Well, so much has went on since my last posting. Its hard to find a place to start. First off, not only have I been busy at work, but I’ve been busy in the ring. I am currently working around 3 shows a week regularly. By the way before I go on, I would like to thank the Oak Hill fans for a great turnout last week. I was very surprised to see everyone back and not to mention some new faces. Ward told me that the unofficial count was 160. I know that all of you were affected by the flood, and to have you show up like you did put fire back into the boys! We needed it, and most importantly, you needed it. Thank you.
Back to the subject at hand. I don’t really want to go into details about the matches, because they have all been really good. I will try to touch on some while I ramble on. Here’s a story for starters. I went to North Carolina with Jack Miller a few weeks ago to work for a promotion down there. What a trip! Jack calls me up on a Saturday morning and asks if I’m booked. He asked if not, that he would like for me to go to the show with him. So after getting a plan together, I take off to meet Jack in Beckley.
I meet up with Jack and off we go. During the trip, he asked some advice on things and I gave him some pointers. (I was on fire!) I went on for two hours about psychology and how to draw heat and a few road stories. So far it was turning into a great trip…..Until….
Jack was driving and I was reading him the directions and following the map. He had made a wrong turn and I told him that we were headed in the wrong way. Jack found a place to turn and we headed back to the right road. While we were getting turned, a trooper passed us and we ended up right behind him. We followed him back to the intersection and he put on his brake in front of us at a stop sign. Thinking he would go ahead, Jack began to creep up on his bumper. I told him to ease off until he went on. But Jack gave me the old Rain Man “I’m an excellent driver” shpeel, and about that time the blue light special was on.
Jack and I were both rubber necking trying to spot the poor jamoke that the trooper had his eyes on. Well guess what? It was us. He walked back to the car and asked us to pull over to the side of the road. Well we did and he came up to the car and asks Jack for his info and told me that he needed my I.D. also. Now being a former police officer, I knew the drill. Check everyone in the car for wants, warrants, and so on. He never told us up to this point what we had done. He walked back to the car and told us that Jack had given him the wrong registration card. He then goes to his cruiser for a while and finally comes back. (Mind you it was 10 til 7 and the show started at 7.) He now has his ticket book in hand and Jack asks me what he’s done. I explain that maybe parking on his back bumper at the stop sign could be one possible reason. After holding us up and seeing I was about to ask him what the deal was, he says “You are being cited for no seat belts. It is only a $25 fine and you can mail it in.” Now we’re on our way…..wrong.
Jack looks up at him and asks if we could take care of it now. Now I don’t know what this guy was thinking, but I had an idea by the look on his face. When Jack asked him that, he said “Just mail it in and that should take care of it.” Then after the tone had settled from Jack’s “Can a blow job fix this” comment (That’s the way the cop took him asking to take care of the ticket there), he broke a rule of the road and asked for directions. That’s really not all that bad, but then he goes on to tell him that we’re wrestlers. PLEASE DON’T DO THIS. I had visions of a shake down right there alongside the road with wrestling gear everywhere. You see, some police officers aren’t very trusting of wrestlers. With the stories of drugs and some of the boys having a record a mile long, this is not a good move.
We lucked out because he actually liked wrestling and became very helpful to us. We get to the arena 15 minutes late and run in and start getting ready. Jack is greeted like a long lost son and I’m greeted like the son of a b*tch. Well maybe it was just me. I’m not too good around new people. Anyway, after meeting the “promoter” and some of the boys, I finished getting ready. Now by this time (7:30 p.m.), the show still hadn’t started. On the poster, bell time was 7:00 p.m. But being the professionals that they were, the first match started promptly at 8:20. Jack and I are on third so I figured by 9:30 we should be finished and on the road. WRONG! Jack asked if he could stick around and do a spot in the main event. Ok, well its 11:00 p.m., time for the main event, there goes my plan on being home by 1:30. The match went on forever. Finally the finish, no wait, now…nope. Ok this has to be it….no sell…Well the match ended at 11:45 p.m. and I thought we would now be leaving….no not yet. The promoter asks Jack if he would join him for dinner. Well Jack not wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings said yes. Now I’m thinking, Ok, something quick and then we’ll be home by 4:30 a.m., in bed by 5:00 a.m. Then back up at 11:00 to head to Princeton. You all know the old saying, “that’s what I get for thinking.” Here was a perfect example.
Everyone helped take down the ring and load it up, so now its 12:30. Then they all decided to stand around and B.S. until 1:00. Finally we head to the restaurant (which the “promoter” said was a few minutes away…more like 30 minutes away.) We order and get our food, blah blah blah. Then another bull session starts. This one carried on to the parking lot. Just to throw the oh-so-subtle hint, I asked what time it was. 3:30 a.m. Note: hint not taken. As the meaningless conversation went on, the promoters daughter went to the car and brought out her dog. This was the topic of the discussion for what seemed like hours. During this time, they began to feed it hot dog wieners. Everyone was going on about how cute this little rat on acid was. I made a comment about the way it was chowing down that went something like “the little b*st*rd is really tearing it up.” Well you would have thought that I had committed adultery with the dog. The lady then says “What did you just say?” And I’m just sitting there like “What?” She goes on and says “I heard you call him a b*st*rd! He’s like my child. I haven’t got kids or a man and you go and say something like that.” Everyone was looking at me expecting to hear an apology for the remark. Well I didn’t apologize. I just thought, “No wonder you haven’t got a man or children!” Sorry to go on about this, but it really got to me. And the only thing I can say is, lady, I hope your dog dies. Onward…
Its no secret that I’ve been working for A.S.W. I am enjoying my position there and its working out fine. I think there is room for two promotions in the area and both sides are in agreement not to setp on any toes. So if you all would please, stop stirring up crap that doesn’t need to be brought up. Thank you. I’ll bring you up to date on A.S.W. in future posts.
I also had the chance to work for XMCW a while back. A new group out of Nitro, WV. Ritchie Action and myself had a good match for them. They have a lot of talent there. My advice is to keep training, learn from your trainers and anyone else who knows what is going on. Good luck and I hope to see you all soon.
Now onto a group of men that are very close to my heart, the C.W.A. in Huntington, WV. You all probably remember me going on about some of their shows before. Backyard Wrestling. Well in some respects, they are. Some of the guys do it because it is cool. Well that’s ok. I have talked to some of them and they, for the most part, respect what they are doing. The majority is enrolled at Stretcher’s Wrestling Academy. They are getting their basics on the sport and learning how not to hurt each other. For the most part, what they are doing is no different that what pro’s did when they were kids. We had our friends over, built a ring, and did what we saw on T.V. Well today’s market on wrestling is very different. It is more Extreme, or Hardcore. But have you noticed lately, the turn the business has taken? As a whole, it is changing slowly back to the old school way of psychology and even actual contests of men in a sport. History repeating itself? Well, maybe, but with a modern day twist. This brings to mind an old saying that “everything that’s old is new again.” Now with the sport not as popular as it was, we are going back into a cycle. We are slowly coming off of a high, and going into a low. This low is a rebuilding season so to say. This will last for approximately 6-8 years. There will still be interest, but not as much. My opninion is that the next run will consist of more regional or territorial promotions, the way it used to be.
