Jerry Wiseman Interviews Malia Hosaka

Malia Hosaka is one of the few people you know mean business when they step into the ring, that seems to be the Killer Kowalski way. Hosaka, who hails from Hawaii but is generally billed from Japan has that exotic look and expertise in the ring that makes you believe anything is real and everything is possible.

Making her debut in 1987 Hosaka has been on a tear and in demand ever since. Working for the LPWA, WCW, TNA, briefly in the WWE and ECW and as a regular for Shimmer, Malia is one of the most popular ladies on the wrestling circuit.

Having been trained in the basics by the legendary Kowalski and in the ring by lady legends such as Debbie Combs and Leilani Kai, Hosaka has honed her skills unlike any other. Beauty, brains, brawn and talent, Hosaka is the standard for what lady wrestler’s should aspire to be. It was a pleasure to sit down and talk with Malia Hosaka.

JW: Your dream opponent would be?
MH: I am not sure I have a dream opponent anymore, I have worked with almost everyone in the biz who was my vet with the exception of Moolah, I think I would have liked to have worked with her, as for today’s women, perhaps Sara Del Ray, but I am not sure I could keep up and do her talent justice.

JW: What is your best road story?
MH: I have fond memories of being on the road and working and traveling with the different groups, but as for my best story, not really sure. I enjoyed going to the Middle East with the military and AFE the most and felt it had the most meaning, wrestling for the troops there; they were very grateful to us for coming over and living with them in tents and on bases was an incredible experience.

JW: Who is someone you always like to watch wrestle?
MH: I enjoy watching Nikki Roxx and Daffney, they are entertaining and have learned the craft well, and they do not need commentators to give them credit in the ring.

JW: As a promoter who would be in your money match?
MH: On the women’s side, Micki James, Nikki Roxx, Sara Del Ray or Daffney and on the men’s side Dean Malenko, Chris Benoit (RIP), Eddie Guerrero (RIP)… but I like them for their talent and skill in the ring, not sure they would be money matches because many look for charisma over in ring talent.

JW: If you got the call from New York, would you change your gimmick and to what?
MH: Well, I got called from NY in 1999 and they could not decide what gimmick to give me, I wanted to be the Dudley sister… as for today, well, I am the Modern Day Moolah, I am the last of my generation and the last of the “old school” so I think that would be what I would pitch.

JW: Do you think titles need to mean something again?
MH: ABSOLUTELY! Why have a title if it doesn’t mean anything?

JW: You own a promotion, who are the first five workers you hire?
MH: Women -Daffney, Sara Del Ray, Nikki Roxx, Ariel, Lexie Fyfe, Leva Bates, Josie; men – Jersey Devil, Chris Gray, Los Lobos, Dean Malenko, Mark Sterling, Matt Riviera.

JW: What is the craziest match you have done?
MH: Anything I ever did with Luna Vachon, it was always a surprise to see where those would go.

JW: Do you prefer hardcore, traditional or a mix of the two for your own matches?
MH: Traditional, but hardcore has its place if there is a storyline to build to it.

JW: Besides you, who is the best to ever step into the ring?
MH: Well, I don’t think I am the best, I was just lucky to have the women I did to learn from, but Debbie Combs was an incredibly talented lady and deserved far more than the biz ever gave her.

JW: Who is your favorite opponent?
MH: It depends on the time line in my career, the beginning: Lei Lani Kai or Debbie Combs, the middle: Brandi Alexander, and today: Leva Bates, Ariel, or Nikki Roxx.

JW: If you could change one thing about the business, what would it be?
MH: The fact that models are more valuable than talent, it should be about what you bring to the ring as anyone can be made over to be marketable as a model with the right coaching, but not everyone can wrestle.

JW: Does wrestling need a union?
MH: I don’t think so, while it is entertainment, it is also a sport, and something like a SAG would not necessarily work in this part of the industry, wrestling just needs more people in places of power to act on behalf of the wrestler vs. kissing up to keep their job.

JW: What drew you into the business?
MH: My dad was a fan and dared me to try it; once I found out I could travel the world and got over my shyness for entertaining I feel in love with it.

JW: Do you think heels and faces need to be clearly defined again?
MH: I think apples should be sold as apples and oranges as oranges and the pieces fall where they may, but as people in the public eye and looked up to by impressionable people we need to be responsible in the messages we convey.

JW: In the annals of wrestling, what do you want to be said about you?
MH: That I did my veterans credit, that while I may have never been a “star” or “name” by the values of the average fan I was in my own right a star and a credit to the art of wrestling and the biz that I love so much, that I did my veterans proud and helped my rookies to understand what was taught to me at least a little bit, that I always gave the fans everything I could every time I went to the ring.

JW: What decade, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or 00s do you think best defined wrestling?
MH: Probably the 80s, but I would like to say the late 80s and early 90s because that is my decade (laughs).

JW: Do you think internet PPVs would help indie promotions?
MH: No, their talent is not well known enough to get enough bought to cover the cost, but if there was a low cost alternative to help get them coverage then yes, it would help bring familiarity to their talent with the fans.

JW: What is one thing you want fans to know about you?
MH: That I love and adore them for keeping me in a career when no one believed in me but them, and that even today their support is why I have not walked away and retired.

JW: Have you ever had aspirations of trying MMA?
MH: No! I hurt enough from years of abuse in the “fake” stuff.

JW: Do you think the proposed changes that a lot of state athletic commissions will help or hurt the sport?
MH: I am not familiar with the changes you are asking about.

JW: Who I someone you would not want to work again?
MH: That will be answered after I retire, I have enough heat in the biz without calling people out like that, and everyone who wants to learn can improve and anyone can have an off night.

JW: Do you think blading is a necessary evil in the sport?
MH: To a certain point, again, as long as it has meaning and is not being done just for effect.

JW: Is the punishment you take worth the money you make?
MH: No, but I had fun doing it and still love entertaining the fans.

JW: We are all marks; have to be to love the business, how big a mark are you, what is your favorite piece of swag?
MH: I am honestly not a mark for the biz or anyone in it really, I pop for different things and love when I can be entertained by the work and in-ring story and not get caught up in the quality of work being put forth, I respect the art, so if I am a mark for anything it would be the craft and art of the trade.

JW: Is there any match you would refuse to do?
MH: Anything I would have to ask my dad not to watch, if my family can’t see it then I shouldn’t do it.

JW: How big of an impact do all the recent deaths of the boys have on the business?
MH: I think anytime talent is lost it impacts the industry, but unfortunately it has not changed the actions of many or inspired change in the actions around those who are headed down the wrong paths, we all sacrifice in the hope of getting our break and then in the name of keeping our spots, it boils down to “what can you live with?”

JW: Using steroids is still a sore subject among some of the boys, especially now that Ivan Putski came out and admitted using and Bruno Sammartino is against them but used them when they were legal, what is your feeling on them?
MH: I don’t condone them but I also do not condemn anyone who does them, just don’t do them and act high and mighty like you have never used, again it’s personal choices/sacrifices, what are you ok with doing to get or keep a job?

JW: Does there need to be more competition in the business and do you think TNA is the answer or does someone else need to come along and step-up?
MH: Competition is always good, it creates jobs, keeps pay scales up and levels the playing fields between the company and the worker, but if you are going to compete in the big leagues, come with all you got and have the backing to do it right, you can create stars, but you need the product to compete with the established or you look like a “b” scale version trying but not ready for the big screen.

