2007 Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup Profile: Matt Cross

Please Alan J. Wojcik of http://alanwojcik.com if posted, thanks.


Matt Cross (formerly M-Dogg 20)
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 181
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Pro Debut: August, 2001
Website/Myspace: www.MDogg20.com or www.myspace.com/dontcomehomebleeding
Tournament history: Winner of the 2007 ROE Wachau Wrestling Trophy Tournament in Vienna, Austria, NWA Upstate Tag Team tournament (September 2005), 2006 Ted Petty Invitational (lost in 2nd round to El Generico), 2006 PWG Battle of Los Angeles (lost in opening round to CIMA) 2004 Ted Petty Invitational, 2002 CZW Best of the Best Tournament, PWG Tango and Cash Tag Team Invitational, etc.
Where you have seen him: XPW, IWA-MS, CZW, Big Japan Pro Wrestling, PWG, CAPW, UWA (Canada), UIPW, JAPW, Ring of Honor (member of Resilience with Erick Stevens and formerly Austin Aries), UWF (Hermie Sadler), Wrestling Society X (w/Teddy Hart in Filth & the Fury), and MLW to name a few
Championships held: IWA Mid South Heavyweight title, XPW tag team titles (w/Josh Prohibition), Union of Independent Professional Wrestlers Heavyweight title, Cleveland All Pro Wrestling (CAPW) Tag Team titles (w/John Prohibition); CAPW Jr. Heavyweight title, UWA Hardcore Wrestling Canadian title; NWA Upstate Tag Team (w/Josh Prohibition)

Alan J. Wojcik: What does being part of the 2007 Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup mean to you and did you know of Jeff before you were an entrant?

Matt Cross: I never got the opportunity to meet Mr. Peterson but I'm honored to compete in a tournament bearing his name. I think it's very special that his memory has been kept alive by such a prestigious tournament

Alan J. Wojcik: There is an X factor in this year’s event and it is the presence of Allison Danger as a competitor. If matched up with her how do you prepare for her, I mean do you wrestle her like any other competitor?

Matt Cross: As a professional wrestler you have to be prepared for anything. You'll face people with different styles, weights, strengths, languages, cultures, etc. I had the chance to meet up with Allison in France last month and she is truly a warrior in the ring. I think her presence will help the tournament remain unique.

Alan J. Wojcik: Including Allison Danger, which of the announced competitors would you like to face in the opening round and why? (Announced are Nooie Lee, Allison Danger, Sideshow, Chris Hero, Erick Stevens, “Unreal” Michael Elgin, Krazy K, T Mack, YOU, Kenny King, Sal Rinauro, Seth Delay, Billy Roc, Adam Flash, and Trik Davis)

Matt Cross: I'm ready for anyone.......except for Hulk Hogan. I've been watching him for years and nobody seems to kick out of that legdrop.........I fear it. I hope he's not a last minute entrant.

Alan J. Wojcik: For fans that might be confused when did M-Dogg 20 become Matt Cross and what led to the change in persona?

Matt Cross: I'm still MDogg20 but I just prefer to go by my real name now. MDogg20 is more of a nickname. I decided to favor Matt Cross because I felt that I had improved as a professional wrestler and wanted people to give me a fresh chance with less assumptions. The MDogg20 name is closely tied with my early years and the video games I was featured in. I wanted people to see me as a sound technical wrestler with a body to back up his ability that was still able to pull off some of the most impressive high-flying moves in the world.

Alan J. Wojcik: Doing the research for this interview it showed you as partner to and an opponent to Josh Prohibition. Is that a personal choice or the promotions and how does Josh rate as partner/opponent?

Matt Cross: Josh and I got into the wrestling business together and have been through all the twists, turns, controversy, and craziness that accompany it. We've always had a great competitive rivalry. At times it suits us to put our differences aside and team up for a greater gain. I respect his abilities and he has a great wrestling mind.

Alan J. Wojcik: If fans tuned into MTV’s Wrestling Society X they saw you team with the always controversial Teddy Hart. What was the MTV experience like and how was Teddy compared to other partners in your career like Josh Prohibition?

Matt Cross: Teddy is a character and always entertaining. Shooting WSX for MTV was an incredible experience. We got to stay in an awesome hotel in Hollywood and live like rockstars for a week. I learned a lot and it was very surreal at times. I remember filming the main event of the season finale and checking my phone right before the match started to see what time it was. It was an exploding cage, time-bomb deathmatch and it was 2am on a Thursday night. I remember thinking about all my friends and family and how they were most likely fast asleep getting ready for another work day. I sat there questioning what choices and decisions I had made in life that had lead me to enter a cage rigged with explosives in the middle of a weekday night.

Alan J. Wojcik: Your bio online shows you and Josh wrestled once for the infamous XPW. Did you feel like WSX was trying to combine XPW and ECW in their product with the backyard craze?

Matt Cross: I feel like WSX was trying to create a truly unique, contemporary, professional wrestling product like nothing ever seen before. The set, in-ring product, and gimmicks really had their finger on the pulse of today's youth and the product was fresh and innovative.

Alan J. Wojcik: In the past few months you have wrestled for both Pro Wrestling Guerilla and Ring of Honor. For fans that might not be able to buy their DVD’s, is there any way to compare them head on?

Matt Cross: I've been with PWG on and off since the very beginning even competing against Super Dragon on the promotions very first show years ago. I always have a lot of fun working PWG. Competing full-time for ROH took me years to accomplish and I'm very happy to be working with them now. It's a great time for ROH because we just did our first PPV taping and everyone is extremely excited to get the attention we deserve.

Alan J. Wojcik: While researching other JPC entries the Cleveland All Pro Wrestling promotion has come up just like in your background. What is the Cleveland wrestling scene like?

Matt Cross: Cleveland All Pro Wrestling celebrates their 14 year anniversary this coming July. Not many, if any, promotions can say they have been consistently running shows for 14 years. Not even WCW or ECW can lay a claim like that which really says a lot. I had my JPC qualifying match with CAPW which was special to me since it's been my home promotion since starting some 6 years ago.

Alan J. Wojcik: If things happen in the right circumstances you might end up facing your ROH-Resilience partner Erick Stevens. Is this something you look forward to and if so, do you face Erick like any of the other competitors?

Matt Cross: Erick and I are really coming together as a cohesive unit. We have to in order to compete with the No Remorse Corp. of Roderick Strong, Davey Richards, and Rocky Romero. Taking them down is our most important goal at the moment. That being said, I'd have no problem testing myself against him and seeing how skilled the man who I've put my trust in is. This potential match-up is just one of the many reasons I urge fans to make it to this years JPC tournament. Be sure to check me out at www.dontcomehomebleeding.com and stay up to date with all my appearances, crazy pics, merch, and random thoughts. I look forward to seeing everyone in July at the JPC!
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2007 Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup Profile: Nooie Lee

With new names in the 2007 Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup, Alan J. Wojcik decided to take some time and introduce them to the fans. Some of these people you know from previous appearances in the JPC in tournament or non-tournament matches (Chris Hero in 2004, TJ Mack and Krazy K in 2006, Sideshow and Erick Stevens in 2004-2005), some currently work for Florida promotions (FIP, AWF, EWE, PWW, SCW, FPWA), while others will be making their debuts in the Sunshine State.



Nooie Lee

Height: 5’7”

Weight: 165

Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand

Pro Debut: 2005 CCW in Melbourne: Tag Match-w/Bam Bam Mancuso vs the Black Market (when they were the Market Crashers)

Website/Myspace: Currently don't have either (maybe I should get one)

Tournament history: Winner 2007 FPWA Best of Southern Juniors, 2007 MXPW Florida J-Cup

Where you have seen him: (Member of the Annihilators with Bam Bam Mancuso) ACW, FPWA, EWE, AWF, IWE (as part of Youth Gone Wild with Suicide), SCW Florida, D1PW and MXPW,USCW, and many more...

Championships held: ACW Cruiserweight champion (2x), FPWA Florida State Champion(Current), Daytona Pro Wrestling Cruiserweight Champion (Hack Meyers show titled: Pro-Wrestling in Daytona)-Love that show name!



Alan J. Wojcik: Were you a HS or college athlete before becoming a professional wrestler and what made you want do it for a living?



Nooie Lee: Well, I played football, and mainly baseball for 10 years, wrestled in high school, and did 1 day wrestling tournaments in college. My love for professional wrestling spawned when I moved to the United States from Thailand, I was young and knew very little of the country, I would always turn on the TV and there was pro-wrestling on, I enjoyed the athleticism and the lager than life people wrestling. At that point I wanted to be as big as those guys were, but I now know that my body type will not allow that, but then I discovered indy wrestling and they pretty much gave me hope that someday I can actually be doing this. It wasn't until I graduated HS that I made up my mind to officially pursue professional wrestling. I love the fact that wrestling is like a book, each match tells a different story, and the story is played out physically and verbally, some are concluded, and some are to be continued....it's all really suspenseful, you get comedy, action, and drama in one night. Some people read books to before they sleep, I watch professional wrestling. I respect every one in the business and I strive to be able to deliver a good story (match) to the people who watch it....



Alan J. Wojcik: How long have you been wrestling in Florida and what were you initial impressions of the different promotions listed above?



Nooie Lee: I have been actively wrestling in Florida for about 1 1/2 years, 2006 being my first really active year. Each promotion offers me something different which I am thankful for. Being a good worker requires more than just the ability to bump, it's about being well rounded and each promotion has given me a great opportunity to grow and mature to the worker I am today. I also like the locker room in all the different promotions, I have met some great people and have gotten a lot of advice that I take to heart, I strive to be like the Chasyn Rance's and the Erik Stevens, etc...hopefully one day I will be able to be at their level. It's the diversity of the locker room in each promotion that helps you become a better worker, the boys in the back, the vets, they give you advice, ideas, and theories of what you can and need to do to be better... you just can't get some things like that from just basic pro-wrestling training. Although pro-wrestling as sport is competitive...it's every promotion and every worker that makes pro-wrestling what it is to the fans...



Alan J. Wojcik: Before winning the Best of Southern Jrs. Event what did you know of the Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup and its legacy?



Nooie Lee: To be honest I knew very little of Jeff Peterson himself, I learned about him and how he was a great asset to the wrestling world through conversations other workers, and then I decided to buy some Peterson Cup DVD's, and wow what a great way to pay homage and respect to someone, the Peterson Cup has great prestige and is well respected to pro-wrestling and its fans, it's an honor for me to be a part of this history making event.



Alan J. Wojcik: Do you think having already been part of a tournament this year mentally prepares you for the JPC?



