Hit the Ropes Radio

ECW Recap 12/22/09: The Nickel - A Swagger-rific Homecoming

2009-12-24T02:53:00.001-05:00

Written by Albert Dankwa

Heads:

Homecoming Video Packages and Hype: It's still early on in the in the tourney, but ECW is at least doing what they can pushing it as hard as they can hyping it up all throughout the night. The entire land of extreme revolves around this tournament right now and it's a good thing while it lasts.

Abe Washington: The show would be completely horrible without his punchlines tonight. Abe Wash is the man, enough said. It's still pretty amazing how Abe can instantly switch from heel to tweener to face at almost any given moment?

Edge of The Nickel:

Baretta and Croft: I like the team, but they weren't really that good on Abe's show. They put down Miz and Morrison along with The Hart Dynasty, but it didn't really go anywhere. The only good thing they did was verbally attack Tony Atlas telling him he's old and no one cares about him anymore when the subject if Tag Team titles came out. How can attend next year's ECW Homecoming if A) The tag champs are never on ECW and B) ECW will probably be long gone by then?

Still Aiming: What is it that Vance Archer is aiming for? I want to be interested in his character, but I'm not too sure. A dull and predictable win against Goldust doesn't help things either. Josh Matthew and Byron Saxton's dubbing Archer as a "Masterpiece of Agony" wasn't too shabby.

Rising Son: Yoshi and Swagger delivered an alright match. Yoshi started out offensively with his swift kicks, but Swagger caught a leg lifting him up in the process and ramming him right into the turnbuckle. Swagger got technical and kept on Yoshi continuously knocking him down before Yoshi turned the tables leaving Swagger in the corner in shock at how tough his opponent was before going to a commercial break, perfect timing.

The match resumes with Swagger overpowering Yoshi killing his leg barrage attempts and keeping him grounded. He proceeds to do push ups garnering some heat. Yoshi finally gets his legs moving after he kicks a rushing Swagger at the corner. He hits do kicks and a dropkick. Yoshi takes control of the match with multiple near falls until he was put out of his misery with the Roundhouse kick for the win.

Tails:

Starless Standards: Jack Swagger coming "home" if that is what you want to call it is fine, but what in the world was the reasoning behind a show where William Regal, Shelton Benjamin, and Christian weren't in action? At least one of them could have been in a match and I'm not including Benjamin's dark match against a now heel Tyler Reks. It is understandable that Christian and Benjamin should have some time to heal their wounds, but what happened to wanting to keep the ratings afloat? (assuming that is what they are aiming for). To top it all off Swagger gets pinned in one move. I'll be surprised if the ratings aren't atrocious this week.

Boulevard of Broken Dreamer(s): An ECW without Tommy Dreamer is like peanut butter without jelly. Dreamer hasn't played in significant role at all since his last ECW championship run that lasted from Extreme Rules until Night of Champions, but regardless of the role he played or didn't play he was ECW. Dreamer winning wasn't expected, but It couldn't have hurt to let the man exit on a good note instead of jobbing him out to Ryder of all people. It really looks like this show is coming to an end.

Swagger-rific: It's scary thinking that Swagger has to be on ECW to get some airtime, what was the point of getting drafted to RAW then?

Line(s) of The Night: "He used to call me all the time before his wife took his phone and knocked him upside his head" - Abraham Washington on Tiger Woods

"There's nothing wrong with playing 18 holes" - Abraham Washington on Tiger Woods

"I support Tiger Woods, us pimps gotta support each other!" - Abraham Washington on Tiger Woods

"Telling me how it's possible that your still running this place?" - Jack Swagger to Tiffany

Match Rundown:

Zack Ryder Def. Tommy Dreamer Match Rating - 1 star out of 5 stars

Vance Archer Def. Goldust (ECW Homecoming Tournament Match) Match Rating - 1.5 stars out of 5

Yoshi Tatsu Def. Jack Swagger (ECW Homecoming Tournament Match) Match Rating - 3 stars out of 5

Extreme Eight

1. Abraham Washington (Saved the entire show from falling under the "Tails" category)

2. Yoshi Tatsu (Somehow, someway, Yoshi is still in the spotlight)

3. Christian

4. Shelton Benjamin

5. Hurricane (ECW is still safe...for now)

6. Ezekiel Jackson

7. William Regal

8. Vance Archer

TNA Fires Bashir. Top 5 Talents TNA Should Sign

2009-12-24T02:36:00.000-05:00

TNA is cleaing house, again, in attempt to make room for new talent. Last Thursday, we saw the TNA Knockout division get a boost with the return of Roxxi, but that's only a start of the changes. Sunday night, Sheik Abdul Bashir pulled down the Fired case and it's time for him to exit the six-sided ring for good. (It's been reported that Bashir asked his release and his wish was granted.)

But it looks as quickly as Bashir is leaving, TNA may be looking to bring in new talent. And no, I'm not referring to Hulk Hogan's fogey friends. Jeremy Borash posted on his Twitter page a pic of ROH's Young Bucks, who are today's version of the Hardy Boyz, were wrestling the Motor City Machine Guns. What a match up.

So assuming that TNA are smart enough to snatch up those two hot young stars, here are the top 5 free agents TNA should sign...Fogeys included.

5) Phil Shatter

While TNA typically goes for wrestlers who'd fit the X-Division mold, minus ex-WWE stars, Phil Shatter would be a wonderful breath of fresh air. After years of dominating the Indy Circuit, this big mamoth could test his power against TNA's best. Wondering about his crudentials? APW Chester Heavyweight Champion, NWA Anarchy Heavyweight Championship, NWA Mid-Atlantic Heritage Championship and current NWA National Heavyweight Championship (now for the second time), just to name a few of his championship reigns.

4) The TJ and Kirby Mack - Team MackTionTeam Macktion

This brother duo is not another flash in the pan tag team. TJ and Kirby Mack are a fast paced tag team that will have you on your feet from bell to bell. Krazy K and The Encore's arsenal of "did you see that" moves will make for amazing bouts with lightweights like MCMG all the way up to Team 3D. And if you heard them on Hit The Ropes Radio you know just how down to earth they are... and how funny they can be. Hilarious and talented. A dangerous combination.

3) Ken Anderson

Now I'm not the big fan of Ken Anderson. I think he has great charisma on the mic. And his in-ring is probably a little underrated as it's overshadowed by multiple mistakes, so TNA would be the perfect place for him to shine. And yeah, we get it already. You have a great announcing voice. But if you don't hurry up and make an Impact that's about all you'll be able to do.

2) Chris Hero

It's hard to say more than HTR's Samantha Allen stated about Chris Hero in her article Hero is the New Jericho. Chris Hero is a great talent and the article sparked some debate from both Chris Jericho and Chris Hero via Twitter. If TNA can't get their hands on the Lionheart, they can't go wrong with the new Chris in pro wrestling.

1) RVD

Reportedly one of the number one wrestlers on Hulk Hogan's to get list, RVD is a must sign for TNA. Yeah, he's 39 but he still got unbelievable star power. Just take his one and done appearance at the WWE's Royal Rumble last year. The wrestling world was set on fire with questions of his permanent return. But at the time, his wife was just recovering from her fight with cancer, and he had no desire to get back to a full schedule. With TNA, RVD has the flex of a relaxed schedule and he'd be guaranteed a top spot, unlike the WWE which may or may not be the case.

Just think of the wonders RVD could do as X-Division champion. He could hold on to it forever, much like he did with the ECW Television title, and elevate it to a whole new level. His matches with AJ Styles, Daniels, Jay Lethal and Kurt Angle is a match of the night for every card.

New TNA Star "The Pope" D'Angelo Dinero Joins Hit The Ropes Radio for Wrestling Interview

2009-08-24T09:57:00.003-04:00

August 24, 2009 --
TNA's D'Angelo Dinero (Elijah Burke) will appear on BlogTalkRadio’s Hit the Ropes Radio Show (www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow) with hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at 6 p.m. Eastern.

Call in and chat with our guests (646) 929-2442.

You can catch the archives if you can't listen live and even download it to iTunes.

Callers are welcome to join the conversation during the show by calling ( 646 ) 929-2442. The live, Internet talk-radio show will stream from the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow.

"The Pope" D'Angelo Dinero, formerly known in the WWE as Elijah Burke, makes his long awaited return to Hit The Ropes Radio. Find out why he chose to sign with TNA instead of WWE, what his plans are for his arrival in TNA and much more.

It's the fans show, so call in and ask questions or share a comment.

About Hit the Ropes Radio
HitTheRopesRadio.com is the premier live Internet talk-radio show that focuses on pro wrestling news, notes and interviews. Hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus explores the careers, organizations and world of professional wrestling. Callers are encouraged to call (646) 929-2442 to comment or ask questions. Or just sit back and enjoy the store. The stream and archives are available at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow. The show is live every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. Eastern. The show is hosted on BlogTalkRadio.

About BlogTalkRadio
BlogTalkRadio is a free, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive Internet broadcast. Hosts call into the service by phone, managing callers on the web-based host dashboard. Shows stream live directly from the host’s BlogTalkRadio web page with archives available for all past shows. BlogTalkRadio has been featured on ABC News, The Washington Post, Portfolio, Talkers Magazine, and TheStreet.com. And it has over 3,000, 000 since it’s inception. The citizen broadcasting network can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com.

Former TNA Star Petey Williams Interviews with Hit The Ropes Radio

2009-08-17T14:05:00.001-04:00

Petey Williams will appear on BlogTalkRadio’s wrestling radio show Hit the Ropes Radio Show (www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow). Join hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus on Wednesday, August 19, 2009, at 6 p.m. Eastern.

Call in and chat with the guests and hosts (646) 929-2442.

Listeners can catch the archives if they can't listen live or download it from iTunes for free.

Callers are welcome to join the conversation during the show by calling (646) 929-2442. The live, wrestling radio show will stream from the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow.

Former X-Division Champion Petey Williams is preparing blaze a path in ROH after five years in TNA. Owner of the coolest finisher in pro wrestling, The Canadian Destroyer, has been laying out opponents from Detroit to Japan as he travels the Indy Circuit. Find out what he thought about his TNA release, his plans for the future and more on Hit The Ropes.

It's the fans show, so they can call in and ask questions or share a comment.

An archive will be available at the same link immediately following the show or listeners can subscribe to the archives via the RSS feed located on the host page. Read more about the host and the discussion on Hit the Ropes Radio Show’s blog at http://hittheropes.blogspot.com. We are the fastest rising wrestling radio show on the Net.

About BlogTalkRadio
BlogTalkRadio is a free, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive Internet broadcast. Hosts call into the service by phone, managing callers on the web-based host dashboard. Shows stream live directly from the host’s BlogTalkRadio web page with archives available for all past shows. BlogTalkRadio has been featured on ABC News, The Washington Post, Portfolio, Talkers Magazine, and TheStreet.com. And it has over 3,000, 000 since it’s inception. The citizen broadcasting network can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com

# # #

About Hit The Ropes Radio
Hit the Ropes Radio Show is the premier live Internet wrestling radio show that focuses on pro wrestling news, notes and interviews. Hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus explore the careers, organizations and world of professional wrestling. Callers are encouraged to call (646) 929-2442 to comment or ask questions. Or just sit back and enjoy the store. The stream and archives are available at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow and their brand new website www.HitTheRopes.com. The show is live every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. Eastern and is hosted on Blog Talk Radio.

Buff Bagwell join Hit The Ropes Radio to discuss his career, life after WCW and more.

2009-08-10T16:05:00.003-04:00

Buff Bagwell will appear on BlogTalkRadio’s Hit the Ropes Radio Show (www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow ) with hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus on Wednesday, August 12, 2009, at 6 p.m. Eastern.
Call in and chat with Buff Bagwell or the host at ( 646 ) 929-2442. You can catch the archives if you can't listen live and even download it to iTunes.

Callers are welcome to join the conversation during the show by calling ( 646 ) 929-2442. The live, Internet talk-radio show will stream from the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow.

Buff Bagwell is a former 5x WCW World Tag Team Champion and is on a quest to return to the spotlight. The former WCW Rookie of the Year has fought through tragedy and triumph to become a household name. After a broken neck in 2000, Buff has worked his way back into the ring and now currently runs the Indy circuit with an occasional appearance in TNA. Tune in to see what's left for Buff, or call in and ask him yourself.

It's the fans show, so call in and ask questions or share a comment.

An archive will be available at the same link immediately following the show or listeners can subscribe to the archives via the RSS feed located on the host page. Read more about the host and the discussion on Hit the Ropes Radio Show’s blog at http://hittheropes.blogspot.com.

About BlogTalkRadio
BlogTalkRadio is a free, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive Internet broadcast. Hosts call into the service by phone, managing callers on the web-based host dashboard. Shows stream live directly from the host’s BlogTalkRadio web page with archives available for all past shows. BlogTalkRadio has been featured on ABC News, The Washington Post, Portfolio, Talkers Magazine, and TheStreet.com. And it has over 3,000, 000 since it’s inception. The citizen broadcasting network can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com.

Hit the Ropes Radio Show is the premier live Internet talk-radio show that focuses on pro wrestling news, notes and interviews. Hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus explores the careers, organizations and world of professional wrestling. Callers are encouraged to call ( 646 ) 929-2442 to comment or ask questions. Or just sit back and enjoy the store. The stream and archives are available at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow. The show is live every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. Eastern. The show is hosted on BlogTalkRadio.