JW: Does it take an addictive personality to be a pro wrestler or what type of mental attitude do you need to make it in the business?
MH: Not really addictive, but dedicated and a bit hard, you can’t wear your heart on your sleeve or take everything personal, it is a business to those calling the shots and no one is expendable.

JW: What kind of pre-match ritual do you have before you go through the curtain?
MH: I have a prayer that I have said since my high school days, we said it before every Varsity softball game and I continue to do it before I wrestle, I also tell my opponent to be safe, have fun and I hope they win.

JW: Do you find yourself giving 100% no matter if there are 25 people in the crowd or 2500?
MH: Without a doubt! The fans paid their hard earned money to see a great show/match and not matter the number of fans in the crowd or the level of experience of the other girl I always give as much as I have for that night.

JW: Do you ever practice cutting a promo in front of a mirror?
MH: When I first started, it was how I worked on facial expressions, practiced getting comfortable with myself and speaking in character, and learned to make it up on the fly.

JW: How do you define yourself as a pro wrestler?
MH: Old? (Laughs) I am of a lost/dated generation, so I am not sure how to define myself, I am 100% professional and give the best I have every time I go to the ring, I used to say I was the female Stone Cold, but now I am more the Moolah…. the Modern-day Moolah (laughs).

JW: What is the weirdest thing you have had happen while in the ring?
MH: A girl peed herself?? But I didn’t notice it until we got back to the locker room and then I had to think where when it could have happened and where I may been (move-wise) when it happened.

JW: Fans either love you or hate you, what has been your worst experience with a fan?
MH: I was working on a bar show and while cat fighting on the outside of the ring a fan suggested sexual things I should do to her while we were fighting.

JW: If you could go back to any era and wrestle for one night, where would you go and who would you step into the ring with?
MH: To the early to mid-80s and with Debbie Combs.

JW: What move do you think is overused and just does not get over now, like the carotid clutch in the 70s?
MH: The hurricanranna/frankensteiner, it has been done every which way, and though it is a beautiful move, it is in nearly every match these days.

JW: Debbie Combs is a legend in the ring, what was it like to wrestle her?
MH: intimidating at first, but as time went on I learned so much from her about the whens and whys of the ring, it was an honor to have her take the time to work with me and bring me along to the next step in my career, but the time she retired it was fun.

JW: What has been the pinnacle of your career?
MH: There have been a few, having the light switch flip to on so that I no longer needed my veterans to lead me, working with WLW and holding Harley Race’s belt, being giving a contract by the WWE (even though they never used me), working for WCW, and being one of the only females to have worked for nearly every major company in the U.S. between the 80s to present.

JW: Who has been your favorite opponent?
MH: Brandi Wine and Brandi Alexander back in the day, but Leva Bates, Ariel or Nikki Roxx today.

JW: Discuss the difference between ladies wrestling now and when you started?
MH: When I started it was about learning the craft and telling a story in the ring, good vs. evil and doing moves at the right times because the fans were waiting to be led up and down in the story, your marketability as a model/calendar girl/centerfold was secondary – now it is first, how marketable are you, can you sell pics and t-shirts and calendars then your wrestling ability comes second…There are many talented women out there who will never be given an opportunity due them not being a size 2 with 36DD’s.

JW: What has been the most coveted title you have held?
MH: Probably the NWA ladies title, but I held the WLW title with more respect and esteem.

JW: Is there something to be said about being trained by Killer Kowalski?
MH: Killer training gave me credibility as for having been trained and trained properly, but I did not attend Killer’s school and receive the same training as Chyna and Nikki, I was trained at Misty Blue’s school by Killer, so the regimen was not as tough as it was at his school. I learned ALOT in a short period of time, but not really how to put it together, Lei Lani, Judy Martin and Debbie taught me that.

JW: You are from Hawaii but billed from Japan, how does that happen?
MH: Because when I started Japanese wrestlers were the best and a novelty, but I was here and of Japanese decent and cheaper than flying them in so I was often billed from Japan as a novelty on the shows .

JW: The LPWA, WCW, ECW, WWF, TNA, where did you really feel at home?
MH: None of them, WLW was the only company I worked for that really felt like it fit; LPWA was early in my career, so I was learning the biz and the craft around women who were so sophisticated seeming to me that I was very intimidated, I found friendship in Bambi, Peggy and the Glamour Girls, but other than that I really felt as if I didn’t fit in; WCW was the best of the bigger companies, and I think I had a good working relationship with the talent dept.; WWF barely even knew I existed, ECW only used me to replace Madusa against Sheri, TNA only gave me one opportunity as well so not much time or much of a chance to feel as if any of them were home.

JW: Being ranked in the PWI Top 500, how big an honor was that for you?
MH: Considering how many new comers there are and the competition it huge! I have been wrestling longer than some of those girls have been alive! So to actually be active and still considered for the magazine is very flattering and humbling.

To read more of Jerry Wiseman’s interviews, news, and thoughts on the sport of pro wrestling, check out all of his articles at Examiner.com.

WAR Returns to Wapakoneta, OH on 8/07/10

W.A.R. will be declared in Wapakoneta, OH on August 7, 2010 when Wrestling And Respect returns to action at 1:00 PM at the Auglaize County Fair. Six big matches featuring Sherman Tank will be free with fair admission. W.A.R. will also be at the Allen County Fair at the end of August with two big shows there and there will be more information on that coming soon. For more information on the Auglaize County Fair and the show there please visit www.auglaizecountyfair.org.

Everyone is a Mark for Something

Everyone, not matter their age or gender, are what is known in the professional wrestling business as a “mark.” Whether you are a fan of LeBron James or Spongebob Square Pants and anything or anyone in between, you are a “mark.” Each of us has our own huckleberries and professional wrestling just happens to be mine.

I have been collecting pro wrestling swag since I was barely able to walk and have taken over 30,000 photos over the course of my career, I have thousands of magazines, programs, action figures, results, t-shirts and other assorted memorabilia that many may find unique as is it strange. My most prized item in my collection are the Assassin masks that were worn by Randy Culley when he was with Jody Hamilton as the famed tag team that were given to me by WWWF superstar Charlie Fulton.

Dr. Mike Lano, one of the most renowned photographers in professional wrestling has a set of “Gorgeous” George Bobby Pins that are autographed and framed along with a photo of the old Legend Stadium that were given to him by his grandfather. Even some wrestlers have a favorite piece of memorabilia including autograph photos of people they worked with, their own books which were little more than a labor of love, or ring used gear that has been signed.

One particular item that is a rarity these days are banners depicting the name and sometimes likeness of a particular wrestler. Some of the most scarce are of NWA Legend Buddy Rogers and Johnny Valentine that are worth upwards of $250 or more depending on the condition. “Irish” Johnny Griffin has a website devoted to pro boxing and pro wrestling memorabilia at www.ringmemorabilia.com and showcases a number of these banners, listing a few of them for sale. The Original Sheik banner is available for $125 right now and can only appreciate in value over the next 10-15 years.

Posters are another item that is genuinely valuable, especially from the 50s and 60s with some of the signs that adorned many arenas going for $450 or more depending on the shape and condition and the participants involved. A Dick the Bruiser v. Lou Thesz from the City Auditorium is a limited quantity item that can fetch up to $400. Many of the posters from yesteryear are very scarce and posters in good condition are even more difficult to find.

A popular item right now, especially for the old school fans are action figures. Many action figures are available in many different variations. Jakks Pacific set the standard for their line of WWE figures and that standard has been lost as Jakks lost their contract with the WWE. Mattel is now producing the WWE action figure line and in my honest opinion they are not at the level of the Jakks Pacific line. Jakks Pacific has moved on to creating UFC/MMA figures and are expected to have a line of NWA Legends before the end of the year.