Nooie Lee: Definitely, I was a part of the MXPW Florida J-Cup and the FPWA Juniors Tournament this year, and it has helped me very much...Its prepared me to be ready for everything and anything, plus I learned that if you don't get plenty of rest the night before a tournament, you're going to be mentally and physically exhausted.



Alan J. Wojcik: Two of the other announced competitors are Florida based (Sideshow & Erick Stevens.) What do you know of them and would you rather face them instead of the other national competitors in the opening round?



Nooie Lee: First let me say that I know both workers and I respect them graciously. I know Erik Stevens is a great guy, always nice to me, offers me advice, and is one hell of a worker, I am very pleased and excited to hear of his successes and it bodes well for Florida indy wrestling to have Erik Stevens be the breakout star that he is, he's worked really hard and is very deserving of his success. Congrats to Erik and best of luck with everything! As far as Sideshow goes, I met him at my first ACW event, and he is completely a class act. I respect him a lot and he has become someone I look up to and am very thankful for everything he's done for me and ACW...I've been on both sides of the fence with him, and it was great he taught me a lot and pretty much became the voice of the people when it comes to opportunity. My extreme thanks to Sideshow for everything, he gave me the chance to become a mainstay in ACW, which helped me gain ring experience to be a better worker. Like I stated earlier, Sideshow and I worked a few times and I know that him and I can put on a great match, so I wouldn't mind him in the first round, Erik Stevens, it would be a honor to work him in the first round as well I respect him a lot and I know he is, very knowledgeable and can teach me a lot in one match and I feel him and I can put on a good match, so I wouldn't mind going against him in the first round either. As far as the rest of the participants in the tournament, it would greatly be an honor to be against any of them really, I haven't been around that long but I have seen many of the participants in action and I believe that I can deliver a great match with any one of them. To sum up it's pretty much a win-win situation for me with anyone and I know this will be a great stepping stone for me. So thank you Peterson Cup Office...



Alan J. Wojcik: Having some time before the tournament to prepare, do you watch video of the other competitors or do you send scouts out to see them in person?



Nooie Lee: I watch everything myself, the only way to learn is by watching and doing, if I send a scout, I borrow his eyes and ears.



Alan J. Wojcik: This year’s event makes history with Allison Danger competing. If you face her in the tournament what would you strategy be, I mean do you wrestler her different then anyone else?



Nooie Lee: I met Allison Danger a few months ago and she is great people. This is a tournament, I expect her to bring her “A” game and if I face her in the first round I'm pretty sure she'll expect me to do the same.



Alan J. Wojcik: While doing research for this interview I found you listed with different tag team partners. Do you have one you prefer more than the other and why?



Nooie Lee: No not really, I don't prefer one over the other, we all have different styles and it’s good to be able to use every arsenal you have. Each tag partner offered something different, I like tag matches to help me become well rounded and there are different strategies you have to use in tag matches than singles. You have 2 people to deal with, and with a good partner you can get it done.



Alan J. Wojcik: In ACW you recently lost the Cruiserweight title to Austin Amadeus (who lost it to Jaison Moore.) You have faced him in other promotions in Florida along with Suicide and Legion “Freakin” Cage. Who is your favorite opponent and why?



Nooie Lee: I actually like them all, I can't really pick a favourite cause they all offered me something different, and helped me think of different ways to put on a great match. Thank you Alan for taking the time with this interview, I look forward to the Peterson Cup and thanks to everyone for giving me the opportunity.
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2007 Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup Profile: Sideshow

Please credit Alan J. Wojcik http://alanwojcik.com if posted, thanks.


With new names in the 2007 Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup, Alan J. Wojcik decided to take some time and introduce them to the fans. Some of these people you know from previous appearances in the JPC in tournament or non-tournament matches (Chris Hero in 2004, TJ Mack and Krazy K in 2006, Sideshow and Erick Stevens in 2004-2005), some currently work for Florida promotions (FIP, AWF, EWE, PWW, SCW, FPWA), while others will be making their debuts in the Sunshine State.



Sideshow (formerly OG Scarface)
Height: 5’ 10”
Weight: 200
Hometown: the Psychedelic Underground
Pro Debut: 1994
Finishing Move: Double Penetration
Signature Moves: Catatonic Backbreaker, The Backiotomy, Afterhours Overdose, Foot Fetish, Top Rope Freakenstiener
Myspace: www.myspace.com/sideshow_macleod
Tournament history: Winner of WPWF Lightweight Scramble, Winner of ACW Tag Team Tournament (w/Dany Only), Finalist in ACW Cruiserweight Tournament.
Where have you seen him: ACW, IPW-Hardcore, FPWA, SCW Florida, NWA Florida, TNA, WPWF
Championships held: ACW Heavyweight, ACW Tag Team (w/Dany Only), ACW Cruiserweight, ACW Combat, FPWA Tag Team (w/Wikkid), SCW Tag Team (w/Dagon Briggs), WPWF Lightweight 3X, NNW Hardcore, and IPW-Hardcore Light Heavyweight champion.

Alan J. Wojcik: Since the last time we talked two things have changed. One is you are no longer OG Scarface, the other is the disassociation your manager with Ana Mosity. Please explain the reason for the changes.

Sideshow: OG Scarface was only the beginning of who I wanted to be as a pro wrestler. It was the early stages of my career. I developed OG when I was 15 and first broke into the business. As I evolved and matured as an athlete, I decided Sideshow was not only a symbol of how I've grown with wrestling, but also a more marketable gimmick name. When I was seventeen, I played bass for a metal band named Wet Spot. Since I was the youngest in the group and definitely the most gimmicky, the band nicknamed me Sideshow. It's stuck ever since. As far as Ana Mosity, she went her own separate way to work with a traveling Burlesque show. She pops in from time to time and makes an appearance or two. Not to mention that we've had so many differences inside and outside the ring, it's probably best that we only associate in small doses. I do, however, wish the best for her.

Alan J. Wojcik: You share something with former JPC competitor Naphtali, both of you were opponents of Jeff Peterson in his career. Please tell the readers what Jeff was like as an opponent and a friend.

Sideshow: When I first met Jeff, I underestimated him. At that time he was relatively new to the Florida wrestling scene and only 17, I believe. I ended up working him at some shit show, and had an incredibly solid match. He soon came to work for WPWF, SCW, and IPW-Hardcore. We ended up squaring off several times throughout all of those organizations. The kid had a heart of a lion; taking risks with high flying attacks and absolute charisma. Who would've thought that a kid so young could give so much to the fans and all of the boys in the back. I learned a lot from him. As far as matches, we've had some brutal ones in our time. The one that sticks out the most is the 4 way forklift ladder match we had in Crystal River for IPW-Hardcore with Naphtali (Then Al Bino) and Billy Xtreme. It was absolutely insane. Shortly after that, Jeff and I started to become closer as friends. We hung out a lot, reviewing tapes together as well as putting together new moves. We still feuded a lot, but even on nights that we were booked to fight one another, we'd still travel together to the show, usually with Naph.

Alan J. Wojcik: Sadly Jeff passed away in 2002 after a long battle with cancer. I am sure it’s hard to talk about but could you tell us your feelings when you were told he died.

Sideshow: When I found out, I was completely devastated. It didn't seem real for a while. Like Jeff would just pop up someday at a show and be like, "fooled you!" being the kind of jokester that he was. I can still remember him like it was only yesterday. In memory of Jeff, I yell out "LOW BLOW!" just as he did when he dropped a headbutt low on his opponent. I do that in almost every match.

Alan J. Wojcik: What was your reaction when the Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup office made the match on an ACW show where the winner would earn a spot in the 2007 event and what went through your mind after you won?

Sideshow: You know, I've done some of the other Peterson Cup shows, but never been in the actual tournament. Truth is, I'm glad that I wasn't. I knew that I wasn't ready at the time. Even with a little previous tournament experience, Peterson Cup has always been the best of the best. I don't feel that I was the best at that time. It was always a pleasure to be on the show no matter what I was doing. The show was and is always for Jeff, not for any individual wrestler or wrestlers. Austin Amadeus, Shayne Swyft and Nick Fame who were in the qualifying match with me are all great competitors, up and coming stars in this business, but this year, they were not ready to represent ACW in this tournament and I was, plain and simple. I can see any of these three guys in the tourney on future shows, but this time it was my year. I'm in some of the best shape in my career, physically and psychologically. I've become a better rounded wrestler. I am honored and excited to represent ACW on JPC this year. And no matter what happens, if I am eliminated in the first round or win the whole tournament, I'm going to give it my all and make Jeff proud.

Alan J. Wojcik: This year’s tournament features the debut of a woman into the event, Allison Danger. Do you think this is good for the event and if you were to wrestle her, would you wrestle her like any other opponent?

Sideshow: I think that it's great for the tournament! It adds a whole new flavor on the JPC. If a woman wrestler can make that much buzz to be considered for such a prestigious show, then I say go for it. And of course I would wrestle her like any other opponent if we end up facing off. It's when you underestimate someone no matter what gender that you end up losing and hanging your head in embarrassment. If you still don't believe me, ask Amy Love if I took it easy on her when I broke her leg on an NWA-Florida show. Ask Ana Mosity how chivalrous I was when I powerbombed her through a table off the top at ACW. The answer is No! I would go into that match as I would for any other opponent in this tournament, to win!

Alan J. Wojcik: You were the first person in ACW history to hold every championship. Do you consider this an honor are you just that good in the ring?

Sideshow: A question like this deserves an honest answer. I believe it's a little bit of both. What I believe makes me the successful wrestler is that I am that I'm humble enough to understand appreciation and honor for not only each title but for the guys that I've fought to get them. Yet I feel that I have to be cocky enough to know it was done because of my in-ring ability and experience. I was just a little bit better than my opponents on those days.

Alan J. Wojcik: A few months ago you stepped away from singles work in ACW to tag with newcomer Dany Only forming the duo called Dogmatika. Why did you choose Only as your partner and how does he differ from other partners like Dagon Briggs or Shank Devlin?

Sideshow: When I met Dany Only for the first time, I noticed he had a very sarcastic sense of humor like myself. I'm a huge fan of sarcasm, so that was enough to spark my attention. The next thing that I noticed was his hunger for competition. Every time I read a press release for almost any organization, he's on the show. Green as hell at the time and he's getting booked everywhere. I started to notice his work getting better with every match in addition to his crowd response getting huge! Several months later, an ACW tag team tournament came up and I asked him to be my partner. We came up with some very innovative and fresh tag team maneuvers and just ran with it. It eventually led us to ACW tag team gold. To answer question number two, I feel that Dany and I are probably pretty evenly matched up as a team. With Dagon, we had great in ring chemistry, but since he lived in Jacksonville and I'm in the Tampa area, we never seen each other outside shows. In retrospect, Shank and I knew each other on a personal friendly level, and since I used to be only about 160lbs, he was always the power of the team. Dany and I have both kinds of chemistry. We've worked well in the ring together and are basically the same size, give or take. We've hung out and drank together, gone to see metal bands together such as Full Blown Chaos and Soulfly. We share a lot of the same interests. Hell, we both are dating bartenders that work together at the same bar. I don't believe in coincidences.