# # #

Hit the Ropes Radio Show is the premier live Internet talk-radio show that focuses on pro wrestling news, notes and interviews. Hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus explores the careers, organizations and world of professional wrestling. Callers are encouraged to call ( 646 ) 929-2442 to comment or ask questions. Or just sit back and enjoy the store. The stream and archives are available at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow. The show is live every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. Eastern. The show is hosted on BlogTalkRadio..

Former WWE Star Elijah Burke Joins Hit The Ropes Radio for Wrestling Interview

2009-06-29T11:25:00.003-04:00

Elijah Burke will appear on BlogTalkRadio’s Hit the Ropes Radio Show (www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow ) with hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at 6 p.m. Eastern.

We will discuss Wrestlemania 25 results and the industry today. Plus TNA Trivia for TNA prizes. Call in and chat with our guests ( 646 ) 929-2442.

You can catch the archives if you can't listen live and even download it to iTunes.

Callers are welcome to join the conversation during the show by calling ( 646 ) 929-2442. The live, Internet talk-radio show will stream from the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow.

Elijah Burke is a former professional boxer, with a 98-1 record, turned WWE star. He was the highlight of the WWE's ECW brand where he led the New Breed to feud against ECW Originals. He feuded with then ECW champ CM Punk and World Heavyweight Champ Batista.

It's the fans show, so call in and ask questions or share a comment.

An archive will be available at the same link immediately following the show or listeners can subscribe to the archives via the RSS feed located on the host page. Read more about the host and the discussion on Hit the Ropes Radio Show’s blog at http://hittheropes.blogspot.com.

About Hit the Ropes Radio
Hit the Ropes Radio Show is the premier live Internet talk-radio show that focuses on pro wrestling news, notes and interviews. Hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus explores the careers, organizations and world of professional wrestling. Callers are encouraged to call ( 646 ) 929-2442 to comment or ask questions. Or just sit back and enjoy the store. The stream and archives are available at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow. The show is live every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. Eastern. The show is hosted on BlogTalkRadio.

About BlogTalkRadio
BlogTalkRadio is a free, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive Internet broadcast. Hosts call into the service by phone, managing callers on the web-based host dashboard. Shows stream live directly from the host’s BlogTalkRadio web page with archives available for all past shows. BlogTalkRadio has been featured on ABC News, The Washington Post, Portfolio, Talkers Magazine, and TheStreet.com. And it has over 3,000, 000 since it’s inception. The citizen broadcasting network can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com.

Former WWE Star and MMA Fighter Bobby Lashley Joins Hit The Ropes Radio for Wrestling

2009-06-10T13:44:00.001-04:00

Bobby Lashley will appear on BlogTalkRadio’s wrestling radio show Hit the Ropes Radio Show (www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow). Join hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at 6 p.m. Eastern.

Former WWE Star and MMA Fighter Bobby Lashley will discuss his career, his quest to fight in the UFC and more. The show will also feature Turnbuckle Turnbuckle and TNA Trivia for TNA prizes. Call in and chat with the guests (646) 929-2442.

Listeners can catch the archives if they can't listen live or download it from iTunes for free.

Callers are welcome to join the conversation during the show by calling (646) 929-2442. The live, wrestling radio show will stream from the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow.

Bobby Lashley is a two time ECW World Champion and former NAIA amateur wrestling champion. He quit the WWE after three years to pursue a MMA career, where he's currently 3-0 and is soon to face Bob Sapp. He has also made a brief appearance in TNA, but won't be appearing again until after his fight with Sapp.

It's the fans show, so they can call in and ask questions or share a comment.

An archive will be available at the same link immediately following the show or listeners can subscribe to the archives via the RSS feed located on the host page. Read more about the host and the discussion on Hit the Ropes Radio Show’s blog at http://hittheropes.blogspot.com. They are the fastest rising wrestling radio show on the Net.

About Hit The Ropes Radio
Hit the Ropes Radio Show is the premier live Internet wrestling radio show that focuses on pro wrestling news, notes and interviews. Hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus explore the careers, organizations and world of professional wrestling. Callers are encouraged to call (646) 929-2442 to comment or ask questions. Or just sit back and enjoy the store. The stream and archives are available at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow and their brand new website www.HitTheRopes.com. The show is live every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. Eastern and is hosted on Blog Talk Radio.

About BlogTalkRadio
BlogTalkRadio is a free, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive Internet broadcast. Hosts call into the service by phone, managing callers on the web-based host dashboard. Shows stream live directly from the host’s BlogTalkRadio web page with archives available for all past shows. BlogTalkRadio has been featured on ABC News, The Washington Post, Portfolio, Talkers Magazine, and TheStreet.com. And it has over 3,000, 000 since it’s inception. The citizen broadcasting network can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com

Second 2 None – World’s Greatest Tag Teams DVD Review

2009-05-22T11:44:00.005-04:00

Second 2 None – World’s Greatest Tag Teams DVD Review
Daris Brown
Hit The Ropes Radio

Myrtle Beach, SC (May 20, 2009)—TNA Wrestling recently released its two-disc set featuring a look at their tag team division. Second 2 None – World’s Greatest Tag Teams allows fans to relive all the great tag team battles from Pay Per Views and Impacts starting from 2007 and leading up to today’s current storylines.

What makes this DVD a must watch is the inside commentary from the guys who battled it out in the ring. The first DVD kicks off with the 21-time tag team champions, Team 3D as they looked back on their legendary career before they entered TNA, and all of their great matches since their arrival. As always, TNA does a great job of intertwining commentary and wrestling matches, which helps you gain valuable insight to the matches. You get a real sense of accomplishment as Team 3D talks about finally capturing their first TNA tag titles from LAX. The first disc seamlessly transitions into the Motor City Machine Guns’ story.

Unlike Team 3D, Motor City Machine Guns features a tag team that is just starting to make a name for themselves. Viewers will discover how the tag team was put together in Japan and how they transition from single competitors to TNA’s hottest young tag team. Viewers will get a kick out of the fast paced style exhibited in their bout with Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt. And they will see why they’ve garnered so much respect with their feud with Team 3D. It’s a showcase of the new wave of tag team wrestling and it gives a glimpse of the bright future that lies ahead of TNA’s tag team division.

Disc 2 highlights another veteran group of guys as it takes us inside the thought process of two TNA originals James Storm and Robert Roode of Beer Money. Previously one-half TNA’s most successful tag teams, AMW, James Storm takes us through his humble childhood to teaming with Roode. This paring is unique as they explain going from successful singles competitor to world tag team champions. Although they’ve lived completely opposite lives, you’d never know it from the great teamwork they distributed in classic matches with LAX.

Completing the two-disc set is one of TNA’s longest standing tag teams, LAX. What a great insight their commentary is because such few people know their story. Hernandez tells fans how he thought that he would never make it on U.S. television and why he was really not able to play football despite being the biggest kid in town. While Homicide takes us down memory lane as he returns to his dangerous upbringing. All of which are equally fascinating to their work distributed in the ring.

My only qualm with TNA’s newest DVD is that it fails to capture the early stages of their tag team division. This possibly being that Team 3D are the first TNA champs since the company departed from NWA or it might be due to the lack of a tag teams that were not just thrown together prior to this time. Either way, it is still a very insightful watch as you get to learn things you’d never imagine about the current tag teams within their division. Second 2 None – World’s Greatest Tag Teams is a great demonstration of what tag team wrestling is all about and is a must add to your DVD collection.

HitTheRopes.com Interviews Bushwhacker Luke

2009-05-14T14:40:00.002-04:00

HitTheRopes.com: Guys, I’d like to welcome to the show, former WWE star, Bushwhacker Luke. Bushwhacker Luke, how ya doing?
Bushwhacker Luke: Whooa, Good day maties it’s bloody good to be with ya. You’re looking good but you’re not smelling to right mate.

HitTheRopes.com: (laughing)
Bushwhacker Luke: I’m lookin’ to give ya a good lickin’ I’ll do the kickin’ later.

HitTheRopes.com: Ah man, no licking please.
Bushwhacker Luke: No lickin’? Alright, I just had a big bucket of sardines before I came on the radio so I’m all pumped up and ready with all the energy. So what do you got to say guys? So I hear there are three of yous taking me on tonight. I’ve got you coming from behind, the right and the left. By golly, what am I going to do? I’m going to go right down under.

HitTheRopes.com: Yeah you’re facing the triangle of terror. Well, we were just talking about your time down in Memphis and your take names later attitude. Can you tell us about your time in that territory?
Bushwhacker Luke: Well me and my cousin Butch were in Memphis. Earlier on Butch had to head home due to family problems and that. And I had one of the Royal Kangaroos Jonathan Boyd as my partner. When I first went into that area. The Memphis, Tennessee, Nashville, Kentucky, Tennessee area.

We had a major feud there. Jackie Fargo just put together a new tag team of Stan Lane and Steve Kern, and they were the Fabulous Ones. And Fargo was in there corner. Hence, the battle became between the good ol’ southern boys and the two boys from down under, The Sheepherders. That battle went on for maybe, continuously, for maybe four months or five months every night all over that state. Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky and a bit of Indiana.

HitTheRopes.com: Right. Now you were pretty hated during that time. Did any fans take it personal what you were doing to the Fabulous Ones? Because we hear stories of fans attacking wrestlers with knives and throwing stuff, did any of that happen to you?
Bushwhacker Luke: Hey, I came out. In my career in the states when I come here we first came out with the New Zealand flag. Before we became the Bushwhackers we were most hated teams around the country, The Sheepherders. We carried the New Zealand flag and we told the people they had air conditioned homes, air conditioned cars, and their women were even air conditioned. And you know what I mean when I say that. I don’t want to say the word, but women of the night.

Anyhow, many a night we’d come out to the car, especially in the south, the car was down on the rim. All the tires were slashed. A few times we had to drive a hundred, a hundred fifty, miles without a windshield. A windscreen. They had knocked the front windscreen out. In the winter time do you know how cold it is driving without the front windshield?

HitTheRopes.com: I can imagine.
Bushwhacker Luke: We had some real battles with these Fabulous Ones, they were loved by everyone. Jarrett made these two kids the first to have videos. They had music videos. They had the girls and family people around them heavily. They were two good ol’ southern boys; well they were sort of GQ, gentlemanly quarterly, guys at the time. Good bodies, good looks and a hell of a fan base. Of course we were bloodying them up every night and beating them up, and we were getting beaten up too. But the fans didn’t take that. Many of times we had police come into the arena to get us to our car so we can get out of the town. A lot of those towns, especially those southern towns, they were wild.

HitTheRopes.com: Right, now I heard a story about you and the Fabulous ones in a cage match. Supposedly they tore the cage down to get away from you, is that true?
Bushwhacker Luke: Going back to those matches, I think we had about twelve in a row, cage matches with them all over the place. And one night the cage came down. That might be the night you’re talking about. But I can’t remember the town but the cage came down in the corner. It was wild and wooly matches mate.

And one night Steve Kern had to get about 80 stitches, he nearly bled to death. We hit him in the head so hard with the flag pole that split him right above the brow going towards the ear with one of those major veins. At the time we didn’t mean for that to happen that bad. They couldn’t stop the blood and he had to get external stitching.

HitTheRopes.com: Someone in the chat room asks if you remember the old Sheepherder’s poem, do you remember it?
Bushwhacker Luke: No I don’t mate. I don’t know what she’s talking about. I used to say the 37 countries in 37 titles.

HitTheRopes.com: Okay, well this is Shane. Uh…
Bushwhacker Luke: How the bloody hell are ya Shane? Ya haven’t got a bit of McMahon in ya have ya?

HitTheRopes.com: Uh, I’m gonna have to say no.
Bushwhacker Luke: Oh, ‘cause I was going to hit you up for a loan. (laughing)

HitTheRopes.com: I remember seeing the Bushwhackers on Family Matters a couple years ago. Well a while ago. How was the whole acting experience?
Bushwhacker Luke: Ah it was great mate. What a group those people were. Steve Urkel what a great guy he was. And Darius, one of the guys was named Darius too believe it or not he was a real wrestling fan. He was jumping off the ropes, and wanted to jump off the ropes while we were putting the show together. It was a great show.

And the other night, a week and a half ago it’s still playing late at night when they’re doing the reruns of Family Matters. That was taped in 1994, 15 years ago mate. They’re all grown up now. They’re not kids anymore.

HitTheRopes.com: I remember the Bushwhackers from the old WWF days when ya’ll come down waving the arms and licking the fans, who came up with that gimmick?
Bushwhacker Luke: We came up to Vince McMahon, and he pulled us into his office, he said to us at the time we just finished with the Bulldogs so we’re looking for a British group or down under. Something different again. So we came up there and he said to us, do you mind being the good guys? We said we don’t care. Money is what counts.

Speak of that, Butch said if you can make these faces loved by everyone go to it. And he said well Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Jake are my top good guys and they’re not the greatest to look at. The next minute we got the contract in the mail and we didn’t know the name. And Butch rang me up and said I’ve got a contract here for the Bushwhackers. They put the name together and that and we put the gimmick together. We did the arm swinging.

Originally when we were The Sheepherders we swung our arms around a lot. When we were taping in WTBS, that was Ted Turner’s studio, they started using us as heels. They took as characters then. We used to swing our arms around and saying WHOOA and that just made noise and that in the studio. Hence, Butch said let’s start swinging our arms on the way to the ring. It was Butch’s idea and grabbing people heads. We both sorta got the swinging arms together because we always done that. But not the matches so much.

