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PWINSIDER Q&A: FINLAY, DECEMBER TO DISMEMBER, XWF AND MORE

Answered on 11/25

Everyone says Finlay is probably going to win comeback of the year award, but who was Finlay before he left to be an agent? I can't seem to remember.

He actually wasn't a WWE wrestler before, so if you weren't a fan of WCW back in the day, you probably aren't familiar with his work.  Finlay put together an impressive career in Germany and Great Britain in the 80's, becoming a huge star in the early 90's and doing some tours of New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he first was noticed by WCW, who brought him in during the mid-90's.  He became part of a strong crop of great workers on WCW undercards, holding the TV title and feuding with Chris Benoit, Booker T and William Regal. 

I was listening to the tape delay elite q&a with Mike and Buck and with all of the talk of how Vince/Kevin Dumbass (sorry for the profanity) Dunn have dismantled ECW, isn't the name of the December "WWECW" PPV significant? I think the December to Dismember PPV name is significant because whatever vestiges of ECW are left (not many if any I know) because that will be the final nail on the coffin to whatever potential the fans were hoping for when we heard ECW was coming back.

Actually, "December To Dismember" is what the original ECW used to call their events that followed the November To Remember show.  None of them were released on home video, so the name was never as popular as Hardcore Heaven, Heatwave or the other ECW names.  

So, I was wondering, with the new AWA DVD out, and it being produced by the WWE and WWE owning the name AWA and tapes, how is it that there are indys that use the same name and logos of the AWA?

I imagine because these groups had an existing deal in place when WWE purchased the tape library and logo, they can continue to use the name until their agreements with the Gagnes run out (since I don't see WWE allowing anyone to use their property). 

I happened to pick up a used copy of "The Lost Episodes of the XWF" at my local comic book store. While it wasn't exactly groundbreaking or innovative, I found it pretty interesting. There were a few wrestlers that I've never heard of or seen before. I was just looking for a little bit more information on Vapor, Ian Harrison, Drezden, Hail, and Knuckles. Did they ever do any other work in the U.S.? I didn't think they were great workers, but they did have a good look. I'm surprised Vince hadn't pick them up because of that, especially Drezden, Hail, and Ian Harrison.

I don't know about Vapor or Dresden, but Ian Harrison is a former Mr. Universe, and other than working some indy dates in Florida, I think he is working as a trainer.  Hail, also known as Emory Hale, passed away in January of this year after dealing with kidney problems for several years. 

Do you know of any plans to have Harry Smith, Paul Burchill or Steve Lewington on WWE TV soon? If so which show.

I know there were plans to introduce Harry Smith on Raw, but for some reason that seems to have been put on hold.  Steve Lewington and Paul Burchill have been working in OVW, with no word on either coming up any time soon. 

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