Jerry Wiseman Interviews RoH’s Colt Cabana

Colt Cabana in Demand in Ohio—Colt Cabana, rumored to be on his way back to New York, will be making stops in Ohio for two popular promotions in June and July. On June 26th Cabana will be wrestling as part of WAR-Wrestling and Respect, the Lima, Ohio based promotion known for hot crowds and great matches. Promoter Thomas Williams noted Cabana and WAR go back a long time and it is great to have Colt back on a WAR show.

On July 27th Cabana will be appearing for Scott Toler’s SWI wrestling in Sidney, Ohio at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. Cabana will be making an appearance at the local Aarons rent-to-own store on July 26th and July 27th for a meet and greet autograph session for fans. Toler has had decent crowds since his first show in April and hopes that Cabana will help bring a renewed interest in professional wrestling to the Northwest part of Ohio.

I recently spoke with Cabana, who not only wrestles but also takes part in doing stand-up comedy. Make sure to be a part of the Colt Cabana Express when it comes to Northwest Ohio in June and July.

Colt Cabana has been wrestling since 1999 and in that time he has worked for ROH, Wrestling Society X, the WWE, OVW, FCW and a few other indies. Cabana is outspoken, funny and a bit off the wall but is one helluva worker when the bell rings. In the midst of wrestling he can also be found opening for Mick Foley when they do stand-up at select comedy clubs. Cabana took a moment from his busy schedule to talk to Examiner.com

Q. You've spent a lot of time in ROH, what makes it different and almost cultish?
A. It's underground. We've gained an underground following. We don't have to listen to "the man" or be a part of corporate America. Because we don't have any creative restraints or glass ceilings, our performers go balls out and put on consistently memorable performances and shows.

Q. Your time in OVW, what is that like? As an OVW alum I have to say my time there was the most fun I've had in the business.
A. I always really liked Danny Davis (OVW owner), but it was one of the worst times in my life. Fortunately I made a lot of great friends and we were able to keep ourselves sane. The fans there were always great too. I did learn a lot in OVW and it was a great learning experience.

Q. Who would be the dream opponent for Colt Cabana?
A. My dream opponent was Johnny Saint and I was able to wrestle him for 1PW in Sheffield, England this past July. It was a true dream come true.

Q. Did it bother you to be called up to the WWE just to job and then get sent back to OVW? Do you see yourself back in the WWE soon?
A. Your facts are incorrect as it was FCW. I also was able then to get called back up to the road again while performing my WWE.com show that I was very proud of. A lot of guys don't even get the call up. That was a compliment in itself.

Q. What is your best road story?
A. I've been at it over 10 years now. I've got so many stories. We recently filmed a documentary w/ Bryan Danielson. It'll be available at www.wrestlingroaddiaries.com.

Q. In five years, what will we see Colt Cabana doing?
A. Wrestling and working on various comedy projects.

Q. How cool is it that your brother works on Family Guy?
A. It's just work man. He's worked so hard to get where he is. He deserves it. Just shows how far hard work and determination will take you.

Q.How do you change up your style for the different promotions you work for?
A. I try not to. My style is my style and that's why a specific promotion asks me to wrestle for them.

Q. What is next in wrestling for Colt Cabana?
A. ROH is going strong on HDNet every Monday. Otherwise check out twitter.com/drColtCabana for constant updates on my life and career.

Q. In the annals of wrestling, what do you want it to say about Colt Cabana?
A. Something completely different in a era of wrestling that was predictably boring.

Jerry Wiseman Interviews Ohio’s Lady Victoria

From the Tipp City and Dayton Ohio area comes one of the most prolific lady wrestlers the business has ever seen. Successful in every arena she has stepped into, Lady Victoria was also a pioneer in creating custom videos for the niche fan and has used, been abused and done some abusing to some of the toughest ladies to step into the ring including ODB, Traci Brooks and Angelina Love.

Lady Victoria, a spry, active and very tough lady still trains daily, still manages to wrestle from time to time, produce and participate in specialty matches filmed at her state of the art studio in Tipp City, Ohio. Lady Victoria’s website has downloadable videos, photos and more including photo sets of herself, Bobcat (married to Ohio legend Al Snow),Sin-D, Christina Ricci, ODB, Vanessa, Amanda Ruffin and more.