And then he got the licking together. He said I’m a grab a head and give them a lick. The funny part was people were sticking their heads out to give it a lick. That was the sick part about it. I would grab their head and I would lick the back of my hand. I think Butch got a thrill out of licking the grime off of them.

HitTheRopes.com: Now let me ask you this. A lot of people only know you from the WWE, the happy go lucky deal. They don’t know your hardcore edges. Does that bother you?
Bushwhacker Luke: No, no. A lot of people up north now, see when first came invaded the USA we were up in the north west with Don Owens. And that was jammed up and they didn’t get much cable up there. Our next step was the NWA, Crockets in the Carolinas. We did a lot of coverage.

Actually we were so… not green but green to television industry. We walked out on the Crocket after 3-4 months and went to Puerto Rico for the first time not realizing that we were on WTBS and it was covering most of the country. It was a cable station, a satellite station. And we didn’t later on until we came back the second time we realized about a year after we left, we heard that TBS was all over the country. We realize what a mistake we made.

Getting back to the subject that you just said, when Vince bought out Turner in 2000, he bought the NWA library. On that 24/7 channel of Vince’s, they play a lot of Sheepherders stuff now.
For seven years I never went in the ring. I was in the offices of Puerto Rico six years. And last year, I ventured out and went in the Manhattan Center, the ballroom in New York where Vince used to tape Raw at the start. I went out there and did a little thing for ROH and in the arena all the people started chanting Sheepherders. It was funny. In a New York area where the Bushwhackers were so strong, the people were watching The Sheepherders.

The ROH crowd is like an old ECW crowd. They love that hardcore stuff. I had fans yelling out Sheepherders. I was so surprise and then they told me they see a lot of old stuff from NWA, The Sheepherders. Because we worked for NWA. We worked for Bill Watts’ territory which was bought out by the NWA. We worked there and then we worked there for about 4 years, so they got a lot of Sheepherders footage.

HitTheRopes.com: (Caller) Do you talk to your opponents before or after the matches?
Bushwhacker Luke: No... I’ve been in the ring so many times. I run into my opponents all over the country. I may wrestle on the independents now and I may see them in the next town here and there. So I run into them all over the country.

There’s a lot of people I used to wrestle that I actually tag with now that my partner’s back in New Zealand. Butch is back in New Zealand. So I’ve been working singles and just last week and a half I’ve been on the road with Honky Tonk Man and Al Snow. And Honkey Tonk, going back some time ago, at a
PPV Wrestlemaina out of Toronto Honky Tonk hit me over the head with a guitar. Now here I am in the ring with as a tag partner.

HitTheRopes.com: (caller) Right, now do leave that alone even though he hit you in the head with guitar? Is that in the past?
Bushwhacker Luke: Mate that was in the 90s, this is the 2000s. that’s gone, happened and we drew some big money at the time. It was Rhythm and Blues against the Bushwhackers. He had Greg Valentine as his partner. If you remember the Rhythm and Blues? (yea) And I had Greg as my partner. About six months ago I was in a town where they put Greg and me together as a tag team. It’s show biz. You know you move on. You have your grudges at the time, but it’s buried and you move on.

HitTheRopes.com: Now we’re running out of time here, but before we let you go we have to put you in the Hot Seat. Can you handle that?
Bushwhacker Luke: Can handle the hot seat? When you’re hot you’re hot, when you’re not you’re not. And the Bushwhackers hot now mate.

HitTheRopes.com: This is a series of rapid fire questions and you just answer with the first thing that comes to your head…
Bushwhacker Luke: And you know the Bushwhackers are a bit wacky, so there might some whacky answers.

HitTheRopes.com: Ok. If you were starting a wrestling promotion tomorrow, who’d be the first person you’d sign?
Bushwhacker Luke: Because of my gimmick I’d have to bring in Eugene. (wow) That’s as a tag partner because we are a bit goofy there.

HitTheRopes.com: Who’s your favorite opponent all-time?
Bushwhacker Luke: All-time? I’d say Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard were one of the greatest tag teams we worked with. But we’ve worked with a lot. But that was one of the greatest tag teams we worked with.

HitTheRopes.com: If they made a movie of your life, who’d play you and you’re surrounding cast?
Bushwhacker Luke: Oh I don’t know who would play me mate. I don’t have much time to watch movies today. There are so many people out there I’d have to give that a wink mate. Mickey Rourke did one hell of a job, and I was there for that taping. I can’t think of anyone who can fit my position, my personality right now.

HitTheRopes.com: If you can go one-on-one with any celebrity, who would it be and why?
Bushwhacker Luke: One-on-one? George Steinbrenner. There’s a hard one isn’t it?

HitTheRopes.com: Is that for positive or negative reasons?
Bushwhacker Luke: No, no, he’s a good guy. I know the guy, he’s good. And he likes wrestling too.

HitTheRopes.com: Alright, well, we’ll let you go…
Bushwhacker Luke: All you fans of Hit the Ropes, and you want to hear from the old Bushwhacker go to BushwhackerLuke.net and you’ll hear my podcast. And I’ll have Hit The Ropes there too.

HitTheRopes.com: Alright, well we thank you for coming on…
Bushwhacker Luke: Whooa good day maties.

Interview with WWE Hall of Famer Superfly Jimmy Snuka

2009-05-01T08:20:00.004-04:00

Hit The Ropes Radio: We’re joined by our guest, WWE Hall of Famer, Superfly Jimmy Snuka. Jimmy, how ya’ doing?

Jimmy Snuka: Lovely Brudda, thank you very much for having me.

HTR: You just had you’re Wrestlemania appearance, how’d it feel to be in the 25th anniversary of Wrestlemania?

JS: Well Brudda, to be honest with you, I just broke the record again.

HTR: And what was the record you broke?

JS: I guess I was the oldest guy to ever wrestle at Wrestlemania 25.

HTR: Yes you were. And how’d you feel in the ring and how did they receive you?

JS: I felt great, like a 65 year old man. It was so awesome and hard to explain it Brudda because that’s Wrestlemania Brudda, and I was really proud to be a part of that.

HTR: You’ve had a lot of people admiring you. Mick Foley loved your jump off the cage on Don Morocco, what’s it like having people in the business looking up to you?

JS: You know what Brudda, it’s a really appreciation you know. The way I’m always thinking if you’re good to the Lord, and you’re down here, you got to take care of your missionary worry work Brudda. Do the right thing and get in there have fun. And concentrate and stay focus on what you’re doing.

That’s how these kids get involved because when you do something right Brudda they love it, and I love when they love it.

HTR: Can you tell us how you got into professional wrestling?

JS: Actually I was in Hawaii, training at a gym called Power House. And former Mr. Hawaiian Island, Dean Higuchi, started his gym in Waikiki. That place will really cheer you up quick. Anyways, all the pro wrestlers would work at our gym there since we had former Mr. Hawaiian Island, he was a professional wrestler. So all the guys who come from the main land on their way to Japan would to stop in Hawaii for 2-3 weeks, it depends. They’d go to Japan and then come back to Hawaii and wrestle for a couple weeks and then go back to the main land.

So I was lucky because every time they rotated I’d get to meet them all in the gym. Then finally they turned around and said, “Hey Brudda, I know you’re training for the Mr. Hawaiian contest. But why don’t you forget about that and let’s go make some money?” And I said if I don’t accomplish what I worked so hard for, then I’m not going to get it to I get it first. And then we can get into the business.

At the mean time I grew up watching all these guys ride back and forth. And I finally made up in my mind that I got to win this Mr. Hawaiian contest. And as soon I won that, I won it in 1970, right from there I started to train and then I was on my way to Portland, Oregon, where I started in professional wrestling.

HTR: Well you got your start in Portland, Oregon, at what point did you say, man, I’m good at this? Potentially great at this?

JS: Well, you know what Brudda? I didn’t want to go overboard. I always go one step at a time Brudda. And make sure I’m doing the right thing. So when I finally got into the ring with all these professional wrestlers, especially the old school guys, I was very lucky when I came into it they were serious. I was very lucky and I was very blessed with the Lord. And got to wrestle with these great old timers, they taught me, don’t get excited just go out there and have fun.

What they do is relax you, you go in and wrestle. That’s what you train for, what you do in the ring. Because when you step into the ring for the first time, you have to memorize you’re whole homework. Because wrestling is a different college, ya know. You have to memorize everything and know everything, and know what it’s all about.

HTR: You talk about various legends, who’s your all-time favorite to square off against?

JS: There’s a local boy from Hawaii. He’s a local guy, a wrestler who would come to the gym all the time. Local Hawaiian boy. He’s the one that really going. Ever since I used to watch him wrestle, I just loved it Brudda.

HTR: I’ve seen on the net that the movie The Wrestler was loosely based on your life is that true?

JS: Well Brudda, like I said I got to be straight about everything, that’s the way I like to be. I always like competition to myself. To be involved in a situation like this, I’ve got to take care of it. Take care of business and take care of yourself and everything will be just coming down the road and I look forward to it.

HTR: Now did you see the Wrestler?

JS: Oh, yeah. I sit down and watch it every time.

HTR: So did you like it? Was it an accurate depiction of what wrestlers go through, especially those out of the lime light?

JS: Well I watch it if I’m not wrestling or anything like that you know. It’s a great thing to watch the kids to get in there and try to wrestle and not try to focus on things you know. You got to be really mental involved in yourself and take care of your responsibilities. And have your everything completed before you’re ready to do something, ya’ know?

HTR: Right. Now you’re son is in the business now. He had a thing going with Manu and Legacy, before they let Manu go, are you happy with the way they’re using him?

JS: Well, he’s got it all together. And I was the one who taught him and everything. He needs to relax and focus on what to do right and listen. Pay attention to people that tell you certain things because if you don’t listen you’re gonna miss the cue you know. The whole point of it is he’s doing really good. He’s ready for when they call him. Preparing for what he’s got to do and everything and he’s coming around real good. And I love my son and I really like to see him complete his mission.

HTR: Any possibility of you managing Sim (Jimmy Snuka Jr.) in the future?

JS: You know what, that’s a real good one. That’s why I got to keep up with you kids because you know more than I do my whole life.

Being a manager, it just might happen. You never know what goes through Vince McMahon’s mind. You know. Vince you got a son, I’ve got a son. You’ve got a daughter; I’ve got a daughter coming up in pro wrestling. My way of just thinking about it was as I tried to relay the message to him earlier. You’ve gotta son, I’ve got a son. You’ve got a daughter, I’ve got a daughter that’s training now, and she’s coming up. So why don’t you and your son and daughter go up against me and my son and my daughter?

HTR: So you’re challenging Vincent Kennedy McMahon to a battle?

JS: That’s right Brudda!

HTR: You’re definitely staying in the lime light. There’s a rumor that says you’re trying to get your own TV show. Is that true and do you have a TV deal yet?

JS: Well right now that’s what we’re waiting for. We’re waiting for someone to pick it up, but our lawyer is taking care of the whole thing. We’ve already started already, it’s been 3-4 months already and it’s going good. So we’re just waiting for it to be picked up.

HTR: Have you shopped it to VH1 or any station and what’s the premise or is it top secret?

JS: No not yet Brudda. And no it’s not top secret Brudda. I just want to do something different. When I’m not wrestling I want to have fun and go meet the fans from around the world. That’s what I do the most. Just go with the breeze.

HTR: Well it seems you like the fans, you’ve got a Body Slam University down in Florida, how’d that come about and do you train the kids?

JS: I’m always down there once a month, sometimes twice a month. Because I’m still wrestling around the country Bruddas. I wrestle mostly every weekend, sometimes doing autographs during the weekdays. I just keep myself going Brudda, keep training. Make sure that as long as I’m good with the Lord everything is good with me. I just have to keep up with it.

HTR: Are you in there bumping with the kids?

JS: Oh yeah, oh yeah. I let them want it. You gotta want it. If you don’t want it Brudda you can come back again. I don’t chase them away. Think it over Brudda because it’s not easy. When you pay me I make sure you earn that money you pay me.

HTR: Is there any student you have you think has what it takes to make it to the WWE?

JS: Well there’s what’s his name whose up there in the WWE. He’s from our school I’m trying to think of his name again. Ah…

HTR: Is it MVP?

JS: Yeah that’s right, he’s from our school. We’ve got other good guys. We’ve got a girl whose 7’ and serious. She’s really good. She can move. Good shape. She used to play basketball overseas.

She’s a big girl. I always love to hug her and put my head on her chest and say “Sista, it’s surly nice to meet you.” They’re beautiful kids and I make them comfortable and talk to them. Get to really know them good and dig into them to make sure this is what they really want to do. Because I don’t want to waste my time. But if you want it Brudda, we’re gonna have a good ol’ time in there.

HTR: You say you don’t want to waste your time, you wrestling around the country, teaching kids down in Florida and I heard you made a movie Buffalo Bushido.

JS: Yeah Brudda, this guy was a wrestling fan and I didn’t know he was one of the producers. He introduced himself and said Brudda I’d like to make a wrestling movie with you, you know. I told me the part and everything else and I loved it. And when he came to and told me that I said is this thing real? He comes up and spits it straight up and I said You bet. You just tell me when you want to do it.

HTR: Will it be in theaters or DVD?