Alan J. Wojcik: You and Only had issues over the last few weeks with the team you lost the ACW Tag Team titles to, “Canadian Dream” Joshua Masters and Sedrick Strong. In your experience what makes them a team to be reckoned with in Florida wrestling?

Sideshow: Well first of all, Josh and SedErick broke into the business at about the same time. Years ago when I first got into IPW, those two tagged up then. So they've known each other for quite some time now. When you get to know someone for long enough, you begin to know what they’re thinking. Being able to be in sync like that is what makes tag teams successful. It’s important to know what's going on in your partners head to keep from making big mistakes. Yeah, they're assholes and like to use their manager, Fetish to aide them in very cheap attacks, but they are both talented athletes as well. Cedrick was in the JPC tournaments before, he's made it to the Super 8, and of course been involved in many bloody matches with guys like myself, Naphtali and Rodrick Strong. Josh has lots of experience in tag team as well as singles competition and has been quite successful in his doings. Putting two men together like this is absolutely dangerous for other tag teams in Florida. They'll take whatever steps that they feel is necessary to win matches.

Alan J. Wojcik: You have been a mainstay in Florida for years. Do you things have changed in the wrestling scene for the better or have things gotten worse since your debut?

Sideshow: Both. I think that the scene has changed for the better and for the worst. Better in a sense that the ante has upped more in the actual sport of wrestling. Most wrestlers aren't trying to just ride the success of their gimmick alone. I mean, they're still out there, but it's not just boring ass rest spot after rest spot anymore. There's a lot more action going on now. I noticed that after I made my comeback after my first shoulder surgery. Between waiting to go under the knife, to my "state paid vacation", Florida wrestling had changed. I had a lot of work to do at that point, in my attempt to mature to the modern standards. I also like the fact that there are more options for guys to be able to choose from nowadays. It used to be only the big corporations like WWE & WCW. There was ECW and other underground feds, but a lot of workers didn't know how to go about getting booked on shows outside of Florida. Their only hopes were grasping dark matches for the "Big 3." It's nice to see that a lot of guys have not only WWE and ECW to choose from. Now there's TNA and several indy promotions getting a lot of hype, such as CZW, IWA-Mid South and ROH. Everyone can have a goal now depending on their own views on what their want for themselves in this business. Me, I never wanted to go to WWE. I'm not in a stage in my life to want to be in the big time. Those years have past me. I mean, I'm only 28, but I kind of enjoy being a local superstar. I don't have a wish to be rich and famous. Not saying that I'd turn down a decent offer, but I'd rather travel doing independents. Maybe even internationally. I feel that when wrestling becomes too much of a job, you stop having fun. I'm having way too much fun now.

As far as Florida wrestling getting worse, well that's obvious. Too many promotions, too much heat. Everyone wants to be the man. Instead of everyone working together to make something a success, they compete with each other in childish manners. As soon as two guys get into one little argument (usually a booker and a worker) everyone wants to start their own shit. And instead of doing it for the wrestling scene, they do it out of spite for their own selfishness. They think that they're hurting their opponents, but in reality, it's the workers that end up suffering. I know that it is has been and always will be that way, so really what can you do?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or referencing commentary from this site please include a link to meanfilipine.blogspot.com as opposed to "Strong Style Shimko", "From The Mean Filipine Blog" or derivatives. Thank you~!

You can now receive up-to-the-minute updates from Strong Style Shimko in your email account through feedblitz.com by clicking this link.

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2007 Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup Profile: Allison Danger

Please Alan J. Wojcik of http://alanwojcik.com only if posted, thank you.


With new names in the 2007 Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup, Alan J. Wojcik decided to take some time and introduce them to the fans. Some of these people you know from previous appearances in the JPC in tournament or non-tournament matches (Chris Hero in 2004, Krazy K in 2006, Sideshow and Erick Stevens in 2004-2005), some currently work for Florida promotions (FIP, AWF, EWE, PWW, SCW, FPWA), while others will be making their debuts in the Sunshine State.



Allison Danger

Height: 5’7 ½”

Weight: 125

Hometown: Belmont Falls, PA

Pro Debut: May, 2000

Website: www.prettypieceofflesh.com

Myspace: www.myspace.com/allisondanger

Tournament history: Chikara World Tag Grand Prix 2005, WXW Elite 8 2003-2005

Where you have seen her: Shimmer, Ring of Honor (as wrestler and member of the Prophecy) Full Impact Pro, WXW, Cleveland Pro, IWA-MS, Chikara, JAPW, TNA Wrestling, IHPW, IWA-PA, World-1, WCEW, AWA World -1 South and USA Pro

Championships held: IWF Tag Titles, Thundergirls Champion, WXW Women's Tag Champions, NWBA Women's Champion and World-1 North American Champion



Alan J. Wojcik: I guess the obvious first question is what was your reaction to becoming the first female to compete in the Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup?



Allison Danger: Allison Danger: It is a real honor. I knew Jeff through his uncle (Jim Ketner) and he was a great person. They always made me feel welcome when I would come to ECWA shows.



Alan J. Wojcik: Is there anything special you will do different in your normal training to prepare for this event?



Allison Danger: Steroids. Just kidding! I plan training hard, eating right and preparing to step my game up. There is going to be a strong lineup going into the JPC. I have to be at 100% physically and mentally.

Alan J. Wojcik: For people that might not follow Shimmer how does it differ from previous or current women’s promotions? In addition how does Dave Prazak differ from other promoters you have worked for?



Allison Danger: Dave Prazak gets women's wrestling. He understands it goes beyond bra and panties bouts and lingerie battle royals. He sees the potential and respects what a lot of women were trying to accomplish in our respective careers. Prazak is working day and night to change the face of women's wrestling today. SHIMMER gives fans an alternative to what you are seeing on TV and in certain venues. Variety is what was needed and he is filling that void the best way he knows how. Another thing that makes SHIMMER special is the locker room. Each individual brings something special and that locker room is made up of real team players. It’s a special environment that I imagine isn't duplicated in many places.

Alan J. Wojcik: How big a thrill was it to walk into retail stores in America and find yourself on the Shimmer Volume One DVD?



Allison Danger: It wasn't about seeing myself on the DVD but to see the product take that next step. Dave took his brainchild and made it into reality. Each woman in the locker room gives 100% each and every taping. To see it all come to fruition and then go a step further is very satisfying but drives us to work harder with each taping.

Alan J. Wojcik: Looking over your listing of opponents Daizee Haze comes up more than anyone. Is she your favorite opponent or is there someone else you like working?



Allison Danger: I don't have a particular favorite but Daizee is one of those opponents who really forces you to bring your A game and inspire you to be a better wrestler.

Alan J. Wojcik: According to your bio on obsessed with wrestling (www.obsessedwithwrestling.com) you were part of an Armed Forces Entertainment tour traveling around the world to US military bases. Please talk about that experience.



Allison Danger: I had a blast, made some killer friends and got to see different parts of Japan. I went to Korea, Guam and best of all, spent three glorious days in Hawaii. I spent a day in Hiroshima, which was life changing. Words can not do justice to the sites I saw that day.

Alan J. Wojcik: While working for Ring of Honor you traveled to England this year and also have worked on a show in Germany. How do the European wrestling fans differ from North American fans?



Allison Danger: I was amazed how many Europeans knew so much about North American wrestling. I never realized how much of what we do actually touches the world. I never expected people there to know the first few chords of my theme music or to know my moveset. The UK and Europe was tremendous and I would love to return, sooner rather than later.

Alan J. Wojcik: According to your website while on that tour you also held seminars for women wrestlers. How were they received?



Allison Danger: The seminars were fun. In addition, I was fortunate to do a dual one with Sara Del Rey and one with Sweet Saraya, who is just a never ending fountain of wrestling information.

Alan J. Wojcik: In ROH you have had several different looks from debuting as the valet for the Christopher St Connection in 2002, to working in the Prophecy to recently dressing as a cheerleader. Is that a creative decision from the ROH staff or something you decided to do on your own?



Allison Danger: Gabe Sapolsky allows a very open forum for conversation about where a character is going and what should be worn. Christopher Daniels also gives a lot of input and the three of us tend to come up with ideas together. It is a great place creatively to work because I am able to pitch ideas and give my thoughts and opinions freely.

Alan J. Wojcik: While working for FIP you were the manager for the Black Market (Joey Machete & Shawn Murphy) during their bloody feud with the Heartbreak Express (“Superstar” Sean and “Fabulous” Phil Davis). In a previous interview $o Cal Val said it was difficult to watch the carnage which escalated to the legendary Cage of Pain match. What are your memories of that series of matches and do you think the same way Val did that the violence was too much?



Allison Danger: Who can really say how much is too much? You take four men who hate each other more than life itself and blood will be spilled. Its nature. A natural progression. It is hard to stand at ringside and see the bloodshed but it had to be done.

Alan J. Wojcik Your Myspace page lists you as a member of the VAG Squad, please explain what this is?



Allison Danger: The VAG Squad is very sacred. First rule of VAG Squad is we don't talk about VAG Squad.

Alan J. Wojcik: According to fans who attend FIP events you have shirts for sale that read “50% American, 50% Canadian, 100% Danger.” Who came up with the slogan and how have the shirts been received by the fans and fellow wrestlers?



Allison Danger: Arik Cannon came up with that slogan. He is good for more than just letting me steal his finishing move. Thanks Cannon! He and I were playing around with ideas one day on the internet and that is what we decided to run with. There is a small list of variations that may or may not see the light of day. The shirts sold out pretty quickly so I am hoping to have a new batch ready for the summer.
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Alan Wojcik Interviews "Tennessee Cowboy" James Storm

Please credit Alan J. Wojcik of http://alanwojcik.com if posted, thanks.