You can contact Lady Victoria are her official website at www.ladyvictoria.com or via MySpace at www.myspace.com/irngal for more information about what she does and who she is.

Victoria is tough as the proverbial nail on the outside but a super person and a delight to talk to, though no one is supposed to know that so ignore the last sentence I wrote. I was privileged enough to be able to talk to Lady Victoria about a number of things on her mind and she was never at a loss for words.

Q. Your dream opponent would be?
A. Well, I have stepped into the ring with the best already. Angelena Love was and will always be the best wrestler I have ever met but I would have to say Mildred Burke.

Q. What is your best road story?
A. One time I drove on Thanksgiving from Ohio to Boston. It was about sixteen hours. No gas stations open and no restaurants. No big semis on the road either. I spent so many long hours on the road I cannot remember one trip from another. One time I drove to Mississippi, Lollipop, Traci Brooka and ODB and about five other girls were on the show. After the show we drove back to Nashville all night and then drove home to Ohio. That was a fifteen hour trip. One Time I had a show and a shoot here. I had about 10 girls and the show was an hour away. I have a friend with a limo and he picked us up, it was raining. The limo was real old and rain was coming in through the windows, no heat, it was great.

Q. Who is someone you always like to watch wrestle?
A. It is hard to watch wrestling in any way but a learning way now. I am unable to watch as a fan. It is like any other profession, carpenters are looking for correct angles and correct construction. I look at matches in a critical way, I am a teacher now and that makes me more critical still. I watch old school matches with no high flying from the top and jumping up again, how stupid is that?

Q. As a promoter who would be in your money match?
A. Well, I am a promoter and I use Angel Williams, ODB, Traci Brooks and Madyson Rayne. Hell TNA just about too the best and left the crap to the WWE.

Q. Do you think tag team wrestling is a lot art?
A. No, I did a lot of shows with the Bushwhackers early in my career and I learned a lot from them. They did just about the same match every time and because they were that good, it was always an amazing match to watch. Listen and learn on the road, that is the biggest tip I could give to my students.

Q. If you got the call from New York, would you change your gimmick and to what?
A. NO, I have no interest in the WWE.

Q. Do you think titles need to mean something again?
A. Oh hell yes, now a champ is determined by boob size and who you screw in the business.

Q. You own a promotion, who are the first five workers you hire?
A. I have hired Traci Brooks, Lollipop, Angel Williams, ODB, Vanessa Harding, Christie Ricci. Now that most of them have go on to TV the matches sell like hotcakes.

Q. What is the craziest match you have done?
A. Ah, there are so many, how about the horrible tragedy with Meliah, or about the husband and wife thing we did? He played a dead beat dad who owed me back child support. We wrestled at a county fair with thousands of people and the whole audience was behind him. That was not the plan, he was the heel but in an audience of dead beats he was a hero. It went wrong in so many ways (laughs).

Q. Do you prefer hardcore, traditional or a mix of the two for your own matches?
A. Hardcore only when the story has built up for it. No need for a hardcore match out of nowhere.

Q. Besides yourself, who is the best to ever step into the ring?
A. Again, Angelena Love, she is technically the best out there.

Q. Who is your favorite opponent?
A. Vanessa Harding. We have had hundreds of matches together and I love her.

Q. If you could change one thing about the business, what would it be?
A. Politics, it is all about who you know and screw, it is not based on talent but that is in any big money business.

Q. Does wrestling need a union?
A. In a word, no.

Q. What drew you into the business?
A. My horrible temper (laughs).

Q. Do you think heels and faces need to be clearly defined again?
A. I make sure this happens in all my matches, I am the perfect heel!

Q. In the annals of wrestling what to do want to be said about Lady Victoria?
A. Veteran, trainer, oldest active lady to ever be in the business and make it a success. After all I get to stay home and wrestle. That is all that needs to be known.

Q. What decade do you think defined wrestling, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, or 00s?
A. I think the 70s and 80s.

Q. Do you think internet PPV would help indie promotions?
A. No, most indie promotions hire their students and have crap matches.