JS: I think it’ll be both Brudda. I’m just waiting for him to call me back so me and my wife can go up to Buffalo and see the whole thing.

HTR: So what was your part in the movie?

JS: I was climbing up on the rope, you know, and getting ready to do the Superfly. Doing a little wrestling and some interviews about my partner. The producer dressed up in a wild costume and I’m like the manager, doing all the talking and stuff. It was really good and I had a lot of fun doing it. The spirit was right and everything when it came to an end it was so lovely and I’d love to do it again.

HTR: So you’d pursue more acting roles?

JS: Yeah, I hope so Brudda. I hope so.

HTR: A lot of wrestlers now are coming out with books talking about their careers, is that something you’re interested in or already’ve done?

JS: Well, right now I’ve already started that 4 or 5 months again. We’re trying to put it together and it should be out by this year.

HTR: Can you give us a good road story that might wet our appetite until it comes out?

JS: (laughs) Well actually, the whole book is starting from when I was a kid, my whole story. Working up until now and the whole thing. That’s the thing about this book, it’s my whole life and places where I’ve been before I came to the United States of America and all these things. And it’s going to turn out real well. It’s going to be nice. There’s nothing nasty or dirty about it. It’s just straight forward.

It’s good for people who want to read it and know how I was raised up. I‘ve got to tell them about my lifestyle you know.

HTR: Is this something you’re going to get published independently or with the WWE?

JS: Well right now I’m doing it on my own.

HTR: Well, backstage, did you pull any pranks back when you’re in the WWE?

JS: Well, we always have fun, making people laugh. I don’t do anything bad to them or anything. Just talk to them and feel the spirit. Timing’s got to be right for everything, you know?

HTR: Who was the easiest to get along with all you worked with in the ring?

JS: Well Brudda, mostly all of them. Mostly the guys, Piper was one of them. Don Morocco you know. These are the guys I more or less sticked around and talked to try to educate ourselves to. “Hey guys we’re a team here. Let’s go take care of business.” That’s a lovely thing when you can be close to people who want to make money and think about their families and their future. It’s a beautiful thing when this can be accomplished.

HTR: Now there aren’t that many minorities in wrestling, there definitely weren’t many in your time. As a minority, did you have any problems with any promoters or wrestlers?

JS: Not at all Brudda. I’m a very humble guy. I don’t go around and stick my nose in the air. I just want to be happy and when I talk to other people I want them to be happy before we carry on a conversation.

HTR: You interacted with Hogan and all the top stars, how did they treat you? Did they work with you as you were on the same level as them? Even though you’re a hall of famer, everyone seems to have egos in this business, did you feel any conflict there.

JS: You know what Brudda, I got along good with everyone. Hulk Hogan was a little different character. He wants to be Hulk Hogan and everything, which was good. I was proud of him and I helped him with what he needed to know and stuff like that. And Vince McMahon Sr., that died God bless his soul, was the one that put Hulk Hogan with me so I can take him around and teach him the ropes. And I loved it. He’s a great guy and he takes care of number one. And I love it.

HTR: Vince McMahon (Jr.), everyone who talks about meeting him for the first time talks about the intimidation factor. Did you feel that?

JS: Ah, he was a great guy Brudda. He still is a great guy. I get along with him. He’s a business guy and that’s just the way he is. I got no hard feelings against him or anything. But he’s just a strictly business guy and I love the whole family. We all grew up together in the business. His boy and my boy. His daughter you know, we always been close. The lovely thing about it is I’m still involved with them and I love it.

HTR: Well the WWE, which owns the ECW, doesn’t recognize the NWA ECW title, which you were the first NWA ECW title holder. How do you feel about that?

JS: That’s okay with me Brudda. As long as you people know about it. That’s what I care about the most.

HTR: So you’ve won a long list of titles, but none in the WWE, so the titles don’t mean that much to you?

JS: My way of thinking is it would’ve been nice to get the belt. But one thing about the belt you know once you get a belt you know you’re going to lose it right? Well I’m not a loser.

The only championship belt there is you wonderful people in this beautiful wonderful world. That’s all I care about. I’m not worried about the belt. If they want to give it to me, that’s fine. Mostly it’s between you wonderful people and myself. Your heart. My heart. I want you to come there and have fun in the arenas where you’re at and get your frustrations out there Brudda. And cut it loose and go home happy. That’s my whole gimmick.

HTR: Well maybe since you’re not that pushy with the belt, that’s why the Hogan’s and those have to have the belt always got it.

JS: (laughs) You know I just felt that way, I don’t really need it, but if they give it that’s fine. But do you remember when the WWE were running three different shows a night. They had Hulk Hogan as the champion, Tito Santana as the Intercontinental champion and myself. Now who do you think was drawing and selling out every night between the three of us?

HTR: I’m gonna guess the un-obvious choice and guess you.

JS: That’s very right Brudda, and I love you for that one.

HTR: So you outsold Tito and Hulk Hogan during that time?

JS: You bet Brudda. You bet. We were selling out everywhere every night. And they only had like a half, like a half a building. God bless them, but you know, that’s the way it goes. I was in my prime and I was ready to go as long as you people let me cut loose.

HTR: How were you treated when you had the best drawl and everyone was coming to see you? How were you treated by Vince? Were you treated like the top draw?

JS: Well Brudda, this is the way it happened. The looked at the house, and compared the two together and they got their answer.

HTR: When it’s all said and done and you finally retire, how do you want to be remembered?

JS: Well hold on a minute. Number one Brudda, I’m not retired.

HTR: (lauging) No, no. I know, I said when you retire. I’m sorry. (laughing)

JS: (laughing) It’s all good brother, I love you guys.

HTR: Let me ask you this, will you ever retire?

JS: You know what brother, I’m going to say this one more time, as long as I have the blessing from the Lord, I’m sure he’ll take of me and the rest Brudda. And that’s what I’m going to do. As long my body’s okay and the foundations are very strong Brudda. That’s what Brudda’s gonna still do. Brudda’s gonna keep flying. And till I can’t climb that rope anymore.

Rapid Fire Session

HTR: Who haven’t you faced that you liked to face?

JS: Everybody Brudda, everybody.

HTR: Best thing about being a pro wrestler?

JS: It’s a lovely thing because I deserved it.

HTR: Worst thing about being a pro wrestler?

JS: The worst thing is the good thing.

HTR: If you were to start up your own promotion, who would you sign first?

JS: I’d sign all of them Brudda.

HTR: You’re not making this easy.

JS: (laughs)

HTR: If they made a movie of your life, who would play you and the sporting cast?

JS: Well, it’d be nice if I could play it. I would get in there and do my thing.

HTR: What’s one thing fans would be surprised to learn about you?

JS: Um, the good thing about me is what I did in my whole life, coming up in professional wrestling is the greatest feeling that I’ll ever have for the rest of my life until I die. To love fans that loved what I did and what I love for what I did for them. There’s no question about it Brudda. I loved it and I love everybody.

HTR: In your opinion, who’s the best wrestler of all time?

JS: The Superfly Jimmy Snuka.

HTR: What’s your favorite country of all time to visit?

JS: This whole world Brudda.

HTR: If you can go one on one with any celebrity, who would it be and why?

JS: Um you know what it’d be nice if you can get to see him, this way you’ll know the look, feeling and spirit. And then everything will be alright.

HTR: I know I speak for the guys when I say it’s been a great honor to have you on and we appreciate you taking the time to speak with us.

JS: Hey Brudda it’s a lovely thing. My time is your time and I love you guys. I really appreciate you taking time to think about The Superfly Jimmy Snuka and keep in touch anytime.

HTR: Anything you’d like to say to your fans before you go?

JS: Yes, I’d like to tell them you can see me on Wrestlemania 25 and The Superfly Jimmy Snuka broke the record again. And he will continue breaking records as long as I’m alive.

Alright, let the world know I love them and especially you guys. God Bless.

Check out Hit The Ropes Radio next week as we interview former WCW & WWE Psycho Sid Vicious. Plus, TNA prizes and more. Special Start time next Wednesday at 7 p.m. Eastern.

WWE Hall of Famer Superfly Jimmy Snuka Joins Hit The Ropes Radio for Wrestling Interview Wed 4/29

2009-04-27T08:18:00.002-04:00

Hit The Ropes Radio interviews WWE Hall of Famer Superfly Jimmy Snuka to discuss his career,TV show project, and more on Wednesday 4/29 at 6pm eastern. Plus, try your shot at the TNA Trivia for prizes.

Superfly Jimmy Snuka will appear on BlogTalkRadio’s wrestling radio show Hit the Ropes Radio Show (www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow ) with hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus on Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at 6 p.m. Eastern.

WWE Hall of Famer Superfly Jimmy Snuka will discuss his career, his TV project and more. We will also have the third edition of Turnbuckle 2 Turnbuckle and TNA Trivia for TNA prizes. Call in and chat with our guests ( 646 ) 929-2442.

You can catch the archives if you can't listen live or download it from iTunes for free.

Callers are welcome to join the conversation during the show by calling ( 646 ) 929-2442. The live, wrestling radio show will stream from the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow.

Superfly Jimmy Snuka is a WWE Hall of Famer who's career spans over three decades. He was in the main event of the original Wrestlemania and recently became the oldest person to ever wrestle at Wrestlemania at age 65. He's the first ever ECW champion and has had classic feuds with Don Muraco, Roddy Piper and more. And he joins us this Wednesday on our wrestling radio show.

It's the fans show, so call in and ask questions or share a comment.

An archive will be available at the same link immediately following the show or listeners can subscribe to the archives via the RSS feed located on the host page. Read more about the host and the discussion on Hit the Ropes Radio Show’s blog at http://hittheropes.blogspot.com. We are the fastest rising wrestling radio show on the Net.

About Hit the Ropes Radio
Hit the Ropes Radio Show is the premier live Internet talk-radio show that focuses on pro wrestling news, notes and interviews. Hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus explores the careers, organizations and world of professional wrestling. Callers are encouraged to call ( 646 ) 929-2442 to comment or ask questions. Or just sit back and enjoy the store. The stream and archives are available at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow. The show is live every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. Eastern. The show is hosted on BlogTalkRadio.

About BlogTalkRadio
BlogTalkRadio is a free, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive Internet broadcast. Hosts call into the service by phone, managing callers on the web-based host dashboard. Shows stream live directly from the host’s BlogTalkRadio web page with archives available for all past shows. BlogTalkRadio has been featured on ABC News, The Washington Post, Portfolio, Talkers Magazine, and TheStreet.com. And it has over 3,000, 000 since it’s inception. The citizen broadcasting network can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com

Former WWE & WCW Star, Big Vito Joins Hit The Ropes Radio for Wrestling Interview Wed 4/22

2009-04-20T09:05:00.002-04:00

"Hit The Ropes Radio interviews former ECW, WWE & WCW star Big Vito to discuss his wrestling career, MMA and more on Wednesday 4/22 at 6pm eastern. Plus, try your shot at the TNA Trivia for prizes."

For_Immediate_Release:

United States of America (Press Release) April 20, 2009 --
Former WCW, ECW and WWE star Big Vito will appear on BlogTalkRadio’s Hit the Ropes Radio Show (www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow ) with hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus on Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at 6 p.m. Eastern.

Big Vito will discuss his wrestling career, MMA and more. We will also have the third edition of Turnbuckle 2 Turnbuckle. Plus TNA Trivia for TNA prizes. Call in and chat with our guests ( 646 ) 929-2442.

You can catch the archives if you can't listen live or download it from iTunes for free.

Callers are welcome to join the conversation during the show by calling ( 646 ) 929-2442. The live, wrestling radio show will stream from the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow.

Big Vito is making his first stop from touring Europe with the boys from HTR. Join us as we discuss the WWE, WCW and ECW and his favorite road stories. Plus, what it's like to work for Rikishi's federation in Europe. Big Vito will also let us know if he will continue to fight in MMA events and more.

source: FPR

It's the fans show, so call in and ask questions or share a comment.

An archive will be available at the same link immediately following the show or listeners can subscribe to the archives via the RSS feed located on the host page. Read more about the host and the discussion on Hit the Ropes Radio Show’s blog at http://hittheropes.blogspot.com. We are the fastest rising wrestling radio show on the Net.

About Hit the Ropes Radio
Hit the Ropes Radio Show is the premier live Internet talk-radio show that focuses on pro wrestling news, notes and interviews. Hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus explores the careers, organizations and world of professional wrestling. Callers are encouraged to call ( 646 ) 929-2442 to comment or ask questions. Or just sit back and enjoy the store. The stream and archives are available at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow. The show is live every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. Eastern. The show is hosted on BlogTalkRadio.

About BlogTalkRadio
BlogTalkRadio is a free, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive Internet broadcast. Hosts call into the service by phone, managing callers on the web-based host dashboard. Shows stream live directly from the host’s BlogTalkRadio web page with archives available for all past shows. BlogTalkRadio has been featured on ABC News, The Washington Post, Portfolio, Talkers Magazine, and TheStreet.com. And it has over 3,000, 000 since it’s inception. The citizen broadcasting network can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com.

For more information:
843-343-6120, http://blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow.

Hit The Ropes Radio Interviews ROH's Prince Nana

2009-04-17T14:08:00.002-04:00

Hit The Ropes Radio recently had a chance to interview Ring of Honor’s Prince Nana. He took us through his plans now that ROH’s on HDNet, who’d he like to get his hands on and more. Check it out.