Some of the rarest figures that have been produced recently include a figure of football great and pro wrestling star Ernie Ladd whose figure can garner up to $70 or more if it is new in the original packaging. The Original Sheik action figure is at $25 right now for a new figure and loose figures, depending on their wear and damage can go for the original price of $10. Many of the old school fans gobble up the legends figures, my Freebirds three pack featuring Michael Hayes, Buddy Roberts and Terry Gordy can eke up to $30 but can be found in limited quantities for as low as $15. As Roberts and Hayes continue to move on with their careers and lives, the figures will appreciate in value.

The figures, such as the Ernie Ladd, which were shipped in limited quantities, will slowly become more difficult to find and therefore increase their value. Figures of legends like Killer Kowalski can still be found for as low as $10 and are not as in-demand simply because of their production numbers and they can be found in earnest. The AWA action figures, which were some of the first made available figures and were made by Remco are getting very hard to find. Remco produced four series of the then AWA stars in 1985 and 1986 and included The Fabulous Ones (Stan Lane/Steve Keirn), Shawn Michaels, Marty Jeanetty, The High Flyers (Greg Gagne/Jim Brunzell) which are very hard to find, Stan Hansen, Nick Bockwinkle, Baron Von Raschke, Steve Regal (Indiana version of the wrestler, not the WCW wrestler) which I would like to have, and a number of others.

The Remco figures, if they are still in the original packaging can get up to $100 depending on the star and how rare the item is. Doug Somers, The Road Warriors, Buddy Rose, Paul Ellering and Adnan Al-Kassie are all very rare and difficult to find, even loose.

No matter the item or what it represents, we all “mark” for one thing or another. There is no crime in being a “mark” for anything you support or believe in whether it be a person or cause or even a favorite TV show that has not been on for 40 years. I still love to grab my “Green Acres” DVDs and waste a weekend watching what I consider one of the most underrated comedies ever. So go on, go out and buy something from someone that means something to you because you just never know what it may mean to the person who receives it after you.

As always I am Jerry Wiseman and then the bell rings.

(Editor’s Note: Special thanks to “Irish” Johnny Griffin for help with this article and thank you to Dr. Mike Lano and “Beef Stew” Lou Marconi for sharing their favorite items. Some of the information on the Remco action line came from Wikipedia.)

Jerry Wiseman Interviews “Beef Stew” Lou Marconi

“Beef Stew” Lou Marconi hails from Brooklyn, Ohio just outside of Cleveland and has been in pursuit of the NWA World Title and all the glory that comes with one of wrestling’s most historical titles. Marconi is quick to call out those he feels is underserving of title shots including strongly worded messages that appear at the end of this interview for Bryan Danielson, who one veteran called “reckless.”

Marconi has spent the majority of his career, since 1994, in the mid-west and recently debuted for Firestorm Pro Wrestling and is seeking the one pinnacle to an otherwise outstanding career, the coveted “10 pounds of gold.”

“The Stew” has made a habit over the years of collecting regional titles, both singles and tag team much the way a homeless man collects tin cans, with ease and grace. A no-nonsense wrestler who is “old school” and not afraid to speak his mind about the injustice of whatever he takes a liking to, Marconi has definitely left a mark on the sport he loves.

It was a real pleasure to talk to the man to whom legendary WWWF grappler Charlie Fulton referred to as “a credit to the business” and “talented in the ring.”

Q. Your dream opponent would be?
A. Ric Flair, Brett Hart, Arn Anderson and Dean Malenko .

Q. What is your best road story?
A. The time I woke up in Ft. Wayne Indiana after a WWE Raw Show. I was hung over and I didn’t know where I was. Luckily Frank Stalletto was there to help me find my way the next show (laughs).

Q. Who is someone you always like to watch wrestle?
A. Barry Windham and Tully Blanchard

Q. As a promoter who would be in your money match?
A. Me (laughs) just kidding I’d like to watch Evan Bourne and Rey Mysterio Jr. in something like that.

Q. Do you think tag team wrestling is a lost art?
A. Yes, absolutely gone are the days of the Midnight Express and the Rock and Roll Express.

Q. If you got the call from New York, would you change your gimmick and to what?
A. Of course I would and the gimmick would be that I’m the new Red Rooster.

Q. Do you think titles need to mean something again?
A. Oh god yes, they change hands too often now.

Q. You own a promotion, who are the first five workers you hire?
A. Mick Foley, Shane Douglas, Ray Rowe, Matt Cross, John McHesney and JRocc.

Q. What is the craziest match you have done?
A. I quit match with T-rantula.

Q. Do you prefer hardcore, traditional or a mix of the two for your own matches?
A. Traditional, wrestling is wrestling.

Q. Besides yourself, who is the best to ever step into the ring?
A. (Laughs) that would be Lou Thesz.

Q. Who is your favorite opponent?
A. Denny Gregory.

Q. If you could change one thing about the business, what would it be?
A. Bring back territories. (Editor’s Note: this is a statement echoed by many of the veterans including Terry Funk.)

Q. Does wrestling need a union?
A. No, it would be even more corrupt then ever.

Q. What drew you into the business?
A. I was always a fan.

Q. Do you think heels and faces need to be clearly defined again?
A. Not necessarily, there are always grey areas in real life. Why not wrestling?

Q. In the annals of wrestling, what do you want to be said about you?
A. That I’m a true professional.

Q. What decade, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or 00s do you think best defined wrestling?
A. The 80’s for sure, because the territories died and we have the business we have today.

Q. Do you think internet PPVs would help indie promotions?
A. Yes, why not?

Q. What is one thing you want fans to know about you?
A. That I’m really an old school respect guy with manners.

Q. Have you ever had aspirations of trying MMA?
A. (Laughs) no.

Q. Do you think the proposed changes that a lot of state athletic commissions will help or hurt the sport?
A. It depends on the changes.

Q. Who I someone you would not want to work again?
A. Reckless Youth.

Q. Do you think blading is a necessary evil in the sport?
A. Yes when its’ right.

Q. Is the punishment you take worth the money you make?
A. No not at all, but it’s not about the money.

Q. We are all marks; have to be to love the business, how big a mark are you, what is your favorite piece of swag?
A. I’m a mark of great work and great wrestling. So I’d say anything nostalgic.

Q. Is there any match you would refuse to do?
A. Nothing I can think of.

Q. With more and more ladies taking on the men in the ring, would you have a problem doing a job for a woman?
A. Pin me pay me.

Q. How big of an impact do all the recent deaths of the boys have on the business?
A. Not big enough to change anything.

Q. Using steroids is still a sore subject among some of the boys, especially now that Ivan Putski came out and admitted using and Bruno Sammartino is against them but used them when they were legal, what is your feeling on them?
A. I never needed them.

Q. Does there need to be more competition in the business and do you think TNA is the answer or does someone else need to come along and step-up?
A. More competition the better and someone should step up soon.

Q. Does it take an addictive personality to be a pro wrestler or what type of mental attitude do you need to make it in the business?
A. You need to have thick skin and be persistent and open minded.

Q. What kind of pre-match ritual do you have before you go through the curtain?
A. I like to warm up with push ups, jumping jacks etc…..

Q. Do you find yourself giving 100% no matter if there are 25 people in the crowd or 2500?
A. Oh yes, they paid money to see a show.

