A Piece of my Mind- Nov 16th, 2007- by "The Big Cheese" Sal Corrente

I have received comments about my last article from people telling me that I am wrong about the “IMPACT” Booker T will make on TNA. I sincerely hope that I am because I have never heard a bad word about Booker T. I will not even dispute that it’s possible that the first week’s ratings may go up from curiosity seekers tuning in. My opinion is based not as much on Booker T; I was a fan of Harlem Heat. In general I enjoy tag team wrestling a lot. My comments about Booker T are based on this; I do not believe that he is a big enough star to drastically swing the ratings. I do see him as a solid part of an ensemble that won’t hurt the program at all. I do not believe that he is a big enough star to overcome the poor decisions that TNA makes. I am not a fan of the booking or the production of the show. I still don’t see TNA focusing on the things that will make their program better. The latest news is that they have added Mike Tenay to the booking team and Abyss as well. I can’t even believe that there was one minute spent on a decision like this. I don’t know if Mike Tenay has the capacity to book an angle or not. As a matter of fact I can’t think of anyone who knows less about that topic than I do. However, I do believe that throwing even the most competent person in to the cloak and dagger meetings that TNA holds can only lead to complication. I do not now nor will I ever believe in the committee theory in Wrestling. It should be a sole person who is responsible. I am sure almost anyone in that position would ask for input from people and then make his or her decisions. In the past that’s how things were done, and they worked, a sole leader is the only thing that makes sense. If you put more than one person in charge its normal for them all to want to lead the way. They believe they have equivalent power that can only lead to problems. How many of them have the capacity to rationalize out that the other guy has a better plan when they hear it presented. I implore Dixie Carter for the good of the wrestling business please get your hands around what its going to take for your company to get to the next level. I will give you one hint Dixie for you to accomplish your goal some of the people in your employ now need to be released or managed a lot better.

I am not sure how popular this opinion is but if I was running WWE I would find a way to give Ric Flair one more run with the title. I believe the fans want it and truth be told is I don’t believe that the title would mean anymore around anyone else’s waist. In previous matches when Flair has had a shot at the title it appears the fans have really been into it. They were all hoping the veteran could pull one more victory out of his bag of tricks. What does WWE have to lose by making this move especially now when John Cena is out? It might be an idea to put the title on Flair and leave it there until Cena comes back and than let the legend pass the torch to the man WWE is looking to have carry them through the rest of this decade and perhaps farther. I am sure some of that could change if they find the “next big thing”. The next big thing doesn’t appear to be on the horizon anytime soon. In the mean time get Flair back on TV put the belt on him and for the sake of wrestling fans everywhere let him cut his own promos.

It was August 26th, 2005 we were in Valley Forge, PA it was a Friday night and I had gotten an email from Stacy Papachristos, Associate Counsel for World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. The email indicated that Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley could not appear on WrestleReunion using the Dudley’s name etc. It went a lot more in depth then that referencing tables etc. I found it to be quite a petty maneuver. You see Paul Heyman had indicated to the Dudley’s that they had the right to take the name with them. I was told this by Bubba Ray and I am sure that he told me what he believed to be the truth. You see at basically 12:00am on the morning of the 27th the Dudley’s contract with WWE expired and they were free to work for WrestleReunion LLC. In this case WWE knew for quite awhile what we were planning to do and they contacted us at the last minute. I had to get with the Dudley’s and come up with an alternate plan and that’s how Team 3D was born. I have to say that the Dudley’s were very cooperative and a pleasure to work with in this situation. At the same time I got a call from Matt Hardy saying that he had to pull out of WrestleReunion to work on some shows in Puerto Rico for WWE. I will tell you how that situation got settled in my next article.


The picture’s with this article is from a show that I promoted in Yonkers, NY for the benefit of the Yonkers PAL. I wrestled “Gorgeous” Gary Royal who was being managed by Jimmy the Geek and I was managed by Terri Runnels that night. I had asked Bruno Sammartino to make an appearance that night as a special referee. It was a match between George “The Animal” Steele vs. Nikolai Volkoff vs. Thunderfoot #2 (Gene Ligon) in a three way dance.

This has been a piece of my mind

"The Big Cheese" Sal Corrente

Poll Results!! New Poll!!

POLL RESULTS

----Did Jerry Lawler pulling out of the FedEx Forum show hurt Memphis Wrestling?? The visitors of the site believed that by 19% margin that the FedEx Forum show did not have an effect on Memphis Wrestling. It is felt by RRO that the overall product is to blame for the low crowds and ratings. 38% of you did believe [including me] that the FedEx Forum show did hurt the promotion and the drawing power of MW & Lawler. It was funny that only 4% of you thought that the biggest show of the year helped them.

The show had no effect on Memphis Wrestling – the product is to blame for the low crowds & ratings – 57%
Yes, it hurt the promotion and drawing power of Lawler in Memphis - 38%
No, it did not hurt Memphis Wrestling it helped them because Hogan was on the show. 5%

NEW POLL

----Here is something I have debated with various bookers/promoters in this area. Would you pay to see a “mystery” partner or “mystery” opponent?? So are you going to pay to go see a live show just because they are promoting someone as coming in as a “mystery” ?? I think this sometimes hurts the promotion; because most people are disappointed in the “mystery” Let me know what you think? Yes, promotions should use “mystery” opponents or partners in the storylines. No, promotions should reveal everyone before the show so they can promote those being there.