Hit The Ropes Radio: We’re on the line with none other than Ring of Honor’s Prince Nana. Prince Nana, how’s it going?
Prince Nana: Who the heck am I talking to? That’s number one. That’s what I need to know. Who am I speaking to?

HTR: Wait, you come on our show and you’re showing disrespect, Nana?
PN: Disrespect? Disrespect? Number one. Let me tell you something, my friend. I’m in the middle of a huge deal with one of my street agents here in New York City. And I’m told to give a call to you guys? For what? You guys know my whole bio already, huh?

HTR: Because we’re the best thing on the internet, that’s why.
PN: Oh, yeah? That’s good to know. Now let’s get on with the interview, my friend. Unbelievable.

HTR: Now, Nana, we saw you on HDNet. Ring of Honor’s got a new TV show. What does that mean for you? You were broke not too long ago. Now you’ve got your riches back.
PN: Let me tell you, my friend, the big time has come for Prince Nana. I’ve always been big time. But, you know, I was going through some problems for three years with my family back home in Ghana.
But now things have changed, my friend. The storylines have changed. There are different things going on that, let me tell you. I’ve been a great, great effort for The Embassy. Did I make any sense just now?

HTR: Yes, I understood you completely. You’re on HDNet and you’ve got your Embassy back. What’s your plan for the Embassy?
PN: My plan for my friend is to finally get those championship belts. This is the reason why I’m in this company in the first place. The reason why I’m in the Ring of Honor is because the Ring of Honor title means everything right now in the pro wrestling business.And for it to be a part of the Embassy is truly, truly going to be a tear in my eye. A tear in my eye.

HTR: A tear in your eye? Well, I know that means that’s really special, and right now Jerry Lynn just beat Nigel McGuiness for the belt. Who in the Embassy can beat him for the title?
PN: Well, right now I can’t disclose that type of information to you. Right now, the Embassy is assembled with three of the best wrestlers. Number one, Byson Smith, all the way from Noah. Number two, the crown jewel of the Embassy, Jimmy Rave.
And number three my personal assistant—ha ha ha!—Ernie Osiris. With those three in the group right now, things are going to change. Just like Obama said, "Change has come." Ha ha ha ha!

HTR: That's a monster, I’ll tell you—that Smith character. I’ve seen him powerbomb the hell out of some people.
PN: Oh, yeah, were you at the show in New York City? That poor little guy who tried to help out Brian Danielson— did you see how he smacked against the floor? If you haven’t seen it go check it out on the ROH Newswire.

HTR: You lost your riches at one point. How, exactly, did you get them back?
PN: Well, my friend, because of the high connections I have all over the world and in the wrestling business, things were able to come through. I was able to communicate privately with a few of the associates that I’ve been working with over the years.
And I was able to reintroduce what it is that we do. And I’ve also spoken to some of the higher-ups in the royal family to get the OK. And I’ve begun to have some sort of support from the royal family. I will be making a trip back to Ghana at the end of the month. So, when I return, there will be a lot more in store.

HTR: Are you going to stick with the core that you have, or will you be adding new members to the Embassy?
PN: As of now, it’s looking like it will be just these guys aligned with us in the Embassy. A lot of tapes have been sent to our new New York office—a lot of tapes with people who’ve been in big companies, from the WWE and ECWA. I’m getting tapes, resumés, and love letters from these idiots.
It’s crazy, but the only direction we’re going with it is up. Believe me, as I said earlier, things are going to change.

HTR: I believe Shane (our co-host) sent in a tape, but he hasn’t heard anything back.
PN: I still have jobs available. I need someone to wash Ernie’s feet before and after the matches. If you want the job, then I’ll bring you down to the next show. Do you want me to book you a ticket to Canada? We have Canada this weekend. Do you want to come?

HTR: To wash your feet?
PN: That’s what I said. Yes, for Ernie Osiris.

HTR: That’s really tempting, but I’m looking at my calendar and I can’t get away next week. I still want to be in the Embassy, but I need to take a rain check.
PN: Unbelievable. I’ll get someone to cover your post. You have the job, but it doesn’t pay much.

HTR: Well, Prince Nana, we want to put you in the hot seat. Are you up for the challenge?
PN: As long as you do it within about 20 seconds. It’s looking like all my girlfriends in the great city of New York are looking to give me a call, and you’re holding up my booty call time.

HTR: OK, who’s your favorite opponent?
PN: My favorite opponent ever is Cheetah Master of ECWA.

HTR: Who would you like to face that you haven’t yet faced?
PN: I’d have to say Brian Danielson.

HTR: If you weren’t a pro wrestler, then what would you be?
PN: I would probably be Puff Daddy in another life.

HTR: Barrack Obama or Bill Clinton?
PN: I’d have to go with Bill Clinton because he got the job done with that assistant in his office. I have to give it up for that. He’s half-black for doing that.

HTR: If a movie was made about your life, who would play you?
PN: I’d have to say, who the hell would I want to play me? Ricky Rourke, he’d play me.

HTR: Ricky Rourke? Oh, Mickey Rourke.
PN: He just needs a very very dark tan and he’ll be OK.

HTR: If you can go one-on-one with any celebrity, who would it be and why?
PN: Most likely it would have to be that fool from that show 106 and Park. I want to get my hands on him because I don’t like the way he talks to his fans. His name is Terrance Jenkins. I’ll beat him down all across the stage and kiss his girl all over the stage, too.

HTR: We’ll see if we can arrange it.
PN: Arrange it. It needs to happen to that fool.

HTR: One of our listeners wanted to ask you about shrimp cocktail.
PN: Who is this? Who the heck wants to know about this luxurious meal?

HTR: One of our great listeners.
PN: If you want to know about the shrimp cocktail, you have to come down to our new apartment complex on Lexington Avenue, where I am right now. One of my chefs will cook something up for you.
We’ll give you a full shrimp, a chopped up shrimp, a spicy shrimp, curry shrimp, Chinese shrimp, anything you want, alright. But always the cocktail is in there, you understand what I’m saying?

HTR: We understand, and we’re not going to hold you up all night. You say you have your ladies you need to get to.
PN: All night long. You hear them in the background, right? But before I let you go, let me explain something to you. There is serious business that needs to be completed. That way, if you’re looking into the record books, then you can see the history that has been made.

This history will be a heck of a lot better. I hope all of you fools at home are watching those stupid DVDs, HDNet, or going to the Ring of Honor Web site to see the real time maturity of Prince Nana and his Embassy.
You has better catch us, because we’re going to tear up Ring of Honor. The only thing that matters is the title. Once it’s a part of The Embassy, it will truly be over.

HTR: Wow. That’s quite a statement.
PN: And that’s not a joke. I’m being very real with you. Isn’t that how they say it in New York City? Let’s keep it real? Huh?

HTR: Keep it real. Well, Prince Nana…
PN: (To someone in the distance) Hold up, I’m coming right now.

It's even funnier to hear, check the YouTube clip.

Don't forget to check out Hit The Ropes Radio for this week's special guest, former WWE, WCW and ECW star, Big Vito. Plus, Turnbuckle 2 Turnbuckle makes its long awaited return, TNA prizes are given away, and more—this Wednesday at 6 p.m. Eastern.

Hit The Ropes Radio Interviews Prince Nana Wed 4/15

2009-04-14T15:36:00.001-04:00

Ring of Honor's Prince Nana will appear on BlogTalkRadio’s Hit the Ropes Radio Show (www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow ) with hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus on Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at 6 p.m. Eastern.

Prince Nana will discuss his career, Ring of Honor on HDNet and more. We will also have the very first WWE vs. TNA Tag Team Challenge and the third edition of Turnbuckle 2 Turnbuckle. Plus TNA Trivia for TNA prizes. Call in and chat with our guests ( 646 ) 929-2442.

You can catch the archives if you can't listen live or download it from iTunes for free.

Callers are welcome to join the conversation during the show by calling ( 646 ) 929-2442. The live, wrestling radio show will stream from the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow.

Prince Nana joined Ring of Honor in 2002. Known as an Ashanti Prince from Ghana, Prince Nana formed a heel stable named The Embassy that terrorized ROH. He managed the ROH Pure Champion John Walters, Jimmy Rave, Alex Shelly and Abyss before his 2006 departure. He made a surprised return in 2008, with no riches, only to reclaim his status when President Obama passed his Stimulus Package. He reformed The Embassy with Bison Smith, Ernie Osiris and Jimmy Rave.

It's the fans show, so call in and ask questions or share a comment.

An archive will be available at the same link immediately following the show or listeners can subscribe to the archives via the RSS feed located on the host page. Read more about the host and the discussion on Hit the Ropes Radio Show’s blog at http://hittheropes.blogspot.com. We are the fastest rising wrestling radio show on the Net.

About Hit the Ropes Radio
Hit the Ropes Radio Show is the premier live Internet talk-radio show that focuses on pro wrestling news, notes and interviews. Hosts Daris, Shane and Demetrus explores the careers, organizations and world of professional wrestling. Callers are encouraged to call ( 646 ) 929-2442 to comment or ask questions. Or just sit back and enjoy the store. The stream and archives are available at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hittheropesradioshow. The show is live every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. Eastern. The show is hosted on BlogTalkRadio.

About BlogTalkRadio
BlogTalkRadio is a free, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive Internet broadcast. Hosts call into the service by phone, managing callers on the web-based host dashboard. Shows stream live directly from the host’s BlogTalkRadio web page with archives available for all past shows. BlogTalkRadio has been featured on ABC News, The Washington Post, Portfolio, Talkers Magazine, and TheStreet.com. And it has over 3,000, 000 since it’s inception. The citizen broadcasting network can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com.

Jeff Jarrett King of The Mountain DVD Review

2009-04-08T16:53:00.004-04:00

I was sent an advance copy of the new Jeff Jarrett: King of The Mountain DVD.

Let me go on record and say that before I viewed this DVD, I respected Jarrett, but I wasn't a fan. That all changed after listening to the commentary and watching the matches.

Here's the full review:

If you’re looking for a way to escape the rigors of everyday life, take a trip down memory lane with the brand new Jeff Jarrett: King of The Mountain.

What’s refreshing about the four-disc set is that it not only takes you through the life and career of TNA founder Jeff Jarrett, but it simultaneously takes you through the development of TNA as a company.

Whether you’re a new TNA fan or simply want to relive the good old days, sit back as Jarrett personally walks you through his career.

A treat for fans of all levels, Jarrett discusses everything from his love for sports, to the hardships of being a promoter’s kid, to entering the business and the road stories fans love to hear.

As Jarrett narrates both his life and his career, we see the stories brought to life as the matches are carefully woven inbetween stories, all of which are backed by insight from the men who were there.

Scott Steiner, Jim Cornette, Sting, and others share their stories of a skinny little kid from Henderson, Tennessee who went on to found the company they would later call home.

You might be shocked to know all the great stars that went through his father's territory where he mastered his craft. Sid Vicious, Undertaker, Ultimate Warrior, Sting, Road Warriors and much more. And much like his father's territory, TNA also started with the business's current and future legends.

How did Jarrett get his start? Where did he get his strut? How did it make him feel to compete after Owen’s accident?

All of these sought-after questions and more are answered.

Jeff Jarrett: The King of The Mountain has everything fans could want, from the matches they love to the ones they’ve never seen, inside commentary, and hours upon hours of pure wrestling.

And if you’re not a Jeff Jarrett fan, by the end of this DVD, you will be.

With over 13 hours of matches and commentary, you will quickly lose track of time as you travel through triumph and tragedy.

Remenise with Jeff Jarrett vs Jerry Lawler (1988) and Jeff Jarrett & Bill Dundee vs. Gary Young and Cactus Jack. And the excitement continues with TNA's first ever PPV and battles AJ Styles (2003), Samoa Joe (2006), Sting (2006), Sting (2006) and dozens more.

This DVD is a must-add for anyone who collects wrestling tapes or for anyone interested in learning what this crazy business is all about.

The four-disc set goes on sale April 14, and you don’t want to be the last one in line for this one.

Daris Brown
Hit The Ropes Radio

CABLE’S ONLINE STORES OFFER CLASSIC WRESTLEMANIA® PERFORMANCES FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

2009-04-06T09:10:00.000-04:00

For immediate release

New York, April 3, 2009 – Fans hungering for the biggest WWE® wrestling event of the year coming up this weekend, the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania, have a chance to whet their appetites with a series of streaming matches from the greatest performers of all time. For a limited time leading up to the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania, Comcast and Time Warner Cable’s online stores are offering ”WrestleMania Icons,” ten special shows featuring classic wrestling superstars in their most memorable action-filled championship matches. Each online offering delivers about 45 minutes of epic battles and pulls together two classic performances. The shows are available until April 7, 2009.

THE PROGRAMS – Each featuring two WrestleMania Classics:

Hulk Hogan: Two championship matches, WrestleMania III against Andre the Giant and WrestleMania VI vs. the Ultimate Warrior.

Stone Cold: Stone Cold Steve Austin challenges Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XIV and WrestleMania XV when he faces The Rock.

The Rock: The Icons meet at WrestleMania XVIII with The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan and WrestleMania XIX against Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Undertaker: At WrestleMania XII he faces Diesel and WrestleMania 21 against The “Animal” Batista.

Triple H: At WrestleMania XIV “The Game” defends the WWE European title against Owen Hart and WrestleMania X8 Triple H challenges Chris Jericho.