Q. What is one thing you want fans to know about you?
A. I am not my character. My goal in life is to help as many girls as I can one at a time. That is how I want to be remembered, for helping to keep these girls in the business as long as I can.
Thank you Worm for all these questions and taking time to interview me, God Bless all of you.

Jerry Wiseman Interviews PWO’s Gregory Irons

Gregory Iron is an enigma in the world of professional wrestling, affectionately known as “The Handi-Capped Hero” or “The Cripple Crusader” Irons wrestles with a lot of heart while dealing with a mild form of Cerebral Palsy that has made his right arm somewhat useless. Even though this would be a set back or obstacle for most people, Irons is not most people.

The self-professed nerd and wrestling enthusiast is somewhat shy outside the ring but all business when he steps through the ropes. Trained by Jimmy Del Rey and fierce opponent Johnny Gargano, Iron has had some off the chart matches with Gargano resulting in injuries and concussions that both took months to recover from.

As a bibliophile and a writer himself from childhood, Iron always aspired to become a professional wrestling, never once giving thought to his CP holding him back from realizing his dreams. Gregory Iron is an inspiration to everyone who needs to battle through the challenges that life brings things always knowing that hard work and determination can lead you anywhere, even into the world of professional wrestling.

Q. Your dream opponent would be?
A. Right now, I’d love to wrestle Randy Orton. If Shawn Michaels hadn’t just retired, probably him, but right now, Orton is the best in ring performer WWE has right now.

Q. What is your best road story?
A. Uhhh, wow. I don’t know. I’ll just say anything involving Hobo Joe in the car equals hilarity.

Q. Who is someone you always like to watch wrestle?
A. I have always been a fan of guys like HBK, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle, guys like that. I can watch their matches all day long.

Q. As a promoter who would be in your money match?
A. Jimmy Del Ray vs. anybody, literally anybody. People love his Heavenly body.

Q. Do you think tag team wrestling is a lost art?
A. Without a doubt. It’s a real shame, too. In the 80′s you had so many great teams… The Bulldogs, The Rockers, Hart Foundation, the 90′s/00′s you had The Hardyz, E & C, The Impact Players, good tag teams are rare anymore. It’s not because of a lack of talent. It’s a lack of wanting to push tag divisions, for whatever the reason.

Q. If you got the call from New York, would you change your gimmick and to what?
A. If WWE wanted me to, I guess. But how much can you really alter MY gimmick? (laughs)

Q. Do you think titles need to mean something again?
A. I think so. It’s rough making a championship credible in an era where there are 4,064 titles around, and the belts change hands so often. I remember when being a double champion was special. But after the Invasion, it seemed like anybody and everybody had 1 or more belt at some point.

Q. You own a promotion, who are the first five workers you hire?
A. All members of X Factor, Oscar from Men on A Mission, and Hobo’s good buddy Virgil.

Q. What is the craziest match you have done?
A. Any multi-tag team ladder match I ever been stuck in on a couple of indie shows. For all the wrong reasons.

Q. Do you prefer hardcore, traditional or a mix of the two for your own matches?
A. Traditional is really works well for me. My story is usually told through my disability, so the basics work best. Any hardcore stuff could always help, if the story calls for it.

Q. Besides yourself, who is the best to ever step into the ring?
A. I have got to stick with Shawn Michaels. He has had so many classic matches, and has overcome so many personal and professional obstacles.

Q. Who is your favorite opponent?
A. Without a doubt, Johnny Gargano.

Q. If you could change one thing about the business, what would it be?
A. I would like people that think they are “promoters” to stop running shows. It’s watering down an already oversaturated market.

Q. Does wrestling need a union?
A. Yes, but it won’t ever happen.

Q. What drew you into the business?
A. Hulk Hogan was the first wrestler I really looked up to as a kid. Guys like Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Undertaker, Chris Benoit, Owen Hart, made me love the wrestling aspect so much more. But I think Zack Gowen was one of my biggest influences. Seeing him wrestle made me think, you know what, maybe I could do this one day too.

Q. Do you think heels and faces need to be clearly defined again?
A. I have no problem with “shades of grey,” but I think for the most part, a somewhat defined heel or babyface works better if you are marketing towards your average wrestling fan.