CHIKARA Coverage TFW 11.30.07

----The three CHIKARA vs. TFW matches are being recorded for future release as bonus matches on a CHIKARA DVD released through SmartMartVideo. Suprisingly, that was Mike Quackenbush's idea as he brought it up first and TFW quickly agreed to it. They're even going to promote the show on their website for TFW.

----The other show that they're coming down for is the IWA: Deep South Carnage Cup 2007 tournament taking place on Saturday December 1st. UltraMantis Black is actually in the deathmatch portion of the show and Shawn Reed & Chris Styles will be working a four-way with Chrisjen Hayme and Hydra. The show was supposed to be in Elkmont, AL but got moved to Pulaski, TN at the last moment. The show will also be released through SmartMarkVideo and is usually their most bought and attended show of the year.

More on Mike Anthony!!

----This stuff just gets stranger by the minute. As the source that sent this in said, "Pretty freakin' amazing the twisted world this guy lives in. He's a wrestler, a reverend, a lawyer, a satanist and a rock star impersonator and a savior of abused women?!? You can't make this stuff up, it is just too bizarre!" Many of the local guys in the area worked for this guy including me.
CLICK HERE for blog postings.

CLICK HERE for more blog postings.

Shows for The Weekend 11.16.07 to 11.17.07

----Well, this is weekend with not a lot of big shows. I am headed to ASWF Saturday night to see Jazz, Rodney Mack and Ali Stevens. Drop me a line and join RRO for what looks to be a good show.

----Remember, if I forgot an event or you would like me to add more talent to some of the rosters, and then drop me a line.

----Friday Night for USWO @ Stadium Inn in Nashville, TN…Jerry Lynn, LT Falk, Mark Anthony, Chris Michaels, Michael Jablonski, Anthony Cevantes, Quinton Quarisma, Gigolo Jay Phoenix, Xavier Mustafa, Shawn Hoodridge, Tim Renesto, New York Gangster, Damien Payne, Kevin Dunn, Petey Wright, JC Crowe, Jamie Dundee and more.

----Friday Night for SAW in Millersville, TN Gary Valiant [w/Miss Boogie], Hammerjack, Arrick Andrews, Sean Casey [w/Samantha], Chris Bomb, J-5, Indian Outlaw, Mason Raige, Nore Havoc, AM Vision, Hammerjack, Kory Williams, Vic the Bruiser and more.

----Friday Night in Osceola, AR for MCW with MCW Champion Frankie Tucker, TW Justice, The Medic, Jackhammer, Bad Luck Lucky, The Hambone Express, Tank, Pimptacular, White Lightning, Tojo Yamamoto Jr, Suicidal Youth, Kilo. Mr. Excitement, Hillybilly Nate and more.

----Friday night for LAW in Rector, AR with Slim Pickens, Tommy Redneck, Stan Lee, Psycho, Arnez, Dell Tucker,Idol Bane, Jeff O’Dell, “The Golden Boy” Greg Anthony and many more.

----Friday night for The Future of Wrestling has a show at the TFW Arena on No. Eason Blvd. (Auburn Rd.) in Tupelo, MS with The Southern Saints (Shawn Reed & Chris Styles), Josh Matthews, Anita Page, "Bad Attitude" Tony Dabbs, LSD, Chris Chaos, "Prime Time" Nick Grymes, T-Byrd, The New Age Cowboys ("Southern Thunder" Chris Kilgore & "Son of the South Josh Holly), Devon Raynes, Crazy-n-Sexy (J-Kid & Curly Moe), Neil "The Real Deal" Taylor, Bless, Chazz, Chop Top the Clown, Uncle Vinnie the Blade Hunter Montgomery Jackson, and much more. Tickets are $5. Doors open at 6:30 and the show starts at 8:00.

----Saturday night in Ripley, TN with TLCW 207 Washington ST, TGB Greg Anthony, Derrick King, Dustin Starr, Tim Grind, Genocide” [Maxx Corbin/Albino Rhino], Tommy Redneck, Dell Tucker,Ike Tucker, Brian Steele, Shannon Lee, Allan Steele, Flash Flanagan. “Black Label Society” [Void/Robbie Douglas/AJ Bradley], “Naughty By Nature” [Pokerface/Rude] and much more!!!

----Saturday night, Golden Triangle Wrestling returns for a show behind Cathy's restaurant, located on Highway 45 in West Point, MS. "The Warrior" Jake Prentiss, Chris Chaos, OMEGA, LSD, Lady Reb, Devon Raynes,BB, Destiny, Bloodbath, Kaleb Kastle, Jay Webster and Vinnie the Blade, and much more. I believe tickets are $5. Doors open at 7:00 and the show starts at 8:00.

----Saturday night New Blood Wrestling @ Country Nights 1901 Saint John Ave - Bell time 8:00 PM in Dyersburg, TN Kilo, Mark Justice,Tim Edwards, Tank, Jeremy Moore,J.R. Manson, Lil Tim, Gaylon Ray, Baron Malkavain, Phoenix X, John "Biscuit" Roberts, and more.

----Saturday night @ True Force Arena 256 Gill Street Jackson, TN at 7:30 PM in Moondog Rex Retirement Show with Danny B Goode, Big Jim Business, Way Cool, PK Ripper , Steven Rampage, Big Boy BOB, Lawman Williams, Ravishing Randy, Wildside, Johnny Thunder, Punisher Dra Black,.....All taking place this Saturday night bell time 7:30 tickets only $5.00

---- Saturday Night ASWF - At The Valiant Arena 201 Hwy 67 N Tuckerman Ar. (870) 349-2050 Belltime 7pm. Tickets: All Seats $6 Acid,Scott Fury, Austin Lane, Nikki Lane,Cody Murdoch,Wild Bill, X-Kaliber/Morgan Lane, San Francisco Treat with Rottn Randy,Tim Hanson, Rodney Mack, Jazz, Ali Stevens and more.