Looking back to February, 2006 “Tennessee Cowboy” James Storm was on top of the world. He was in the middle of his seventh reign as NWA World Tag Team champion (sixth with “Wildcat” Chris Harris). He was part of America’s Most Wanted; the most dominate tag team in the near five year existence of TNA Wrestling. That all came crashing down thanks to a beer bottle shot from Storm on the December 14, 2006 episode of Impact which led to Harris suffering serious damage to his eyes. Since that day Storm has been virtually silent about his reasoning for the attack. Thanks to Jeff Jarrett, Steven Godfrey and Ross Forman, Alan J. Wojcik was able to sit down for his third interview with Storm to get the truth on many rumors. Like previous interviews this was done with the promise of a case of Storm’s favorite beer.



Alan J. Wojcik: When we last talked it was weeks before TNA’s March 2006 debut house show in Detroit where you took on the Naturals (Chase Stevens & Andy Douglas). What has the house show experience been like for you and do you see it becoming a full time thing for TNA?



James Storm: I sure hope so because house shows mean more people are watching us on TV and checking out the internet. It’s a good thing for all of us working in front of fresh audiences and expanding the knowledge of the product.



Alan J. Wojcik: At the 2006 Lockdown PPV you were part of Jeff Jarrett’s team (with Harris and Scott Steiner) where you took on Sting’s Army (with AJ Styles, Ron Killings and Rhino). What was it like to be in the deadly Lethal Lockdown bout with some pretty high profile names and what in the name of all things good were you thinking when you fought AJ Styles onto the top of the cage?



James Storm: It’s one of those matches that you are so happy to be in with those names you mentioned. You want to help put on the best match but you also want to be remembered for something and that is what AJ and I accomplished. We said its either going to be cool or Mankind like and we could have fallen back into the ring. But it worked and both of us will be remembered for that cool spot. To be part of that match was great.



Alan J. Wojcik: At Sacrifice and Slammiversary 2006 you and Harris defended against the X Division stars AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels. (AMW lost the belts at Slammiversary) Did you and Harris have difficulties working with them considering their working in the X Division, and I know the moniker “It’s not about weight limits, it’s about no limits.”



James Storm: I think we liked to be known as the guys who can work with 300 pounders or the X Division guys. We had experience working with Daniels when he was part of XXX (w/Low Ki/Senshi and “Prime Time” Elix Skipper) and we had two cage matches. AJ took a while to get used to but when they landed after all the flips you just pop them in the mouth. Back when I was their weight I used to work that style, now I drink some beers and wait for them to land, then WACK! With 4 guys together who know how to have the match of the night every night it can only result in magic like those matches became.



Alan J. Wojcik: In July 2006 AMW worked for Dory Funk Jr.s !BANG! promotion in Ocala. Talk about that experience and did you pick the brain of the former NWA World Heavyweight champion?



James Storm: I picked a little bit. It was cool to be in with a legend and taking those damn uppercuts. One time Dory and I got into it here at TNA so it was fun. All I can say is it was a great experience.



Alan J. Wojcik: On August 13th you were supposed to be part of Hard Justice but a fire in the ceiling cancelled your match (AMW vs. Naturals vs. Bentley/Kazarian vs. James Gang). What was the atmosphere like backstage and were you surprised the PPV went on?



James Storm: It was weird because I remember seeing Eric (Young) and Johnny (Devine) in the ring on the backstage TV’s and hearing the roof is on fire. I thought someone was ribbing until we saw the fire extinguisher exhaust cloud out the arena. I truly thought the PPV was over right then and there. TNA skipped over our match but sometimes things happen and they got the show back on the road.



Alan J. Wojcik: October 22nd took TNA back to Detroit for Bound for Glory where AMW lost a four way tag match (with Team 3D, the Naturals and James Gang). What were your thoughts on the first PPV outside of Nashville or Orlando?



James Storm: I thought it was great for TNA to escape out of Orlando. The fans might not like hearing that but I don’t care and sorry about your damn luck. They have been babied here and have seen everything. We went to see a more appreciative crowd. In the opening matches someone did a hiptoss and the crowd popped. During the AJ/Rhino match the other night (Elevation X at the Destination X PPV) here one of them had to fall to get a cheer. Sure they pay our paychecks but they are sensitized.



Alan J. Wojcik: When the Latin American Xchange (“Notorious 187” Homicide and Hotstuff Hernandez) took the belts off Styles and Daniels at the PPV AMW became top contenders. But before an Impact taping things got violent when LAX attacked you at an autograph session which saw you suffer what was reported as temporarily paralysis (Hernandez hit Storm with the Border Toss to a wall). Are you a fan of doing those angles and did you suffer any long term damage that day?



James Storm: It was one of those things that wasn’t supposed to happen. Hernandez didn’t mean for it to happen but it made him look good and I am all for that. Helping him get over got us over. Before it went down I figured I would lay there and thought I would sell it but when I came down I smacked my head on the concrete. I kept telling them to get me a beer and I would be fine but they called paramedics and it got serious. I ripped the neck brace off and got my beer to numb the pain.



Alan J. Wojcik: The Genesis and Turning Point PPV saw AMW and LAX do battle where the roles were reversed as the fans turned AMW face after LAX threatened to burn an American flag. How did you feel about the change and did it change the way you and LAX approached the match?



James Storm: I don’t know what management thought but I always like to go out there and feel the crowd before going full tilt. The fans were hot on LAX after they tried to burn the flag so it turned us and we went with it. We had been faces before so we went with it for a while.



Alan J. Wojcik: You have destroyed people with the beer bottle shot to the head but during the Flag Match when you blasted Homicide, the shards went into Harris’ eyes taking him out of the match. You called him out publicly after that match but the Impact that Thursday you blasted him in the face with the bottle in a match due to the pre-match stipulation caused the contractual end of AMW. I guess the obvious question is WHY??



James Storm: I get asked that all the time and why did you do that to Chris. Well Chris Harris is nothing, forget him! I was the man of the team. Sure I got an ego because I care about no one but my little girl at home who I have to provide for. Chris wants to be a superstar fine but he wont get buy me and I will blind his other eye so he can get a Seeing Eye dog.



Alan J. Wojcik: After Harris was put out of commission by you; you also ended business dealings with Gail Kim. Why dissolve that relationship and how did “The Pride of Tennessee” Jacqueline Moore come to be your advisor?



James Storm: Gail needs to get back to work in her uncle’s restaurant seating people. She cannot manage a guy like the “Tennessee Cowboy”. Now you take a gorgeous woman like Ms. Moore who is one mean you know what. She is from Texas and a redneck like me. She called me up and said you need a tough woman like me. So there you have it, she took out Gail and we are on the way to superstar status.



Alan J. Wojcik: This will probably get me in more hot water then I currently stand in. Looking back over the last four and a half years do you regret ever allowing TNA to create AMW? What I mean is do you think you would have gone further in the promotion as a singles worker since you were signed that way?



James Storm: I don’t regret it at all. That is how we made our name. Sure you can look back and think I should have begun as a single but Chris or I could have gotten lost in the shuffle. We did out tag team run and were part of the greatest matches in TNA. I am sure either of us is itching to get in there and beat the hell out of some people.



Alan J. Wojcik: It has been almost three years since you wrestled for a singles title (Storm unfortunately lost to then NWA World Heavyweight champion Jeff Jarrett in Nashville, buy the Best OF AMW DVD to check it out.) Had you been itching to get back to singles work and what do you hope happens to your career now that AMW has been killed?



James Storm: Chris Harris is like my beer bottle, its there as a prop. Being the “Tennessee Cowboy” isn’t a gimmick it’s my lifestyle. I am all about drinking, fighting, fast cars and beautiful women. If they want to put me in the singles picture fine. I think it’s going to be fun for everyone.



Alan J. Wojcik: Your former partner made a surprising return at the Against All Odds PPV. Were you shocked by his return?



James Storm: At first I was shocked. The match was over and someone yelled Chris Harris is here. Chris has to make a living like everyone else. I am sure he got tired of sitting at home seeing me in all the glory and praise. I am sure I would do the same thing if I was in his shoes. He came back and I am going to beat him back down.



Alan J. Wojcik: Rumors were going around Slammiversary 2007 will take TNA back to Nashville for the first time since September 8th 2004 (TNA’s website confirmed it recently). Do you think the Nashville fans will come out to welcome the promotion back?



James Storm: I think without them we wouldn’t be here in Orlando or other cities putting on shows. They came out each week to the Asylum and helped spread the TNA name around the world. I think the people who came out each week will be the first in line to buy tickets in Nashville. Look at the ECW regulars who came out when Vince bought ECW and Shane ran his show (Shane Douglas’ Hardcore Homecoming event in 2005) they came out to support and I think Nashville fans will be the same.



Alan J. Wojcik: In closing do you have anything you wish to say to the fans that have seen your new attitude on life and might dislike it?



James Storm: Kiss my ass. I would tell you to suck on my beer bottle but I want to drink that. Sorry about your damn luck! I am out of here and give me that case of beer you promised.



Thanks to James Storm for his time and I hoped he enjoyed the case of beer promised. Log onto www.tnawrestling.com for all things TNA. James Storm has a website, www.thecowboyjamesstorm.com which is run by the very lovely Miss Kendi.
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Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or referencing commentary from this site please include a link to meanfilipine.blogspot.com as opposed to "Strong Style Shimko", "From The Mean Filipine Blog" or derivatives. Thank you!

Danny Doring Shoots On Paul Heyman, WWE Wellness Policy, & WWE Release (3/19 MNM)

Former ECW extremist/World Tag Team Champion, Danny Doring, was the special guest on this past week's live edition of Monday Night Mayhem (3/19/07), which can be heard in streaming audio every week (hosted by The Big Mosh & Blade and heard live at 9PM ET/8PM CT every Monday night) exclusively on The Monday Night Mayhem Radio Network (www.MondayNightMayhem.com, www.ObsessedWithWrestling.com, www.ProWrestlingPress.com, www.AllWNYRadio.com, www.Showdown.net, & www.AudioWrestling.com -- your official home of "The Spring Break Incident" Video-On-Demand, featuring former WWE Diva, Stacy Keibler).

Danny's first comments/interview since parting ways with World Wrestling Entertainment is now available for FREE in Real Audio.

Here are some of the highlights from the interview, provided by The Mayhem's exclusive recapper, The eXtreme Icon!

======================================================

*Doring was welcomed by The Big Mosh, Blade, & The Angry Hero. Danny puts over the show, saying that "there is no one better to do his first interview than Monday Night Mayhem."

*Last May, before officially starting up with the WWE, Danny joined The Mayhem for his last candid interview. Everything was going well for him at the time, a new opportunity was on the horizon. What went wrong? Doring said that he isn't going to be bitter now or into the future, but the only reason that half of the ECW guys were hired was to bring in some "old-school" fans to watch the show, only to then filter out the old Extreme Championship Wrestling guys, and put in their WWE superstars.