Q. In the annals of wrestling, what do you want to be said about you?
A. I hope that people can look to me and be inspired and realize any dream is attainable if you want it bad enough. You can’t let anything stop you, physically, or mentally.

Q. What decade, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or 00s do you think best defined wrestling?
A. I am a fan of all eras really, but the Attitude Era is probably the most memorable. The 80′s were big, but from 97 to about 2001, EVERYBODY I knew watched wrestling. I think people may have still been a bit ashamed to be a wrestling fan in the 1980′s, but I think guys like Austin and Rock changed that so much. Man, I miss that time in wrestling!

Q. Do you think internet PPVs would help indie promotions?
A. Unless they are charging $5, probably not. This goes back to wrestling being too oversaturated.

Q. What is one thing you want fans to know about you?
A. That I truly give everything I can when I get in the ring, despite my disability.

Q. Have you ever had aspirations of trying MMA?
A. NOT AT ALL.

Q. Do you think the proposed changes that a lot of state athletic commissions will help or hurt the sport?
A. It will probably help in the long run, assuming they actually get enforced.

Q. Who is someone you would not want to work again?
A. Well, in 2007, I got a reckless concussion from Michael Tarver of NXT fame, so, yea, no offense to him, but you won’t see me in the ring with him anytime soon.

Q. Do you think blading is a necessary evil in the sport?
A. I think when done right, it can add to a story, but there has to be reasons.

Q. Is the punishment you take worth the money you make?
A. I don’t regret any of 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. (Laughs) I’ll just say that I own every WWE PPV ever, and a bazillion other wrestling DVDs.

Q. Is there any match you would refuse to do?
A. If the price was right, I can never really say never.

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. Nope.

Q. How big of an impact do all the recent deaths of the boys have on the business?
A. It’s a tragic thing. But the new generation of wrestlers seems to be taking care of themselves a little better than those of the 80′s and 90′s.

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. Personally, I have never been one to use drugs, steroids included. It’s an evil thing in the sport. To each their own, but I hope it’s something that leaves wrestling completely.

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. Competition is always good. TNA has the talent. I think they are just lacking that one big storyline to get people to look and say, “HMMM, This seems interesting. I’m going to watch this.” I think they should also push the X Division the way they did in 2002-2004.

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 think you have to be thinking about at least your character constantly. Moves, catch phrases, gear, storylines, you have to always be trying to figure out what works for you, what doesn’t, and how you can constantly improve.

Q. What kind of pre-match ritual do you have before you go through the curtain?
A. Nothing really, I just hope I won’t suck!

Q. Do you find yourself giving 100% no matter if there are 25 people in the crowd or 2500?
A. Without question!

Q. Do you ever practice cutting a promo in front of a mirror?
A. Maybe not necessarily promos as much as facials. My facials tell stories my words can’t always explain.

Q. How do you define yourself as a pro wrestler?
A. I guess the easiest answer for me is I never stop thinking about it. I’d like to think people are not defined by their past. They are defined by the moment. For now, every one of my moments somehow links to my ultimate goal… succeeding as a pro wrestler.

Q. What is the weirdest thing you have had happen while in the ring?
A. Oscar from Men on a Mission at ringside for my match… seriously, what hole did he crawl out of?

Q. Fans either love you or hate you, what has been your worst experience with a fan?
A. There is this guy TTT. He this 8′ 7″ weirdo who comes to all the shows. Every time he talks to any wrestler it’s both the worst and funniest experience ever. He does tarot card readings!

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. Some random Raw with Stone Cold in 1998. The crowds were insane for everything then.

Q. What move do you think is overused and just does not get over now, like the carotid clutch in the 70s?
A. On the indies, it’s the indie kick, I think.

Q. As a wrestler with a handicap, do you feel treated differently or have you had to work harder to be accepted by the boys?
A. At first, I thought I would be looked at different, but it was really just a mental thing. I think once the guys saw how hard I worked on my physique and in ring stuff, they gained a lot of respect for me. Like I said, I am obsessed with wrestling, and I think any guy in the back that has talked to me knows how much I love it, and how far I’d go for it. Hell, when I got that concussion, I could have died for wrestling! But I keep coming back.

