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I heard a sad and disturbing thing last week. A relatively new, well financed independent wrestling company with a very nice venue and some better then average talent has already closed up shop.
To say that I am shocked or surprised would be a lie, because from the get go my impressions as relayed to me by first hand accounts was that this was headed toward losing their early well populated fan base. The reasons are as simple as why so many other indie groups continue to flounder and close shop as well.
First, the promoter became the center piece of the entire show. I was told that he was out in front after almost ever match to make a ruling to show his power, to make glib one liners and in essence become more important then the athletes performing between the ropes. Note to promoter. The evil, powerful, saintly, promoter, you pick a phrase wore out his welcome and usefulness when the McMahon/Austin feud was ended. You might also pass that along to about 60 percent of the other Indies and to the two major organizations.
Second, early in the promotion's beginning he established that comedy and glibness would over ride serious athletic matches as he had a middle- aged female beat an geriatric male to win a insignificant title, which became more insignificant with her title run. Yes, I know he saw it on national television, so instead of trying to improve on the product he decided to dilute it even further, because I’m sure he found it funny.
Yes, this same person had delusions about his own worth and star power, and apparently started the promotion to fulfill his own dreams of stardom, which is the number one wrong reason. Believe me when I say that it’s a shame this company has closed down already as it had the frame work of being a good place for young guys to work and learn. However it needed someone to steer the ship that actually had background, a clue, and respect for the history of the industry and the region where they were promoting. You may have negative things to say about yours truly, but one of them won’t be that I pushed myself to the forefront where my promotion was concerned, and I realized that our job as an independent promotion was in part to offer an alternative to those not happy with the big time product, and a good place for young talent to learn and practice the foundation of their trade. I most sincerely wish that all independents had that realization.
Now some more MMA/UFC news and observations that came about last week. Brock’s rant and high profile got a lot of main stream media over the week following UFC 100, and much of it wasn’t really all that negative. Many believed he should have shut it down before cutting down one of their major sponsors (I agree) and a few felt that he was too far over the top (won’t disagree), but several thought that he would create a bigger audience for the future, and that his being an all out heel wasn’t all bad ( I agree).
I said here that I felt that part of his frustration being vented was that he was tired of hearing all the negative comments about his past in WWE; plus not being respected for what he has done currently and I felt he should be separated from that because this is a different time, and situation. Soooo, here we go again as I read with interest a blog by another up and coming MMA fighter and former national amateur collegiate wrestling standout by the name of Shane Carwin.
Now Carwin will fight Cain Velasquez at UFC 104 in October and my understanding is the winner may get a shot at Lesner. Now Shane is a big dude like Brock, and if and when that comes together may be a great bout, but Carwin goes on to say that he has no respect for Lesner, and Lesner has no class or respect for the UFC and it’s fighters, etc, etc, etc, and then comes the punch line with the “This isn’t WWE/pro wrestling” gaga. Do you think that Brock realizes by now this isn’t WWE? I think so; so why does Carwin wave that same red handkerchief in front of the bull if he himself isn’t trying to stir him up? Also if Shane is such a class act then why would he resort to lowering himself in his own eyes to the level of the current kingpin of the UFC Heavyweight ranks if it’s not to get noticed and some PUB!? Think maybe Carwin might wait till he actually gets to where Brock is before sticking his foot in his mouth? Probably not, because my point here is all these guys have testosterone to spare or they wouldn’t have been successful in wrestling/martial arts/etc and wouldn’t be ranked so high in UFC for Gods sake, so please give it a rest and will the pots quit calling the kettle black!
Trash talking goes on every where pro athletes are today, and yes pro wrestling is the Mecca for promos, but other athletes started copying them way back with a young man named Mohammad Ali, and it has spread over the years. Let’s all leave poor Brock alone until he gets to where he can’t back it up, if ever and then we will call it bragging.
Over the past ten days I have heard the expression “Emotional investment” a few times as it relates or more importantly doesn’t relate to our industry currently. It should interest those concerned with falling buy rates, but chances are they won’t even blink.
I was in a panel discussion last week on “Peach State Pandemonium” which I co-host with Rich Tate, Dave Meltzer, and Mike Mooneyham. Dave presented a very good analogy about the current state of the major wrestling business, and it went something like this. The big companies come around to your area once or twice a year just like the Harlem Globetrotters. It may be entertaining, but the light hearted way it’s presented just as entertainment there is no way you as a fan will get emotionally invested in the product. Can I get an Amen?
The second reference came from Lance Storm when discussing the appearance of Seth Green on Raw, and he was wondering how in the hell anyone could suspend their disbelief about the massive Green being involved in an actual wrestling match? His comment was that no one could get emotionally invested in that crap! Plus another great comment was where is the companies pride in itself in making its high level athletes look stupid having this guy in the ring. Again, can I get an Amen!
Excuse me, but with Lance you just can’t slough it off as someone who doesn’t have a clue expressing some inexperienced observation.
To tie a bow around these last couple of paragraphs; I give you last Sunday’s TNA pay per view and Monday Night Raw. It seems two days with zero emotional investment. I listened to recaps from several different reporters on several different sites and everyone seemed to agree in the negative across the board. My positive to those two nights is that I am a ZZ Top fan from way back, and I enjoyed their music.
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 details on 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 or the PW Insider SuperStore.
The annual Harley race/Pro Wrestling Noah training camp is set for September 28th thru October 2nd at Harley’s school in Eldon, MO. This year’s special guest is Ric Flair. You can sign up now. For information go to www.harleyrace.com .
Join Les and Host Rich Tate every Wednesday night at 9: PM EST with their special guest for “Peach State Pandemonium” by clicking on www.georgiawrestlinghistory.com .
