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To start it off, I want to send out belated condolences to the family of Gladys “Kill’em” Gillem who passed away last week at the age of 88. Many of the obituaries talked about how tough she was and her use of salty language in the documentary “Lipstick & Dynamite” but the Gladys that I so enjoyed talking to each year at our Mobile reunion was a very sweet and funny lady, and her passing will leave a void next March when we all get together. I hope the Angels don’t mind a few four letter words.
I was sad to hear last week that one of the best run, most professional independent wrestling promotions and schools had closed their doors and called it a day.
Fusion Pro Wrestling and Altitude Pro Wrestling Academy based in suburban Denver, Colorado ceased operations, and it had nothing to do with lack of money, or how the events drew, but plain and simple the owners and backbone of the organization Billy V, and Jeff McAlister were weary of all the “BS” as they both put it of having to deal with people that wanted to be on their roster, but were unwilling to train properly, prepare themselves for shows and operate in a professional manner.
I have had the honor and privilege to work extensively with both these gentlemen and it is such a shame that they were forced into making this call. Two of the most knowledgeable and most professional promoters/performers on the Indy scene they brought a passion to the industry sorely needed in this day and time.
Jeff and Billy built their company from scratch and were always trying to improve the operation. Even as trainers they were never dormant and traveled to training camps around the country with the idea of continually learning and improving their techniques. At this point neither are sure how much wrestling they will do going forward, but let me say here that if you are an Indy promoter looking for good in ring talent, help in the locker room, or both don’t hesitate calling up either or both these guys and booking them as they will add to your event. I truly hope at some point they decide to open up again because Colorado will miss their promotional skills and professional manner.
For all those writing e-mails and talking about my war with Mike Quackenbush, please let me end that crap now with the statement that there is no war. I have my opinion and he has his and we disagree. For those of you keeping score that is why there are Fords and Chevrolets, and more then one flavor of ice cream, difference of opinion. Simply from my standpoint emotional involvement (for you experts, that is one of the basic tasks of a pro wrestler to get the audience emotionally involved; was yesterday and will be tomorrow) in the current industry is hard enough to come by as is, and I feel that excess comedy interjected into a match just dilutes that even further; so I’m not for it. I don’t hate or even dislike Mike, just disagree with his theory of what’s best for the industry.
Of course this has given many of the internet experts ground to educate those of us who really don’t understand the professional wrestling industry. Though the majority of these people have never taken a bump they still have a right to an opinion.
A reader sent me a link to another site that had interviewed Mike. A few readers of that article stated their opinion and that was fine. One felt that any time I commented on the industry it put them to sleep, and I’m cool with that as I realize that I can be boring to those who disagree and even some that may agree. There were a couple of points that I would like to make points about. Another reader ask the question what was the difference between Ants and a Paper Boy which was a reference to the young man from my school who was featured on the MTV special in 1999, “Rapid Delivery” Rory Fox. It’s quite simple to explain that difference. Paper Boys are real people, they could be wrestlers, and have emotions. Rory had that Opie Taylor look like the son on the Andy Griffin Show, he was from a small town and someone in our camp elaborated on the fact that Fox had delivered papers as a school boy. So, we decided on that gimmick for him. His music was John Melencamp’s “Small Town” and he entered dressed as a paper boy with the delivery bag over his shoulder. However as with all the gimmicks that was part of my company once the bell rang this paper boy left the gimmick in the corner and was one hundred percent a pro wrestler until the final bell. He didn’t hit anyone with a rolled up newspaper, or put the bag over anyone’s head, and that is my problem with gimmicks which are too big a part of the body of the match; again it makes it much harder and sometimes impossible for a viewer to buy in and even remotely suspend their disbelief. That’s the difference.
Secondly, the interviewer asked “Quack” if he felt that my outdated, antiquated, Neanderthal, romanticized, outdated ideas were harmful to the growth of the wrestling industry? Mike didn’t think so thankfully. However I take exception with that question even being asked. Had the interviewer even bothered to check my history and background in this business he would know that I have tried my best to do anything and everything possible to contribute in a positive manner to this business for almost half a century. Even back in the mid-seventies I broke the mould in terms of magazines and television content and production to be innovative, BUT I never tried to change the basic content or foundation of the product, just the way it was presented and some of the window dressing. I have never be against the packaging being altered as times, fads, and habits change, but I have never nor will I ever be excited when the core product is turned into a dog and pony show.
Just wanted to make my point here, and am glad we have been able to give some people something to entertain them for a few seconds. I reiterate that I have nothing against Mike, and it is simply a difference of opinion. I’m sure he won’t change the way he presents hid product because of my disagreement and I wish him the best in what he is doing, I just don’t plan to buy a ticket, so shoot me!
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 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 Super Store.
This year’s Harley Race/ Pro Wrestling Noah Training Camp is just around the corner September 28th thru October 2nd at Harley’s school in Eldon. MO. This year’s special guest is Ric Flair. Space is limited so to get the details or to sign up click on www.harleyrace.com .
Join Les and Host Rich Tate every Wednesday night at 9: PM EST with their special guests for “Peach State Pandemonium” by going to www.georgiawrestlinghistory.com .
