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I want to start off this week by saying that I’m impressed with the beginning of Desmond “I still call him Nigel” Wolfe’s run in TNA. You can’t see into the future and with the current state of the game, sometimes that’s a good thing; however Kurt Angle has stepped up and decided to do his part to get a fresh talent over in the company. My hat is off to him for that. Now we can cross our fingers and hope that “Des” stays healthy and creative sees the long term value in this performer.
While on the subject of Wolfe’s health and the stories surrounding it. I have had calls and e-mails asking about his failing a neurological test and should he be wrestling. Here is my stance. I have no knowledge of that happening. If I had actual proof that he was putting his life at risk by wrestling for anyone I would be the first to say stop; as I legitimately care what happens to this young man. He and I have had discussions about his pushing the envelop in the past, and first, last, and always I have wanted him to live a full active healthy life. As I have said over and over, no one has paid any more dues then Nigel to reach this point; but if this cost his life or the quality of it, then I say walk away now. But if these stories are just that, then I’ll cheer for him every step of the way.
Naturally, I had to also view six sides of steel, ultimate X’s, and so on to get to the Angle/Wolfe story. Does anyone ever think they should stop giving away the store for free, or that maybe that might be the reason the house shows aren’t packed or the buy rates aren’t spiraling upward?
While on the subject of health and TNA Impact, and yes we were. I have been asked my take on the controversy of the Chris Sabin stinger and the Kevin Nash heated promo on that subject during the taping. I think Kevin did the wrong thing in cutting the promo in front of the fans…However, I agree with Nash one hundred and ten percent that the match should have been stopped, because Sabin was hurt and to what extent was not known. Either get him to the apron and out of harms way or take it home ASAP. As hard nosed as I may be about working hard, I am just as much a stickler for the health and safety of the performers. No matter what the testosterone laden ideas of you have to continue on at any cost are, I don’t believe that for a minute. The wrestler’s health and life are far more important then an extra few minutes remaining in a match or getting in the finish that was planned earlier period. To me your manhood is not at stake if you use common sense to extent you business life and protect your well being.
I listened to Mike Johnson’s review of the “Terry Funk Roast” and am really looking forward to watching the DVD next month. He highlights Missy Hyatt being funny and glib (what’s your point? I knew that) Bill Apter not so funny (I knew that about my buddy Bill as well, but he tries) Mike mentions several times that many of the roasters didn’t roast Terry (Kevin Sullivan for one), but instead conveyed their respect and admiration for “The Funkster”. He also e-mailed me and said that during New Jack’s rant he thanked those who had smartened him up about the business and my name was among them. Mike wasn’t sure how to take it, but I know exactly how to take it and am honored to have that respect from Jack.
As I thought more about it I also realized that what he conveyed or Sullivan or others there is something that could be learned by a fairly good size portion of today’s members of the wrestling community. Also after a cazillion years in this goofy business I have learned and tried hard to see past the surface of my peers. Many times people find it hard to get out of the character they use in front of the fans and television cameras once they are in it.
One such person would be New Jack. When he arrived in Smokey Mountain Wrestling; green and trying hard to find his level and place in the business. I saw a brash, cocky, street kid, but past that I saw a young man who had some sensitivity and needed a friend to offer some experienced idea of where he might be going and the surface was about protecting the human element underneath because that was something he had grown up doing.
We didn’t go out partying, or live together, and came from different backgrounds, but formed a friendship of mutual respect and trust that was give and take. We both had to accept and understand some quirks and lifestyle differences that were foreign to us both and we both profited from it. Let me simply say that I know if I got into a physical confrontation in public (won’t happen, I’m way too old for that) that New Jack would have my back because of our mutual respect. Has he ever done anything I wouldn’t agree with? Hell yes, but I can only judge him on how he treated our relationship.
Dennis Stamp received a standing O at the roast which surprised Mike, but in truth Stamp, for his in ring talent, respect and dedication deserves it (forget the “I’m not booked” crap) ten fold more then some I could name on the current scene who make more in a year then Dennis made in a career. On the other hand Stamp probably left more pro wrestling knowledge in the bathroom this morning then some of the super duper stars will every acquire in a lifetime.
Dennis may not have a doll or t-shirt (I don’t think) but he called himself a professional wrestler because he actually knew how to “work” and that took talent. He was what we called a good “mechanic”. Someone with the technical skills, understanding of timing, pacing, and psychology to be consistent every night he laced up the boots. He did the job that was at hand at any level of the card. Lord, we could use a few more like Dennis Stamp today!
My heart felt condolences go out to the family of the little lady they called the “Mermaid Girl” Shiloh Pepin who passed away this past week at the age of ten. Against all the odds she survived much longer then doctors expected and was a bright up beat child who was a huge pro wrestling fan. It would be wonderful if we all had the courage she displayed during her ten years of life. May that courage not be forgotten?
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 the 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 book a seminar or training camp 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.
Harley Race will be appearing at these World League Wrestling events. 11/14 Keokuk, IA. 11/21 Richmond, MO. For details go to www.harleyrace.com.
Thanksgiving weekend Les returns to the Gulf Coast and Pascagoula, MS. For a weekend training camp and show November 27th, 28th, 29th. 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 guests for “Peach Pandemonium” by clicking on www.georigiawrestlinghistory.com.