Q. Do you ever practice cutting a promo in front of a mirror?
A. Shhhhhh oh course I do (laughs).

Q. How do you define yourself as a pro wrestler?
A. Old School.

Q. What is the weirdest thing you have had happen while in the ring?
A. Blue Meanie couldn’t stop farting once the match started.

Q. Fans either love you or hate you, what has been your worst experience with a fan?
A. One time a fan punched me. As reflex I hit him right back. It wasn’t at all good.

Q. If you could go back to any era and wrestle for one night, where would you go and who would you step into the ring with?
A. The 1950’s with Lou Thesz.

Q. What move do you think is overused and just does not get over now, like the carotid clutch in the 70s?
A. Probably the spear, because so many indie guys use it.

I am now also the National Pro Wrestling Memorabilia Examiner so please check out new articles being posted.

As always I am Jerry Wiseman and then the bell rings.

Jerry Wiseman Interviews Hailey Hatred

From her debut in 2002 Haily Hatred has been destined for great things. Taking a Japanese wrestling style will little gimmicks, Hatred has wowed crowds worldwide with her rough and aggressive yet technical expertise. Raised on Japanese wrestling tapes in her native Columbus, Ohio, Hailey always knew she wanted to get into professional wrestling.

Hailey has wrestled all over the southern US and the mid-west besting opponents from Allison Danger, Ms. Chif, Portia Perez and Lexi Lane. Hatred’s biggest match may have been against Mickie Knuckles, one of the toughest women wrestlers around for the IWA-MS Woman’s Title.
Hatred dreams of going to Japan to train and wrestle and tour from time to time. Her dreams may take her to all the places she wants to go including Mexico, Canada, England, Germany and possibly New York.

Hailey, gracious and accommodating took time to speak with The Worm about a variety of things and subjects in this edition of Bell Time…with Hailey Hatred.

Q. Your dream match would be?
A. A singles match with Jushin Liger.

Q. What is your best road story?
A. Haven’t had it yet.

Q. Who is someone you always like to watch wrestle?
A. Akira Hokuto.

Q. As a promoter what match would you most like to see?
A. I’m not a promoter.

Q. Do you think tag team wrestling is a lost art?
A. Not at all! If given a bigger stage, it could be more interesting than singles.

Q. If you got the call from New York would you change your gimmick?
A. I don’t think there would be much choice.

Q. Do you think wrestling needs to make titles mean something again?
A. I believe a lot of titles do still mean something.

Q. You own a promotion, who are the first five workers you hire?
A. Minoru Tanaka, Toshiaki Kawada, Ayumi Kurihara, Kana, Bryan Danielson.

Q. What is the craziest match you have done?
A. No Ropes Barbed Wire.

Q. Do you prefer hardcore, traditional or a mix of the two in your matches?
A. Traditional. I feel a lot better the next day.

Q. Besides yourself, who if the best ever to step into the ring?
A. Bret Hart, of course =).

Q. Who is your favorite opponent?
A. Nanae Takahashi.

Q. If you could change one thing about the business, what would it be?
A. No drugs.

Q. Does wrestling need a union?
A. Not in my opinion.

Q. What drew you into the wrestling business?
A. The combination of athleticism and charismatic fighters.

To read more of Jerry Wiseman’s interviews, news, and thoughts on the sport of pro wrestling, check out all of his articles at Examiner.com.

WAR Returns to Lima, OH on 6/26/10

Wrestling and Respect (W.A.R.) Presents “Free for All” on June 26, 2010 at the UAW Hall in Lima, Ohio with a 7:30 PM bell time. Doors open at 6:30 PM and tickets are almost sold out for this show. This promises to be one of the best shows of the year for W.A.R. and features the return of former WWE Superstar Colt Cabana.

Match #1
Jordon McIntrye -vs- “Man of Value” Jeff Brooks -vs- Tim Horner Jr. -vs- ?????

Match #2
Mr. Main Event -vs- Eric Smallz

Match #3
Jock Samson -vs- Donnie Swenson

Match #4
Brian Bender / Jeff Cannon -vs- Joey V / Justin Dredd

Match #5
“Canadian Crazyhorse” Michael Elgin -vs- Brandon Edwards

Match #6
“Mr. EGO” Cody Hawk -vs- Gutter

Match #7
Ashley Sixx -vs- Aaron Williams

Match #8
Kaden Assad -vs- Colt Cabana

*** MAIN EVENT ***
“Metal Head” Steve Stone / Brandon Blaze / Chris “The Madness” Hall
-vs-
“Poison” Appollo Starr / The Hi-Def Supernovas

***Card & talent subject to change***

Jerry Wiseman Interviews “The Madness” Chris Hall

As a former collegiate wrestling star and football player, Chris “The Madness” Hall is one big, mean mother, not someone I would mess with even in a lit alley and I fear no man. Hall has always dreamed of being a professional wrestler since the time of watching his heroes, who include Arn Anderson, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin and others from the more popular “Attitude Era” of the WWE. With the help of WAR Wrestling and many of the independents in the tri-state area Hall is living the dream he always wished for when watching wrestling on TV on Saturday.

Hall is on the main roster of WAR, Wrestling and Respect out of Lima, Ohio and always gives the proverbial 100% during his matches. Hall wrestles hard, smart and like a seasoned vet making every move mean something and telling a story while working his match, regardless of the opponent.

I met Chris Hall a few months ago and was amazed at the agility of such a big man and was also marking out for his match with Matt Mason that included a wicked gig mark on Hall’s forehead. Hall is an amazing worker and has an obvious desire to make it to either TNA or to New York and with his skill and ability, he has a chance and would do well if given the right gimmick and push.

Chris Hall is a mean looking, big, strong, tough mother but was kind enough to sit down with me for a quick interview before the big WAR “Free for All” coming up on June 26 in Lima, Ohio at the UAW Hall. Hall is quick witted, not short on answers or sharing how he feels and honest, one of the rarest traits you find in a worker in the professional wrestling world. I want to say many thanks to Chris Hall for taking time to do this interview and best of luck to you my friend in all that you do in the future.

Q. Your dream opponent would be?
A. That would be either Vader to learn everything a big man needs to know to make it or Chris Benoit, just an awesome worker and could learn a plethora of things from him.

Q. What is your best road story?
A. Well, they all involve bodily parts and functions and fart jokes, they are all better told in person.

Q. Who is someone you always like to watch wrestle?
A. I love to watch HHH wrestle, he has it all going right now and is the man in the business. Of course my boys and trainers The Irish Airborne, they like critiques and vice versa.

Q. As a promoter who would be in your money match?
A. Hmmm…I would have to say Eddie Guerrero v. Chris Benoit v. Kurt Angle, now that is a money maker.

Q. Do you think tag team wrestling is a lost art?
A. It is a lost art, you learn so much from tag wrestling that carries over into singles matches plus there is so much that can be done with a tag division.

Q. If you got the call from New York would you change your gimmick and to what?
A. Hell yes I would change my gimmick and to whatever they wanted as long as I fulfilled on the dreams from childhood.

Q. Do you think titles need to mean something again?
A. Yes, titles need to mean something again, what point is having a title if it is just used as a prop and means nothing? You need to make your top guy look awesome and make him the man to chase after or chase after the belt.

Q. You own a promotion, who are the first five workers you hire?
A. Dave and Jake Crist, Kurt Angle, Vader and Chris Benoit.

Q. What is the craziest match you have done?
A. Damn, that is a tough question, I would have to say probably the craziest match I have ever doen would have to be a tag team street fight involving myself and a partner and Brian Beech and his partner. We were in Norwood, Ohio for HWA, we kind of got carried away and broke some stuff but oh man, the crowd loved it.