Which brings me back to the young men at the C.W.A. Some of these boys will fade out when its not cool anymore or they’ll just grow out of it. Others will stick it out and become the future of wrestling. Not only the C.W.A., but around the nation. So don’t knock what they are doing, some of these young men really want it. I’ve even worked for them. Joey took me down and Tyson Smith and and myself had a match. Some were really surprised at what happened. I was playing the heel and, after a speech that one of the guys made about that day being the one year anniversary show (which was a very good speech), but I’ll mention him later. So I came out and ripped out their hearts! Now I was trying to teach them a lesson and it worked. Some of these guys thought that it was a shoot, Tyson of course, defended them and challenged me to a match. (See how it works.) Anyway, we had a good match and it involved some of them in the angle.
Psychology and heat were what we were trying to get over. Now if you want to call me a backyard wrestler for trying to help out some kids, to bring them something to learn from and possibly use it, fine. I am damn proud of it and I’m damn proud of those kids too. Like I said before, some of them will be the future of this business.
Now time for roll call. (These are some of the boys from CWA. Some of them you may have already met.)
Kevin- This is the one who I mentioned earlier about giving the speech. I’ll not go into detail about it, but his heart is in what he does. He and his wife, Susan, put a lot into this and sometimes don’t get what they think they deserve. Well this business, on any level, is like that. Don’t get discouraged or down about it. Keep going and work together. If this truly is what you want, then you have to pay dues to get it. Kevin, I got the feeling that at the last show you felt like you were being left out. If I have done anything to cause this, then I am sorry. But my friend, if you really want to learn and see how things work, open your mind to see where things are going in an angle. A lot was being taught, don’t let things get to you. You have a great deal of talent, and my respect. Look at it like this, if I get it all today, what is tomorrow worth.
TJ- You showed me real grit when you hurt your knee and kept going. I saw in you the heart of a champion. Your skills and mind for the business are very commendable. Take your time. Never stop learning. Your respect for the sport is rarely seen anymore. Don’t ever lose it.
Drew- A true sportsman. Whether it be on the mat, or on the field, you put forth 100% every time. I know sometimes you may feel left out, but you’re not. Everybody gets a turn and sometimes you have to sit the bench. Well, when that happens, use it. Study, watch, break down everything, and learn. Let it be fuel to the fire. And please, don’t ever let that fire go out.
Eric- Pure F’n Talent, no gimmick has ever been more true for a performer. You can do amazing things. An athlete like no other for your age. Don’t abuse it. Just because you’re good at what you do, it shouldn’t give you the wrong attitude. Keep your head on straight. You know you’re good, we all know it. Now focus on being the best.
Matt- What can I say to him? He has it all. At the age of 15, he has more respect than most guys in the business do. A pure wrestler with a great mind. Some of the stuff he comes up with makes me a little jealous that I didn’t think of it. He will one day be at the top of our sport. He has it all. There are some who have a fantasy of being a pro wrestler, and some who have a dream. Well he has a dream, and the skills to make it come true. I can see myself in the years to come working with and even for him. I love to talk to him. His knowledge is unbelievable. I can get on the phone or talk to him in person and go on for hours about wrestling. Its not how old you are, but what you have done in those years you’ve been here. He is truly very wise to be so young. For those of you who think you know what is going on, and even may be already in wrestling, sit down with him and he’ll blow your mind.
Travis (broken)- What can I say. Well I can’t say a lot, its just really too hard to put into words here. I’ll start with the word gifted. He has everything. With some work on a few things that only experience can teach, he without a doubt, could make an impact on this sport. The first time I saw him I was blown away until he did something that I didn’t agree with. (He got color a very bad way. He gigged his chest with a piece of glass.) I thought, here is a kid with everything, and to pull this to try to get a pop or heat was wrong. I felt my heart drop when I saw it, but the more I see him, he gets better. Getting back to how he got color, now I hear that he regrets doing it. Well my friend, we all do things that we regret and have stupid mistakes that seem to haunt us for the rest of our lives. You no live with the scars of what you did. From what I hear it bothers you a lot. Well you want to talk scars, I have a scar about 8” down my arm from a stupid stunt pulled in the ring. For the longest time I tried to cover it up. Every time I stood in the ring or walked down the street, someone would ask what I was trying to hide. Well one day I decided that it was time for me to show the world. You know, every time I look down at it I remember what happened. But I go on. Also I have scars on my chest and back and still even break out with from acne. Now for someone who makes a living with their body, I tend to feel self conscious sometimes. But, I go on. I hold my head up and do what I love to do. I still have someone ask me from time to time about my arm or some smart @ss will remark about my back. But, I still go on. You have so much, I am in awe of you. One in a million. I don’t think you realize your potential though. You can achieve great things, not only in the ring, but in the world. I notice how everyone comes up to you at the shows like you’re already a star. Please pull your head out of your @$$. I would enjoy it so much just to sit down and talk to you. It doesn’t have to be about wrestling. It can be anything. I guess what I’m trying to say is that you’re not only something special, but someone special. (And yes I mark out for you.)
Well that’s it for this time. If I pissed you off, good! If I touched your heart, good! If you just don’t give a sh*t either way, well that’s good too.
First off, to catch you up on wrestling, I wrestled two more shows for the IWC. Drake and myself wrestled UDS in Braxton and Richwood a few weeks ago. Had some good matches, but of course when Johnny Blast is involved you know that it is going to be outstanding. Johnny is not only a fine wrestler, but as a person and a friend, he’s the best. Not to leave out Spyder at all, because he’s a great guy and the comic relief of the match. These matches were the most fun I’ve ever had. Other things happened on these shows that will not be mentioned here. The whole kayfabe deal, but I’m sure that they’ll be taken care of.
Also on these shows, a very close and special friend of mine, Lynn Frederick, refereed on these shows. What’s so special about one of my friends working a show with me? Well this was his first time ever to work in pro wrestling. That’s always special for someone, but the kicker is at the time he was only 13 years old. How’s that for an early start! He was asked by the promoter to ref a few matches until the official ref showed up. Lynn then came up to me and asked if it would be ok. Now I have known Lynn just about his whole life. His brother Joey and me are best friends. I have taken Lynn to shows with me before and worked with him a little just to be messing around. I always knew that he had a spot in his heart for wrestling. Not just as a fan of the sport, but how the whole thing worked inside and out. And yes, I even realized he had a talent for it very yound in life.
Joey, his brother, doesn’t care too much about wrestling. That’s cool. “Joe Boy” (the nickname I pinned on him), is very much into fishing. He’s my fishing buddy. When I want to get away from wrestling, I hook up with ol’ “Joey Boy” and hit the lake. (Mind you that this kid could fish in a mud hole and catch something.) They used to live near I do, but had to move due to their parents job. Sometimes I go to Braxton Co. to visit them. During the day, Joey has me on the water, and in the evening Lynn Has me traveling to a show or just hanging out.