Q. You show a lot of courage in the ring, is that how you are outside the ring too?
A. I think Gregory Iron brings every part of the real Greg that might not shine brightly in real life out in the open. I am a genuinely good hearted person. I really want to change the world and inspire people, and Gregory Iron lets the real Greg do that. So, I guess I do have an abundance of courage. I wish it would come out more in real life. The real Greg is shy and quiet for the most part. (Laughs)

Q. Your matches with Johnny Gargano have been off the charts, is he your favorite opponent and how stiff do you two work?
A. Johnny has been my greatest opponent. We have wrestled three times in the three years of PWO, and it gets better every time. I have been told several times that the Iron/Gargano rivalry is the thing that stands out most in the history of Pro Wrestling Ohio, and that makes me feel tremendous. Our Last Man Standing match at Wrestlelution in front of over 1,000 people in 2008 was not just the crowning achievement of my career, but of my life. To be bloody, defeated, and still get a standing ovation and chants of “Greg!” was an incredible feeling. I never knew five years ago I could wrestle, and to be able to say, with a disability, I was able to have a moment like that is almost surreal. As far as stiffness, Johnny and I have known each other awhile, so we hold nothing back.

Q. What are your future plans in wrestling?
A. WWE simple.

Q. As an advocate for handicap wrestlers, would you like to see more overcome their disabilities and work in the ring?
A. I would like to see anybody with a disability achieve all of their life goals.

Q. Working for PWO, describe how that experience has been?
A. It’s really a great place to be. The TV offers a great opportunity for exposure. I don’t know if all the guys realize it, but living locally in the Cleveland area, I legit, get noticed, at least once a day. But more than that, we have a tremendous locker room of young guys, who work hard and great veterans, who help out greatly. It’s like a big family in the back, with guys putting everything on the line to give the fans everything they want. If you haven’t watched it, watch PWO at 10pm on Sundays on Sports Time Ohio. Also, check out PWOwrestling.com.

Q. What is your go to move?
A. Handicapped Parking, of course.

Q. When a spot is botched and the crowd knows and reacts, how does that make you feel?
A. You can’t focus on it, you just keep going.

Q. If you could change one thing about your career what would it be?
A. Nothing. I feel everything has happened like this for a reason. J.J. Dillon has a son with CP, and he really appreciates my work. Something that really hit me was when he said, “I hope there are times when you look back and truly appreciate how far you have really come. If you never wrestle again, you can say you have gotten to live a dream that most will never experience.”

Q. What do you like to do in your down time?
A. I’m a plain guy. I write. I doodle. I work out. Play video games. And did I mention I love wrestling…?

Jerry Wiseman Looks at the Proposed OAC Rules

The Ohio State Athletic Commission, which oversees and regulates pugilistic sports in the state of Ohio, is considering new rules regarding the commission of professional wrestling. As the overseer of boxing, MMA and professional wrestling, the commission is proposing to change the current rules that wrestling must follow in order to produce an event.

Among the alleged changes being considered are the enactment of a surety bond consisting of $10,000 to be placed on file with the OSAC prior to an event, a 5% regulatory fee of the gross profits of the ticket sales, payable to the OSAC, mandating a physician at ringside during the course of the event as well as having an ambulance on stand-by with a minimum of two EMTs present at ringside. Adequate security personnel must also be present during the contest.

The most damaging of the new rules being considered cover blading and says that wrestlers may not deliberately cut themselves during the commission of their match. There will be no outside the barricade surrounding the ring which means no fighting in the crowd and well as no wrestler will be allowed to use foreign objects or props with the deliberate intent to lacerate (cut) him or herself or an opponent nor can animal blood or human blood or gel like substance can be used to simulate actual lacerations of a wrestler or their opponent.

If a wrestler or promoter is intent on using foreign objects or props during a wrestling match must be disclosed to the commission prior to the approval of the match and is subject to the approval of the commission. This would also include any vial, capsule or container holding any substance used to simulate blood.