Bret Hart: During WrestleMania X, The Hitman battles his younger brother Owen Hart and later that night fights Yokozuna.

John Cena: At WrestleMania 21, Cena challenges JBL and at WrestleMania 22 he goes up against “King of Kings” Triple H.

Shawn Michaels: At WrestleMania X, the “Heartbreak Kid” battles Razor Ramon in a Ladder Mach for the WWE Intercontinental title. At WrestleMania XIX, Michaels faces Chris Jericho.

Rey Mysterio: WrestleMania 21 when Rey faces Eddie Guerrero and WrestleMania 22 where he battles Kurt Angle and Randy Orton.

Edge: At WrestleMania X-7, Edge teams with Christian vs. the Dudleys and Hardy Boyz in a TLC Match for the WWE Tag Team Title. At WrestleMania 23, Edge competes in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

The shows are available from Road Runner Video Store at http://videostore.rr.com and from Comcast at store.fancast.com. The series is distributed by iN DEMAND Networks. Retail price for these classic downloads is $3.99 to rent.

Contact: Ellen Cooper, iN DEMAND Networks 646-638-8206 ecooper@indemand.com

TNA Returns to Florence, SC

2009-04-03T09:50:00.001-04:00

TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION (TNA) WRESTLING’S
“FRONTLINE REVENGE” TOUR STOPS IN FLORENCE ON MAY 15!

TNA FRONTLINE MEMBERS ARE OUT FOR REVENGE AGAINST
THE MAIN EVENT MAFIA WHEN TNA WRESTLING
RETURNS TO FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA!

Florence, South Carolina (March 26, 2008) – The superstars of Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling will bring TNA Live! “The Frontline Revenge Tour” to Florence, South Carolina at the Florence Civic Center on Friday, May 15, starting at 7:30 p.m. for an unforgettable night of action.

Appearing live and in person will be Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, “King of the Mountain” Jeff Jarrett, TNA Legend’s Champion “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, Booker T, TNA World Tag Team Champions Beer Money, Inc, TNA X Division Champion Suicide, “The War Machine” Rhino, The Latin American Xchange, Sheik Abdul Bashir, Madison Rayne, Cute Kip, Kiyoshi, and more!

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 3, at the Florence civic center box office, www.ticketmaster.com, Publix, FYE, Macy’s, or charge by phone at 843-679-9333. Limited tickets available as low as $20! TNA is proud to offer a $5 discount to all college students and military personnel with form of I.D.

Cross The Line to TNA Wrestling, the most innovative experience in professional wrestling today. Join the TNA World Heavyweight Champion Sting, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, “The Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe, Booker T, “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, the lovely and lethal TNA Knockouts and the no-limits X-Division inside the six-sided ring of “TNA iMPACT!” every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Spike TV.

TNA Entertainment, LLC is a privately held company headquartered in Nashville, Tenn.
Spike TV is available in over 96 million homes and is a division of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).
Cross The Line at www.tnawrestling.com.

CONTACT:
Chris Thomas, Publicist
615.983.5203

Hit The Ropes, Debra to TNA Interview

2009-04-01T14:13:00.007-04:00

Hit The Ropes Radio recently got the chance to sit down with Debra as she tells us why she wants the fans to help her get into TNA. You might know Debra from her days with the Four Horseman in WCW, as a valet for Jeff Jarrett in the WWE or as Stone Cold Steve Austin’s ex-wife. But no matter how you know her, you won’t soon forget her. Here’s the interview without further ado.

Hit The Ropes Radio: Debra, how are you doing?
Debra: I am great. I just moved back to Alabama.

HTR: Now Debra, there’s a rumbling on the Internet that you’re on a quest to go to TNA.
D: Yes, I definitely think they need me on there. They need somebody like me with a mature leadership quality. Especially, I was married to Stone Cold Steve Austin. I definitely know the top of the business. I’ve seen it all in wrestling. I’ve worked with the top tier people.

HTR: You’ve worked with Jeff Jarrett, you were his manager for a time. He’s a big dog down there in TNA. I assume you’re on good terms with him, correct.
D: You know what, we are. We’re really good friends. I think a lot of people can relate to this. We have our career and our friendship too. But I keep it separate. My business part is my business side. And our friendship, I don’t cross that line of asking him about the business.

This way the fans can have a part in bringing me back. Because I know that the fans love being involved. All the years I worked in wrestling I was really good with including with the fans. It’s fun, that’s why they watch wrestling. Especially when they can interact with a wrestling superstar.

And if everyone emails TNA and say we want Debra then they can make it happen.

HTR: So you’re on a quest. To have the fans email info@tnawrestling.com and request you back to see if they’ll listen to the fans?
D: Well this business is about making money and if the fans realy want to see me, I’ve proven I was a moneymaker in the past. Cause one thing I’m good at is causing trouble. And I’m definitely good at being entertaining. The Fans know that. And I can talk some smack. I remember when I was Queen Debra in WCW I would write all my lines. That’s all stuff I had written. Right before the show, then I’d jump in on those live interviews with the Four Horsemen. And get into Queen Debra mode.

HTR: You can definitely hold your own. Well who there in TNA who would you aid or put into their place?
D: You know what? I’d like to put all the females in place. Because Debra finishes second, I come in first. I don’t play. Females I can chew them up and spit them out. I don’t play. I have the maturity in my favor. I don’t play.

HTR: Now Debra Awesome Kong is a big girl. You can handle her?
D: Well remember, I wrestled up against Nicole Bass before? I had to go up against Stephanie McMahon, I’m tough. The fans need to write and get me up there.

HTR: For the neighsayers out there, not to put your age out there, but you’re over fourty. Why should they bring you in?
D: Because you need a mature women with leadership. You can’t just girls in their 20s. You need a mature women, a business women to come in take control here. You have to have to have an interesting quality to hit the demographics. You need that mature women too.

HTR: You’ve been there with the Four Horsemen, Jeff Jarrett and other greats, you definitely have the experience.
D: And being married to Steve Austin, one thing I was around the McMahon’s all the time flying on the jets, around the Rock, around Steve constantly. I’d hear Steve talk business and seeing how the business works. Those young girls don’t have that. Yeah I’m older, but I can still talk some smack and back it up with my knowledge.

HTR: It’s more than just smack, there are a lot of men who are looking at Ms. Debra and there not seeing the older women.
D: Well that’s right. Because I don’t dare look my age. Thank God for good genetics. I could’ve pulled it off before, but thanks to the Internet you can’t lie about things, darn it. (laughing).

HTR: What has been your most memorable moment in wrestling moment so far?
D: It would have to be my last Wrestlemania I did with the storeyline with Steve Austin and the Rock. That was pretty sensational. That one ranks right up there.

And then of course when I won the belt in 1999 from Sable. The women’s championship belt. And even working with the Four Horsemen. And being such a heel, it was so. Oh, and working with Rick Flair, he was so much fun. I remember when I worked with Goldberg. A lot of people forget I was the one who forgot I was the one who gave him a chance to walk out on TV when he stole Steve McMichael’s Super Bowl ring. Remember that way, way back? I have worked with some huge things.

HTR: A lot of people would be envious of your success.
D: Well I guess, being I was first married to all-pro defensive tackle with Steve McMichael. With the Bears, he won the Super Bowl. I was married to him for 13 years, around that for 13 years, and boom get into WCW. And the Four Horseman.

The vary first time I walked out in wrestling was in Vegas at Ceasar Palace with Hulk Hogan, his wife Linda, Women, Miss Elizabeth and myself. That was the very first time I walked out.

And I remember, when I was married to Steve McMichael, he did the Lawrence Taylor all-pro team with Reggie White. And that was my first experience with WWE, and Steve was still playing ball.

HTR: Now you’ve been an NFL wife and a Wrestling wife. What’s more hectic?
D: Uh, the wrestling, trust me. I’ll tell you what’s crazy, being a wife and a superstar yourself, and married to a superstar. That’s crazy.

An NFL wife is fun. You’re going to the Super Bowl, riding in parades with confetti going through downtown Chicago; you’re having this wonderful life that’s unreal. And then you go to wrestling and which bizarre, but fun. It’s like a soap opera.

HTR: When Steve McMichael came to WCW, was it always the plan for you to come on air or did it just happen?
D: It sorta just happened. Steve was there and my background I’ve studied at Lee Strasberg, a theater school in New York City. And when they decided to turn Steve McMichael in with the Four Horsemen, and they decided to use me to work alongside of them, and I remember when I became Queen Debra, I kept bugging Eric Bischoff, “Please just give me a chance. I know I don’t have a wrestling background. I’ll even work for free for a while if I can show you I can be over with the fans.” And he did and said “okay I want you to be Queen Debra. I want you to be this heel. I want you to be this really obnoxious southern belle beauty queen who brags on yourself.” And I hit it.

I wrote my own lines and became the Queen Debra and I was major heel and he offered me contract. I worked about 5 months for free. And everyone said you’re doing this for free, you’re crazy. And you know what? Look what happened. I got a contract and ended up getting a contract with the WWE. And I don’t have a wrestling background.

HTR: Apparently you didn’t need one.
D: Well I had to fill my weak spot with my knowledge, and I’m very confident, and I’m a BSer. So I had to use my power points at other parts.

HTR: Unfortunately we’ve ran out of time. But we hope everyone goes to info@tnawrestling.com and tells them they want Debra in TNA. Debra, we hope to see you on TNA television.
D: I hope so too.

HTR: Thanks for coming on.
D: Thank you. Take care.

ROH's Bobby Cruise Interview

2009-03-28T13:28:00.005-04:00

Hit The Ropes Radio:Mr. Bobby Cruise, how're ya doing?
Bobby Cruise: Good Daris.

HTR:Ring of Honor is blowing up as we speak. We just talked to Brent Albright a few weeks ago, and he said the locker room's excited. You just finished taping your first TV show on HDNet. How was that like and what are your expectations?

BC: Well it was a great atmosphere overall. This is what a lot of the guys have been working for a long time in the wrestling business. You have Brent Albright and Austin Aries, who've been to WWE and TNA, but for a lot of guys this is their first shot at national television.

So the vibe in the locker room is a very excited one and a very focused one. Everyone knows from me to everyone on up knows what's on the line here. We have a huge opportunity. I think it will be great. HDNet has been tremendous to work with. This will be a tremendous partnership between ROH and HDNet.

HTR:Now, I don't have HDNet and had to watch the first episode on YouTube. Did they tell ya'll, for those of us who don't have HDNet, how we can get a hold of HDNet.

BC:Yeah, I found out today that it was on YouTube, which I think at this point is a good thing. HDNet will be the first to admit that they're not in as many homes as they want to be. But that will progress as 2009goes on. I am very fortunate enough so I have Direct TV. People with the Dish Network and the HD package have access to it. I think it will slowly and surely get done as far as more cable systems in different areas picking it up.

I just found out that Comcast in the Boston area, which is a huge pickup for HDNet, just started carrying it in the last week or two. Like I said, as 2009 progress, you will see more and more availability of HDNet on individual cable systems.

HTR:Right, like I said, I did get to catch on YouTube and I was quite impressed. It wasn't the goofy wrestling. You saw some chain wrestling,and it gave exposure to a lot of guys that people probably never heard of before. Like the main event (Tyler Black vs Jimmy Jacobs)they had a feud that people weren't exposed to, but ya'll did a great job of recapping that for us.I think it was an excellent way to kick it off.

BC:Yeah, I agree. Overall I think we should be happy. I know there are things will change from our side and HDNets side of production as we learn. That was our first two nights of taping for the first 6 weeks. And we have our next set of tappings here in Philly in April 9th and 10th, which happens to be a Thursday and a Friday in a couple weeks.

We may do some things different as far as lighting and sound. I know there was some concern because there were 1,000 people there for the first three episodes, and you really couldn't tell that. People have told me that it didn't seem that many people were there. The crowd noise wasn't there. They were loud, but it didn't get picked up. So we might look at miking the crowd a little bit on these next sets.

So I agree with you, it was a great first entry. Anyone who's a Ring of Honor fan will obviously watch it. And anyone who's not will hopefully watch it and the first time get hooked over the next few weeks.

They did a great job with the Ring of Honor history like package. That gave a nice quick thorough recap, not just of Ring of Honor, but the stars that have through Ring of Honor and gone on to other place. People will recognize people like CM Punk, Samoa Joe and Homicide and go wow, I didn't know these guys wrestled for Ring of Honor, let me check this company out.

HTR:That's what I like about Ring of Honor, which a lot of fans will see. There's a movement in the making. A faster pace, chain wrestling, spot moves, all intertwine into one. And there's all reason behind it. And you have big things coming. I understand Ric Flair is visiting with you.

BC: Yes, he's doing several appearances with us as he was with us in St. Louis, he's got one coming up in Virginia, one in Detroit, and we just announced that he will be with us when we return to the Hammerstein Ballroom on June 13. He's got several appearances and we're really excited.

HTR: There's a lot of great wrestlers that have passed through ROH. In fact, we are already debating, how soon ya'll will be competing with TNA in the ratings war. Any thoughts?

BC: Oh obviously it would be great. They're a solid number 2 right now. There's no doubt about that and nobody can question that. Whether you agree with their program or don't agree, they're a solid number 2. And if you're number 3, as we are,then the next logical step would to try and be number 2.

They have the added of advantage of being on cable, yes it's basic cable, but that's a huge advantage. We'll kind of make up some ground as HDNet progress, as I said before, and get's in more and more available across the country.

