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JOHNSON:Recently ROH has had to juggle buildings in the MA area. I know you are originally from MA, so what is it like from that point of view to see so many problems?
SAPOLSKY: It's such a shame that some worthless individual(s) feel the need to try to bring us down for no reason other than jealousy. It's so selfish. Even if you don't like me or anyone with RF Video, don't take it out on trying to stop us from running because you are only hurting the wrestlers and the fans. At least think of them before you pull this stuff. We have moved on and we have a new home in Boston now. It's the National Guard Armory in Braintree, MA. It's a great location just off I-93 with plenty of parking. It's also a few hundred feet from the "Braintree" stop on the Red Line so it is easy to get to by public transportation, which is especially important up there. We have already secured the building for a number of dates so we won't be bouncing around anymore. It is very frustrating, but at the same time it just makes us stronger and strive to succeed more in that area and make it our home.
JOHNSON: The biggest negative on ROH's business in my opinion is the timeliness of the videos and DVDs. At times you will get a video and see the build to a storyline that has already been completed by the time you watch the tapes. It's a huge negative. Can you discuss why you feel the delays are taking place and what ROH is doing to ensure quicker turnaround?
SAPOLSKY: I agree that this problem is killing us. We basically got backlogged when we started doing more shows. We weren't ready to handle it. Doug Gentry used to do all the editing on the tapes and now we have two other people working on it as well. We are going to get tapes out in a hurry over the next couple of months and we will be caught up hopefully too, but it is our primary concern now.
JOHNSON: Anything new planned with All Japan Pro Wrestling?
SAPOLSKY:We will definitely work with them in the future and I wouldn't be surprised to see some more big names in ROH in 2004.
JOHNSON: If someone has never seen ROH before, what would you say are the three defining points of the company. What would "An Idiot's Guide to ROH" include?
SAPOLSKY: Geez, this is a tough one! I'd probably tell them just to pick up the "Death Before Dishonor" or "First Anniversary Show" DVD because they are both good examples of our product and also have flashbacks to other ROH moments so you see past highlights. If I had to pick three moments...I guess first would be the three-way on our first show with Chris Daniels, American Dragon and Low Ki because that is the match that put us on the map and showcased our style. Then, I would have to say the Paul London vs. Bryan Danielson 2/3 fall match at "Epic Encounter" because not only was a it a great match that showcased the style we want here at ROH, but it was a defining moment for our crowd with the "Lets Go London" and "Lets Go Dragon" chants and it showed that the live ROH shows really have a special live atmosphere. Finally, I'd say CM Punk's promo revealing that his father is an alcoholic at "WrestleRave" because that is when we crossed over into having really deep storylines.
JOHNSON: What's it like being someone who grew up in the 1980s ending up booking for performers like Jim Cornette and Bobby Heenan?
SAPOLSKY: It's a dream come true. I mean if you told me growing up that I'd have a chance to work with these guys I'd never have believed you. Even more importantly is that fact that I learn something new every time I work with people like Jim Cornette. Just the last show in Baltimore he showed me a little trick to make guys look bigger in their promos. Every time Cornette works for us I and the rest of the crew learn something so he always leaves ROH a better place, and I thank him for that.
JOHNSON: After two years on the job, what is the most frustrating thing about being a booker? Is it dealing with talent? Outside influences? Internet criticism?
SAPOLSKY: I pretty much limit any feelings of frustration to 3-5 seconds at this point and have learned to block it out or else I'd go crazy. The most frustrating thing is easily talent canceling dates for whatever reason. It is so disappointing seeing a long angle or storyline just get thrown out the window or have to be altered. One day I plan to write a book and include all the angles and storylines that got trashed because of cancellations. The only time criticism is frustrating is when people criticize something they either haven't watched and just read about or haven't really followed so they aren't getting the whole story right. I've seen people criticize things in ROH that were so off base that it's obvious they never watched the product or else they just watched one part of the story and ignored the rest. You just better learn how to deal with frustration if you want to be a booker.
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