*He says he was happy to have been there, but at the same time it wasn't like any of the old ECW guys had "a fair shot."

*Doring says that the shows were re-written & changed almost seven or eight times during the day, and that he was thrown in on TV shows and then quickly taken out.

*When the WWE first started having separate ECW house shows, it began with all old-school ECW guys -- a great feeling, especially at The ECW Arena. Those guys however were not filling bigger venues, so the WWE decided to use their top guys, and mix them in with the rest of the SmackDown & RAW rosters for TV tapings & house shows in the U.S. & overseas.

*When it comes to some of the newer ECW guys: Mike Knox is a 6'4, 6'5 big guy who wears black boots, black tights, & is a generic guy. Then, they brought in Test -- he was even more jacked up, and not any better. Finally, Gene Snitsky was brought in and was just the same wrestler -- big, intense, & ass-kicking. There could be six or seven guys in Deep South who could basically do the same thing. Answering The Mayhem's question of who cut the mustard so-far from the newer guys, CM Punk has done the best so far, carrying the torch for the new ECW.

*He wishes he could have had the opportunity to do promos (even the ones that never really went anywhere), and then get jobbed out -- as the WWE did not even ask him to do that. Doring says no one ever heard his music, because he always came out to "The Marine" trailer, or they cut to him right in the middle of the ring.

They ask him to pin-point what WWE has done right and wrong and he says he says when people were hired they knew that they would be a WWE version and do what WWE wants them to be and that the WWE makes the new fans think that there were only 4 guys in ECW since they only show 4 originals.

*The Big Mosh joked about Paul Heyman doing "Rollerball II" with some of this new free time, and Doring says that Heyman would not do that, simply because "he does not have to lie to an entire locker room about getting a TV network and not paying them anymore."

*Doring says that he wants to clear the air about Paul Heyman: "He says he has become aware of the fact that Paul does not like him. He says that he doesn't know what he did to him, but he wishes he could do it again 10 times over. He says that Heyman gave him a sugar-coated attitude, that he hates him with every inch of his soul, and that Heyman is a scumbag."

*Danny says that he is the easiest guy to get along with, and that he is a loyal friend. He says he was loyal the whole time in ECW to Paul Heyman, and he is still loyal to the people who trained him.

*The newer superstars on the ECW brand: He says that "most of them kept to themselves. He tried to get along with them, tried to be the model employee, & tried to do everything the right way. He says he is starting to see what he was doing wrong and that was it."

*The WWE steroid allegations that have come out this week, and if feels the Wellness Policy has changed anything in the company: Doring says that "in sports in general, there is a lot of pressure on people, and you can't imagine the pressure that is put on them -- that the look is everything. He doesn't fault anyone for steroids or anything they have done for their careers. It happens in all sports, wrestling included." He believes that the WWE Talent Wellness Policy did not change anything. "People on his tier would have been sent home, but the main-event stars would only get a punishment and be brought back."

*Doring feels that The New Breed/ECW Originals has not been done right leading into WrestleMania, and they pretty much gave away the ending of what we will be seeing in Detroit on "ECW On Sci-Fi" last week.

*He says that he does not feel like he got screwed over in the WWE, and that he was fully aware of why he was there & what his job was. He was happy to be there, simply because he worked his whole life just to get to World Wrestling Entertainment. "It's time to move on now..."

*Being able to work recently & in the future with his former manager in ECW, Amy "Lita" Dumas: Doring says she was only at one of the Maryland Championship shows. He talked to her a little bit, but they didn't get a chance to hang out. He says it was more like "a day at the office."

*In closing, The Mayhem Crew & Danny were joking around about how many current "divas" are in professional wrestling/sports-entertainment because they actually love doing it. Doring says that "Kelly Kelly clearly is in it because she loves wrestling."

*An over one-hour interview covering all topics, which can be head here: (www.mondaynightmayhemarchives.com/waxfiles/031907.wax: streaming) (www.mondaynightmayhemarchives.com/mar07/031907.mp3: podcast)

*Don't forget to check out MNM's official MySpace at:
www.MySpace.com/MondayNightMayhem.

*Make sure you listen to MNM's live special from Detroit, MI (from The Hilton Garden Inn) on WrestleMania Sunday, which kicks off the 13 hours of audio coverage on www.AudioWrestling.com & www.Showdown.net, starting at 11AM ET/10AM CT on April 1st. The program will feature legendary WWE manager, Percy "Paul Bearer" Pringle, former ECW World Tag Team Champion/WWE Intercontinental Champion, Lance Storm, former WWE Intercontinental/European Champion, D-Lo Brown, The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer, Gerweck.net's Michael T, The Monster Factory's Jim Molineaux/Ed Atlas, & The Mayhem's National Correspondent, Scott Hudson. A stacked lineup brought to you exclusively by "Your Home Of Wrestling Radio."

*We invite you fans to call into The Mayhem Line (presented by The Monster Factory) with your pre-recorded questions/comments for upcoming guests (including Ring Of Honor head booker, Gabe Sapolsky, Diana Hart, & many others) at (866) Mayhem-7...that's (866) 629-4367 Option #4. E-mail the program at MondayNightMayhem@hotmail.com, take part in the interactive chat room & The Mayhem Message Board (both located at www.MondayNightMayhem.com), as well as visiting The Mayhem on MySpace (at www.MySpace.com/MondayNightMayhem) if you wish to interact with The Mayhem Crew as well.

*All new & old Mayhem listeners can still check out the archived programs/shows of "Your Home Of Wrestling Radio" (including the voice of Monday Night RAW himself, Jim Ross, WWE Diva, Candice Michelle, TNA President, Dixie Carter, "The Mouth Of The South" Jimmy Hart, & many others) -- available on www.MondayNightMayhem.com, www.ObsessedWithWrestling.com, www.Showdown.net, & www.AudioWrestling.com. And remember, you can feel The Mayhem (live & worldwide) each & every Monday night on The Monday Night Mayhem Radio Network, beginning at 9PM ET/8PM CT.

"The Road To WrestleMania" goes through "Your Home Of Wrestling Radio."

Kurt Angle talks MMA...

...he still wrestles for TNA, right? Five Ounces of Pain: Angle eyes entry into MMA

Sheiky teenks Jariko ees uh... jock uff

Interview with west coast indy wrestler Ryan Drago

My Interview with Ryan Drago By Oliver Newman

ON: Oliver Newman
RD: Ryan Drago

ON: Today my interviewee is up and coming Wrestler Ryan Drago. Thanks for taking the time out to do this interview.

RD: No problem. Thank you for taking the time to interview me.

ON: Can you tell the readers who may be unfamiliar with Ryan Drago a little about yourself?

RD: I'm 24 years old, I began training in August of 2001 and made my debut in August of 2002. My trainers were "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson, Mike Modest, Donovan Morgan and Bison Smith.

ON: Were you a Wrestling Fan growing up, and if so who were some of your favourites?

RD: I started watching Wrestling when I was 3. I liked the traditional heroes: Hulk Hogan, Ricky Steamboat, and The British Bulldogs.

ON: Was there a defining moment/match when you said this is what I want to do for a living?

RD: In the summer of 2000 my brother and I went to Los Angles for Extreme Championship Wrestling's 'Heatwave' PPV. I decided I wanted to be a wrestler when I saw the Van-Terminator (utilised by Rob Van Dam).

ON: Which Wrestling school did you go to?

RD: I found a relatively local place called Pacific Coast Sports. I say relatively, but it was actually a two hour drive each way.

ON: Who were you trained by?

RD: Initially, Donovan Morgan. A few months in though, he had a falling out with the company and left. Bryan took over training, I actually wound up getting a lot of extra training with Bryan, sometimes 2-4 hours a night more, since I was willing to stay late and get beat up by Sara Del Ray. I trained with Bryan for 9 months, up until he left for The Inoki/New Japan Dojo in L.A. After that, I moved to Donovan Morgan and Mike Modest's Pro-Wrestling IRON group, where I trained until it closed in August of 2005.

ON: Thoughts on your trainers?

RD: Bryan has an exceptional eye for detail. He's the type of guy who will spot the smallest flaw and point it out for correction. He was also very easy to get along with and never buried someone to placate his own ego. Mike Modest has an ESP when it comes to wrestling. I've seen him make a cup of coffee, (thus not watching the ring), then call the move/sequence back to us, point out what we did wrong and tell us what would have looked better. All seemingly without looking!

Donovan is one of the best guys I've met in wrestling. You do right by him and he'll fight to the death for you! There are a lot of bull shitters in wrestling, Donovan isn't one of them. He's just a great guy to work with. Bison, despite his size, is exceedingly kind. He always made time to work with anyone who needed or wanted help.

ON: Can you explain to the readers the trials and tribulations involved in training to become a Professional Wrestler?

RD: Training means turning your entire life upside down. It's a lifestyle and not one to be taken lightly! I actually weighed in at 250lbs when I started training. I also had about as much muscle on me as a 12 year old Ethiopian girl. This meant a complete overhaul of my diet and exercise routines. I literally ate egg whites, dry chicken breasts and tuna for 3 solid months. I would then run for an hour every morning before breakfast, then lift weights for two hours. This eventually lead to me dropping 50 pounds in 3 months.

There is also the driving to take into account. I had to drive 4 hours total, 3-5 days a week for 4 years. In that time I think I went through 3 cars! Injuries also tend to pile up quick when your working that hard and there's not much you can do other then take some Advil and tape it up.

There was actually a point when I bruised my static nerve and my legs would go numb every time I wrestled for about 8 or 9 weeks! I didn't tell anyone because I didn't want to take time off. The hard part (with injuries) was in training, when it would happen, trying to get up without giving away the fact that I was hurt.

ON: Thoughts on Sara Del Ray?



RD: She's a lady! (It's an inside joke, but if she reads that, she'll understand it). She is super nice and just as tough. I've seen guys that won't take half as much punishment as she will. She truly deserves all the praise she's been receiving lately. We actually started around the same time and trained together for about 3 and a half years. It's also nice to see a woman in Wrestling who's actually good, and not just good for being a woman!!

ON: Do you have a best or worst moment during training that you would like to tell the readers about?

RD: Not really a best or worst, just kind of a funny one. This happened early in my training. On this particular day, Brian "Spanky" Kendrick was the guest instructor. If you've never met him, let me say, he can be a bit head strong. Due to my transportation situation, I arrived late.

Upon seeing me, Brian told me to take off my shirt and go to the parking lot for cardio. Basically, he ran my ass off and yelled the whole time. At one point, during sprints, my Asthma started kicking in bad. I stopped to use my inhaler only to hear, "WHAT THE F--K ARE YOU DOING!?!!?" I looked up at him and he saw my inhaler and said "Oh." It's funny now, but it was gruelling as hell when it happened.