Anyway, Lynn was very excited and nervous. He wanted to do this and do it well for me. I was a little concerned so I smartened him up a little. We went through some ref spots, the rules, and talked with the boys before the matches to hekp him out. Well he just did a great job! He really surprised me with good ring presence. So with that, he calls often wanting to know when he can go again and maybe ref a match or two. Hang in there little buddy.
Well let’s see what else has been going on. Oh yeah, James and Shaun worked in Richwood. They did a good job. Training is going well, not only for them, but for the rest of the crew. I hope to see them in APW soon, along with some others.
I hope that everybody enjoyed the surprise rib I pulled on you! You know, Jamie Knoble showing up in Ghent and Oak Hill. We did it for our very good friend Joey Morton. Jamie and I had a good match, but Joey and him tore the house down in Oak Hill. I thought that the whole thing would be good for Joey and the locker room morale in general. Thanks to everyone, from Jamie, Joey, and myself for making him feel so welcome and at home. He said that he has worked for several indy promotions around the country, and that APW was by far the best. (Shoot.) Thanks Jamie, from all of us at APW. Not just the boys, but the fans. Jamie is a commentary in itself. Maybe one day Morton and I can get together and write one.
There is something that I would like to address. Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy everyong “popping” for me. But I’m a heel. (Bad Guy.) I thought I fixed this but here lately, I’m getting a “pop” (response from the fans) like Elton John at a Rainbow Day Parade. I appreciate it, but you’ll get me in trouble again and they might want to turn me if you keep this up. But then again, you pay your money to do what you want, so I’ll leave it in your hands.
Something else I need to address, RESPECT. To get it you must give it. Now I could go on for another 10 pages about this, but I won’t. So here’s the deal. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you! Get it! I will call you on it.
Sorry if this commentary has no hidden meaning or lesson. Maybe it will for someone, but lately at work, things have been hectic and I’ve been sick to boot. I hope this will do for a while and my state of mind gets better. Its like prolonged PMS. I’m getting things worked out. So if I’ve been a prick towards any of you, I’m sorry. Just thank God you’re not Joey (Nelson.) He catches it all. Thanks Joey for putting up with all the B.S.
A lot has been going on since the last commentary a few weeks ago. I’ve been busy trying to build a workout ring for the school. The other one didn’t quite come through. Bookings have kept me pretty busy also. I have been having a lot of fun with the IWC. Last week in Braxton Co., a place I love to go, I had two very special people up there that I don’t get to see as often as I should. Then we worked Richwood the week after that. Both shows had low attendance, but the matches were great. In Braxton I worked Kid Apollo. I had a good match with him. I thought he…well I don’t really know He said he has never worked a match like that before. In Richwood, Drake and myself tagged up against Johnny Blast and Joey Nelson. This was too much fun! I finally got to hook up with Johnny. A classic tag team match up. Probably the most fun I’ve ever had in a match. It ranks up there with my best match with Hamrick and Morton. Good stuff .
On these shows that are on the weekends when no one has to work the next day or go in early, it has become tradition that all of us go out for dinner after the show. I’m sure that later on in life when I look back on some memories of my career or tell a story, some of these events will come up. Shaun and James also got to work each other in Richwood. They had a good match and have been picked up by the IWC for more shows. That makes me very proud. I don’t know if these guys realize how much that they mean to me. Between the cutting up, ribs, and joking around there are some serious moments also. A real bond and a friendship that will last a lifetime. Speaking of bonds and lifelong friendships, the main topic of this commentary will deal with one of mine.
The other day while going through my email, I found one from and old and deal friend of mine. Someone that goes back I’d have to say at least 20 years. Dave Allen. Now me and Dave got hooked up with each other in elementary school. He was the new kid in town just getting to know everyone and the area. One day on the bus, I was sitting a seat behind him when I noticed that he had a wrestling magazine with Mr. Wrestling II’s picture on the cover and the caption “II’s exposed his face to the world” or something like that. I sat back there trying to get a look as he flipped through the pages. I couldn’t stand it anymore and I slipped into the seat with him and shyly asked if it showed II without the hood on. Now him and I not knowing each other, I think we both thought that there was going to be a fight. But I couldn’t stand it any longer and had to see if II revealed his face. Well from there on e after we were buddies, pals, and friends. We were stuck to each other with a common bond of wrestling. We practiced moves on each other and even ordered some masks once and made our own belts. It was great.
I’ll not got too much into the letter from Dave for personal reasons, but he really put me over. I don’t know if it came from a drunken stupor or from a lack of sleep on his part, but the point was well taken. I’ll admit it, he brought out some memories that made me smile, some made me laugh out loud, and others made me cry. Thanks David, I have received things from fans and others, but this really moved me. And I’ll have to agree that its our fault that we never got too serious in our conversations, but we both knew we had each other’s back or shoulder whatever the case may be., brother.
Brother, that word gets thrown around a lot in our business. I don’t even know if half the boys even realize what it means, but I’ll tell them right now what it means. To stick together through anything. A family. Sure at times you feel like killing each other, but when the dust settles and the smoke clears, you stand together. And while we’re on the subject of brothers, Dave, you’re mine. We both went through some tough crap growing up. When my real brother spent the better part of his childhood in the hospital, you were there. He was the one who liked the same things I did, the one that would let me try a hold out on him to see if I had it on right, who went to the matches with me, who seemed like he was always there.
Anyway, there was one point in Dave’s letter that really stuck out. “All these internet marks trying to scoop each other and I wonder if they even understand what the h*ll it is they are trying to scoop.” Amen brother Dave. Also “Where is the respect from some of these younger guys.” (Check Joey Morton’s latest commentary, he brings out some of the same points.) Dave is also in the wrestling business so he knows what he’s talking about. He does some announcing and at one time he did the TV interviews for us in WPW. He always put the matches and the wrestlers over like Gordon Solie did. When we were kids, I can remember Dave would get a hairbrush and we would do interviews in the mirror.
The other day while driving to work, I took the old route through Holden and went past Dave’s old house. I recalled some of the old times, the days when we thought that we’d never grow up and we’d dream of the things we wanted to accomplish. We’re grown up now, but we’re still kids. Well Dave, I think we’re just getting started. You have your radio and paper gig and I have wrestling. We’ve done it, but we’re still not done. By the way, I love you bro.
There is a little girl in North Carolina, who my parents met on vacation this past year. They were in a general store type deal when one of the Youngblood Brothers came from around the corner. My dad noticed him, but didn't recognize who he was until a woman jokingly said "You had better get an autograph picture before he leaves." Then it dawned on the old man who it actually was. (I used to make him watch NWA Mid-Atlantic Wrestling with me when I was a kid. His favorite was Ole Anderson, so that's what made it click on who this guy was. He remembered the Youngblood/Minnesota Wrecking Crew matches.)
Anyway, the woman said if you don't like wrestling then get one for your kids or someone else. My mom said that her son probably already had one or knew him personally and that he was a wrestler also. The woman asked what I wrestled as. Mom told her my ring name, but the lady didn't know me so Mom started dropping names of some of the guys that had been to the house or restaurant or I had spoken to on the phone.
