxing match with Evander Holyfield, the direction of his singles career, and much more in an interview posted exclusively on BetweenTheRopes.com

The interview started with some discussion of Matt’s boxing match against Evander Holyfield. Matt discussed how he wound up in the fight and said that it was “the most intimidating situation he’s been in.”

Regarding the series of challenges that he and MVP have done before their match at Summerslam Matt joke that he would like a horseshoes showdown against MVP. He then said “come hell or high water I’m going to leave (Summerslam) with the U.S. Title.”

The discussion then turned to how Matt see the direction of his career. “I feel like I’m at a great place. Smackdown has really been plagued by injuries over the course of the summer and I feel like it has given me an opportunity to step up. Almost every week I’ve been in a 20 minute match, and while I am working against MVP a lot of people have perceived me as the MVP of Smackdown recently…I’m excited to have that chance and have tried to make the most of it.”

Asked about the great reaction that he and his brother Jeff get from the fans Matt said “I think the people respect us. Wrestling fans are really loyal, they remember all the ladder matches, table matches, the TLC matches, and all the things we’ve put our bodies through. We’ve given them everything from our bodies and souls to entertain them and they remember that and respect that.” Matt also said he is able to connect with the fans since he a blue collar kind of guy that has had to work to get where he is.

On whether he would have liked to continue tagging with his brother as he had earlier in the year Matt said he would “rather continue down the singles path. As a tag team we’ve been seven time world tag team champs, we’ve been in every type of tag match you can do, and it’s always something I’ll want to come back to, but we’ve done it all there. As a singles competitor I haven’t done it all and that’s what I want to do.

Looking back at the Edge and Lita situation from a couple of years ago Matt said that he is “way past that.” He said that it was a tough situation losing a relationship, a friend, and a job, but he didn’t let it hang him up and he doesn’t harbor any resentment toward anyone. Matt also admitted that he was “very close” to not returning to the WWE, but that in the end things turned out well.

The interview concluded with Matt being asked about his thoughts on the current tag team division. “It’s tough, just because tag team wrestling isn’t something that is a priority in the WWE. One thing that I tell the guys they should…do is for each member to find their own identity…They should really try and single out personality traits within the persona and still have something for the team.” Matt also concluded that “a lot of the guys are newer and don’t have a lot of experience, so they’re learning on the job and that’s what I think slows a lot of the newer tag teams down.”

To listen to the entire Matt Hardy interview, including how he feels about having his brother back with the company and his thoughts on an upcoming documentary on his OMEGA wrestling promotion visit the show online at www.BetweenTheRopes.com.

Injury Forces Jens Pulver Out Of WEC Debut

Jens Pulver has been forced to withdraw from his fight on September 5 (he was to meet Cub Swanson), due to a knee injury, which he had received while training for the bout.

Zuffa is currently searching for a substitute replacement to face Swanson.

Pulver, meanwhile, has scheduled an MRI to determine how seriously he's injured.

Funk's Corner - Second Generation Legend And WWE Producer, Dean Malenko Is Coming To The Funking Conservatory

Courtesy of Dory Funk Jr.:

"You have the most beautiful country I have ever seen. The people are wonderful. The beaches are the best in the world and nature in your country is untouched."

"There is only one thing you don't have here in Australia. You have no heroes. No role models for your children and young people to look up to."

"I, The Great Malenko will fill the emptiness you all have here in Australia. I will be your hero."

As I listened to Boris Malenko do the interview for network television out of Sydney, Australia, I thought, "What a great way to get the heat as a heel and not have to put the country or the people down."

Boris Malenko was one of the greatest heels on interviews I have seen. He was also a box office attraction for Eddie Graham in the Florida Territory. Boris Malenko was the originator of the Russian Chain match.

Boris Malenko's chain used in a match in Florida with Eddie Graham was actually shipped from Florida to the Amarillo Territory and used in the first ever Russian Chain Match in the Amarillo Territory between Dory Funk Sr. and Iron Mike Dibiase.

Boris Malenko (Larry Simon) had two sons who followed his footsteps in professional wrestling, Dean and Joe Malenko.

Here at the Funking Conservatory, we are proud to announce that second generation wrestler, Wrestling Legend and WWE Producer, Dean Malenko will be at the Funking Conservatory Tuesday September 4th to scout wrestling talent.

Support the Troops 19, "Hard Labor" comes to the Funking Conservatory Sunday September 2nd. For more information on tickets, training schedules and Dean Malenko's appearance at the Funking Conservatory, call 352-895-4658 or visit our website at www.dory-funk.com.