"Coach's Corner" by Brian Tramel

----The upcoming 4 day “Thanksgiving Thunder” is going to be a treat for local fans. Derrick King is not the only person helping put this together, but he is the major force and intermediary between all the promotions. He is the common dominator. If you are a regular visitor of this site, then take time to go out and buy a toy to bring to one of these events. DK is trying to line up talent for all four shows, that you can see a mix of legends and see some of the best local talent in this area. There will be people coming out to these shows that usually don’t come to the weekly shows. It is up to the current talent pools to make sure that these people will be entertained along with all the regular fans. Guys like Stan Lee, Greg Anthony, Jon Michael and Dustin Starr will be able to shine in front of new people.

----It is funny how I mention someone doing something, but never mention anyone by name. They all came out of the woodwork defending their honor. I did not mention one thing about what they may have “borrowed”, but they were really on the offensive. To paraphrase an old saying about when a lot of people are accused of something the person being offended is the person that is doing it. The word of the week should be GUILTY, because it is surely not JEALOUS.

----MEWA situation is just another of wrestling promotion going wrong within. It seems like the more successful one becomes, then the more trouble it brings. This promotion did not charge admission, but it has to be considered successful in the sense of paying the bills and drawing a crowd. The promotion becomes successful and then everything within starts to explode. It is sometimes the workers, sometimes the promoters, but it always something that tears it apart. Do you know why I consider Memphis Wrestling the top dog in the area?? It might not be the top promotion I like to watch, but it does keep going on. Does it draw the big crowds or ratings?? No way, but they will be celebrating their fifth year in business next May and that not a small feat. Some of you wonder why you draw small numbers or why you can’t keep good workers?? The casual fan does not trust indy wrestling – you have to give them a good product week after week and don’t get the big head.

----I have been accused of many things since doing this site. Many of them are probably are true. I do try to present an honest opinion of a situation. It might not be the way you see it, as we all see perceive things different. You and I could sit together and watch a movie and get two different things out of it. It really doesn’t make either of us wrong. It only makes it really screwed up when it is not the person that is telling the story that is embellishing; it is usually the author of the story. As much as it would make some people happy that I would have heat with Brody Hawk or Psycho, I am sad to say that is not the case. They highly respect what I do and know that I am going to call it that way I see it no matter what it is. Believe the story would have not got any further if it wasn’t for some third parties putting there 2 cents in trying to make it a news story. Those two guys were lucky that nothing worse happened to them. After talking with both of these guys, I am of the belief that both guys are either braver or just plain crazier than me.

----I was talking with someone within TFW last night and we chatted about the upcoming show with the CHIKIRA. I ask if he thought he would draw more because they were going to be there. He answer was “No, because most people do not know who those guys are.” I would have to agree with him as I am not familiar with all the talent. But, so what; right?? At least they are taking the chance and bringing in some guys to work. Apparently the guys got another show on Sunday, but are coming in early to do this one. It is good to see a local promotion try to broaden their fans and reach out to a mostly Northeastern promotion. As I have said, I will be attending the show and I am excited seeing new talent that I would never have been able to see if it wasn’t for TFW.

What Happened With MEWA???

----As stated earlier in the week by me and then MEWA Reporter more news would be provided by someone on the MEWA promotion. Gerry “Chubby” Graham along Luke Graham Jr was the owners and operators of MEWA in Batesville, AR. This show had become talk in this area, because they always drew a good crowd. It was free show and the question on whether this might be the model for some of the low drawing promotions were in question. You could take guys to the promotion that needed seasoned [we seen all of Ken Wayne’s students] and they could actually work in front of a bigger crowd than 50. This is Gerry’s side and I feel he has tried to present an explanation for this site and for the fans without slinging a lot of dirt. The best I can figure out though from other sources there was more going on than meets the eye here. Luke Jr, as always, as the opportunity to respond, but has not as of yet.


CLICK HERE to read the story.

----This subject has also been a main topic on the message board. CLICK HERE to read about MEWA.

New Blog Linked To Site!!

----I am happy to announce that Dustin Starr's blog is now linked directly to the right on this site. It also can be reached by the main site page. Starr works you a little more than most writers on this site, but I think the visitors that are not familiar with him will enjoy his writing. And, if the Commercial Appeal can post it, then I guess it is good enough for this site.

Thanksgiving Throwdown Coverage!!

----Here is all the info I have so far for “Thanksgiving Throwdown.” I look for there to be more matches finalized after TV tapings this Saturday. This is major undertow with all four local promotions – TLCW, LAW, MAW and Memphis Wrestling working together for the “Toys for Tots” cause. If you bring an unopened toy of any value, you will get $2 off the admission. This is a legit organization and toys will be distributed to needy children all over the Memphis area. I do plan to attend the Thursday and Friday events.

Thursday – TLCW National Guard Armory, Dyersburg, TN - Battle Royal – Bill Dundee vs Kevin White, “Asylum” [Arnez/Psycho]

Friday – $10,000 Battle Royal – LAW, Rector, AR

Saturday – TLCW - Ripley, TN Jerry Lawler vs Derrick King, Flash Flanagan vs “TGB” Greg Anthony, Jon Michael vs Dustin Starr.