Now the old man sort of acts like he enjoys wrestling, but when they step in or call he totally marks out. On a few occasions, he has talked to Ronnie Garvin on the phone (one of his favorites.) I used to have to beg for a ride when wrestling was in town, but if Garvin was on the card, he was ready to roll. I remember dad asking him what it was like to wrestle Andre inside the steel cage. I asked him who he was talking to and he said "Ronnie Garvin", and to "wait a minute until he was alone." I got the old- "I pay the bills here so you'll have to wait!" Another time, Wahoo called...same thing happened. Once even, George The Animal Steele called and he couldn't get over just how intelligent he was. Mom's husband, what a piece of work.
Speaking of Mom, once she brought home some K.F.C. because she knew we were wrestling up the hollow where we live. (Yep, I live up a holler.) She figured that some of the boys would probably stop by, well they did. The Batten Twins stopped in to make sure of where they were going and mom fed them. It was pretty much eat or she’ll lock you up in the barn until you do. I think Mom has a thing for them because as we were leaving she said to be careful and not to hurt Bart and Brad. (What?!?) When she saw them on Jerry Springer she couldn’t believe what was going on. She said, “I thought they were such nice boys, why would they do such a thing like that?” (speaking of the story on the show.) She was a little upset until I clued her in a little.
Anyway, back to the point. After talking with the lady a while, they found out why Mr. Youngblood was there. It was a special autograph session set up for her daughter. This little girl is confined to a wheelchair and has spinabifita. Her mom said that she couldn’t do much, but when wrestling is on TV or in town, she really comes alive and for a while forgets about her illness. She says if she could walk, she would become a wrestler, and if they would please have their son send her a letter and an autographed picture. Well with your help, we’re gonna do better than that. I’m asking that everyone that can please sign a picture for her, or get a tape of one of your matches to send her, to do so. If any of you fans have something you would like to send, please pitch in also. It would be greatly appreciated.
I don’t know if any of you have ever been in a situation like this, but if you have then you can understand. One time Psycho and myself were wrestling in Ashland, KY when one of the promotions backers, a doctor in the area, came up to us and asked us to please follow him to the hospital after the show. Someone very special wanted to see us, so we agreed to go. We were thinking that it was a kid with chicken pox , mumps, maybe even a bad tonsil surgery or something along those lines, and they just needed someone to pick them up a little bit. Well we arrived at the hospital and the doctor told us before we went up that this was a “very special young man.” His condition was very bad, borderline critical actually. So now we didn’t know what to expect.
When we got to the floor that he was on, a lady and a man came up to greet us and said they wanted to thank us for taking time to visit. As we walked down the hall to the room, the parents and doctor were telling us that when he was stronger they used to take him to the shows in the area. He said that Psycho and A.D.R. were always a favorite with him. All this time, Tony and myself were trying to figure out who it was. We always made time to meet as many people as possible. We made our way to the room and the doctor told us to give him a moment to get him ready.
The door opens and he asked us to come in. There we saw this little guy laying there with no arms or legs. He had been born that way. We then recognized who he was recalling him being at some of the shows we had worked. The doctor went to his side and told him “A few friends have stopped by to see you.” The little guy opened his eyes and struggled to look our way. His eyes lit up as he saw us. Barely conscious, with wires, tubes, and machines everywhere…he smiled. He couldn’t speak, but he didn’t really have to say a thing. We understood.
After a while of talking to him, Tony pulled out a mask he used to wear from time to time and gave it to him to remember our visit. (He had pictures and posters all over the place in his room that his parents had put up for him.) I had on a white satin jacket that I used to wear to the ring. He laid there staring up at the glow off of it like he was hypnotized. I took it off and laid it down beside him and said “here’s something from me and the next time I see you at a show, you have to have it on.” Tears started to roll down his little face as he wanted to say thank you to us, but couldn’t. I said “we understand, thank you for not only being our fan, but also being our little buddy.” We prayed with him just before he fell asleep and said our goodbyes. The family again thanked us for coming and the doctor said that that was the most response he had shown in weeks.
Making our way out of the hospital was pretty tough. Nothing was said, we just walked to the car. We got inside and we just sat there. We looked up to his window and started to cry thinking about our new friend. Someone in a few short minutes had changed our lives forever.
About two weeks later, the doctor called and said he had some news for us. Hoping for the best, we heard the worst. He said the boy had died earlier that day, and he wanted us to know that our friend had went peacefully in his sleep…with his mask and jacket by his side. He said the last two weeks of his life were painful, but when he was feeling down, all he would do was stare at the things Tony and I had left for him. There are a few things in life that you just don’t want to know. That phone call was one.
Now I’m not trying to make myself out as some kind of a saint or something, but I just thought this might inspire you to do something to help. We all have so much, even more than we realize. We have the ability….no, the gift to change lives. Whenever I get down or to full of myself, there’s always this song that comes on. “Ships that Don’t Come In” by Joe Diffie. It keeps me in check.
So let’s get together and do something. It may not mean much to us, but it could to someone else. Let’s not do this to make us out as heroes, we already have done that. Let’s do something from the heart. Just like every time we step between those ropes. You know there comes a point where its not all for you anymore. Its for those people who put you between those ropes. The fans. That might sound like some hokey B.S., but its true (and you know it.)
Thank you . If you yourself want to send something to this little girl, just email me and I’ll send you the address.
Well here we go. To start, I’ve been busy this past week (so this may be a little late. Sorry!) with work and wrestling. Well we won’t get into the work thing, but the wrestling thing is why we’re all here. Tuesday at APW was great! Scott and myself were booked to work the Battens. Well they didn’t show. I hope everything is alright with them. I have a great deal of respect for them, and the history we have. Anyway, 5 minutes before the show the booker said to find a couple of guys to work with and come up with something.
Well after trying to find a team that would make any sense, I snatched up Joey and ran something by him and Scottie. We had a good storyline to work with, but one thing was lacking…Joey’s partner. Scott suggested Big Randy. A very good choice. Randy was down about a lot of things that were going on in his life at the moment, and we decided this would not only be good for him, but for the whole show. Boy was it. We tore the place down. The story fell into place and the match was very good. I’ll not go into the details of the match, so please check out Donnie’s Fan Perspective and TR Starr’s Wrap Up Report. Two of my favorite reads, and if you missed it then SHAME ON YOU! By the way, I want to put over Drake Tungsten. He had another excellent match. Not because of the color he got during the match, but the match as a whole. Drake has really come along as of late. Keep up the good work my friend. Also before the show, I got in the ring and worked out with Nicole Starr. She really surprised me with what she knows. Keep at it girl and hang in there.
On Thursday I worked for NWA All Star at Concord College. An outside show with a great crowd to work with. I took along another one of my students, Shaun. This kid is just a great person to be with. While waiting for the show to start, the promoter came up and asked where Joey was. I told him that he had taken his girlfriend to a doctor’s appointment and that he said he would try to make it. Well, Joey didn’t make it. Something must have came up. Then he asked me if Shaun could work and I told him to give me a few minutes and I’d talk to him and see if he thought he could. After talking with Shaun for a while, I decided he could do the match. He had already had a few “matches” for his family and friends and we have worked out a few times. So he was going to get to prove what he was made of.