ON: Thoughts on Brian Kendrick as a Wrestler and as a person?

RD: He's a nice guy and a good wrestler, just a bit head strong at times.

ON: You trained for a year before your debut match, what were you thoughts leading up to the match?

RD: As bad as it may sound, my thought was "About f--king time." A couple of guys I started with had already debuted. I was put on the back burner. It sucked because Bryan left for LA the same day I had my first match. I was sad he wasn't going to be able to give me input on it, but in retrospect, I'm glad he never saw it. It was bad!

ON: Thoughts on your opponent?

RD: His name was Robert, he was a nice enough guy.

ON: You wrestled the first match for new upstart promotion Pro Wrestling Guerrilla in July 2003. How did this come about and what were your immediate thoughts prior to your debut?

RD: Well, I actually wasn't booked. I had driven down with Hook Bomberry and Apolo Kahn, just for the hell of it! Apparently Phoenix Star didn't show up and Joey Ryan, who I'd wrestled previously, asked If I brought my gear. I did and he put me in the match. My opinion prior to the show was" How long is this going to last?". Considering what it takes monetarily to run a company like PWG, I wondered how long they would be able to do it. Apparently, quite long!

ON: You teamed with Topgun Talwar and Zokre v Charles Mercury, Sara Del Rey & Supa Badd, could you share your thoughts on the match?

RD: The first thought I had was "This match was going to be WAAAY too long". My concern was we were going to kill the rest of the card. An opening match, in my mind, should be fast paced, fun and under 10 minutes. We went 13+ minutes. If the opening match is the best of the night, why hang around for another 2 or 3 hours?

ON: Could you also share your thoughts on both your partners and your opponents?

RD: Topgun is damn funny, Zokre is good at Lucha. Charles has improved a lot thanks to training at Inoki Dojo, Supa Bad is a very nice guy and Sara, as mentioned earlier, is just awesome.

ON: Could you tell the readers about a favourite road story?

RD: Sure, here's one it's called: The Arizona drive story. This happened in December of 2003. Sara Del Ray and I were booked in Arizona and were going to drive there. When discussing the booking, she asked if I knew how to get to Arizona. "Sure. " I replied. "Just head south until we hit Mexico, then turn left.". Sara thought this statement was so funny she gave her mother the same response when she asked that question. Her mother was not amused. The trip it's self would be immediately followed by the IRON Christmas party.

Sara napped for the hour, while I took the chance to shower. I figured it would be rude not to. Sara's car is a manual and I don't drive stick. This meant she had to do the whole 18 hour drive by herself and I had to stay awake with her. This also meant I had to listen to the No Doubt song "It's my life" 824 times, but that is neither here nor there! (She loves that song and since she was doing all the driving, I couldn't complain).

Any way, about an hour in to the drive, we were on I-5 headed south. All of a sudden, we see this huge line of headlights on the north bound side, stretched back for a mile. As we got closer, we saw why they were stopped. A car, fully engulfed in flames. No fire truck, EMT or anything in sight!! That was a pretty surreal experience.

ON: You wrestled for FUISON in December 2004, what were your immediate thoughts on the promotion?

RD: WOOHOO! I get to wrestle in New Jersey! At the time I was just really excited to get the chance to wrestle in the north east. I wrestled TNA star Jay Lethal. I liked the match a lot.

ON: Thoughts on Jay Lethal as a Wrestler?



RD: Very good. There isn't a whole lot he does that he doesn't well. Jay is a great guy and easy to work with.

ON: The biggest match of your career thus far was a six man tag with You, Mike Modest & Donovan Morgan v Sal Thomaselli, Yoshinari Ogawa & Japanese legend Mitsuharu Misawa, tell us how you came to be involved in this match?

RD: In January of 2004, Mike had told me that they were going to start pitching me to the NOAH office to go and train in their dojo in Japan. In the months leading up to the shows, and really since I'd entered IRON, I'd been doing a lot of gofer work (Picking guys up at the airport, dropping tickets off, flyers etc). If it needed to be done I did it. A few weeks before the show, I got a call from Mike. We talked for a bit and he just sort of dropped it on me!

"You're going to be teaming with us against Misawa, Ogawa and Sal". I was actually pretty calm when he initially told me. We talked a bit more, I thanked him, then hung up the phone and yelled a very loud "F--k YEAH!!!".

ON: Your thoughts on the match?


>

RD: I was so scared! Misawa is my favourite wrestler and to be in the ring with him was unbelievable!!! I felt fine before and during the match, afterwards however, my heart just wouldn't stop pounding. He's much bigger then you'd guess. I always heard Japanese wrestlers worked their height, then I met him and suddenly felt very small!

ON :Thoughts on your opponents?

RD: Misawa is a legend and well deserving of that title. Hands down my favourite wrestler to watch. Ogawa is funny as hell and works a very underrated style. He tends to get over looked since he wrestles more like an American, but he's still quite good.

ON: Your thoughts on Pro Wrestling Iron match v Nigel McGuiness?



RD: Nigel hits hard!! That first shot literally rocked me and this is coming from a guy who hits hard. I actually liked that match a lot as we just went out and wrestled. We just kind of meshed. You can actually watch this match on (my) myspace: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoID=1385575666

ON: Can you tell the readers about your tryout in front of Professional Wrestling Noah officials?

RD: Ken Hiriyama (foreign talent liaison and head of the Hawaii office), came down to the school. He ran us through a series of drills, exercises, stretches and matches. This day also marked my most brutal match never seen, with a guy name Malachi (I've never hit someone that hard without having bad intentions!!). After the camp, Ken basically he was impressed with my improvement since the 6-man tag with Misawa and Ogawa. He said that when he previously saw me, he didn't think I'd last 3 months! Apparently, after the camp, he thought I would.

On: Your thoughts on Ring Of Honor? (Before tryout)

RD: I thought it was the largest Indy in America and a group with a good pool of talent.

ON: Thoughts on Tryout v Oliver John?



>
RD: I was pretty nervous. I had knee surgery in February and June of 2005. I actually hadn't wrestled in 11 months when the match came up and wasn't medically cleared to do it. Olly is a awesome worker and we went out and did our best.

ON: WHOA! How did you get injured?

RD: I tore the ACL in my left knee during the match with Jay Lethal. I then, in a hellascious twist, tore the ACL and Meniscus's in my right knee two weeks later. Actually, it was 9 months of rehab, but I was unable to have the first surgery for almost two months.

ON: Would you mind explaining to the readers some of your thoughts going through rehab?

RD: "This sucks" was pretty much my only thought. I've always kind of prided myself on toughing it out through injuries. To be told that there was no option other than surgery and a long rehab was pretty hard to take. Particularly since I was getting some good press off my match with Jay (Lethal) and was unable to capitalize on it. After a while, I came to accept it. It's actually helped to find out how common an injury it is in Wrestling, many guys have a torn or replaced ACL and still work as good as ever.

ON: Your next big match was against (PWG Battle Of Los Angeles winner) Davey Richards in Pro Wrestling War, thoughts on the match and Davey?



RD: I actually didn't like the match. Davey and I have fairly similar offence and it's actually kind of limiting to wrestle someone like that. Right off the bat you know you either have to cut a lot of your offence or do the same thing.

ON: Thoughts on Pro Wrestling War as a promotion?

RD: Well, they gave me the unique opportunity to hang out with Teddy Hart. They also became the second promotion to be high on me and then stop running.

ON: Ryan Drago 'Star Maker'?

RD: It seems like very good things happen to people shortly after they wrestle me. Both Brent Albright and Mike Knox got signed to developmental shortly after our matches. Jay Lethal wound up in TNA and Davey Richards won the Super-8.

ON: Thoughts on Teddy Hart as a Wrestler and a person?

RD: He's very athletic and entertaining to be around. Personally, I think he's not that bad a guy and I had no problem with him, he just really plays up his trouble maker image.

ON: How did you get the shot in TNA?

RD: Actually, Mike and Donovan got it hooked up through Terry Taylor. Terry told them to find a third guy for the match and they asked me to do it.

ON: Thoughts on match v LAX?

RD: Well if you break it down by pay vs. length of match, it was the most profitable match I've ever had!!

ON: Thoughts on LAX?

RD: They're some nice guys. Homicide has a pretty unique style, Konnan was good in his prime, but from what I understand his hip is pretty bad now. Machete, who was there third at the time, seemed to disappear pretty quick after that. I've never seen anything else of his.

ON: Thoughts on the NWA/AWS/WPW 2006 Best of the West tournament?



RD: I actually wanted to talk there and cry racism as the two Russian Jews were pitted against each other in myself and Alex Koslov! It was a fun match, I actually enjoyed it a lot. Also, in another example of me being a star maker, Alex got signed to CMLL not long after our match.

ON: Thoughts on Indy Promotions?

RD: I think the most important thing for any Indy promotion is to find a good balance. Too many companies try and do too much too soon (E.g.1PW) or they are too cheap when it comes to talent to ever draw. I believe, ultimately, it's good wrestling that brings people back. Not angles, gimmicks, or promos. If your not willing to spend the money to put on a good show or you are too careless with the money you have, you can look forward to very limited success in the wrestling business!!

ON: Thoughts on Pro Wrestling Warfare (the Peterson Cup 2006)?

RD: I got to hang out with Tom "Reckless Youth" Carter and Milano Collection AT. It was fun! Milano's quite a good Wrestler, very polite too.

ON: Thoughts on Jeff Peterson and the Peterson cup (in his name)?

RD: I actually never met Jeff, so I don't really have any thoughts on him. I was a bit pissed off that day. Davey Richards original opponent couldn't make it and I didn't actually have a match yet, so I figured "Cool, two birds with one stone". I thought it would me v Davey, but he wrestled Rod Steele.

ON: But you were disappointed with the match v Davey in Pro Wrestling War?

RD: It's a bit different when you've already wrestled someone and know what to expect. The first time, there is that adjustment you don't always expect. The second time is easier, since you know what they do more specifically and how to change up your offence to work better with them.

ON: Who did you wrestle?

RD: I was in a 3-way with Dagon Briggs and 'Mr.630' Jerelle Clark. Jerelle and Dagon are both great guys, I just hate 3-way dances! Though I did learn how to do them better thanks to this match. Which is funny since every thing I learned, was stuff we didn't do in the match!

ON: You wrestled a couple of times for Full Impact Pro, how did this come about and could you share your immediate thoughts on the company?