Sunday – MAW - New Daisy – Memphis, TN with Lawler/partner vs Kevin White/Derrick King.

CLICK HERE for the poster of the event on the home page.

Flashback October, 1990

----This article appeared in Issue #3 of Rasslin Riot in 10/90. It was written by a guy that was "inside" the business more a friend to the boys. His identity will stay kayfabe, but I thought it was something everyone would find of interest, especially with all the scandals of this year.

"What's My Beef" By The Big Dick
"Smart Fans, Ring Rats, Diseased & Drugs"

CLICK HERE to read the article.

----The art work was done by Derrick Winnett
and I am not sure if it ever appeared in the zine or just something he sent to me. It was a big joke about Vicious that everytime when softball season rolled around he would be "injured" and couldn't wrestle. So, we came up with the perfect gimmick for him.

----Next week I will posting a "Riot Squad" flashback post that will go over all the guys that have worked under the moniker. If there is anyone that worked the old CCW or against these guys in one form or another and wants to add something, then drop me an e-mail. I do know that the infamous Garry White use to sit in the crowd in Gibson, TN watching Riot Squad vs "Total Kaos" [Kade/Viper] matches and loved them!!

The Ratings: Memphis Wrestling TV 11.10.07

----Great news for Memphis Wrestling out of the 3.9 last week they retained 91% of their audience with a 3.6 [60,440 viewers] overall rating this week. This is the first time this year that we have seen a good rating after a good rating. As reported last week the norm has been a 38% drop, so it looks like they might be doing something right. The only bad spot of this whole show is that the fourth quarter dropped almost 14,000 viewers. I hate that for them, because that was the best quarter of the show for wrestling. I would bet with the “Opening The Vault” and the “Fine reveals dirt” segments helped them start to take a downward drive. Even with the big dip in the 4th quarter, they still ended the show with almost 5,000 more viewers. Hopefully this is signs that the Memphis Wrestling show is back on track. There have been rumors of a new booker, new shows and other things going on backstage, so it will be interesting to see if those things transpire and help the promotion.

-TK2 – interview
-TK2 vs Gladiator/Blitz
1st Quarter 3.1 [52,382 viewers]

-White interview
-White vs Crime
-Clowns/Ali/Brian C interview
-Clowns vs Ali/Brian C [start]
2cnd quarter 3.6 [62,959 viewers] [+10,577 viewers]

-Clowns vs Ali/Brian C [finish]
-Brian C interview
-“Opening the Vault”
3rd Quarter 4.2 [71,017 viewers] [+8058 viewers]

-Fine reveals dirt
-Tatt2/Lexx vs DK/Dotson
-DK/Dotson interview
-TK2 vs DK/Dotson brawl
4th quarter 3.4 [57,083 viewers] [-13,934 viewers]

12 Week Average: 3.1 [51,068 viewers]
12 week low – 1.9 [31,395 viewers] 9.29.07
12 week high – 3.9 [66,484 viewers] 11.03.07
From start to finish [+4701 viewers]

What Memphis Was Watching??
Action News 5 [1]/Channel 3 News[2]/CSI Miami [3/4] 7.3 [122,812 viewers]

RassleResults: TLCW Ripley, TN 11.10.07

----I am trying my best on getting everyone caught up on TLCW news. The last weekly report was on 10.20.07, so I am a few weeks behind. I am going to try to sum up some of the stuff I missed later today and give everyone full details on the four big upcoming shows “Thanksgiving Thunder”. Radio ads begin to play on KISSFM [the radio station that Brandon Baxter works at] out of Jonesboro, AR this morning. I look for this to be 4 big days of wrestling.

----Chris Lexx beat Rockn Randy…Precious beat Lil Tim Alfonzo…”Trendsetter” Jon Michael/Seth Knight over “Genocide” [Maxx Corbin/Albino Rhino] Dustin Starr over Dell Tucker…”Naughty By Nature” [Rude/Pokerface] by DQ over “Black Label Society” [Void/AJ Bradley/Robbie Douglas]…”The Golden Boy” Greg Anthony beat Cody Melton…Alan Steele beat Flash Flanagan

----150 in the crowd with a gate close to $900...Steele did an interview saying that DK should be worried about him instead of Jerry Lawler later this month. DK was not at the show selling an injury from last week from Steele…All three members of BLS jumped in the NBN match to cost the DQ. ”Rhythm & Blues” [Brian Steele/Ike Tucker] comes out to make save for NBN and they have words with them. They are doing a Rap vs Blues vs Heavy Metal type feud. It was also to include a “Country” faction with J. Weezy/Tommy Redneck, but Weezy does not work for this company anymore…TGB cost Flash his loss and put Flash in the “Goldi-lock” after the match…Dustin beat up Tucker with the kendo stick after the match and Michael made the save…An old lady came after TGB…Albino made Maxx come out to Brittany Spears music “Hit Me Baby One More Time.

TLCW GETS A "HIGH FIVE" IN NOVEMBER, 2006

Cheap Heat Match of the Week- 11/14/07 by Gene Jackson

This week's match of the week is from Jody Hamilton's original Deep South promotion from the 80's in Georgia. It's the Masked Nightmares (Ted Allen/Billy Starr) vs. The Original Nightmares (Danny Davis/Ken Wayne) I apologize for the poor quality of the video but it's still watchable. Check it out!

