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I have read biographies that were detailed, but none as detailed as “The Solie Chronicles” which has been assembled by the trio of Bob and Pam Allyn (Gordon’s son-in-law and daughter) and Scott Teal. As a co-worker and friend of Gordon Solie I felt I had a fair handle on who he was. However I kept turning pages in this book in part to discover more detail about the man I shared the microphone, a love of auto racing, and a few adult beverages with. We both had a love for automobile racing as mentioned earlier, which in part sealed out relationship, but the depth of his involvement on so many levels was not known to me. Gordon didn’t just rub elbows with most of the top professional wrestlers of our era but crossed paths with the top NASCAR and NHRA drivers as well. Several before they reached the nationally famous status.
To say I was fascinated by the detail and historical data that had to take hundreds of hours to compile would be and understatement. Robert, Pam, and Scott have out done themselves on the life and background of pro wrestling’s premier broadcaster and the man many of us studied as the standard we would try and achieve. Do yourself a favor and be sure to add this book to your list “need to read”.
If it’s not available at the PW Insider Super Store then click on www.crowbarpress.com to secure a copy and tell Scott Teal that I sent you.
I want to give a shout out to my illegitimate son Mike Epsenhart. Hey Son, hope going public with this revelation doesn’t upset you Mom & Dad! It’s all a joke as a reader sent an e-mail to Mike Johnson saying that we must be father and son since we sounded alike and had the same views on wrestling, but also stated it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing (which may have set me off on a Cornette like rant…just kidding) . I have no idea if we sound a like; but may I say that I very much respect Mike’s views as yes, they mirror mine, and that may be because he has bothered to listen to people who have been in the middle of the business more then thirty seconds, or at all? He has studied the history of the business (clever idea). This also means that he attempted to understand their view of the industry, and not like so many others feel a need to reinvent its basic concept. Thank you Michael for understanding and respect for the history and protocol of the industry; it is a refreshing approach.
How I wished I could have been in Boston and New York City this week for the Ring of Honor send off of Bryan Danielson and Nigel McGuinness. I’m sure that Bryan and Davey Richards had a hell of a match in “Bean Town” as has been reported. Just as I’m sure that the atmosphere in NYC was electric the entire night with Bret Hart and Jim Cornette in attendance as well. I’m a sentimental old dude to being with and was touched by Dragon’s send off in Dayton two weeks ago, and probably would have tears in my eyes in NYC. I listened to Nigel and Bryan’s farewell speech in New York and it must have been a tremendous emotional high for both of them to realize how they had touched so many people. These two guys deserve a serious spot in WWE and the WWE fans deserve to see them at their very best without all the normal window dressing that the writers seem to add.
So sorry to hear about Eddie Edwards breaking his elbow, and hope he’s not out too long. A few years ago, Eddie along with a few other New England wrestlers used to come down to Cincinnati and workout with me for a few days at a time. My feeling then about Edwards was that if he kept improving he would have a future and apparently ROH and Noah feel the same way. Hope Eddie heals well and is back at it soon.
Cary Silkin made a smart move in acquiring Jim Cornette as executive producer for ROH television as Jim is sharp as a tack when it comes to putting together a creditable television run sheet that keeps the viewer interested throughout the program.
I’m sure that “Corney” and booker Adam Pearce will compliment one another which will enhance the great talent that ROH has in their stable.
Got a bunch of e-mails and comments about the gauntlet match on Monday Raw and they weren’t positive. All but a couple asked my opinion (shouldn’t do that unless you really mean it). Short and sweet. Do I believe in sacrificing three top guys to get some more steam on one guy who should already be over, or just do it for the quick pop? Short answer; those involved I’m sure did as they were directed, but I saw no need for it.
Will cut it short this time around and start getting it together for my travels. Hope to see some of you during my trip to the Northeast.
Train hard and master your craft.
Till Next Time,
Les
For a unique training experience and to up your game book your seminar or weekend training camp with Elite Pro Wrestling Training. EPWT’s instruction is based on the principles of founders Harley Race, Ricky Steamboat, Les Thatcher and former staff member Dr. Tom Prichard. To learn more about the company go to www.epwt.com . To a seminar or training camp contact Les at les@epwt.com .
Get you 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.
Harley will be appearing at these World League Wrestling events. Eldon, MO. 10/3, West Plains, MO. 10/17, Keokuk, IA. 11/14, and Richmond, MO. 11/21. For details on all these events go to www.harleyrace.com .
Les Returns to Philadelphia for CZW and Maryland for MCW with training sessions and shows for each Oct. 8, 9, 10, 11. For more information contact DJ Hyde at 302-345-1077 or e-mail him at academy@czwrestling.com .
Thanksgiving weekend Les returns to the Gulf Coast and Pascagoula, MS. For a weekend training camp and show November 27, 28, 29. For information contact John Saxon at johnsaxon4@yahoo.com or call 228-327-7098.
Join Les and Host Rich Tate every Wednesday night at 9: PM EST with their special guest on “Peach State Pandemonium” by clicking on www.georgiawrestlinghistory.com .