A similar proposal stands before the Georgia State Athletic Commission but is being met with resistance because of the sheer chaos it would cause independent promotions and possibly shut them down. If this proposal or anything similar were to pass in Ohio, there would be fewer if any independent promotions that would be able to continue to operate due not only to the costs associated with the changes but the restrictions on how to construct a match and continue a program.

Many promotions in Ohio run on a very tight budget including Pro Wrestling Ohio, the Cleveland based and hottest indie promotion in Ohio right now but that is not to say groups like WAR Wrestling in Lima, Ohio and HWA in Cincinnati would not suffer unduly as well.

While I can understand the OSAC commission wanting to make sure the workers are well taken care of and there are other avenues that can be considered without jeopardizing the welfare of the promotion and the well-being of the wrestlers who use their weekend warrior status to help provide for their families.

Both Bernie Profato, Executive Director and Judy McCarty, Secretary of the Ohio State Athletic Commission were contacted for comment on this story but declined to comment.

If these new regulations were to pass it would be detrimental to the state of professional wrestling in Ohio. Many, if not all indie promotions would cease to exist just due to the extraordinary costs associated with these moves. A promoter must pay the commission $200 for a promoters license plus an additional $100 event fee now to run a show. The additional fees could run into the thousands of dollars and cost not only the promoter but also the fan who thrive on indie promotions because the WWE comes but once a year and TNA very rarely if at all.

If you are interested in voicing your opinion on the proposed changes to the OSAC rules and regulations regarding professional wrestling in the state of Ohio I encourage you to contact Bernie Profato at bernie.profato@aco.ohio.gov

Interview: Belltime…with CAPW’s J.T. Lightning

J.T. Lightning is a personable, funny, friendly, positive and most human, in the sordid world of professional wrestling. As founder and owner of Cleveland All Pro Wrestling, at one time one of the most successful promotions in the country as well as Ohio, he has had and seen his share of screw job endings both in and out of the ring, yet he remains strong and positive. A professional wrestler for almost twenty years, J.T. has had the chance to be in the ring with some of the best in the business and fared well against them all, it has been a career few could only dream on.

Now J.T. is battling the most evil opponent that any person can ever step into the ring with, cancer. Diagnosed just recently with stage 4 esophageal cancer and undergoing radiation and chemotherapy in order to slow to progress of the disease, J.T. remains upbeat even though the prognosis is not as positive as he is.

I have known J.T. only a few months but in that time I have learned a lot about wrestling, life and maintaining a positive attitude even on days when it seems as if the entire world is standing across from you in the ring in the ultimate handicapped match. J.T. Lightning has been a wrestler, a promoter, a trainer and most of all, a champion, not only in the ring but outside of it as well. The ultimate title any man can hold is keeping a positive outlook and your dignity even in the face of your worst fears and challenges of the unknown.

Above all others…J.T. Lightning stands tall.

Q Your dream opponent would be?
A. In my 18 year career I’ve had the chance to work some awesome guys like Sabu, Rhino, Tommy Rich, Bundy and tons more. But I’d have to say I’d like to have worked Buzz Sawyer, Ric Flair and Kenta Kobashi and Johnny Powers.

Q. What is your best road story?
A. In 1995 i went to Kentucky to work for bobby blaze and it was like 85 degrees outside and over 100 in the armory. I had worked twice going like 40 minutes and we left and i was so blown out i was hanging my head out the car door blowing chunks doing 65 down the highway. Cars were honking and flashing their lights. It was funny.

Q. Who is someone you always like to watch wrestle?
A. Chris Benoit.

Q. As a promoter who would be in your money match?
A. Bruiser Brody vs. Sabu.

Q. Do you think tag team wrestling is a lost art?
A. Definitely, since the 80s and 90s when the Rock&Roll Express and the Midnight Express were tearing it up.

Q. If you got the call from New York, would you change your gimmick and to what?
A. The decision the change my gimmick would be totally up to Vince and creative. Getting to the WWE is everyone’s dream, so why wouldn’t I? Show me the money.

Q. Do you think titles need to mean something again?
A. Of course. But no one knows how to book a good storyline to where you always have the babyface chase the heel and then FINALLY he gets ‘that’ win.

