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PWINSIDER Q&A: WWE HOUSE SHOWS, TRAVELING OVERSEAS, BROTHER RUNT AND MORE

Answered on 6/6

My question deals with house shows. How tightly formatted are they? For example, let’s say Benoit and MVP want to do 40 minutes for whatever reason would they actually be allowed to go out and do it? I would think that if the younger guys are ever going to learn the craft they need the ring time so what better place than the house shows.

The house shows are formatted and match times are determined in advance, since there are logistical considerations (how long they have the building for, how long it will take the crew to load out, where they are traveling to next) that have to be taken into account when planning a show.  If someone like a Benoit wanted to go long, he could go to the agents and ask for more time and they would consider it, but it would have to be cleared with them first.  Wrestlers can't "go long" on their own or just for the sake of doing it. I do agree that house shows are a great place to have longer matches that enable talent to learn "on the job". 

It was mentioned that the WWE once toured the country of India. Were the wrestlers, male and female, ever instructed how to conduct themselves over there with what happened to the actor Richard Gere when he hugged the Bollyhood actress with such passion leading for both individuals to be arrested?

Whenever WWE goes overseas to a country that has different cultural attitudes and laws, the wrestlers are told of things to avoid.  One specific example I can recall was one country (I can't recall the name off the top of my head) that had very strict laws regarding spitting.  The wrestlers were told not to spit within view of the fans, as public spitting was a criminal offense in the country and you could be arrested for it. 

We're now in the month of June, halfway through 2007. As of right now, what is the current status of TNA going two hours on Spike?

As of right now, it isn't happening.  Sources on both sides have indicated that it is not a "dead issue" and that there has been talk of it happening, however there is no concrete plans for it to happen anytime soon. Considering the growth TNA has had this year (house shows, more PPV events outside of Orlando), it seems to be a logical step in the eyes of many fans, but it isn't happening yet. 

Is Matt Hyson, the former Spike Dudley, still with TNA?

Yes, Brother Runt is still with the company, although unfortunately he seems to be "lost in the shuffle" far too often.  Personally, I would like to see him incorporated in the X-Division as a singles wrestler, rather than simple being occasionally used in Team 3D storylines.

I use to watch Ivan Koloff when he wrestled for Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling in the 70's. He was a very tough, confident and tough competitor very much hated by all wrestling fans. Its really hard to believe that it is the same man that I have been reading about lately. A very humble humble and deeply religious man. Is this the same person? Was he always this way? How is he doing since his automobile accident?

I don't know about the religion aspect, but from those I've spoken to (most of whom worked with him in the 80's and 90's) Koloff has always been a humble and nice person behind the scenes.  Very tough, but also very pleasant.  Never heard anything bad about him at all, to be honest.  Ivan suffered several broken ribs and a busted sternum in his car accident, but is expected to be fully healed inside of two months.  There will be a benefit event on Monday 6/18 at the National Guard Armory in Mooresville, NC to help pay some of his medical bills with Ricky Morton, Bobby Eaton, Bobby Fulton and others appearing. 

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