Q. Do you prefer hardcore, traditional or a mix of the two for your own matches?
A. I prefer to do traditional style over hardcore but will do hardcore because with red comes green.

Q. Besides yourself, who is the best to ever step into the ring?
A. Damn, I can’t say there is just one because there have been so many greats over the years but in my opinion my top three are Nigel McGuiness, Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero.

Q. Who is your favorite opponent?
A. My favorite opponent, again not just one because there are a few but Jon Moxley, Richard Phillips and Dave and Jake Crist.

Q. If you could change one thing about the business, what would it be?
A. The amount of jokes that think they are in the business because they bought a pair of boots and a singlet and some tape. Get some training, learn to work and be dedicated and keep kayfabe, is that too much to ask?

Q. Does wrestling need a union?
A. I have never been in a union so I’m not sure what goes on but from what I have heard about them, no wrestling does not need one.

Q. What drew you into the business?
A. Actually I became interested in the business since I was little, like all I can remember is watching wrestling live on TV with my mother. The reason I started watching it and got hooked was because of her and saying this is awesome, that’s what I want to be when I grow up and here I am working my way to fulfilling my lifelong dream.

Q. Do you think heels and faces need to be clearly defined again?
A. I think hell and faces have to evolve with the times and being clearly defined is on the workers. You can either get over or you get hear and if you do that then you define yourself as the heel or face.

Q. In the annals of wrestling, what do you want to be said about you?
A. I want to be known as the second coming of Vader and become one of the best big men ever to be in the business.

Q. What decade, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or 00s do you think best defined wrestling?
A. Just like everything else wrestling has to evolve but the best decade as I only experienced the 80s and would it would have to be the late 80s and early 90s for me.

Q. Do you think internet PPVs would help indie promotions?
A. They would definitely help indie promotions as long as the young indie workers that are trying to make it and become noticed.

Q. What is one thing you want fans to know about you?
A. I want fans to know whether they love me or hate me that they are going to get what they paid for I always strive to be the best on the card.

Q. Have you ever had aspirations of trying MMA?
A. There have been thoughts of trying MMA I believe I could do pretty well with my amateur background. I just do not have the passion for MMA like I do for professional wrestling though.

Q. Do you think the proposed changes that a lot of state athletic commissions will help or hurt the sport?
A. The changes would definitely hurt wrestling, with the cost it would take for the promoters to run shows, many of the would be put out of business and that would take away from the places that we have to practice and master our craft. But it could be a good thing because the workers that need a license would be run out because they do not have the passion to get it…

Q. Who I someone you would not want to work again?
A. Nikita Allanov, if I did work him again it would not be a work.

Q. Do you think blading is a necessary evil in the sport?
A. Yes and no, if the gimmick is needed toward the end of a story line then yes. I would say no because a true worker can get over and tell the story without blading.

Q. Is the punishment you take worth the money you make?
A. Right now no, it is not worth the money but the love for what we do is enough and the fulfillment of a dream…in the end it will all be worth it.

Q. We are all marks; have to be to love the business, how big a mark are you, what is your favorite piece of swag?
A. I still watch wrestling and pop and mark out every now and then but I mostly like to watch and observe and learn.

Q. Is there any match you would refuse to do?
A. As long as the money is right, nope!

Q. With more and more ladies taking on the men in the ring, would you have a problem doing a job for a woman?
A. If you can find a woman that is bigger than I am, maybe Awesome Kong, then I wouldn’t have a problem as long as it made sense and we were both put over.

Q. How big of an impact do all the recent deaths of the boys have on the business?
A. All the recent deaths have definitely changed how the business is see and some promoters have changed the way they run their shows and you can tell by watching them.

Q. Using steroids is still a sore subject among some of the boys, especially now that Ivan Putski came out and admitted using and Bruno Sammartino is against them but used them when they were legal, what is your feeling on them?
A. As long as steroids are taken responsibly they are the healthiest supplement anyone can take. The thing that gives them a bad name is when they are abused, that is when all the harmful side effect begin to come about so if taken responsibly they are amazing.

Q. Does there need to be more competition in the business and do you think TNA is the answer or does someone else need to come along and step-up?
A. Back during the Monday Night Wars there were three places that were the slingshot for making it with the WWE being the powerhouse. Now there is really only one place to make it and that is the WWE. TNA could be the WCW of old if things were changed and they did not worry about competing right now and just continued to innovate the business. As long as TNA tries to compete and bring in the vets and legends there is no room for the new talent to get that slingshot.

Q. Does it take an addictive personality to be a pro wrestler or what type of mental attitude do you need to make it in the business?
A. If wrestling were easy everyone would do it so it totally takes a certain kind of person to wrestle. Yes, it takes an addictive, a good kind of addictive personality and someone that is determined to put in a lot of time and sacrifice and not just make wrestling a hobby. That is what is wrong with a lot of the indies, people see it as a hobby and do not want it as a career. It is bull if you do not have your whole heart in it the get out.

Q. What kind of pre-match ritual do you have before you go through the curtain?
A. Pretty much the same when I played football and wrestled in college, go over everything in my head, throw on my music and get into the madness mode while lacing up my boots, getting a pump on and taping up.

Q. Do you find yourself giving 100% no matter if there are 25 people in the crowd or 2500?
A. Always strive to be the best on the card no matter what the draw is.

Q. Do you ever practice cutting a promo in front of a mirror?
A. Yes, that is the best place to do it, the facials and everything are right there and to see first hand what you need to do and work on it if need be.

Q. How do you define yourself as a pro wrestler?
A. I define myself as someone who loves this business and will strive to do what it takes to make it to the big dance. I have sacrificed and dedicated time to this business and love every minute of it.

Q. What is the weirdest thing you have had happen while in the ring?
A. I had my opponents partner crap himself and tag out, run to the back, wipe his ass and change his gear and then come back and finish the match. (Editors note: Of all the times I have asked this question, this is hands down the winner!)

Q. Fans either love you or hate you, what has been your worst experience with a fan?
A. I got so much heat from a family of bikers in Southern Ohio for making fun of the daughter that the dad, uncle and granddad (Editor’s Note: Were they all the same person?) all waited outside after the show and I had to wait until they left to exit the building. Talk about cheap easy heat (laughs).

Q. If you could go back to any era and wrestle for one night, where would you go and who would you step into the ring with?
A. Triple H during the Attitude Era, ‘nuff said.

Q. What move do you think is overused and just does not get over now, like the carotid clutch in the 70s?
A. The Chokeslam

To read more of Jerry Wiseman’s interviews, news, and thoughts on the sport of pro wrestling, check out all of his articles at Examiner.com.

Update on NWA Wrestling at The Ohio State Fair

In speaking with Christina Leeds, the marketing and public relations director for the Ohio State Fair, she informed me that the contract with World Pro Wrestling was void after the group, and more specifically, promoter Jerry Grey, could not produce the event based on the terms and conditions of the contract.

When contacted Jerry Grey refused to answer any of my questions and simply brushed off the entire fiasco as being too petty to discuss.

Bill Behrens, the President of the NWA has stepped in to produce the show and will feature Scott Steiner vs. Abyss in the Main Event, as well as an NWA World Title match between champion Adam Pearce and Phil Shatter.

NWA Michigan promoter Phil Watson notified me that NWA Michigan was not promoting the event, they were acting as a liaison for the NWA in helping to get the word out, and that no NWA Michigan talent would be part of the show.