Well he took Joey’s place against Rip Manson, so I had them go over the match with me and I gave them a few pointers. These two young men did a fine job. They really showed me something out there. A very good showing for them both and I am extremely proud of them both. I wrestled Eric St. Clair in a good match later on. The crowd was very easy to work with so we didn’t have to do a lot. They got into the match big time, and we had a great time performing. It was also good to see some old friends that I haven’t talked to in a while.
After the show was over, Shaun and myself had about a two hour drive home. Now on the way up to the show, talk was pretty much BS’ing. After we ate dinner and hit the road, we both started to open up to each other. There’s just something about the drive home after a show at night that brings out a lot of personal things. Its where you can learn a lot about someone. We talked about wrestling, things we had done, people we know, girls, some old road stories, and our favorite subject…James. (He’s something else, you just have to know him.)
During one part of our conversation, Shaun said that I was his hero. Well I told him there is more to choosing a hero than by what they are, its who they are. He went on to tell me about when he was a boy he came to a show and had a picture made with me and my belt. He always told James that one day he would wrestle me and take my WPW TV Title away. I thought that was cool. He started telling me about matches that I had, ones that I had forgotten about, but he could tell you move for move what happened. He also said that even if I was a “bad guy” or a “good guy”, that I always made time for the fans, which I thought was great. I said if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be there so give them the best that you’ve got not only as a performer, but as a person. He said when he was growing up, he was going to be the next A.D.R.and he knows enough about me to make me his hero. (I don’t know about being the next A.D.R. I think you can be better.)
When I first met Shaun, I thought that he was just trying to get over with me by some of the things that he said and did. Well, after getting to know him that night, and now knowing how sincere he is, he in his own way was trying to get over…but he was also wanting to be my friend. It worked. The boy almost had me in tears a few times during our conversation. I’m glad that things worked out the way that they did that day. It would have been nice to have Joey and James with us, but things happen for a reason. Instead of a hero talking to an admirer, or a teacher talking to a student, it turned out to be a friend talking to a friend.
I can’t imagine my life without Shaun, James, Joey, and the rest of the crew. They came around when I really needed them. I was going to hang it all up, but now its like I’m just getting started again. Thanks my friends.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, try to give everybody a chance. You never know what might come out of a simple conversation. You might be inspired by something that they say or even better, make a friend. Don’t just “hear” what they say, “listen” to what they’re saying. (There is a difference.) You might just screw up and learn something.
Well that’s about it. I’m sorry that its taken a while to update you. My next commentary will be about this past week, it should be up soon after this one. I’m trying to catch up. Thanks again!!! Let me know what you think on this one. God bless.
Hey, how's everybody doing? Fine I hope. Sorry that its taken so long to get around to a new commentary, but things have been very busy. Joey lost someone very special to him and I didn't want to trouble him with putting this up. Regardless of what's happened and how busy we've been, we won't keep you waiting any longer (unlike some people...JOEY MORTON!)
Over the past two weeks, I have been working for a new company, the IWC. I've had some good matches there. They are running central WV and with time I think that they will do alright. But have no fear, APW is my home and I'll not leave.
If you missed last Tuesday, you missed a great show. APW started the Heavyweight Title Tournament, good stuff. It was also good to see an old pal there, Punchy McGee. He and Brute had a great match and I even found myself "marking out" for this one.
Saturday I wrestled in Madison, WV (some of my old stomping grounds) for the IWC. Not a very good crowd as far as numbers, but they really got into it. I worked one of my students, Big Gordy. The match was ok, but he was nervous because most of the boys were APW crew and Ward was there watching too. It was like a tryout match for him. He beat the crap out of me, but it was fun though. One big kick to the face I wasn't expecting nearly made me bite my tongue off. That hurt, but I guess he did well enough to get a match in Oak Hill according to the booker. So watch out for him. He is about 6'4", 400 lbs.
Something else I'm very excited about is a training school opening soon where I live. Some of the guys from WPW are getting it going and I'll have a place to work out and train with some of my new students. Most of these boys are from the HCW. They have had a few "matches" and need some work. I can't wait to get together with them and start some real training.
The whole HCW thing started when I went to one of their "shows", and noticed that a few of these guys had some real potential. One in particlular being Joey. I went to the show just to see Psycho and Gordy work and to meet up with some friends I haven't seen in a while (Matt and Drew.) I walked around the dressing room and said hello to everyone I knew and watched parts of some of the matches. Some of these kids already being "superstars" didn't think it would be "cool" to come up aand meet me. "Oh well," i thought I'll just do my thing and stay out of the way.
The night went on and I meet the promoter in the hall. We talked for a minute and I asked him how long he had been in the business. He looked down at his watch and said, "Since around 8 o'clock this morning." (This would explain the attitude...riiiiight.)
The kids I knew would come up after their match and sak what they needed to work on and to do differently. I would give them advice and encourage them to work harder.
It was getting time for the main even. A 3-way ladder match (ok.) While I was standing in the hall, a young man in the match came up to me and said "You're Danny Ray aren't you?" Now this kid had class, respect, and honor. He put his hand out and said "Its a pleasure to meet you." As we were shaking hands, he had a nervous look in his eyes. He introduced himself and I told him I would watch his match. (I don't think it helped the nerves much.) I had been watching him all night, the way he carried himself, and the way he was doing everything with so much thought and respect to every detail. This kid had it and didn't even know it.
The match was ok for what they were doing. Highspots, a few basic wrestling moves, and a lot of "taders."
After it was over, I saw a few people I know hanging around so I talked with them a while, thinking this kid would at least come over and ask me what I though of the match. He never did. So I started over to him and was going to let him have it. I mean I watched his wrestling match and stuck around to talk to him and I was getting "stooged!!!" OH H*LL NO! As I approached him he said he was sorry that he hadn't made it over to me, that he had to help with the ring. (He cut me off.) Then he went on to tell me what a day he was having. I was going to cut him off when I looked up into his eyes and saw something you don't see often. I read him like a book. He was beat down, tired, and still sweating, totally worn out, but the gleem was still there. After talking a while, I realized what he was going through. Helping with the ring, setting up the matches, booking, cleaning up after the show. Its happened to me. He then asked where I worked out and I told him wherever I could, and asked him if he would like to larn more and gave him my number. I told him "if you're serious and wanted to learn to call me...if not, don't f*ck with me. You don't have to want to do it. You have to NEED to do it. Think hard about what I just told you and we'll see what happens."
A few weeks later, the phone rings and its him (Joey.) We had a serious conversation for a while, then we just started to B.S. It was like I had known this kid my whole life. We started working out and he started travelling with me and meeting my wrestling family and he just fell into place. He has had a few matches and is doing well. He has a mind for wrestling and natural talent. He works hard. Sometimes I have to ring his ears to get him in the game. I have met some of this friends from HCW and they have the same dream he does. It will be a pleasure to work with these guys teaching them the right way and respect for what they are doing.