Q. You own a promotion, who are the first five workers you hire?
A. I have been running CAPW (Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling) for 17 years longer than any promotion in Ohio. Every month. I have had so many names come through here before they made it big it isn’t even funny. Big names that I’d hire would be Flair (only when he was in his prime) Kobashi, Benoit, the Rock (because he could draw huge) and Brody. Indie guys would be Claudio, Hero, Sami Callahan; I don’t know off hand…there are so many great names.

Q. What is the craziest match you have done?
A. I’ve done tacks, barbed wire bats, and light tubes with Pondo.

Q. Do you prefer hardcore, traditional or a mix of the two for your own matches?
A. I’m old school and old school only.

Q. Besides you, who is the best to ever step into the ring?
A. Benoit and Bret Hart.

Q. Who is your favorite opponent?
A. Anyone who doesn’t hurt me. (Laughs) I don’t really have one. I just like to work and teach the young boys if they listen.

Q. If you could change one thing about the business, what would it be?
A. Go back to territories.

Q. Does wrestling need a union?
A. No.

Q. What drew you into the business?
A. Tommy rich and Georgia Championship Wrestling on WTBS in 1980. I was always a fan and once I knew what indie wrestling was, the rest is history

Q. Do you think heels and faces need to be clearly defined again?
A. It’d make booking a helluva lot easier. There are too many tweeners and guys who don’t kayfabe that kills the traditional heel and baby gimmick

Q. In the annals of wrestling, what do you want to be said about you?
A. I was a good promoter who always told it like it is. Never had anything to hide. Train some of the best locals in Cleveland, and had a great career in the business. I am very hard to deal with sometimes but as the boss i have to have things a certain way and I’m not afraid to say it to your face.

Q. What decade, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or 00s do you think best defined wrestling?
A. 70s and 80s without a doubt

Q. Do you think internet PPVs would help indie promotions?
A. Don’t know too much about it.

Q. What is one thing you want fans to know about you?
A. I’m legit. What you see is what you get.

Q. Have you ever had aspirations of trying MMA?
A. As a matter of fact in 1994 i was going to go to Nashville and train at the UWFI but after talking to Dan Severn in Detroit he kind of talked me out of it.

Q. Do you think the proposed changes that a lot of state athletic commissions will help or hurt the sport?
A. Commissions are dipdongs. It’s a work for pete’s sake.

Q. Who is someone you would not want to work again?
A. I don’t know, there’s always someone out there that you can wrestle that is the drizzling craps…no one in general. I’ll work anyone if they listen

Q. Do you think blading is a necessary evil in the sport?
A. Doesn’t matter to me. If you do, that’s on you. I myself won’t anymore because of all the dirty ass canvas’ and you never know if your opponent has anything. Not a big fan of it.

Q. Is the punishment you take worth the money you make?
A. Nope. Not even close.

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 huge mark for anything old school. Not sure what ‘swag” is…(laughs).

Q. Is there any match you would refuse to do?
A. Ladder match

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 doesn’t make logical sense in a booking sense for the guy to job. I’ve done mixed tags with ODB AND ANGELINA LOVE and it was fun. It all depends on how the finish is done. I couldn’t care less about jobbing but it HAS TO MAKE SENSE.

Q. How big of an impact do all the recent deaths of the boys have on the business?
A. Well. Pros and cons. it raises the awareness of how messed up the biz is. The sport takes a toll on everyone. I don’t think it’s harmed it at all. Death happens everywhere.

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’ve done them on and off since 1995. Never was hardcore. I would just do a cycle here and there to add some weight and mass, but I would never go haywire because I never had to work the fed. It’s all up to the individual on what he puts in his body. I made the choice and I have no regrets..

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. Well, ever since Vince bought everything up, the business hasn’t and won’t ever be the same because there’s no place to learn your craft. Competition makes the business better and TNA doesn’t have a chance since all they are doing is rehashing ex-WWE stars and no one will care after the initial showing.

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, Yeah for sure. You have to want it. I like promoting over working anyway. And believe me I’ve made a lot of money and lost tons more, but I’m driven to put on the best shows.

Q. What kind of pre-match ritual do you have before you go through the curtain?
A. As a worker, nothing really. As a promoter, i always have a pre-show meeting with the boys so they know what i want and expect.