A Piece of my Mind-Nov 13th, 2007 by "The Big Cheese" Sal Corrente

How can TNA rely so heavily on Booker T to make an “IMPACT”? It was not long ago that he was a member of Smackdown. What kind of “IMPACT” did he make there? I don’t believe the program suffered when he was transferred to RAW. I don’t believe that RAW suffered when he left the WWE. These were programs that people could watch Free of charge! Is it realistic to say that people who weren’t watching Booker T for nothing are going to spend good money to see him? I don’t understand the thought process at all. If you’re asking me would I have hired Booker T, the answer is yes I would have. He is a good hand to have around and could be used in a good way. However, I do not believe that Booker T and his wife Sharmell will make any kind of measureable difference for TNA. I don’t know what Steve Ray’s situation is right now but if I was calling the shots I would have tried to get him to join Booker T in TNA. It just seems that week in and week out decision’s are made that are supposed to make an “IMPACT” and they amount to less than a fart in a hurricane. If TNA wanted to really make an “IMPACT” they would have done what they had to do to get Jericho. If they had at least they would have gotten someone who is perceived as a main event guy. Someone who has just jobbed out to the anointed son in law and that the fans haven’t seen in a ring in a long time. I still say the problem with TNA isn’t in front of the camera it’s behind the camera. I do realize that they are going to make talent moves. If they insist on doing these kinds of things at least make intelligent moves. I am still waiting for TNA to make changes and improvement in the area’s of their company that will help take it to the next level.

Hopefully the next intelligent move is to let Sting slip back into retirement quietly. I have not seen the equivalent value for the money invested in Sting. Here is a question for you. What do these three men have in common, Sting, Abdullah the Butcher and Sal Corrente? Well, none of us have appeared in Madison Square Garden as talent at a wrestling event. I have worked a corner in a Golden Gloves boxing match and attended many WWF shows as a fan in my youth. In years gone by Sting did work the theater at MSG. The Theater is a much smaller venue connected to MSG that was named the Felt Forum in my day. I am not aware of Abdullah appearing at MSG at all. I believe that it is the goal of anyone who puts on wrestling boots to wrestle in MSG. If I was WWE I would have both of these men make an appearance at the next event in that building and then they can both retire in peace. Whether you are fans of either of these men or not they have made a never ending impression on this business and should appear in the world’s most famous arena. I can’t imagine that I have any chance of appearing in the Garden with my outspoken views of WWE. It’s ok the truth is the truth and facts are facts, if I wanted to kiss ass years ago I very well may have already appeared in the Garden. I have never been in the Garden when it wasn’t filled with wrestling fans loving all the action. I saw Snuka and Muraco, you know the famous match where Mick Foley is shown on RAW quite often in the crowd. Well I was there too; I also saw Sammartino and Zbysko, Patterson and Slaughter “The Alley Fight”, Backlund and Pat Patterson in the steel cage and Hogan and The Iron Sheik when Hogan won the belt. Those were just a few of the matches that I saw in that great building. I had a contact with a man named Dan Bruno who worked the back door. I got into every show even got to ride up on the elevator with the wrestlers and pass by the dressing room. It was my first show when I saw the then hated Hulk Hogan talking to my favorite wrestler at the time “Polish Power” Ivan Putski. So there you have it that was when I found out that wrestling was a work. You also know who exposed it for me, it was quite a letdown at the time but it was also the beginnings of crazy roller coaster ride that I just had to take. In those days every card was a sell out and people had a great time. In fact many of the cards had to be shown on closed circuit TV in the Felt Forum since the crowds were so large. In case you’re counting that’s about 24,000 people in total watching a monthly WWF show. I am not sure what happens anymore and maybe its best I remember it as it was.

When I first started out as a referee I made my share of mistakes as expected. In my first match I never called for the bell to start or stop the match. That match took place in Queens, NY. It was run by a Spanish guy and most of the wrestlers didn’t speak English. It was tough they were supposed to go twenty minutes they both blew up and went about eight. Of course I got the blame for that too. I only did one match that night. There were only seventy five people there. In those days that size crowd was considered HORRIBLE. I was assigned by the NY State Athletic Commission so I did get paid. It wasn’t the end of the world and it did start my career off. In my next event I had two matches the first one had “Pretty Boy Larry Sharpe work against one of his students from The Monster Factory, the school where Bam Bam Bigelow and others got trained. At one point I was screaming “you’re choking him Sharpe” at Larry. He looked at me and said you’re right now if you would get out of the way so the crowd could see it maybe I could get some heat. So yeah that was my wake up call on that issue. A guy like Larry who was training so many younger guys understood what was happening. I worked with him many many times after that I have to say what a pleasure it was some of the easiest matches you could imagine. If you want more information about Larry you can find it at this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Sharpe . He did work territories including Charlotte and got a mid level WWF push in the eighties. He was on the famous Shea Stadium show that has Sammartino/Zbyszko in the main event. He had a match for the World Marital Arts Title again Antonio Inoki. I do remember one other funny story involving Larry and Tiger Jackson (if you don’t know who he is than you didn’t read my last article, head for the archives and pull it up or google him). When we got to the building Larry said I really am a mark for Tiger Jackson. I have to get him to sign a picture for me. I said well no big deal he will do it. Well I was standing there when Tiger handed the picture to Larry. I saw the look on Larry’s face he looked at Tiger and said couldn’t you have at least signed it “To Larry”. Of course Tiger spoke very little English he had no idea what Larry was talking about. At that point Larry just put the picture away. Its little things like this that made sitting around the dressing room fun.