Working with Joey has made me realize what I'm in wrestling for. Its not where I go or do, its helping bring these kids up the right way. Not only in wrestling, but in life. I hope they will come to know that its not all about the sport, but everything they do in life.
When I first started training Joey, I told him I would take him and maybe someone else, that's what I thought anyway. After meeting these young men (the HCW boys), and seeing the desire in them to move ahead and want to learn, I couldn't let them down. These guys got their break to get in, but weren't taught a thing. They were just used by people not trying to build them up, but tear them down. I understand all too well what they were going through. Its happened to me. I was told that its all part of "paying your dues." Well its not. Using someone like that is wrong. Giving them false hope and promising things you'll not deliver and knowing it, well I don't do that. I was done the same way by some of the same people. Then someone saw potential in me and brought me up the right way. (Thanks Rick.) I have learned from the best and the worst.
There is something these boys don't know, not even Joey. I haven't told him, but when he reads this he will know. Jeff Land and myself went to Williamson, WV one night to watch Psycho wrestle. We weren't on the card because we were let go by this company. We went to support Tony anyway. While watching the show I saw this tag match with some young men who had potential. They tried really hard to do the best they could. Some of the crowd got up and went to the bathroom or concession stand during this match, but not me. I sat there watching every move, telling Jeff that if these boys had some direction and proper training, they could be outstanding workers. I had chills and could feel my hair stand as I watched them try so hard.
They got a few pops for the highspots, but that was about it. After the match was over, the crowd was somewhat quiet but showed them that they had done ok. As for me, I was the guy at ringside who stood up and applauded your effort.
After the show, I wanted so much to go up and talk to them and teach them some spots or give advice, but I didn't. My pride got in the way. I thought that if this company wanted to use them in that way, the so be it. The company didn't want me after all I had done for them in the past, then that was ok by me. I was wrong, but I did say to myself or maybe even prayed that these young men would get what they deserve and get the proper training someway to live out these dreams.
Well I guess I got what I asked for, because now all these guys are working out with me and travelling the country with me. Not only are they learning from me, but some of the best workers in the business. We have a long way to go, but I know we're going to get there. I learn as much from them as they do from me.
So with that being said, here is a list of some of the boys that I'll have the pleasure in teaching and learning from. (Some are past students that are just coming home.)
Travis "Tre" Adams-(multi-talented, a commentary in his own)
Shawn Edwards-(one of a kind)
James Stephens-(words can't express)
Adam Richardson-(Desire)
Eric Darkstorm-(pure talent)
T.J. Allen-(A true respect)
(p)
Kevin Avery-(dedication)
Matt McCormick-(on the way...The Future)
Drew Wellman-(fire)
Broken (Travis)-(someone so mature at such a young age. What he writes really hits the soul. Gifted-very special.)
Thanks Joey, I love you my friend. Until next time, thanks to the ones who reas this. Much love and God bless!
Danny Ray
This past week has been pretty good. Sorry I missed Tuesday, Joey and I were busy. Not showing up for an APW event makes me feel like something’s missing. I love this promotion and everybody involved. It truly is the best place I’ve ever worked, and I have been just about everywhere over the past 15 years.
The other night while just driving around not going anywhere, (that’s where I do my best thinking…besides the bathroom. I believe most of the greatest inventions through history were thought up on the bowl.) Anyway, I was thinking about the state of APW. I get excited when I do. I’ll have a special commentary on APW soon. But anyhow, when I got back to town I hooked up with Bobo and we had dinner (Nelson’s Diner, Main St. & Rt. 10 Chapmanville, WV.) Then we stopped in to see Psycho and our old buddy Shannon was there. He asked if I had heard the news.
Now living in a small town, we were expecting anything. Things like who got whooped, what so & so did/said, or who was going to have to sleep at the station tonight. Well he told us about the WWF buying out WCW and I didn’t want to believe it. So I went to the Fire Dept. to get on the computer to check things out for myself. Oh no! Its true. What a shame, I mean heartbreak really set in. This can’t happen. Now I’m sure it will make for some good TV, but this is totally against the Laws of Nature. It made me completely sick. Now don’t get me wrong when I say this, the WWF has great athletes, but some storylines and angles just go way too far. Most recently, the episode with Vince and Trish. This made me want to throw up. Making her strip, treating her and the fans like his little playthings. All I could say while my buddies were whooping and hollering was, “They went too far.” They raped my first love (wrestling.) The very thing that means so much to me, my life, the only thing I know. Now don’t get me wrong on that part either. I like pretty girls as much as the next guy, but to have one strip on TV if she wanted to or not, is wrong. Its her job, and I’m sure that he let her know it. But to get cheap heat like that, its just wrong. And I’ll tell the S.O.B. to his face that its GARBAGE. Where’s the sport in that? Now I know that Trish and Linda will have their own brand of justice, but my God, this is awful. They talk about and bash these kids doing backyard wrestling. I’ll agree that most of them suck, but some of these young men are trying in their own way to live a dream. Maybe even make it and go on to the show. Its fun for them to impersonate their heroes, we all do that to an extent. But I have never heard of them having a naked woman running around.
I have worked for the WWF on occasion on their “B” shows. If I had known what was coming, I would have declined the offer.
Now back to WCW. Why? I can understand the financial troubles, but fellas that is your fault. Ted Turner has put so much in it over the years to turn it around. And for a while it did. Then when the industry had a bad setback, you blamed it on Eric Bischoff. His fault? No, it was the corporate pricks who thought they knew how to run the business. Well you may know how to run “a” business, but not a wrestling show. You guys have no clue whatsoever. They thought by getting rid of Eric, and bringing in Vince Russo that things would just turn around. Vince Russo is a “Jamoke.” (Don’t get me started on this guy.) He’s just as big of a smut king as Vince McMahon and Larry Flint.
I hate to see what they’ll do with WCW. If they let it run as its own promotion with the creative deparments booking storylines, and keep it a wrestling company instead of a whorehouse, it might be a good move. With the inter-promotional angles, it will be interesting. But if they turn it into a testing ground for smut TV, I don’t want to watch. We’ll see.
What happened to the days of the NWA, the 4 Horsemen (Ric, Arn, Tully, J.J., etc.), Barry, Lex, Dusty, Magnum, the Koloffs, Rock-N-Roll Express, Midnight Express? If you want a taste of what it was, then come to APW. We have that flavor. Good wrestling matches, great storylines, and entertaining workers.
Now you might say that was then, but ask yourself when did most of you start watching wrestling. Was it the 80’s? Did it mean something then? Is that when you fell in love with it? It all happened to me when I was 6 years old. My friends at school were talking about football, baseball, and basketball. Not of that really interested me. Until one day my friend Rudy (God keep his soul. Rest in peace. I miss and love you old friend) and me were outside on the playground standing against the wall after not getting picked for whatever game they were playing. We stood there and watched for a while, then he said “That ain’t no fun anyway, lets’ go rassle.” I didn’t know what he was talking about. He said it came on Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. on WTBS and that I had to check it out.