RD: It actually was a result of the ROH match the previous December. Gabe Sapolsky, who is the match maker for both companies, said he wanted to use me in FIP. I wound up spending part of last summer in Florida and when I asked, he told me they had an opening and I was booked. I thought F.I.P. was kind of ROH-lite. A lot of the same wrestlers, but in a different environment.

ON: You wrestled 'Rainman' Kory Chavis on your first night (June 9th 2006). Thoughts on the match and Kory?



RD: I liked the match! It was short, simple and to the point. Personally though, the high light was that he's managed by So Cal Val. Also, she was wearing a mini skirt, and did not exit the ring when I entered. This led to me being about 4 feet below her and, well, I saw a bit more then most of the audience did that night! Think before you pick your gear, that's what I always say.

ON: Thoughts on So Cal Val?

RD: She is very nice. I actually wound up riding "The Mummy" at Universal studios with her, Rhino, Alex Portue and Brother D-Von's kids.

ON: You returned to FIP the next night as part of a four way match. Featuring yourself, Kory Chavis, Chasyn Rance and Kenny King. Could you share your thoughts on this match (and since we have previously talked about Chavis) your thoughts on Rance and King?

RD: I'm just not a fan of the multi-man free-for-alls! It wasn't a bad match, but just not my cup of tea. Chasyn is a cool guy and actually got me some bookings while I was in Florida. Kenny is a nice guy and has done a lot more with himself the most of the "Tough Enough" cast-offs did.

ON: You took part in the World League Wrestling/ Pro-Wrestling NOAH Training Camp September 19-23 2006. With an all star list of trainers at the camp included WWE office member/ Wrestler Simon Dean, Pro wrestling NOAH's Naomichi Marufuji, KENTA, current ROH World Champion Takeshi Morishima, current GHC Jr. single/ tag team champion Takashi Sugiura, and NOAH star Mohammed Yone. ' First WOW! Secondly how did this come about?

RD: While I was in Florida, I had dinner with 2 Cold Scorpio. During the conversation, my aspirations to work for NOAH came up and he gave me Harley Race's number. I called Harley and he asked for a promo pack, I sent one and he suggested I take part in the camp. I actually got some one-on-one training with KENTA, thanks to Ken Hiriyama. Ken told KENTA of my propensity to kicking and he went over some kicking techniques with me. Marufuji laughed when he saw a shirt I was wearing that in Japanese, declared my confidence in my sexual prowess!

ON: Can you talk the readers through your personal experience at the WLW/Noah Camp?

RD: Well, the first day, we were looked over by the WLW staff and separated into 2 groups. The following few days, Simon Dean came in and ran the camp. He had us cut promos, do matches and gave us some general information on working in WWE. The final day was run fully by the NOAH wrestlers. They put us through a gruelling workout, that was actually only a fraction of what they do in the dojo every day! After that they went over some basic moves and some slight variances that they used in rope running, arm dragging and body slams.

ON: You wrestled against Ted Dibiase's sons in the WLW show that followed the camp. Who was your partner and what are your thoughts on the match?



RD: His name was Robert, I actually don't remember his last name. The match was alright. Ted and Mike have only been wrestling for a short time (I think 6 months at the time of the match.) and sometimes you take things for granted (when wrestling guys that are new to the ring). Mike and Ted are great guys, and very level headed considering their parentage.

ON: Do you have a favourite Wrestling promotion to watch in 2007 (if so why is said promotion your favourite)?

RD: Pro-Wrestling NOAH! It's hands down the best promotion in the world, and a place where you can see just about every type of wrestling done to it's fullest.

ON: Thoughts on WWE as we stand in 2007?

RD: They're doing their thing.

ON: Thoughts on TNA?

RD: I would like to see Impact extended to 2 hours. They have too many guys and too little TV time right now. I honestly don't watch wrestling on TV that often. I stick to DVD's as they tend to give me what I actually want.

ON: Thoughts on ROH as we stand in 2007?

RD: They seem to be doing good, hopefully, they won't stretch themselves too thin.

ON: What are your thoughts on 1PW being back in business?

RD: It's really a question of if they can get their credibility back. After what happened, it might be a while before fans, wrestlers and other companies (E.g. All Japan), are ready to put faith in them. It's kind of a wait and see thing.

ON: Do you have a favourite Wrestler/s to watch in 2007?

RD: Katsuyori Shibata, Katsuhiko Nakajima and current GHC Heavyweight Champ, Mitsuharu Misawa.

ON: Word Association if you don't mind?

RD: Go ahead

ON: KENTA?

RD: According to himself, KENTA is stiffy number 1. Referring to how hard he strikes of course!!

ON: Noamichi Marufuji?

RD: He's going to be a legend.

ON: Bret 'The Hitman' Hart?

RD: One of a kind!

ON: Dynamite Kid?

RD: Innovator.

ON: Chris Benoit?

RD: A true class act and one of the best of all time!

ON: Kurt Angle?

RD: Best Olympian in this sport since the Iron Sheik.

ON: Paul London?

RD: He is terribly under utilised.

ON: Kenta Kobashi?

RD: Totally awesome, I can't wait for his in-ring return!

ON: AJ Styles?

RD: AJ is a nice guy.

ON: Chris Daniels?

RD: One of the finest American wrestlers in the ring today and one of the coolest guys in the business.

ON: Samoa Joe?

RD: I'm really glad he speaks English and doesn't a grass skirt in the ring!!

ON: Davey Richards?

RD: He's very short.

ON: Gregory Helms?

RD: I've never met the guy, but he was tight with Crash Holly (RIP), so I figure he's pretty cool.

ON: Harley Race?

RD: A legitimate legend and well deserving of the praise. A good guy too, who goes out of his way to help others in the business. An all around great guy!

ON: Eddie Guerrero?

RD: When guys die in this business, they're generally remembered more fondly then they should be. In Eddie's case, he is not remembered fondly enough!! He was one of the best and is sorely missed.

ON: Owen Hart?

RD: Owen is in to the same category as Eddie, a phenomenal wrestler who tribute can't do justice to.

ON: Bam Bam Bigelow?

RD: You have to give mad respect to a guy that could make Lawrence Taylor look like a wrestler!

ON: The Briscoe's?

RD: They're nice guys.

ON: Chris Sabin?

RD: He's very talented and should do alright for himself.

ON: Jerry Lynn?

RD: Criminally under rated and under used. He's also a great guy and almost put me on a PPV accidentally.

ON: PPV accidentally, please go on............

RD: When Frankie Kazarian made his return to TNA at a PPV v Senshi, he was listed as Incognito to keep it a surprise. When they printed out the sheet, someone made a mistake and listed it as a 3 way with Senshi, Frankie and Incognito. So Jerry runs up and says "You're in the 3-way with Frankie and Senshi. " I responded with a simple "Are you yanking my chain?" Jerry then asked "Aren't you Incognito?".

I looked at the sheet and, as mentioned before, it was listed as a 3-way. I informed him of his mistake and he apologized as he was only told that "Incognito is a big, stocky guy, so I thought it was you." I joked that I should have just played a long and gotten the check, he jokingly replied that " That would have cost me my job!"

ON: Do you have a greatest moment/match of your career thus far?

RD: My greatest moment was getting to wrestle Mitsuharu Misawa, but my greatest match was with Nigel McGuiness.

ON: If you could pick one Ryan Drago match to showcase yourself to the readers which would it be?

RD: The one coming soon to their neck of the woods, so be sure to show up! Or they can just watch the matches on my (myspace) page.

ON: Ryan Drago v Who in a Dream Match?

RD: Mitsuharu Misawa or Bryan Danielson

ON: Are there any websites where the readers can find out more about you?

RD: Obsessed with Wrestling profile page and www.myspace.com/ryandrago

ON: Any final words for the readers?

RD: Support good wrestling and throw stuff at bad wrestlers!!

ON: Thanks very much for taking the time out to do this interview Ryan.

RD: Thank you very much

Final Thoughts: Ryan is a great guy, who had a real interesting story to tell, I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I did interviewing, editing and posting the interview. I wish Ryan all the best with what I hope will be a long and prosperous Wrestling career.

Thanks to Ryan Drago for picture permission.

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Alan Wojcik Interviews "Prime Time" Elix Skipper On Life After TNA

Please credit Alan J. Wojcik of http://alanwojcik.com if used thank you.


“Prime Time” Elix Skipper was a TNA original. He was a member of SEX (Sports Entertainment Xtreme Vince Russo’s clique in the Nashville PPV days), one third of XXX (w/Low Ki and “Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels), a multi-time NWA World Tag Team champion and had one of the 50 most memorable moments in TNA Wrestling history (his cage walk and the match held at Turning Point 2004 was ranked #6.) So how did he go from being part of that energy and excitement to being released by TNA Wrestling along with his Diamonds in the Rough partner David Young? Alan J. Wojcik wanted to find out so he did the following interview with Skipper via telephone on Saturday February 24th. This interview was approved by no one.



Alan J. Wojcik: Let’s begin right around our last interview (Elix was part of the Slammiversary 2005 PPV). How long after that PPV was the idea of being teamed with David Young and managed by Simon Diamond proposed to you and what was your initial reaction to the Diamonds in the Rough?



Elix Skipper: It was weird because they initially told me it was a group not a tag team. The truth is TNA didn’t have anything for me at that time. The hardest part was getting the fans to forget David’s past, he had lost I think 80 or 100 matches in a row. So we had to get the perception we were losers and at the same time get used to us as a team. Simon was perfect as a manager but it took a while for the magic to happen.



Alan J. Wojcik: How long do you think it took for you and David to function as a cohesive unit and how much input did you; David and Simon have in the direction the team took creatively?



Elix Skipper: I don’t think we had any input. We got together and had a bunch of ideas but it felt like we were another team that the others on the roster could have a good match with. It was never about us just the other teams. I don’t know if we had to prove ourselves worthy of a push but I always felt it was never about us. We decided to go out there and do what we know to do.



Alan J. Wojcik: You were part of a huge angle involving legendary manager Bobby “the Brain” Heenan and Chicago White Sox catcher AJ Pierzynski which got coverage on several mainstream media outlets. What are your memories from the ceremony Simon Diamond crashed which led to the Turning Point 2005 match (The Diamonds lost to Sonjay Dutt, Chris Sabin & Dale Torborg)?



Elix Skipper: I think they gave that thing to us because they didn’t think it would blow up as huge as it did. It backfired and we all over were on ESPN, CNN and in Sports Illustrated. It got notice because the baseball fans didn’t know what was going to happen. When it got all the national attention they took full notice of us and gave it time on the PPV. We had the idea of going to White Sox training facility because they had invaded our turf. But once again because of it being our angle I don’t feel it was pushed properly. Simon had about 4 ideas and the writers shot them all down.