The above picture is of Pretty Boy Larry Sharpe for any of you that weren’t familiar with his career. One other thing about Larry I always found that was funny. He was a heel and when ever we worked shows and he was beating the babyface he would say very loud to the babyface “Where you from boy (insert name of town) and the people would be pissed. I remember one time he couldn’t remember where we were and I was the referee so he had to ask me at the last second. Oh it was all so much simpler then.

This has been a piece of my mind

“The Big Cheese” Sal Corrente

Ricky Guys In Jail!!

----It has been reported on another local site that Ricky Guys is now in jail in Alabama on “several” different charges. This guy promoted SCW and was looking to be involved with VCW running shows, but due to him not answering his phone, his soon to be partners decided it was better to just keep the dates as VCW shows. Guys left a lot of hot checks including ones to Fire, Flame and a few more on the shows. Below is the actual coverage of the events of the last few months with Guys and as stated before, I stick behind my sources and stories here – nothing is FALSE in the reports.

SCW TAKES ON VCW DATES
THE REALLY REALLY STORY
VCW RETURNS

RassleResults: TIWF Jackson, TN 11.10.07

----Wykid beat Dr. Doom…J Smooth beat BuckWild Bill… TV TITLE MATCH: Chico Mendoza by DQ over Dazzlin' Dixie…Weasel beat Jack the Jackhammer & Kingpin in Triple Threat Match…Chris Rocker beat Neil “The Real Deal” Taylor…Special Ref PK Ripper: Danny B. Goode beat Steven Rampage…”Black Thunder” [Dre Black/Johnny Thunder] retained The Convicts and Jim Business’ tag team “The Big Boyz” [Bob/Leroy]

----61 in the building…I was told the Rocker vs Taylor bout was the best match of the night.

RassleResults: LAW Rector, AR 11.09.07

----Slim Pickens over Zane Richards…Psycho over Sgt. Shakedown…”The Golden Boy” Greg Anthony by DQ over Tommy Redneck…Scott Fury beat Rockin Randy…Dell Tucker beat J Weezy…Fans Bring Weapons: “Hot Topic” [Derrick King/Stan Lee] beating Flash Flanagan/Jon Michael with Lee pinning Flash.

----40 people in the crowd…$10,000 Royale Challenge was put over in an interview with TGB with Jeff O’Dell. Tommy Redneck comes out for his title match. If Redneck beats TGB, then he gets title shot. He gets fined $50 for each fist shot. TGB slapped him and ended up with Redneck throwing 10 punches and pushing the ref for DQ…Fury did an interview challenging Idol Bane, but Randy came out to challenge him. After the match Bane jumped Fury, but Fury made comeback…Flash gave DK tree of woe foot stomp and Michael powerbomb Lee on a chair leaving the babyfaces lying.

Michael Anthony Scam Revealed!!

----Interesting story that was posted on the message board a few days back. Michael Hubbard aka "The Living Doll" Michael Anthony seems to have booked some bands for a charity concert. But, the kicker is the bands were not told and the charity does not exist. Anthony was part owner and booker for Mid-South Wrestling with Killer that ran in Dresden, TN and Gibson, TN. Many of the guys in this area have worked for him.

Bands Say No To Charity Concert

Some area musicians say their names are being used to promote a concert. Problem is, they have no plans to appear.

Posters are showing up all across western Kentucky that promise a charity concert to help abused women and children.

NewsChannel 6 has learned some of the bands aren't going to be there and women's advocates say they've never heard of the charity.

"We absolutely have never heard about this until you guys let us know about it," said Jeff Shipp.

Jeff Shipp is a member of the band London Calling. It’s one of dozens of bands scheduled to play a benefit concert with proceeds going to the Mercy Foundation.

The problem? Shipp knows nothing about the concert until we told him.

"Pretty surprised. Definitely don't want any kind of bogus info related to our band. Especially since our singer has been in London for the last few weeks. So, be kind of hard to play a show without a singer,” said Shipp.

London Calling isn't the only group surprised to hear about their involvement in the benefit. NewsChannel 6 has learned several bands featured on this flyer have no knowledge of the concert and have not*agreed to perform.

Music shops around western Kentucky pulled the flyer from their store windows after bands contacted them.

“It seemed fishy at the time so I told him I didn't want anything to do with it," said Hooper of Hooper Booking & Promotion.

An area music promoter was asked to get involved. He called the Kentucky Office of Charitable Gaming to check out the Mercy Foundation.

“We called that office after speaking with the county attorney and getting his suggestions to do so they do not have him on file or record at all," said Hooper of Hooper Booking & Promotion.

Other women's advocacy groups in the area also say they've never heard of the Mercy Foundation.

We did contact Michael Hubbard, a Mercy Foundation contact. He sent an e-mail and says he personally does "emergency rescue missions to remove abused women and/or children from the abusive homes and transports them to safety."

Hubbard says people who question his motives, specifically this fundraiser are quote "an abuser and/or batterer themselves."

Copyright 2007 WPSD-TV, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten, or redistributed.

TFW/CHIKARA MATCHES CHANGED FOR 11.30.07

----The matches have been changed for the upcoming TFW vs CHIKARA show. It will be a best two out of three with the following matches...

-"The Order of the Neo Solar Temple" (Ultramantis Black & Hydra) vs. TFW Champion Max Steele & Nick Grymes
-Josh Matthews vs. Tim Donst
-Fatal Four-Way Main Event: Chuck Taylor vs. Shawn Reed vs. Ricochet vs. Chris Styles

"Coach's Corner" by Brian Tramel

----I am cheating a bit today. I had a lot of stuff I wanted to comment on and just didn’t want it to come out as a rambling. So, I took the easy road and did a “Thumbs Up” and “Thumbs Down.” LMK what you think??