So Saturday I was sitting around flipping through the channels, and I came across what he was telling me about. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before. This was the coolest sport I’d ever saw. There were these guys like Austin Idol, the Superstar, Ted Dibiase, the Freebirds, Mr. Wrestling II, and last but not least, Tommy “Wildfire” Rich. My God, where had I been the first 6 years of my life. This was without a doubt the best thing I had ever seen. I knew then that I would never be the same.
Monday back at school, Rudy didn’t have to ask if I had watched it, he knew. I couldn’t shut up about it. It was like he introduced me to the girl of my dreams. It was love at first site. (That happened again later that year, but that’s a whole other story.)
I have caught a lot of junk over the years over me wanting to be a wrestler, excuse me rassler. But I did it and I lived my dream starting when I was 15 years old I remember when I was a police officer, (something else that I wanted to be and got to do.) I didn’t pass a test I needed and was called into the mayor’s office. She really got on me. She told me “Straighten up and pass the next round, or you’re gone. State regulations say you need this. You’re a good policeman and I’d hate to let you go.” I said I would do better the next time and for her not to worry. Then I guess it may have been bad timing, but I asked her if I could switch shifts or have that Saturday off to go wrestle. She turned several shades of red and was going on about “You didn’t hear a word I just said before.” Then she asked me a trick question. “Do you want to be a police officer, or a wrestler?” Now mind you I know my answer as sure as there’s a God in Heaven, but the next words out of my mouth were “a policeman”, (I lied) to keep the heat down. She said “Good, act like one.”
Oh well, the whole cop thing didn’t quite work out. I passed their test. I have several people there who saw me do it. But I guess God had other plans for me. It was something I had wanted to do, and I did it even after everybody said that I wouldn’t, but the other thing that I had to be won out. I think I was put in wrestling for a reason, don’t know exactly what for yet, but it always wins out over anything else that I have ever done. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It has brought me the people in my life that mean so much to me and that makes it worth going on. I’ve been blessed.
My happiness at APW has no equal. My career in general; if I make it back to the big time or not, I’m still doing what I love to do and where I love to do it. I’m happy. There has never been anything that compares to this sport and the people in it This is my sport…no OUR sport.
I can’t hit, throw, catch, or run that well, but I can wrestle, get over, and entertain the fans. I’d like to say to my co-workers, the guys coming up, and the fans, let’s take care of her (wrestling.) She’s always taken care of you. I’ll never forget that Saturday night I was first tuned in. I knew even then that I would never be the same. The night I first fell in love. (Thanks Rudy!)
Love y'all,
Danny Ray
First off, I’d like to tell you about me going to church last Sunday. Oh yeah, me leading by example. (Not really, Joey had to drag me kicking & screaming.) Well, maybe It didn’t happen exactly that way, but I went anyway. I showed up at the church, got in my seat in the back row, had my crayons and coloring book, when Joey’s mom came back and asked me to sit with her. I said “I’m fine,” she said please, and then proceeded to wrestle the crayons and coloring book away. She sat a little closer to the front, but I’m brave and went. The preacher had everyone stand, had prayer, singing, etc. Then he introduced the mime team, of which Joey is a big part of.
That pretty much is the reason I went. To watch the performance. I always thought that miming was someone who painted up with a white face acting like they were trapped in a box or behind a piece of glass they couldn’t get out of. But I was there to support Joey. Boy was I wrong. The program these young people presented was great. Music, acting, and a story. It was the most powerful thing that I have ever witnessed. I have never been so moved like that before in my life. It felt like I was going to explode. Very good stuff, and if you ever get a chance, please go see it. You’ll never be the same. I know I won’t.
Now onto business. Something that’s been bothering me recently is a situation not directly in APW, but around it. Mainly the forum on www.apwwrestling.com . If you have not checked it out, then do so. For the most part it is very good. You can read arena reports, leave messages, converse with fans, and check up on Joey Morton and see how great he is. (Yeah right!) Anyway, this issue has been quiet for about a week now, but now I am going to have my say. If you are easily offended, then exit now and go onto www.geocities.com/joeymorton for a good laugh.
I’ll call this little lesson, “The Dreamer and the Dream.”
It is my opinion that there are too many “Boys” in the business today. Now don’t get me wrong, everybody has a dream and I don’t want to deprive anyone of that. But over the last 5 years or so, a lot of people have gotten into wrestling simply because its “cool.” Well I hate to piss on your fire, but its not as “cool” as you think. Now I’m not saying that everybody that has gotten in over the past few years are not deserving of their spot. Most are. This time period has brought us some very gifted and talented workers. But this is for you no-talent, put me over anyway even though I can’t work, no “respect” little pricks who run your mouth on the web, in the locker room, or behind someone’s back. Not only these people, but the internet “smart marks” who think they know everything about this sport. HORSE SH*T! Now that I have gotten your attention, let me outwork you and beat you to the punch. I suck and know that I suck. I may not be the best wrestler on the card, but guess what, I CAN GET OVER! And in my 15 years in the sport, I have learned my craft very well.
This brings me to my next point, Nicole Starr. A young lady who has a dream, who tried, who made it into the ring. She may not have done her best, or hasn’t trained enough, but she did it. She was there. She needs more work, but who doesn’t? She may have been put out there too soon, but I think that with time, hard work, and if she wants it, she will get it. Providing she has the 3 main ingredients. (Want, Fire, and Desire.)
This situation has brought some turmoil in APW. That’s for them to work out, but this is for you know-it-all bastards out there who want to tear somebody down. I’m not taking up for her, well yes, maybe I am and for all these others out there who are catching the same thing. We all have dreams, and if you want to achieve it, you must work hard and train to get it. Don’t quit, you may not get to the top, but you will have a feeling of accomplishment. Some of you may even get there. Whichever way your destiny and the grace of God takes you, you did it and you made your mark.
It reminds me of one time some of the boys were making fun of this one guy. Jerry Lawler came up and said “Would you all like a piece of advice?” They all said “Sure! Anything the King says is worth its weight in gold.” He said, “Always have some sort of respect for someone because you never know who they might turn out to be.” Ain’t that the truth.
A little piece of advice from me. Shoot for the moon and even if you miss you’ll be among the stars. Here are a few examples of what I’m saying.
One young man in particular comes to mind. This young man was small, but had a good build. Talented and gifted. He had the best training that Joey Morton and myself could offer. I took him with me everywhere I went, so did Joey and Dan. They all said he was very good, but your size will keep you from going anywhere other than the independents. Well guess what, that young man now works for WCW and is a major player in the cruiserweight division. (We love you Jamie!)
Another young man who had a dream. Everybody said “You’re a big boy, and you’ll make a good wrestler.” Nearly 400 lbs. But they laughed at him behind his back. Some even told him he would fall flat on his face. He worked hard. Guess what, he is doing it and he’s pretty darn good at it. Every time he gets in the ring he shows me something else. He also has a mind for it…or should I say heart. (Love ya Bobo!)