I see nothing but great things. It's a great locker room. It's a focused locker room, as I said before. It's all up to us. We've been given the opportunity by our management Cary Silken and we've been given the opportunity by HDNet.

And there's no doubt that Ring of Honor knows wrestling and HDNet knows production. So let's see if we can make a winning team. And so far I think we have.

HTR:There's a lot of attention to wrestling lately, especially with the movie The Wrestler. Ring of Honor had a huge part in the move, as it was the set for the final scene. And you were in the movie, can you tell us a little bit about that?

BC:Yeah, it was obviously a great opportunity when we first had heard that Darren Aronofsky was interested in doing the movie The Wrestler and wanted to do something with Ring of Honor, it was an exciting opportunity.

When you start putting a movie out there that got the buzz that it did, and the awards that it did, and like I said Mickey Rourke is in it, it can do nothing but good for your company.

And for Ring of Honor to be featured in the main scene when other promotions were featured in the film, and no disrespect to them, you could see it was smaller arenas. And it built up to Randy the Ram and the Ayatollah. And it happen to happen in a Ring of Honor building, in a Ring of Honor ring, with Ring of Honor signage everywhere. It made Ring of Honor look great.

The publicity from it has been very good from the electronic media to the print media. Every town we go to they want to talk to about Ring of Honor's involvement in The Wrestler. So it's been great.

HTR: So were you the commentator for that scene? Tell us about that.

BC: Yeah, the taping of that scene actually took place in two Ring of Honor events over two different days in the same building. I did the ring announcing for the main event scene for Randy the Ram and the Ayatollah. I probably must of announced that match about 15 times as they kept trying shooting different angles.

It was really exciting to attend the premier in New York in October, and seeing myself on the big screen, I didn't thing that was going to happen.

HTR: Now going back to Ring of Honor, tell us how did you get your start in Ring of Honor?

BC:It started in 2003, when I was doing the Steve Corino intros that used to get quite a bit of a reaction. Steve was having a feud of Homicide back in 2003 and was making a big return to Ring of Honor. And he sent me a quick IM online one night and he said "hey, I'm going back to Ring of Honor and I'm thinking of having this quote unquote heel ring announcer and I want you to do it.

Plus I've heard of Ring of Honor and known people who've worked for Ring of Honor, but I've never seen a Ring of Honor. And I remember being there for that first match with Homicide and remember being blown away. The lighting, the athletisicm, the production, just a great thing.

After a while the Corino thing died down. And about a year later they contacted me, saying hey a ring announcer position has opened up, are interested in taking it? I said yes and that was back in Novemeber or 04. So it's been about 4 and 1/2 years at every taping, up and down the road.

HTR:Can you tell us about the Ring of Honor champ Nigel McGuiness?

BC:Fans are going to see a cocky arrogant, very stuck on himself personality. But there also going to see one of the best wrestlers in the world. There's no doubt about that. He can back up everything he says. His reign in Ring of Honor is pushing serious time here. He's battled everybody and defeated everybody, on numerous of occasions. It's been quite a run watching him come into his own, especially the last two years. And he totally deserves to be the world champion.

BR: Do you think of having the same buzz as ECW when it was the third option?

BC: Yeah, in a way. You have to have that third option, a strong alternative. Yeah you have to have that backstage stuff like that, but we'll focus on the wrestling. But we have the SmackTalk, as people are walking to the ring, cause that doesn't cost us any time.

We'll do more backstage stuff, because you have to have it for TV. But not to the level of the other two. Otherwise we'd be just like them and not an alternative. We don't say we're an entertainment company. We're a wrestling company.

HTR: If you haven't seen them before you need to. They've got tapings coming up April 9 & 10 in Philly, Montreal April 17, Toronto April 18 Dayton April 24, Chicago Ridge April 25. If you need more info, check out www.ROHwrestling.com. You're definitely on the right path Bobby. And I want to thank you for coming on.

BC:Thank you, any time guys.

Hit The Ropes Radio to Welcome Harley Race, Debra Marshall, and ROH Bobby Cruise

2009-03-20T10:25:00.004-04:00

by Shane Howard

If you've already checked out Daris Brown's latest article dealing with TNA's recent releases, then you've probably already been notified about the huge show coming up on Hit The Ropes Radio.

Next Wednesday (3/25) on HTR we will have arguably the biggest show to date when we welcome WWE Hall of Famer Harley Race, ROH's announcer Bobby Cruise, former WCW/WWF talent Debra Marshall, and PWA's Gustavo Mendoza.

Mendoza, one of the scariest looking guys in Booker T's PWA promotion, will be on to discuss upcoming events in Texas including Booker T's Legends of Wrestling event.

Everyone probably remembers Debra Marshall as Queen Debra, Debra McMichael, or former wife of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Debra Williams.

There will be nothing off limits as we try to find out why Debra is interested in getting back into the wrestling industry, her past time in the industry as well as outside of it.

With the impending HDnet debut, Ring of Honor's announcer Cruise will grace our phone line to discuss the promotion.

Cruise has been announcing for ROH since 2004 but has been involved in wrestling since the mid-90's. He was also the announcer in the movie The Wrestler.

A few weeks ago, HTR was supposed to have Harley Race on but circumstances came up and we had to reschedule. That makeup day is coming Wednesday.

The second King of the Ring winner has wrestled in the NWA, AWA, and WWF. He's also worked in WCW and TNA.

Be sure to check out this jam-packed show as we will be going two hours long. Tune in, tell a friend, join the chatroom, call in. Whatever you do, be sure to join the online wrestling radio revolution at 6 PM (EST) that is Hit The Ropes.

Before I go, I must thank all those who have showed their love and have helped us grow. So thanks to Ray, JLB, M, AkD, Josh Swell, Karl Z, Kumar, Jabot, Krut, Bret Hart...I mean Kevin Canny, Jen Preston (my new crush, LOL), and if I missed you, thanks as well.

I also urge you to throw any questions you might have for our guests in the comment section or on Daris, Demetrus, or my bulletin board.

Hit The Ropes Radio, Booker T Interview

2009-03-17T15:13:00.003-04:00

Hit The Ropes Radio: Hey Book, Thanks for coming on.
Booker T: No problem man.

HTR: Now we’ve had you’re boys from the PWA on for a while and they’re pretty talented. Now I’ve seen this big freakish guy down there, he goes by the name Psycho Cyrus. Is he as good as he looks?
BT: He’s one of those guys who are a diamond in the rough but he’s still got a lot of rough around the edges, but there are few that can compare to him.

HTR: You’ve got a lot of things going on there. April 3rd you’ve got a huge charity promotion right?
BT: Yeah, we’ve got the Booker T Fights for the Kids foundation. We’ve got our drop out program, our mentoring program and the wrestling school’s going pretty good. But we could always use a little help. We’re running shows on a monthly basis. Doing things for our charity, but there aren’t a lot of proceeds right now. But with WWE being in town it’s a good time to create a buzz and raise money for our foundation.

HTR: You’re hosting your Legends of Wrestling card, who’s all slated to appear on that card?
BT: Oh, man, I don’t know the whole card right off hand. But we’ve got Jake “the Snake” Roberts, Sting, the Nasty Boys, a list of matches that I know a whole lot of people still want to see. Go to the website www.BookerTLow.com and check out all the talent.

HTR: And the proceeds go to the Drop Out Recovery program, tell us a little about that.
BT: Well, we try to get drop outs back into school by helping them with their finances, because the kids have knowledge and the means and the support. And we try to be that support. We go into the school districts, and I’ve actually gone into the schools and told the kids my story and tell them where I’ve been and what I’ve been through.

HTR: Great. Now right before your Legends of Wrestling program you have March Mayhem. It looks like you’ll be on the card, and is it true that Mick Foley will also be on the card?
BT: Mick Foley will be there, I won’t say necessarily on the card, but he will be there. All the proceeds will go to the Fight for the Kids foundation. In fact Mick is giving the money we were going to pay him back to the foundation, and we are paying him a big fat salary, and he wants to donate it to the foundation. So it’s good having people on our side to help with the kids around the city.

HTR: Is there a way for people to donate if they can’t go to the show?
BT: Yeah, just go to the www.BookerTLow.com site and they can send a donation through there.

HTR: Now you’re one of the reasons why we started watching wrestling, going back to your Harlem Heat days, so we appreciate you for coming on.
BT: Thanks man. My career’s doing pretty good. 19, 20 years and I’ve still got fans. Creating new fans. Feeling pretty cool. Still in pretty good shape. Making the shape from WWE to TNA has helped out a whole lot as far as how I feel. Look forward to seeing Booker T for a little while longer.

HTR: Now I have to ask this question, Where’s Stevie Ray?
BT: Well he’s got a trucking company in Houston. Been out of wrestling since 2000 so. It’s just one of those businesses that… Ric Flair always said “Time off is your worst enemy” because it’s so hard to come back to because you know what it takes to get back out there and hit the road.

HTR: We talked about African Americans in the wrestling business, and you and your multiple championships, is there someone in the business right now that could potentially be a world champion?
BT: Ahh, it’s at a brink right now to be honest. There are a couple guys you know. MVP could step into the role. Because he’s a worker, he’s a true worker. Sheldon Benjamin, if he can stay on the grind. But a lot of the guys are playing characters, just looking to keep a job. Just looking to support themselves anyway possible. A lot of guys I really don’t see making that crossover.

HTR: You’ve been everywhere and won every title, what’s left for you? Who are you looking to face in the ring?
BT: To be honest there’s nothing really left as far as championships or anything like that. I’m at that stage of the game where I’m helping the younger guys. If I can do that I’ll be doing my part. Every wrestler, the code in this business, is stepping down and passing the torch. Putting the young guys in position.

HTR: One of the greatest feuds you’ve had was the best of 7 with Chris Benoit. Who’s out there that you would do a new best of 7 with?
BT: Uhh... probably, if I was a good guy, Randy Orton. A guy who can get into the ring and perform at a level that can bring me up to another level. It’s about competing with the best. When I watch the shows, the young wrestlers, he’s one of the guys that stands out. Definitely a technician, just like his dad.

HTR: Now the theme for March 28 March Madness is being dubbed the Night of the Ladies, what’s behind that theme?
BT: We’re crowing our first PWA women’s champ. We’re bringing a lot of girls to be a part of the event. It’s gonna be a great night. Looking forward to see who’s going to be the first PWA champ.

HTR: Will we se Sharmell come into action and steal the title?
BT: *laughs* No, Sharmell, just like myself, you’ll never see me as PWA champion. I’m an honorary PWA champion, that’s about as far as it goes. It’s not for me, it’s for my students. Get the young wrestlers a platform to see who rises to the top. Like my dad says, the cream always rises to the top. So we’ll see.

HTR: Now Lita’s out there. Would she make a good addition to TNA’s Knockout Division?
BT: Definitely she’d be great for the TNA roster. It would be more if that’s something she wants to do. But she would be a great addition. We had a void with the loss of Gail Kim, and she would fill that void I think.

HTR: Now you might hate me, but the fans want to know, what’s up with your accent?
BT: It’s something that I play with. Hollywood is always looking, I don’t just think about the wrestling audience. There are a lot of roles that need to be filled. So they’re looking for people that can who can do the scenes as well. Putting myself in a position to do a whole lot more. I’m always thinking about my next career.

HTR: Has anyone approached you about a role yet?
BT: I haven’t got them just yet. I’m going to finish one thing before I step into the next.

HTR: You’ve got your Legends of Wrestling coming up the same weekend of Wrestlemania. Tell us the atmosphere around Wrestlemania.
BT: It’s gonna be a great night for those guys who’ve never done it. It’s a night to remember. It’s a yearlong dash to Wrestlemania, it’s not just one night. It’s a big payoff Sunday night, then Monday it’s 365, 364, all over again. It’s one of the greatest days you can have being a wrestler. But it’s a rough week, so I’d say be careful what you wish for.

HTR: Well TNA has had their higher ratings ever. What will it take for them to stay at that level?
BT: That’s a TNA question. I don’t put myself in that position. They’re getting some great ratings now. Hopefully I have something to do with that, hopefully I’m doing my job. Hopefully they’ll keep it going and keep getting bigger and bigger. That’s my goal anyways.

HTR: What are the next steps for PWA, local TV?
BT: We definitely want to get on TV, but we want to make sure we are ready for it more than anything. I don’t want to get on TV and not be ready for it. Not the talent not the other part. Because we do a lot with our local talent, our students. We like to use our own local talent, our students, not to bring in people to do our local show. We want to keep it local. We just want to be in the right position, the right place, before we take the next step. But TV is something we want to look into. DVD we’ve got to make it a lot better. Our first DVD as an experiment, as far as commentary is concern. We are not going to leap into something because you can get burnt like that. We want to crawl before we walk.

HTR: Well, we want to thank you for taking time out to speak with us and to your fans.
BT: Definitely, no problem man.

For more info on Booker T's charities and how you can help, visit www.BookerTLOW.com

To learn about his school and upcoming shows visit www.BookerTPWA.com

CPKustoms Cross Country Chopper Giveaway Pre-Launch Party - Former WWE Super Star Pro Wrestler, Chuck Palumbo, to ride in “The Horse Smoke Out Ten” an

2009-03-12T21:24:00.001-04:00

CPKustoms Cross Country Chopper Giveaway Pre-Launch Party - Former WWE Super Star Pro Wrestler, Chuck Palumbo, to ride in “The Horse Smoke Out Ten” and raise money for our injured Military. “I’m going to build a bike, ride it across country and give it away. It’s that simple!”