----THUMBS UP: Sal Corrente for his comments about Giant Baba. Baba was a wrestling genius, who when it was time to step down he did something that many wrestler never do – he stepped down. Baba became a comedy figure of his promotion and it did bother him a bit – he was making tons of money at the top with other guys. Baba dying and Antonio Inoki’s ego killed Japanese wrestling.

----THUMBS DOWN: Memphis Wrestling and Corey Maclin for producing a commercial and not including any talent.

----THUMPS UP: XOW for drawing such a big crowd this week. They went into Savannah with a big ticket price. They proved with the right promotion and the right matches that fans will come out to see the product and pay good money.

----THUMBS DOWN: To wrestlers for their embellishment of stories to make it look like they are a bad ass and try to make their friends look like pussies. This was all because one worker was pissed that some guy was looking in his friend’s car, so he started a fight. His friend did help when it became more than one person on him, but for some reason it was not quick enough. Which one would you have done – help when needed or jump in to start an even bigger fight?? At any point during this incident one of these guys could have been shot from the crowd – how does fighting someone over something stupid make you look good?? I am having a hard time believing that Brody Hawk is the bad ass and Psycho is a pussy.

----THUMBS UP: Christian for showing the wrestling world that putting over people only helps the show. Kaz beat Christian last night proving Christian has got to be one of most unselfish and smartest wrestlers in the biz. And his TNA DVD release [available at the shop..lol] is damn good also.

----THUMBS DOWN: Ok, so you ride from Dyersburg, TN to Rector, AR and were supposed to ride back; right?? You decide to ride back with someone else. Your payoff was a measly $6 for the night and you wanted the money?? Why not help in the gas that got you from point A to point B. Gas is close to $3 a gallon!! Instead we have J. Weezy going to NBW telling everyone DK stiffed him on a payoff, so he is working NBW now. At what point do the promotions stop letting people do crap like this and not let them work for either promotion??

----THUMBS UP: ASWF for their continuous hard work in bringing in new people. There is no other promotion in this area that brings in so much talent to work their shows. Jerry Lynn, Ali Stevens, Rodney Mack and Jazz to just mention a few of them being slated for this month.

----THUMBS DOWN: Kamala JR..OMG..what can I say?? Gene and I have made comments about people that steal gimmicks and this is a huge thief. The last time I seen Kamala walking out of a ASWF dressing room, he said he would never work their again. So, what do they do?? Hire the next best thing – his son..LOL Come on guys!! Shame on you!!!

----THUMBS UP: Memphis Wrestling/LAW/TLCW/MAW for the big 4 day event “Thanksgiving Throwdown” during Thanksgiving Weekend. I will have more news about all the shows and talent that will appear, but it looks like they at least have some working arrangement with all four promotions trying to promote something big for Thanksgiving weekend. A big “High Five” to Derrick King for his work on this – if he would have not been involved this would have never happened.

----THUMBS DOWN: To the other guys that try to do “news” sites. They don’t do retractions and seem to believe anything they are told. And, damn, they say “imitation” is the greatest form of flattery, but when the hell are you guys going to stop copying EVERYTHING this site does???

----THUMBS UP: To all the workers that come to the shows sober and try not to get in trouble with the law.

-----THUMBS DOWN: To all the workers that come to the show either drinking or high. I have said this a million times, but there is a TIME AND PLACE for that sort of stuff. If you want to get drunk and high – that is you – just don’t do it to harm other people.

RassleResults: ASWF Tuckerman, AR 11.10.07

----Will Bill with Mr. X beat Cody Murdoch…The Degenerates (X-Kaliber & Morgan Lane) over Seth Sabor & Mac Daddy and now will get an ASWF Tag Team Title shot…Lucky wins a Battle Royal…Tim Hanson beat San Francisco Treat with Sexy Randy …Kamala JR beat CJ Popp with Big Money…Fans Lumberjack Strap Match: Johnny Harper/Casino Kid beat Brian Edwards/Ray Ray…Austin Lane beat Scott Fury/Acid/Cujo in a Fatal Fourway to retain the ASWF Title.

----Over 125 was there to see the show….At the start of the show, Austin Lane comes out with Big Money [who has a good gimmick and good talker] talking about a contract for the Jerry Lynn show and how he was taking the night off because Chuck was not able to be there to wrestle him. Aaron Polston came out and looked at this contract and said if you want your match with Jerry Lynn you must wrestle in a 4 way match tonight against the Tag Team Champions plus a Mystery Man[ended up being Cujo]….The battle royal came down to the Leprechauns [Lucky/Lethal] & Judgment after Medieval & Chris Steel put each other out. The Leprechauns went after Judgment, but he was about to closeline them both they pulled down the top rope and Judgment goes over it and is out. Leaving Lucky & Lethal brother vs brother and they go at it Brittney [their manager] is in the middle of it. Lucky whips Lethal into the ropes and Brittney pulls down the top rope and over goes Lethal. A fight broke out after the match Brittney tried to break it up and then just walks away from them both…Rottn Randy is now Sexy Randy – his gimmick matched Treat. Hanson told Treat that he respected in the old days when he was “Rick”, but he needed to take that paint off and be a man. Not sure where that is leading …Casino Kid and Ray Ray joined ASWF for the night because MEWA did not have the building. They were put into the strap match. The lumberjacks were all ladies and Brian/Ray took a beating…Even though three of the guys were babyfaces, they ended up all fighting each other putting over the importance of the ASWF Title. Fury and Acid are tag champs and even fought…Ali Stevens & Rodney Mack tag this coming weekend.

