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I want to start off this week with sending my most heartfelt belated condolences to Elix Skipper on the horrible death of his son last week. I didn’t know the young man, but Elix spent time on my roster and he was a hard worker and a gentleman with an upbeat attitude who I enjoyed. I feel sure that much of Elix’s quality was instilled in his son. This I know for sure it is always more traumatic when it is one of the children passing on before the parents, because that is something that is never anticipated. May God be with the Skipper family in their time of tragedy.
I heard an interesting story from Steve Johnson who co-authors those great books on tag teams heels, and etc with Greg Oliver. He was researching the history of one of the finest gentleman I have had the pleasure to call friend in this business Luther Lindsey, and came across an interesting fact while going through Luther’s old military records.
In the summer of 1944 Lindsey plunged into heavy surf near his base in Italy to save a drowning man who was caught up in the current. “Without any regard for his own safety he plunged into the treacherous surf and went to the rescue,” according to the military. He went out about a hundred yards and brought the man back to shore. This was something Steve told me that even Luther’s wife didn’t know to show just how unassuming my old friend was. Johnson went on to say that one time I was talking to him about “Lupper” and said I must be making him sound like an Eagle Scout…well, I was right. Lindsey was such a gentleman in so many ways with a keen sense of humor and at the same time one of the toughest men I have ever met. I think of him often.
Had the chance to sit down and relive the year 1987 through another entertaining DVD by the guys at “Kayfabe Commentaries”. Their latest release I received is titled “Timeline, The History of WWE 1987 as told by The Honky Tonk Man”. Honky weighs in on what it was like working and traveling with that promotion in 87 as they cover events and highlights month by month. As always Wayne Farris is sometimes controversial and all the time entertaining.
While talking about the crew at Kayfabe I have to mention how well their “Guest Booker” series would go well with the latest blog on Lance Storm’s web site. Over ninety percent of the time I am in agreement with Lance on most things pro wrestling and in his latest writing he has hit the nail squarely on the head.
After an extended time of being frustrated with the booking/writing of the major companies (welcome to the club) he has put together guidelines for pro wrestling booking 101, and never mind the big promotions, every promotion could be well served by following these simple basic rules.
One of the guidelines that really jumped out at me was titled “Maintain Company Integrity” and goes into how they need to present a business and professional face for the public, and when they make almost everything a joke, then their image suffers also. I see this abused at every level of the industry where there is so much slap stick B.S. that you go away taking nothing seriously and it eats away at the promotions image if they have one to begin with. After watching some shows indie and top shelf I leave thinking they would be better served featured on a comedy network, or advertised as such on the window posters then we would all know that we should laugh and not just scratch our heads in wonderment as to how we should react to what just took place.
Talking about one Canadian will take me to something else I got in my mail box this week, and a transplanted American now living in Southwestern Canada.
It was such a pleasant surprise to open an unexpected package upon arriving home the other day to find a book titled “A Fool for Old School…Wrestling, That Is” by my longtime friend and writer Richard Berger. The book consists of 20 varied and revised columns originally published at the web sites of The Fight Network, and Live Audio Wrestling. The columns take you on a trip through time beginning with the first time Richard was exposed to the world of pro wrestling right up to his takes on the current product.
Berger began as a fan, but later after moving North to Canada became involved with Stampede Wrestling and so his views are from both sides of the street so to speak. He writes with intelligence, passion, and humor and his observations go beneath the surface of that which is obvious to the average informed fan. It is well worth the read. If you are interested in obtaining a copy e-mail Richard at WriterGuy1A@hotmail.com , and tell him I sent you.
I may write about what I feel are the flaws and weak points in our industry, but realize that often when a flaw appears it also creates an opportunity for renewed growth, improvement and for those in a new generation to step up and improve the breed and also preserve the legacy of those who stepped up in the past.
At this time there is opportunity opening up for young athletes to move up and fill the voids of those starting to ease back and look toward the end of their careers.
If you are a part of that youth movement that will be offered a chance at the brass ring, please do yourself and all of us who have been there a favor. Go at it with all guns blazing, and work hard at being the most complete performer you can. Develop all the tools needed to handle anything thrown your way. Don’t be one dimensional, but work to be as well rounded as your God given talents will allow. Don’t just fixate on the flavor of the moment but look back to yesterday and beyond and embrace the strengths of the master craftsmen who paved the way. Show respect for the past and take pride in what you can offer for the future. It is a very hard road to travel, and the roadblocks will be many.
Train hard and master your craft.
Till Next Time,
Les
Les and Harley Race form Elite Pro Wrestling Training along with the principles left by former staff members Ricky Steamboat and Dr. Tom Prichard. For information about the company go to www.epwt.com . To book an EPWT seminar, camp, or trainer contact Les at les@epwt.com .
Get your copy of “The Professional Wrestler’s Workout & Instructional Guide” by Harley, Ricky, Les, and Alex Marvez published by Sports Publishing LLC at your local bookstore, www.highspots.com , or one of several web sites.
The annual Harley Race/Pro Wrestling Noah Training Camp is set for September 28th thru October 1st at Harley’s school in Eldon, MO. This year’s special guest will be Ric Flair. You can sign up now. All the details are at www.harleyrace.com .
Join Les and Host Rich Tate every Wednesday night at 9: PM EST for “Peach State Pandemonium” at www.georgiawrestlinghistory.com .