Alan J. Wojcik: Around this time you and David wrestled each other on a Ring of Glory show run by current TNA writer Vince Russo. Please describe for fans what kind of show Mr. Russo runs under the ROG banner.



Elix Skipper: It was great. Working for Vince at that time was nice. That was his second show; on the first one I wrestled Jeff Jarrett. Ring of Glory was a church style audience so we had to watch our language. It was really nice crowd and it helped deliver a positive message to the fans.



Alan J. Wojcik: You also worked for 1PW in England against Low Ki (TNA calls him Senshi) and your former partner “Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels. There have been stories that English fans are starved for wrestling. How was this trip different from other overseas trips you have taken?



Elix Skipper: I have been to Australia and Japan in my career and this trip was great. I wrestled one of their local stars the first night. The second night was the promoter being smart. He knew people wanted to see XXX together in America but couldn’t (XXX had to disband after losing the Turning Point 2004 match to AMW) so instead of teaming us he decided to have us face each other. We had wrestled each other in single matches but never in a three way match. Let me tell you when the match began with Low Ki and Daniels and I walked out the crowd went crazy. I told them there was no way all the members of XXX in the same building and not have them in the ring. They acted like Hulk Hogan in his heyday was there. The promoter was so excited he beat everyone to making the match before anyone in the world.



Alan J. Wojcik: You and David were part of the TNA house shows co-promoted by Hermie Sadler’s UWF group. Please talk about the house show experience and do you think TNA is ready to become a full time touring promotion like WWE?



Elix Skipper: It’s up to TNA if they want to set their mind to do it. They have the stars on the rosters to do it. Of course there will be cities they draw well in and nights they might bomb. You have to survey the country and realize where you can draw. The people will look at say you can only draw in Florida. But some of the places we have been were new fans who saw us on PPV or Spike TV. Time will tell what TNA does.



Alan J. Wojcik: You have wrestled many different teams as David’s partner. One of the teams that has changed personas and raised plenty of eyebrows in wrestling; The James Gang AKA the Voodoo Kin Mafia (Kip and BG James.) What was it like wrestling the former WWE Tag Team champions and what did you think of the VKM skits featured on Impact?



Elix Skipper: I haven’t seen the VKM stuff but friends tell me it’s really funny stuff. Working with them was fun. Just like lots of things in wrestling it used to be fun. Wrestling them was like having a night off.



Alan J. Wojcik: Fans will remember you were part of the Lockdown 2006 PPV in the Xscape match (w/Chase Stevens, Petey Williams, Shark Boy, Chris Sabin and Puma). But some people don’t know what happened to you the night before in a match against Slyck Wagner Brown for SCW. Tell the fans what went down and did your wife give any special instructions before you entered the match on PPV?



Elix Skipper: My wife told me nothing crazy and definitely no cage walks. Any ideas I had I had to get cleared by her because at the end of the day she is always there for me. The day before you were there in the crowd and saw me hit Brown with a spinning plancha to the floor. But when I came down on him I came down to the floor awkward and broke a finger. I got him back in the ring and told Brown and the ref my finger was broken. You could see it was twisted the wrong way, all the way around. So I got him in a front facelock and when I pulled back on him I popped my finger back in place. I taped my finger up the next day and went into the cage. Another day in the life of a wrestler I guess.



Alan J. Wojcik: While you were working for TNA you have also worked for NWA Wrestle Birmingham and NWA Georgia Championship Wrestling. For fans that have never attended a show in what used to be called the Mid South territory and Georgia, describe the difference in the fans there as opposed to NWA Cyberspace in New Jersey?



Elix Skipper: The fans attitude in the south is totally different. Some wrestlers don’t know how to get the fans involved. The thing at a Birmingham or a southern show is the fans want to be part of the show. They can watch it at home but they came out to get involved. In the north you will get them into the match but down south they will be part of the match whether you like it or not.



Alan J. Wojcik: Since I brought up NWA Cyberspace any memories you wish to share about the owner of the group, the late Billy Firehawk.



Elix Skipper: He was a real nice guy. People may call him a money mark or a money holder. But every time I worked there I was cared for. Like any other promoter he got wrapped up in politics and financial issues. I told him several times not to take it too personal or he could give himself a heart attack. Not to yell at guys because no one likes to be yelled at, especially guys working on a national level. It’s a shame he is gone.



Alan J. Wojcik: On the October 12th Impact it looked like the Diamonds in the Rough broke up as David and Simon left you in the ring with Ron “the Truth” Killings. Was there a plan for you, Truth and Monty Brown to form a group and what happened to it?



Elix Skipper: That idea happened before XXX was ever formed in Nashville. We had an idea to get us together because Monty wasn’t a superstar yet and Truth was over already. We looked good together and put the idea to Jeff. He said, “Oh no I’m not putting you guys together. I can’t control you individually what do you think would happen if I make you a group.” We thought it was a good idea even after XXX ended and Ron was in 3LK. Monty and I were doing nothing so I asked again to put us together. The writers said put some ideas together. I got some stuff on paper but each of us was in contract issues with the office at that time. It looked like Monty was going to leave then he came back so it was scrapped again. We told them we could get the asses in the seats. It got out to the internet but at the last minute they dropped the idea.



Alan J. Wojcik: Your last in-ring TNA appearance was at the Bound For Glory 2006 PPV in Detroit (Elix was part of the Kevin Nash battle royal). What was the atmosphere like at the first PPV held outside of Nashville or Orlando?



Elix Skipper: It was a really great feeling because I had been with TNA since it started. The office was worried about filling the venue but we knew it would be packed. We knew we would make the magic happen. Look back to the Nashville days when people were paying ten dollars and the place was packed. We put on great shows whether it was twenty or two thousand fans. We proved that TNA could survive outside of Nashville and Orlando. It wasn’t about one match carrying the show, each match held its own. It wasn’t about someone topping the other guys it was about us working as a unit to make it the best PPV we could.



Alan J. Wojcik: Time for some questions some people probably don’t want me to ask. Was there ever a reason given to you by the office why you were kept off TV since Bound For Glory?



Elix Skipper: Don’t worry Alan I got nothing to hide. First I was told I was going to repackage me after a couple of months. Toss out any ideas I had and they would look at them, the problem with that is if it wasn’t an idea they thought was good for you they would use it for someone else. A couple of months go by and they told me we don’t have anything for you but as I am sitting home they are bringing in new talent. All these characters and only one hour of TV, they thought Spike was going to give them two hours. I wasn’t alone in waiting home for their characters to be brought back.



Alan J. Wojcik: This past week the news hit the internet you and David were released by TNA. Was this something you expected or had you asked to be released?



Elix Skipper: I asked for my release in October and they didn’t give it to me. Everyone has different deals with the office. Some guys have guaranteed deals. Mine basically required me to wrestle or I wasn’t paid by TNA. If I am not working in Orlando I am only bringing in money from my independent dates. With that being said I was home and they said they weren’t bringing me back. I am not allowed to work else where but I have a wife and family who I needed to provided for. So I called Terry Taylor (TNA’s Director of Talent Relations) and he said he would try to do something for me. Then Vince Russo called me and he said give it some time he was working on stuff. Even without the two hour show happening they were kicking around ideas. One was putting XXX together or the group with Ron and Monty that we talked about but supposedly Jeff didn’t like those ideas. Meanwhile I am still at home. When 2007 rolled around I called again. Many people can call this griping, well get in my shoes. Hermie wanted to use David and me on the UWF shows. He loved what we brought to his shows. He said since we aren’t being used on TV he wanted us on all of his shows, he would even work around our schedules. That sounded great but something happened and TNA didn’t want any of their talent working for Hermie. Then it changed to six people were allowed to work for him. We were told this and worked for him anyways. We did the show and they told us to stop. Remember Elix Skipper only gets paid by TNA when he works in a TNA ring. So this was a lose-lose situation for me. Either wait for TNA to find something for me to do or sit at home losing money.





Alan J. Wojcik: Looking back to your entire career in TNA, do you have any regrets over storylines like the dissolving of XXX or any politics that went down?



Elix Skipper: I think XXX ran its course. When we were paired up they weren’t sure if it was going to work because our styles and attitudes were so different. As much as we love wrestling we knew the business and knew it was a gamble. The only thing I regret happened in Nashville, on a show where Ki and Chris were in Japan. All three of us had been working overseas; I was working for All-Japan. When we held the titles it worked because two of us scheduled ourselves to be in Nashville. This one time I was the only one in Nashville and Jeff talked to me about it. He asked out loud how the office was going to handle it. He wanted us to make a total commitment to TNA so he could build us up. I thought about what he said the whole week and the money I was making real good money in Japan. The only drawback to Japan was being way from my wife and family for two or three weeks a time. I thought about what Jeff said with my wife and we felt there was a bright light at the end of the tunnel. The next week I talked to Jeff. I told him I was going to stop going to Japan and work all of my other dates around TNA. He told me he was real appreciative and said he would get me booked on each week’s PPV. He did and I was on each show even when Ki and Chris were in Japan. Looking back I wish I had kept working for All-Japan. They kept calling me asking when I was going to come back, even when we were doing the Wednesday PPV and TV in Orlando the next day (before Spike TV TNA was on Fox Sports Net Friday afternoons). I wish I hadn’t taken Japan out of my loop because now look at me TNA dropped me.



Alan J. Wojcik: Now for the other obvious question. With your release from TNA have you received offers from other promotions like going back to All-Japan, ROH or even the WWE and would you work for WWE?



Elix Skipper: Everyone knows wrestling is a business and if someone like WWE thinks you can make money they will use you. I love wrestling and if WWE is the place or All-Japan is where I can make money while they’re making money from having me on their ring. I want to be in the ring making money and having fun. When it’s not fun it’s time to stop. I love my wife and she was with me before wrestling and she will be with me if I was to walk away from wrestling tomorrow. Not many wrestlers can say that despite our ups and downs. If I can’t take care of my family by using wrestling then wrestling has to go.



Alan J. Wojcik: In closing what do you hope the future holds for “Prime Time” Elix Skipper?



Elix Skipper: Same as always. I want to enjoy life every day. I don’t know if I am going to continue wrestling. To be honest I am beyond the working shows for $50. Not to sound cocky but I did my time at that level. I need to make money doing it for my family. I have made money before wrestling. I ran McDonald’s franchises for years. That stuff made me humble and to appreciate everything I have.



Thanks to Elix Skipper for taking time out of his day with the family. For internet info log onto www.tnawrestling.com or www.uwfusa.com for the shows run by Hermie Sadler.