Cena and Steroids

----Here is the real story behind the CNN thing, so Cena did not admit he did steroids. Interesting slant that CNN did to give you that impression.

The WWE web site today showed the unedited CNN interview with John Cena that was used in Wednesday night's "Death Grip: Inside Pro Wrestling" special.

The result showed an editing process that, by taking a quote out of context, made it appear John Cena was cavalierly admitting steroid use, and teasing that he couldn't be caught, making him come off very bad in the process.

On the contrary, Cena said largely what you would expect him to say. He was well spoken, and whether you believe him or not, issued a complete denial when asked if he had ever used steroids, even in his football and bodybuilding days.

"Absolutely not," was his response.

The quote that they used was part of a long answer regarding society, that whenever an athlete sets a standard or does something impressive, people immediately accuse them of doing performance enhancing drugs. His response was that people are going to believe what they want, and even though he's passed drug tests, people will still believe what they believe. But, he noted, no matter what they believe or what he says, they can't prove it.

Cena overall spoke well in the interview. He was a little contradictory at different points on the steroid issue. At one point, when asked what he thought of others who are using steroids in his profession, he would not say anything negative about them. At another point, he said that athletes who fail tests for drugs that are illegal should be put up on criminal charges and be sent to prison, saying steroids should be treated in a legal sense the same as cocaine.

There is no excuse for the complete manipulation of his words, particularly on such a sensitive issue. It sadly ruins the credibility of what was, for the most part, a well put together piece.

Credit: Dave Meltzer @ www.wrestlingobserver.com

M.E.W.A Update

Monday, November 12, 2007

M.E.W.A Wrestling was not shut down due to not paying rent. There have been several problems with building the last few months. The building is now under new management and there have been problems with them since the take over. M.E.W.A will release a full statement later in the week to set the record straight.
Thank You,
Main Event Wrestling America

RassleResults: XOW Savannah, TN 11.10.07

----Nick Grymes over Danny Morris…“Freak Show” [Vinnie The Blade/Chop Top The Clown] over “Crazy-N-Sexy” [J-Kid & Curly More w/ Dirty Reel Moe]…Four Way Match Anton Leveigh beat Chris Styles, Josh Mathews, and Reno Diamond…Shawn Reed/Little Bit over Anita Page/Brandon Barbwire…Strap Match Chris Kilgore/Kid J over Tony Dabbs/Little Devil…Main Event Steel Cage Match “The Posse” [Simon Reed/’Lil Chris] over “Family of Pain” [Max Steele/Sarge O’Reilly] at the end Bishop comes in and jumps Posse.

----157 paid with a gate in the $1,800 range…Sarge got hardway and ended up with stitches…Grady Watson came out with Posse and was dressed like them…They did an angle where FOP beat up XOW promoter Billy Russ and Russ juiced…FOP are now Steele & Sarge with Mickey Ray coming in when he gets a chance.

RassleResults: USWO Nashville, TN 11.10.07

"Wild Man" JD Fluffy b Super Delirious Black Ninja (Told this was Fluffy's 2nd match)

Damien Payne b Cousin Jason X and Shane Smalls in a 3-way match when Payne pinned Jason X

Bill & Jamie Dundee b USWO Tag Champs Quinton Quarisma & Jay Phoenix when Jamie pinned Phoenix (Lots of comedy here--was non-title match. Tony Falk hinted that Bill and Jamie would be back soon)

Tim Renesto b New York Gangster

USWO Champion Michael Jablonski b Slade & Anthony Cervantes in a handicap match when Jablonski pinned Slade

Chris Michaels & Mark Anthony b LT Falk & Jerry Lynn when Michaels pinned Lynn (No-DQ match here, pretty much all brawling. They set up Anthony vs Lynn for next week plus Michaels vs Jablonski title match)

----91 in the crowd with a gate close to $900, so Falk seem to still be drawin. But, he did have Lynn and The Dundees on the show.

Credit: Jimmie Daniel

RassleResults: NBW Dyersburg, TN 11.10.07

----“The Riot Squad” (Tank & "The Law" Robert Justice) with Jimmy Tidwell defeated "Upset Kid" Jeremy Moore & the returning J. Weezy when Tank pinned J Weezy …"Real Deal" Tim Edwards wrestled "Pure Sex" J.R. Manson to a double count out…NBW Tag Champions The East Coast Bad Boyz [C-Money/Serpent] defeated "Hot Boy" John Roberts & Suicidal Youth…NBW Heavyweight Champion "The Enforcer" Mark Justice defeated Crazy Train after Justice nailed the assigned referee and Robert Justice made the 3 count. (Allen Walker made Robert an official referee a couple of weeks ago so the decision stuck)…Motley Cruz defeated Baron Malkavain, Phoenix X and High Risk Champion Gaylon Ray in a 4 Corners Match to become the new NBW High Risk Champion…"Southern Outlaw" Kilo defeated 187

----Crowd of around 60 to 80 range…Weezy came back to NBW after working the WTWA show in Dyersburg last night. He was telling everyone that Derrick King screwed him over payoff…NBW has been in the last 2 issues of the PWI…They included Tank in the “Riot Squad” gimmick, so I guess they are doing a three-man gimmick.

MEWA Shut Down??

----I am being told that MEWA in Batesville, AR did not run a show last night and have been shut down. Allegedly it has to do with them not paying rent on the building?? I am sure I will hear more by the end of the pay and have another post.