When asked why a more local promotion was not considered for the Ohio State Fair show, Miss Leeds assured me that the fair would be willing to consider any Ohio based promotion for future events, and advised that any promotion interested could contact Deborah Hochbein at d.hochbein@expo.state.oh.us

Hopefully this makes the pro wrestling event at the state fair more clear and if you are interested in attending the show on August 1, 2010 you can get tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

As always I am Jerry Wiseman and then the bell rings.

Jerry Wiseman Interviews Sherman Tank

When I first met Sherman Tank my initial impression was, this is one big dude. Intimidating just from his size Tank has a presence that is vital to being successful in the world of professional wrestling. Tank can move like a man half his size, he can work circles around some of the top talent in the WWE and he is one of the biggest stars both literally and figuratively for W.A.R. Wrestling and Respect. WAR Wrestling will be offering their annual “Free for All” show on June 26 with a 7:30 bell time and a show that is sure to be one of the best of the year.

Sherman Tank is often associated with “Metal Head” Steve Stone, the current WAR champion as Stone’s protector, enforcer and ringside confidant. Tank will be part of the June 26 show for WAR but he has wrestled across Ohio, Canada and the mid-west for years perfecting his craft, honing his skills and becoming one of the most talented and talked about indie workers in the mid-west.

Tank can talk the talk and walk the walk when he traverses the aisle to the ring and once he steps between the ropes, you know you are about to see something special. A pleasure to talk to, a funny and genuine person and one helluva worker, I am proud to present my conversation with Sherman Tank.

Q. Your dream opponent would be?
A. Mickie James in leg scissor bikini match?

Q. What is your best road story?
A. Well we left Columbus one day, it was 60 degrees out. We get to Canada and there’s three foot of snow…Um…NEVERMIND. Anyway…one of the best was we were doing a double shot for OCW and the first night was in St. Clairsville, OH. This (bought) show was organized and promoted by a guy who had no business organizing and promoting a Ginseng commercial, let alone a wrestling show.

So we get to the fairgrounds and there are 100 large wrestling posters all over the place promoting the show. That would be great, except the fair was about two months away. So we get inside and Jeff Cannon groups most of us in a corner somewhere and tells us that this guy didn’t do any advertising, no sponsors, nada and if we wanted to leave he would understand. Well we worked the show (with Buff Bagwell) in front of maybe 30 people. Afterwards we all decide to go to BW3’s and drown a bad day. The promoter surprisingly shows up as well. Well some of us get a little hammered while eating some wings. Before heading back to the hotel another worker and myself went and grabbed some beer and a few novelty items from the local Kroger. When we get back to the hotel, we go looking for Matt Mason and Jeremy Madrox’s room.

Well when Tank gets a little drunk he can get a little stupid…so this Tank guy (wearing a big mullet wig and recently purchased princess tiara, wand, and loads of silly string) comes running down the sidewalk as only a 350 princess in drag can…we all have a few drinks and laughs until someone in the next room comes out and talks to us. It was actually two big gentlemen of African decent (nice guys actually), and they were in need of some help. They asked us if we had any protection and Jeremy Madrox jumped into the room and slammed the door. Matt Mason and I looked puzzled and soon realized what kind of protection they were inquiring about. A 5’3 pretty little half-naked blonde walked out of their room and being the gentleman that I am, offered her a beer. Well after telling these two guys that I wasn’t armed for the evening, Matt had a good idea. He went into the room and pulled out the plastic bags out of the trash cans. He said try this (Matt is always thinking safety first), and they did.

After having this surreal moment, Matt and I decide to go mess with Buff a little. So this crazy drunk ass Tank in drag knocks on Buffs door and well he was eating BW3s take out on his bed, watching Sports Center. He was amused at our rib, but was fading fast so we decided to go back to my room. Little did we know but the promoter who booked this fiasco of a show was next door to me. Matt and I invited ourselves into his room where we literally scared a gallon of piss out of this guy and during a quick trip to the john, Matt noticed that nasty pile of hair in the trash can. After investigating myself, we noticed a whole pharmacy of marital aids, pills (enter the Ginseng commercial), potions, lotions, and toys that this freak had in his room. Apparently this freak was stalking a local BW3s waitress and she no-showed him and his little rendezvous at the hotel.

After doing our best Stone Cold impression and toasting a six pack of Bud Light all over this guys room, we went back to my room where we thought we’d help this pour bastard out. We told this guy that we know this girl that was really looking for some action and we had Matt’s girl, Jayme, call this guy and get him all hot and bothered. He wanted the room number and we gave it to him. It was the room with the two big gentlemen of African decent and the 5’3” pretty little half-naked blonde. Sad to say we haven’t heard from that little bastard since.

Q. Who is someone you always like to watch wrestle?
A. Basing this when I was younger – Rock n Roll Express, Arn and Tully, Flair, Shawn Michaels, Hogan.

Q. As a promoter who would be in your money match?
A. I know they already worked, but, Michaels (’96) and Flair (’87).

Q. Do you think tag team wrestling is a lost art?
A. Yes. There are very few teams out there that actually put in the time to look and act like a team. Guys with mismatched gear and one guys tan the other guy’s pasty white. There are no similarities and that irritates me. Luckily we have guys like The Hi-Def Supernovas, The Soul Shooters, and Team Clash locally that take me back to the days of RnR Express, Midnights, Hart Foundations, etc; all great teams that actually looked like a TEAM!

Q. If you got the call from New York, would you change your gimmick and to what?
A. I have been thinking about this a lot recently and I would really fight to keep my current gimmick no matter whether it was a call from New York, Philly, or Nashville.

Q. Do you think titles need to mean something again?
A. Yes. I hate that people think of belts as props. You want a prop go join a f#cking play. I’ve always thought that if a promotion gives you a belt it means that they value you and your ability to put the promotion over, the angle over, build your opponent and what have you. It should mean something for sure.

Q. You own a promotion, who are the first five workers you hire?
A. Nationally if I can pick guys from different eras… Flair (’87), Savage (’92), Hogan (’86-7), Michaels (‘96), Rude (’90).

Q. What is the craziest match you have done?
A. I don’t do crazy matches, but a close one would probably be OCW War Games in Rittman, OH a few years back. It was The Hi-Def Supernovas and I against Jeff Cannon, Jeremy Madrox, and another guy. It was such a special night for all of us on so many different levels. There was a story in a story in a story and it was six guys that went out there did something very special, at least in my eyes.

Q. Do you prefer hardcore, traditional or a mix of the two for your own matches?
A. Old school with a bit of new school.

Q. Besides you, who is the best to ever step into the ring?
A. Well isn’t this a loaded question…Best Entertainer – Hogan. Best Wrestler – Flair. Best Sports Entertainer – 3way tie – Austin/Rock/Michaels.

Q. Who is your favorite opponent?
A. I would classify a favorite opponent by the quality of the match that we have. Back in the day I had a lot of solid matches with a wrestler out of Central Ohio named Shank Dorsey. Those were fun hard hitting stiff matches. In the last five years, I’d say some of the guys I’ve had the best chemistry with in the ring has been Jeff Cannon, Robby Starr, Brian Beech, and Matt Mason. I know I’m leaving some guys out, but those are the names that come to mind.

Q. If you could change one thing about the business, what would it be?
A. I would go back to the “golden age” of wrestling, as I knew it back in the 80’s. You had a couple national companies, yet you still had some territories and they were all doing well financially. If you could do that in today’s market, I’d consider that heaven.