Q. Do you find yourself giving 100% no matter if there are 25 people in the crowd or 2500?
A. You have to have that mentality. If you don’t, get out of the business.

Q. Do you ever practice cutting a promo in front of a mirror?
Never practiced cutting a promo, ever. I let it happen naturally. That way it’s more real. From the heart

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

Q. What is the weirdest thing you have had happen while in the ring?
A. I was at a show and THE ICP had a following and I was the heel working a program against this kid who they supported. And when they introduced me, they threw tampons in the ring at me like the do streamers in Japan. The ring was covered in tampons….it was funny as hell.

Q. Fans either love you or hate you, what has been your worst experience with a fan?
A. I was at a show and some dude was running his mouth and I challenged him into the ring. I let him in and stomped the hell out of him. It’s fair game once they enter the ring. I punted him so hard in the gut.

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. In the 70s in the old Cleveland arena vs. Johnny Powers or the Atlanta Omni vs. Tommy Rich

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

Q. You had an incident with Jake Roberts, what happened with that?
A. He relapsed and I shot pinned him to save my life so to speak. What an f*n disaster that was. 500 people were there and we went like 4 minutes or something. I can carry anyone but he was so messed up I just pinned him for real and got out. He’s a piece of crap. I respect him as a legend but as a person to get in the ring in that condition was uncalled for.

Q. Tell me about your time at CAPW…and what happened that they split to become CAPW and PWO?
A. I own CAPW, always have from day one.. I have had a few partners to help moneywise here and there, and this guy I got into the business who once was a rival promoter after he left me, because “he thought he knew everything”. I’ve always given people a second chance and I let him help me out for a while. After we were on TV for a year. We were both burnt out and we decided to take a few months off. In the meantime he knew he was going to start PWO the whole time. The TV contract was set to expire and I didn’t want to renew because it wasn’t worth the time and money I spent to make it happen and he slid in side his new group up and the rest is history. More power to him because they don’t know how to run a TV show. It’s very bad.

Q. You have been diagnosed with cancer, what is the prognosis and how do you intend to beat this disease?
A. I have stage 4 esophageal cancer that spread to my lymph nodes and my liver. It’s treatable but not curable. They are just going to maintain it until it takes me. What can i do? It’s sad. I don’t drink or smoke or chew but it all came from acid reflux and i didn’t know i had it. I’m just going to go day by day.

Q. I always ask about getting the call from New York but if the call came from TNA, would you go?
A. Back when i was younger, yeah. I did a match when they were in Nashville vs. Monty Brown and that was good enough for me.

Q. Do you work stiff or do you try and add more realism into your matches?
A. A real worker doesn’t have to work stiff to make it look real. And that’s me.

Q. For a lot of workers, the “It” factor is walking the aisle in MSG, would that be the “it” factor for you or what has it been or would it be?
A. My goal was always to work in Japan. Unfortunately, I never got the chance. But wrestling in the Tokyo Dome or the Budakhan

Q. You run the CAPW training center, how difficult is it going from wrestler to teacher?
A. I retired from training guys in 2006. I had been training guys since 1994 and it came to the point where it just wasn’t worth it anymore. Kids today don’t listen and they think they know it all. They buy boots and a belt on the internet and now they are wrestlers. Whatever. It wasn’t difficult to teach because your teaching what you know. You always learn something new every time you step in the ring.

Q. Do you think old school wrestling, something like ROH is doing, would succeed on a larger level?
A. I don’t consider ROH old school because it’s more high-spots than just working a hold or a body part. I used to like ROH and I was the local promoter when they came to Cleveland, but I don’t follow it anymore. It’s turning into TNA now, because, yeah, they are on TV but they have to comp the hell out of tix to get people to come watch. It’s just not cutting edge no more. I guess.

Q. If JT Lightning had to take up another career what would it be?
A. Porn industry (laughs).

Q. What is something very few people know about the real JT Lightning?
A. I deliver bread. I’m a doughologist.

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

The preceding interview comes to us from our good friend Jerry Wiseman over at Examiner.com. To read more of Mr. Wiseman’s interviews, news, and thoughts on the sport of pro wrestling, check out all of his articles by clicking here.

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