Chicka ka ka ka kaiii!!!

Jeff Hardy was standing on the top rope. He leaped high in the air, first doing a full twist and then tucking into a one and a quarter somersault. Test moved out of the way and Jeff Hardy slammed belly first into the mat. I could hear him groaning as Test stomped Jeff in the back. I came into the ring and said, "Hold it, this is enough. The kid is hurt." This performance was not in front of 18,000 fans in a sold out coliseum, it was in the Funking Dojo Training Camp. The only fans watching were fifteen wrestlers participating in the training camp.

We worked on Jeff for about two or three minutes. The wind had been knocked out of him. I helped him to his feet. As he stood up and the color returned to his face. He said, "Come on, let's finish the match." I tried to stop him but he insisted. Jeff Hardy wouldn't have it any other way and the match continued.

That was one year ago.

At WWF's No Mercy Pay Per View, far and away the outstanding match was the ladder match between The Hardy Boys and Edge and Christian. (Four Funking Dojo Graduates) When the match was over, they received a standing ovation. The following Monday on Raw they received another ovation when they congratulated each other and shook hands. At the present time it is being called the "Match of the Year.”

I am very proud of the accomplishments of these four men. Following is my evaluation of each of these great athletes and former students as they came through the Funking Dojo just over one year ago.

Adam Copeland

Blue chip prospect. He is a tough kid with a great attitude and lots of natural ability. Adam does well on interviews. Adam has made several trips to Japan and has been accepted by Japanese people as a competitive athlete. He is dedicated to learning the fine points of the wrestling business and his work is spectacular.

Jeff Hardy

Jeff's dream since losing his mother as a kid has been to become a professional wrestler. Jeff can do some of the most exciting and dangerous aerial moves in the business. Jeff works a dare-devil style appealing to the younger wrestling fans. In combination with his brother Matt, they make up a great tag team combination and together as a team I rate them as blue chippers.

Matt Hardy

Matt's dream since childhood also has been to become a professional wrestler. He ran his own independent wrestling company in North Carolina. Matt also does all of the spectacular moves form the top rope. He is very good on interviews, always putting thought into what he is going to say and finishing strong with what he calls a "period," (Chicka ka ka ka kaiii!!!) Matthew has earned the rating, Blue Chipper.

Christian Cage

He is a "Ring General." That classification is hard to come by in today's world of professional wrestling. Christian can control the pace of a match and take proper care of himself. His appearance is that of a well conditioned athlete. Christian has become the finest wrestler in the WWF Funking Dojo. Christian is a tough kid and cuts a good interview. He gives thought to what he is going to say and can express himself well. Christian Cage is a Blue Chipper.

Dory Funk Jr.