Q. Does wrestling need a union?
A. It is a nice vision, but it will never happen.

Q. What drew you into the business?
A. I’ve been involved with the business since I was a young teenager and what initially drew me to the business were the championship belts. They were so amazing. As a kid, I was lucky enough to bump around in rings all over the Midwest so that was a unique experience as well. Finally how the crowd reacted to guys they did and didn’t like kind of sealed the deal for me.

Q. Do you think heels and faces need to be clearly defined again?
A. I don’t think it’s necessary, but it helps. I think you need guys who are good, evil, and a few that are a shade of gray to really keep people interested.

Q. In the annals of wrestling, what do you want to be said about you?
A. I’d like to be known for a guy that wasn’t the tallest or had the best body, but I used what I was given to put on the best matches possible. For a guy as big as I am to move the way I do and do the moves that a guy my size shouldn’t be doing; I take great pride in that. When fans of all ages come up and say they were really entertained by my work; I take pride in that. It really means that much more when I come through the curtain and the boy’s kind of look at me with their mouths wide open going, wow that was awesome. It wasn’t until recently that I have been able to accept this as a compliment. It really has become a good feeling.

Q. What decade, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or 00s do you think best defined wrestling?
A. Not too familiar with 50s or 60s, but I’d say the 80’s wrestling did it for me. I guess that’s when I fell in love with the business so I’m pretty partial. The mid 90’s were fun too though.

Q. Do you think internet PPVs would help indie promotions?
A. If done right it could definitely. You have to have a good lockerroom, a good announce team, quality equipment and knowledgeable staff, impressive setup, and probably most importantly a lot of marketing/advertising. And all of this cost a lot of money that most promoters don’t have.

Q. What is one thing you want fans to know about you?
A. I’m a Taurus. I like long walks on the beach and…nevermind. I don’t know if I want the fans to know this, but I do a lot more than just wrestle in regards to the business. I work with some promotions doing a lot of behind the scenes stuff like improving their show layout and design entrance way setups. I work with the wrestlers on the gimmicks, merchandise, and gear. I really have a passion to make the promotions and workers that I work close with, look the best that they can to give the fans the best all around professional presentation that is possible.

Q. Have you ever had aspirations of trying MMA?
A. No not really. I can watch it, enjoy it, and respect it. It’s just not really me. Don’t get me wrong. If you piss me off enough, I will punch you in the face.

Q. Do you think the proposed changes that a lot of state athletic commissions will help or hurt the sport?
A. Depends on which ones you’re speaking about. I think there are too many crappy promotions out there taking advantage of fans who haven’t really been exposed to good wrestling. So if the commissions did something to regulate who can/cannot be a promotion and who can/cannot be a wrestler that would be great. I don’t necessarily believe in the commissions saying you can’t strike with a chair, or belt, or whatever. I know they think they are trying to protect us, but it will hurt the business. Most commissions could not care less about wrestling anyway.

Q. Who is someone you would not want to work again?
A. There are a long list of guys that I encountered in this business whom I want nothing to do with again in any realm of life, but one person that stand out among the pack is a guy that went around calling himself Cactus Sak. The back story on this is that in 2001 I left every promotion I was working with. I was burned out and betrayed by a lot of people I was close to, so I came home to Canton after I graduated from The Ohio State University. Somehow I met up with this guy Tim Shady (yes that Tim Shady… I know…I know) and he booked me in a “MCW Tryout Match” against this guy – Cactus Sak. The night before this match I went to the MCW training school in Massillon where I met Shasta and this Cactus Sak and I worked out a bit to clean off some ring rust.

While I was working out, I severely sprained my ankle (if I wasn’t wearing my wrestling boots, I’m sure I would have pulled a Sid Vicious and poked my femur out the bottom of my leg). As I talked to this Cactus Sak, he led me to believe that he was part of the MCW clique, so out of respect I let him lead the match. I get to the bar (the old BB McClain’s in Canton) where the show’s at and he shows up with this stripper. Now I was told by Shasta that if this guy f#cks up to totally shoot on him and when we have this match what does he do…he f#cks up. So I’m remembering what Shasta told me, to really f#ck up his day…but then I start thinking, well what if it’s a set up; I’m an outsider and he’s part of their clique and if I start beating his ass, is the locker room going to clear (now I don’t consider myself a pu$$y, I’ll throw down against a few guys if I have to, but I’m not stupid enough to fight an entire locker room)?

Well the match was the shitz because I was wrestling on one wheel and this guy was the king shitz. The crowd hated us both but throwing all dignity in the crapper this stupid f#ck told the crowd that if they cheered him he would tell this girl to get naked. They still booed him and he’s still not on the MCW roster. If I see him today, I will honor Shasta’s request and shoot all over him.

Q. Do you think blading is a necessary evil in the sport?
A. I think blading of any kind should be used with discretion and only used when necessary. It’s been over done and doesn’t mean that much anymore.

Q. Is the punishment you take worth the money you make?
A. No, but we are all stupid for doing what we do and will continue to do it because we have some sort of warped love for this business.

Q. We are all marks; have to be to love the business, how big a mark are you, what is your favorite piece of swag?
A. I’ve been around for a long time so my markish ways have kind of worn off over the years, but I agree that we are all marks to some degree to be involved in the business. My favorite piece of swag would be my real, 1987 NWA inspired United States Championship Belt that was made by Joe Marshall (the maker of the current WWE belts). I loved this belt a lot back in the 80’s and I had to have it. A few years ago, I had the belt’s leather strap remade by Dave Millican and he did a great custom job with the belt. So it’s a unique piece of wrestling swag in that it is made by two of the top belt makers today.

Q. Is there any match you would refuse to do?
A. Have no interest in any garbage death match bull.

Q. With more and more ladies taking on the men in the ring, would you have a problem doing a job for a woman?
A. It wouldn’t make sense for me to do that, but I wouldn’t be against it. Hell as big as I am, I’ve bumped for refs a third of my size to pop the crowd. So I do what I need to do to get somebody over, put an angle over, or make the crowd go home happy. How’s that for an ego?

Q. How big of an impact do all the recent deaths of the boys have on the business?
A. I’m sure we all think about the deaths all the time. There have been some great workers that we’re all fans of, cut down in their prime from various causes. However I believe that everybody cuts their own deal, you know…If you know the risks and you take this pill or that pill, or sniff this, or drink that; then by now you know the consequences. We’re all adults at least physically.

Q. Using steroids is still a sore subject among some of the boys, especially now that Ivan Putski came out and admitted using and Bruno Sammartino is against them but used them when they were legal, what is your feeling on them?
A. I’m not against people using them responsibly, but again people should be, by now, aware of the potential side effects. If you accept responsibility for the side effects and your actions being under the drug, then that’s what being an adult is about.

Q. Does there need to be more competition in the business and do you think TNA is the answer or does someone else need to come along and step-up?
A. I think a lot of the boys would love more competition. TNA is the closest thing we have to competition. ROH is somewhere in there too, but I would love for a handful of promotions to put a solid business plan together with intelligent wrestling minded personnel to give Vince a run for his money. Hollywood writers need not apply.