This also can be said for a lot of others out there. Joey, Travis, Tyson, Matt, Drew, Big Randy, J.R. and James. Hang in there!
I attended a backyard show Saturday. Joey has some friends who are into this and I knew some of the kids. For the most part it sucked, but I saw in a few in them the fire. Some of these young men really put forth an effort to have a wrestling match. Some did it because its “cool.” I paid no attention to the “cool” ones, but ones who approached it with great respect. This one match that caught my attention was the smaller ones. But when the light bulbs got busted and the barbed wire came into play it took a lot away from it. One kid cut his chest with a piece of glass to get color. “Cool” I guess? Whatever.
Some advice for a few of them. Shane, Wolverine, T.J. (Vega), and Eric. Any experience good or bad, is still experience. And that’s something that can’t be taught. Just try to learn from it all. And if its meant to be, doors will open for you. So if you want it, no NEED IT, keep knocking and when it does come open, go on in. (I guess that goes for other things in life too don’t it Joe?)
Well, until next week, Class is Dismissed. Be good and be careful!
Love ya,
Danny Ray
P.S. Stay tuned to APW. The booking team and promoter has a lot of things in store. I hear that Ward is going to hire a new commissioner to stir things up? We’ll see.
Now on to the "family" deal. When God puts you on this Earth, you're born into your natural family (you have no choice in this one, so just make the best of it.) Then as you move through life, you meet friends and they become your second family. They're the ones you're judged by. I have a few people such as this, my chosen family. So kids, with this in mind, remember the old saying "There are two things in life a man needs to watch. Who he chooses as his friends, and where he puts his pecker. (Be careful.) I am so lucky..no I am so blessed! Thanks for all the work on this site. Through these commentaries, I'll give you some history about myself, news, and probably some shoot a little. Here we go.
Well here's a little history to start things off. I started wrestling at the age of 15. I put up the ring and refereed for what was then A.I.W. for Steve Podunavac and Larry Bowling. A.I.W. would later be named W.P.W. and be ran by Steve and Big Bob McCoy. These (especially Dan Christian) were the people who trained me...along with anyone who I could sit down and talk or listen to. Later on, I met up with Rick Newsome, who gave me a lot of knowledge and polished me up a little. This is where I started networking myself.
I worked for about every promotion across the country in one way or another, but mainly in the south. I never liked going up north that much. It was a different brand of wrestling I guess. Up there it was wrestling, down here its rasslin'. I'm into rasslin'. Anyways remind me to tell the story about the time Tommy Gibson, Excalibur, Psycho, and myself went to work a show in Pittsburgh.
Back to the history, I've been alot of places. I once worked for the N.W.A. when I was 20 years old, but that only lasted for a week because I got home sick. (Stupid move.) Later on I would work the NWA Reunion Tour for 2 weeks. We'll get into that sometime later.
Things slowed down with the industry in our area until Steve hired Jeff Lane (The Doctor) to be over the operations in W.P.W. We had some great times then. We had TV, solid workers, and good storylines. We had a good run then, and maybe we'll go again I hope. I then had to grow up. I was working security for a ling while and doing shows whenever I could. After that, I became a police officer for 2 years. I guess I've been just about everything a boy ever wanted to be. Drove big trucks, worked in the coal mines, became a policeman, a fireman, and a pro-wrestler.
After a while, a good friend of mine J.R. told me about a company that ran Bradley, WV every Tuesday night and that I should come up. He said that alot of my old friends were there. Scottie McKeever, War Machine, Ricky Morton, and some new guys that I'd met Brian Douglas and Ritchie Action. Me being "Old School", I didn't want to go uninvited so this went on for a while.
Then J.R. called and said that Beaver (Scottie) wanted me to come up and check things out. He had pull with the booker and would talk for me. Time went on and APW moved its operations to Oak Hill, a town with wrestling history. I was asked again to come up for a meet and greet, and it turned into me wrestling Beav. in a match the first night there. I had a ball and blew up, but it was great! I met alot of old friends and new faces. I guess you could call it a comeback seeing as how for about a year or so I had only had a few matches. But some of the boys thought I was some new kid thinking that maybe I was gonna take somebody's spot. Needless to say, I felt a little out of place and didn't feel any respect towards me. So I thanked the "Office" and they said to come back anytime. I thought they were just being nice to me.
After a while, things changed again in A.P.W. J.R. Kept after me to come back, and I told him that when I'm invited back I will. Things started to pick up again, and some of the boys were working for 5 Star out of Fallsview, WV and J.R. called and said they wanted me to come up for the show. By this time J.R., knowing the deal about the respect thing, told everybody who didn't know how much experience I had and where I had been. Good Ol' J.R. There I met some new and very talented people. I think there was maybe 8-19 people in the crowd that night, but the boys gave everything that they had. I worked a guy by the name of Scottie Lime (McComas) that night, and he came up before the match and asked what I wanted to do. I told him not too much, just the basic stuff. He was really glad because he said he wasn't into the flying around B.S. He just wanted to rassle. I knew at that point that I had found a friend. We had a good match that night and everybody asked me to come to Oak Hill. The rest is history.
A.P.W. has an excellent locker room. Everybody helps out sort of like a family atmosphere. The booker put me in a program with Scottie, and made us a tag team. Good stuff! This has to be the best promotion that I've ever worked for. The promoter, booker, advisor, staff, and crew have been so good to me. I love it! Expect great things from A.P.W.
Well that's it for this week. Hope you're not asleep! Thanks for visiting my site and stay tuned for the next installment of Old School 101.
Danny Ray
Well here we go again, another long-awaited commentary. There has been a lot going on (too much.) I’d like to say that I’m sorry for being late with this, but that would just be an excuse for my laziness.
Danny Ray
Hello everybody. Hope everyone is doing well, because I know I sure am. Thanks for your responses concerning the little girl I mentioned in the last commentary. It has been unbelievable and I couldn’t thank you enough. The offer still stands anytime you want to send something, so just let me know or send it to her yourself. I really appreciate it and I know she will.
Danny Ray
I need your help here this week. I don't know how many of the "boys" read this, so if you would, pass along the word on this.
Danny Ray
Class is now in session. (I like that, I might start using it. Flair has “Now we go to school.” Oh well.) How is everyone? Good I hope. As always I want to thank everybody who reads my commentary. I enjoy hearing from you and what you think about them. I never know where they’re going, and I just set down and let it flow. People tell me that they get a lot from my commentaries. Thanks for that, because it means a lot to me.
4-16-01
Here we are again, another commentary. My last one had a lot of responses so thanks. I really enjoy reading your comments and hearing from you all. The last part hit some nerves. Good, it was meant too.
Commentary for the week of 3/19/01
Well here we go again, another commentary. The response that I had from the first one was great! Thanks to everyone who read it and responded. I hope that this one matches up. Until I get a message board, please if you will respond, comment, or B.S. on my guestbook or email. I don’t know where I’m going with these things until I sit down to write them. There are a lot of things that I would like to say, so we’ll just have to go with the flow.
Commentary for the week of 3/6/01