Q. Does it take an addictive personality to be a pro wrestler or what type of mental attitude do you need to make it in the business?
A. I don’t know if it takes an addictive personality, but it definitely attracts people with addictive personalities. We’ve lost a lot of good guys and girls to sad addictions. On the other hand, if you’re going to be in this business, you need to strive to be the best. You need to look and act like someone who is bigger than life itself. Almost “God-Like.” I think it takes a very intelligent person, who is very tough mentally and physically, to truly be a pro wrestler. Unfortunately some people need to use foreign substances to achieve or maintain this feeling. Then there are the posers that have no business being in, nor near a wrestling ring. These people that are really ok with working in front of 20 people (mostly friends and family) in a dive bar and have the balls to call themselves “wrestlers”. Don’t get me wrong, some guys use those little shows for experience to get better and I’m ok with that. It’s the other 75% of guys that “play” wrestler to feel big and important in their ebay or Wal-Mart branded gear. It really waters down our business and ruins the image of wrestling to the crowd.

Q. What kind of pre-match ritual do you have before you go through the curtain?
A. I try to get to the building early and chill…I like just laying in the ring and listening to music or stretching and talking with my boys. When I get dressed I try and do the same thing every show. Tape wrists, put shorts and pads on, boots and just walk around like that until it’s almost match time and then put my jersey on. Right as my music is playing I put in a piece of gum, drink a shot of water and think of my dad and my two little boys…wait for the cue in my music and then it’s on.

Q. Do you find yourself giving 100% no matter if there are 25 people in the crowd or 2500?
A. I try. When I first broke in, we were wrestling in front of a couple thousand people so going out there hearing that response; it was easy to give 100%. Going out there with 25 people in the crowd, I still try and give 100% but do it in a way that I’m not going to kill myself in the process. I don’t want to penalize the crowd for either a promoter not doing his job, a town that just won’t draw, or whatever the reason is. Maybe if they like what I’m doing they will each bring one more person with them next show.

Q. Do you ever practice cutting a promo in front of a mirror?
A. Yes. Sometimes I want to go grab our cameraman because those promos are heads and shoulders above what I normally cut.

Q. How do you define yourself as a pro wrestler?
A. A big man who has the mobility like a large cruiserweight.

Q. What is the weirdest thing you have had happen while in the ring?
A. I don’t know if it’s weird or just bad luck, but I was wrestling in Canada (we did a lot of Canadian shots back in the late 90’s) and it was a tag team match. Well I’m in the ring against The Casanova Cliq and during one of their tag moves, I was kneed in the head and pretty much knocked out on my feet. I was then whipped to the far rope and as I was running, my head was running faster than my feet. I hit all three of the opposing ropes with my face. Hit the top rope twice. Hit the middle rope twice. Hit the bottom rope…you get the idea. And then hit the canvas. Luckily I tagged out and came to on the apron to finish the match, but yes that sucked and has been the subject to a lot of good laughs over the years.

Q. Fans either love you or hate you, what has been your worst experience with a fan?
A. In 15 years I can’t really recall a really bad experience until recently. A few weeks ago I was working for CAPW in London, OH in a tag match. I was teaming with Mitch Ryder against Tommy Rich and Doug Gilbert. Right at the bell the match was turned into a no dq match and I paired off with Doug Gilbert. We literally beat each other’s ass all around that building, up the bleachers and in front of the crowd. Well when I was beating Doug down the aisle, I bumped into a trashcan, and thought, “hey, use the trashcan.” Well as I was picking it up to use it, I heard someone scream “Watch out for the baby” and as I turned to look with this trash can over my head, ready to hit Doug Gilbert with it, trash fell all over this 4 year old kid and his mom. I felt horrible and she was pissed. The trash was mostly chip bags and empty pop cans so it wasn’t really disgusting, but it was still trash and I couldn’t have felt any worse. I guess she left, but I think Matt Mason tried to talk to her and I think he kind of smoothed things over a little, so if you’re reading this Miss… I totally apologize for accidentally dropping trash on you and your son. (laughs) In my defense, a lot of people said that she was sitting in the front row and should have moved away like the other people did. But I still feel bad.

Q. If you could go back to any era and wrestle for one night, where would you go and whom would you step into the ring with?
A. Again I’d be in the late 80s. I’d dropkick Robert Gibson out of the ring and Ricky Morton and I would be defending the NWA Tag Team Titles against the Midnight Express.

Q. What move do you think is overused and just does not get over now, like the carotid clutch in the 70s?
A. The Lockup…(laughs)…No, um…I don’t know. There are a ton of moves I can think of off the top of my head that are overused, but they get over so I’m going with my first answer the lockup…

Jerry Wiseman Looks at Ohio State Fair Wrestling

The Ohio State Fair has learned how quickly things can change in the world of professional wrestling. Wanting to showcase a pro wrestling show as part of the fair this year, the OSF contacted World Pro Wrestling based in Orlando, Florida and run by Jerry Grey to host the show on August 1. Advertising began almost immediately with Dan Severn to face Butterbean for some made up MMA title, The Honkytonk Man was to tackle Tommy Rich for another made up title and it was touted as the return of the Steiner Brothers who were going to wrestle for a made up tag team championship.

A few days after the initial announcement was made and the promotional machine started to churn, Scott Steiner allegedly spoke up and said that he had never been contacted by WPW and never agreed to do the show in August for WPW. WPW promoter Grey then contacted the OSF and said he misspoke and that he “thought” he could get the Steiner Brothers for the show and to stop using Scott Steiner’s name in any promotional materials.

Now, NWA Michigan is advertising that they will be running the show at the OSF in August instead of WPW and again, Scott Steiner’s name appears in NWA Michigan’s advertising as well as touting an NWA World Title match between Adam Pearce and the NWA National Heavyweight champion Phil Shatter.

There is no mention of the show on the NWA Michigan website as of this writing nor is there any information available on the OSF website other than there will be a pro wrestling show on August 1. As for Scott Steiner, he is in Puerto Rico at the moment and has not made any further comment about whether he will be in Ohio for this show.

Professional wrestling is making a comeback at county fairs in Ohio with WAR being part of the Auglaize County Fair again and SWI being part of the Shelby County Fair this year. With the instability and potential for fair promoters to be worked by wrestling promoters, especially since most fair shows are bought shows (a bought show is where the wrestling promoter is paid a fixed amount of money to bring in talent and run the show, it is basically prepaid), the mess with WPW, NWA Michigan and the OSF can have damaging results for legit promoters trying to run the county fairs.

I have contacted NWA Michigan as well as World Pro Wrestling and as of this writing have received no response to my inquiries about the OSF situation. Shark Boy, who is listed as appearing by NWA Michigan told me that he will be part of the show and that Steiner is indeed listed as appearing in the main event but he knows nothing more. I will keep everyone updated as warranted.

Update: I contacted the office of Bill Behrens, the President of the NWA and he informed me that he decided to take over the promotion of the show when the OSF canceled their deal with WPW promoter Jerry Grey. The press release from the NWA follows.

NWA WRESTLING AT THE OHIO STATE FAIR

The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) comes to the Ohio State Fair at the JD Equipment Coliseum on Sunday, Aug. 1 at 3 pm with a star packed, professional wrestling event.

Appearing will be former WWE/WCW/TNA star “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner taking on a former NWA World Champion. Current NWA World Title Champion, Adam Pearce, will be challenged by the NWA National Champion, “The Universal Soldier” Phill Shatter. TNA’s Shark Boy will be in action against the current NWA Alabama Junior Champion and former WWE/TNA performer, Mike Posey. There will be six big matches in all.

Tickets go on sale at noon on Saturday, May 29, 2010 at all Ticketmaster locations and online at www.ticketmaster.com. Ringside seats are $15, and general admission seats are $10. Tickets purchased in advance include admission to the Ohio State Fair.

As always I am Jerry Wiseman…and then the bell rings.

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