Casey's Place - 7375 Jackson Dr, San Diego, CA -- Sat, May 2
The pre-launch party for The Long Road, a 2,000 mile bike run from Cottonwood, AZ to Rockingham, NC is set. San Diego’s CP Kustoms founder, Chuck Palumbo, heads a special fundraiser for our injured brave military men and women back home from Iraq. “It was shocking to see the condition of our soldiers who have suffered injuries in Iraq. We all hear about it but until you step foot in a military hospital room, it doesn't hit you.”

The festivities begin at 3:00pm with a Ride-In Motorcycle Show, live music, giveaways, photo opportunities with Chuck Palumbo, a bikini contest, a chance to be included in the documentary of Chuck’s Cross Country adventure, and the unveiling of the “War Machine” chopper. The proceeds from the pre-launch party, along with the money raised throughout the run will go to to help our recovering soldiers across the nation and around the world.

After visiting Walter Reed Hospital in D.C. and learning of Lt. Christopher Palumbo’s (Chuck’s younger brother), heroic efforts in which he was awarded the Silver Start, Chuck was inspired to do something special to thank our troops. From his CP Kustoms bike shop in San Diego, Chuck Palumbo is building and donating “The War Machine”, the chopper he will ride in The Long Run to the Horse Smoke Out Ten. The chopper will be displayed across country and given away to one lucky ticket holder. The raffle drawing will take place at the end of the run at the Rockingham Drag strip in Rockingham, NC on Saturday, May 16. The ticket holder need not be present to win.

You can also participate and still have a chance to win the “War Machine” by visiting www.cpkustoms.com and purchasing raffle tickets online. Donations will also be accepted and the progress of Chuck’s “War Machine” can also be viewed on the CP Kustoms website.

Remember to be at Casey’s Place on Sat, May 2 for the unveiling of Chuck’s chopper creation, the party, and great activities to take place at this launch party send-off. It’s going to be a memorable event that shouldn’t be missed!

Horse Smoke Out Rally dates and posted stops:
Fri, May 8 & Sat, May 9 – Cottonwood, AZ
Sun, May 10 – ride approx 506 miles to Santa Rosa, NM
Mon, May 11 – ride 427 miles to Oklahoma City, OK
Tues, May 12 – ride approx 243 miles to Clarksville, AR
Wed, May 13 – ride approx 440 miles to Nashville, TN
Thru, May 14 – ride approx 290 miles to Asheville, NC
Fri, May 15 – ride 200 miles to Rockingham, NC for the final 2 days of the Smoke Out Rally

For more detailed information on “The Horse Smoke Out Ten” visit www.smokeoutrally.com

Contact:
Chuck Palumbo – 619-977-4884
Email: chuck@cpkustoms.com
www.cpkustoms.com

CP Kustoms Cross Country Chopper Giveaway - Former WWE Super Star, Pro-Wrestler Chuck Palumbo, to ride in The Horse Smoke Out Ten and raise money for

2009-03-12T21:23:00.001-04:00

CP Kustoms Cross Country Chopper Giveaway - Former WWE Super Star, Pro-Wrestler Chuck Palumbo, to ride in The Horse Smoke Out Ten and raise money for charity.

May 8 & 9 at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds, Cottonwood, AZ - Chuck Palumbo will take part in The Horse Smoke Out Ten’s Long Road, a 2,000-mile bike run from Cottonwood, AZ to Rockingham, NC as part of his fundraising efforts for our injured brave military men and women back home from Iraq. “It was shocking to see the condition of our soldiers who have suffered injuries in Iraq. We all hear about it but until you step foot in a military hospital room, it doesn't hit you.”

After visiting Walter Reed Hospital in D.C. and learning of Lt. Christopher Palumbo’s (Chuck’s younger brother) heroic efforts in Iraq, in which he was awarded the Silver Star, Chuck was inspired to do something special to thank our troops. From his CP Kustoms bike shop in San Diego, Chuck Palumbo decided to build and donate “The War Machine.” “I’m going to build a bike, ride it across country and give it away. It’s that simple!”

The chopper will be displayed at the run’s two-day launch party in Cottonwood, AZ on Friday, May 8 beginning at 4pm, and continues on Saturday, May 9 at 10am. Following the launch party Chuck will ride across country on “The War Machine” to The Horse Smoke Out Ten in Rockingham, NC. Tickets for a chance to win this handcrafted CP Kustoms original can be purchased at the launch party events and also at the posted Long Run stops across the country. One lucky ticket holder will win “The War Machine” when the raffle drawing is held at the end of the run at the Rockingham Drag strip in Rockingham, NC on Saturday, May 16. The ticket holder need not be present to win.

Anyone unable to attend the festivities of the Long Road Run or the Horse Smoke Out Ten still has a chance to win the “War Machine.” Just visit www.cpkustoms.com to purchase raffle tickets online. Monitor the progress of Chuck’s War Machine by visiting the CP Kustoms website. Donations will also be accepted online.

The purpose of this run is not only for riders to join in on the run or participate at the cross country parties, but to create awareness of the hardships of some of our biggest heroes who have returned from Iraq and to help raise much needed money for their recovery. Remember to be there on Fri, May 8 for the unveiling of Chuck’s chopper creation, the party, and great activities to follow in this two-day launch party send-off. It’s going to be a memorable event that should not be missed!

Horse Smoke Out Rally dates and posted stops:
Fri, May 8 & Sat, May 9 – Cottonwood, AZ (Two-day Launch Party)
Sun, May 10 – ride approx 506 miles to Santa Rosa, NM
Mon, May 11 – ride 427 miles to Oklahoma City, OK
Tues, May 12 – ride approx 243 miles to Clarksville, AR
Wed, May 13 – ride approx 440 miles to Nashville, TN
Thru, May 14 – ride approx 290 miles to Asheville, NC
Fri, May 15 – ride 200 miles to Rockingham, NC for the final 2 days of the Smoke Out Rally

For more detailed information on “The Horse Smoke Out Ten” visit www.smokeoutrally.com

Contact:
Chuck Palumbo – 619-977-4884
Email: chuck@cpkustoms.com
www.cpkustoms.com

TNA's Booker T and Former WWE star Daniel Puder on Hit The Rope Radio

2009-03-11T13:23:00.001-04:00

Yo, Please tune into Hit the Ropes Radio tonight at 6pm Eastern. We've got our biggest show ever!

This week's special guests: Booker T and former WWE Tough Enough Winner Daniel Puder.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/HitTheRopesRadioShow

Wanna talk to Booker T? Call in with you question (646) 929-2442

thanks

Daris, Shane, Demetrus

Get Interviewed by Hit The Ropes Radio

2009-03-05T21:31:00.001-05:00

Hit the Ropes went three on one with Ring of Honor star Brent Albright on the latest edition of our weekly radio show this past Wednesday. Go downloa

2009-02-26T10:41:00.004-05:00

Hit the Ropes went three on one with Ring of Honor star Brent Albright on the latest edition of our weekly radio show this past Wednesday. Go download the archives to hear the whole show in its entirety.

But Hit the Ropes Radio gave “The Shooter” Brent Albright a call to find out what he was up to and where he’s been. Check out his thoughts on WCW and WWE growing up, his idea of where ROH is headed and his battles with CM Punk and Adam Pearce.

Hit the Ropes Radio:We’re here with Ring of Honor’s Brent Albright, Brent how ya doing?

Bent Albright: Oh I’m doing great, how are you guys?

HTR: We’re doing great. Now we want to catch up those who aren’t as familiar with ROH, tell us a little about yourself.

BA: I’m from Tulsa, OK. I’ve been working with Ring of Honor for about three years now; I’ve been wrestling for 11 years. If you’re wondering about my style, my style is a mat based style, technical style, ground and pound style, with a little areal mixed in.

Like I said, I’ve been wrestling for ROH, Japan, OVW for three years, Smackdown for three months, and the Indys in the Midwest. And that’s me in a nutshell.

HTR: You’ve been around for a while, wrestled in a lot of organizations, and our poll question for today is at “what year did TNA break away from the NWA?” And you know a little about the NWA as you feuded over the NWA heavyweight title. Can you tell us a little about that?

BA: Yeah, I feuded over that belt with Adam Pearce. We’ve feuded since Sept. 1, 2007 down in Puerto Rico. And in Aug. 2, 2008 we feuded in New York City over the NWA title. It was an incredible match and we tore the house down. It was something I’ll never forget, it was awesome.

HTR: It sounds awesome. Now you say you have a technical base, which has allowed you to go with any style. And you’ve pretty much have gone against everyone. Down in your days of OVW you faced a list of who’s who of up and comers, who was your favorite to face off with?

BA: Other than Adam Pearce, it has to be CM Punk. We had the same kind of chemistry as Adam Pearce and I. We just tore the house down and left matches that people remember. One of the highlights of my career has been being able to work with him.

HTR: Right. Now you’re talking about great matches, and that’s what ROH’s known for. You don’t have the costume and people dressed up in funny suites…

BA: Now wait, we do have people dressed up in funny suites. We have El Generico. We’ve got Rhett Titus, I mean the man wears a bow tie to the ring and wrestles. We’ve got funny characters. H*ll, we’ve got a 5’2” lumberjack so come on. We’ve got some characters.

HTR: Yes that you do. But I was referring to the technical wrestling that ROH is known for and the great matches that have been displayed for years. And finally ya’ll have your TV show, what’s the atmosphere like in ROH right now? You’re about to blow up.

BA: With the transition of powers, the new regime as some like to call it, and the new booking… morale is up, morale is higher than it’s been in a while.

Especially with the debut of our TV show, with the tapings being in Philadelphia at the old ECW arena. I mean the atmosphere in the locker room is awesome.

Everyone has seen with the WWE has to offer, what TNA has to offer, and now they’ll be able to see ROH in three weeks when the tapings are done. Right off the bat into 17 million homes.

And hopefully with the network that we’re on (HDNet) they’re only gonna get bigger and we’re gonna get bigger. I just expect great things coming out of it.

HTR: ROH is on the up and up. Where do you see the company in five years? With the TV show, do you think they will get on a broadcast network or what?

BA: That’s hard to say. I know HDNet is growing going into 17 million homes, and hopefully 70 million homes next year, and in the next two years maybe even 100 million homes.

That in itself will be a network. More people are having access to HD channels so who knows. The sky’s the limit in the next 5 years.

HTR: I checked out the matches, the action is great and the fans are crazy. Give the listeners an idea what’s it like to go to a ROH show.

BA: For me, when my music hits, especially in NYC. I walk through the curtain in front of 2,000 people, their banging on the guard rails. Their starting all the chanting, “Kick his *ss” and all that. The atmosphere is electric. Fans are used to a high impact, high flying show, and that’s what we try to deliver every time.

You got some fans that will say, “I didn’t like this or I didn’t like that” but for one or two that say that you have two or 300 hundred that say it’s awesome. And even those who say otherwise, they still come back and buy tickets, so they must be liking something.

HTR: It’s so surprising how ROH has been able to hold on so long without TV. You hear about them mostly through trading DVDs, but now you’ve got “Rise Above” PPV on the Dish Network and the TV show on HDNet. For those who don’t know, who are you feuding with right now?

BA: Right now I’ve got a little rivalry with Claudia Casanova. When we met in Detroit I had him in a submission and he tapped out. But his foot was in the ropes and the ref says a rope break trumps a tap out.

In my book it’s the other way around. I got DQ’d but we’re gonna meet again in Danbury, Connecticut, so just like last time I’m gonna make him tap out. Only this time it’ll be in the middle of the ring.

HTR: That match in on the 27th?

BA: Yeah, Friday the 27th. Then we tape our TV show in Philadelphia on Saturday, followed up again at the old ECW arena for a show on Sunday.

HTR: How was it wrestling in the ECW arena?

BA: I had never wrestled in the ECW arena until six months ago, and I thought it was awesome wrestling in an arena that had so much history. And it was funny I was wrestling as the NWA champion, in an NWA title match, in the same building where the belt got thrown into the trash can.

In that regard I thought it was really unique and I’d get a chance to do the NWA title proud.

HTR: Since you brought the NWA title. A lot of greats have held that title over the decades. How does it feel to hold a title that was held by Flair, Rhodes and other greats?

BA: It’s awesome. Even though the NWA doesn’t get as much press that it did back in the ‘70s and ‘80s but it means a lot to me. Just to be a part of the NWA and NWA history and having my name go in the history books as a champ, it’s definitely a highlight of my career.

Especially to win it in NYC, in a state that the title has never been defended in, never been won in, it was awesome. To have the kind of match that Adam Pearce and I’ve had, a match that I’ll be able to tell my kids about is great.

HTR: Sticking with the whole NWA, who from the past NWA organization would you go one on one with if you could?

BA: Man, I think there’s a couple. Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair, Rick Steamboat. There’s a lot that I would love to work with.

HTR:Did you grow up on the NWA or are you one of those guys who were pulled into wrestling later?

BA: I caught in on wrestling in the late '80s, ’88 or ’89. WCW on TBS, I think Crockett was running it still back then. But of course I remembered Hulk Hogan, Big Boss Man and the Junk Yard Dog from the WWF. I can remember seeing Sting and Arn Anderson for the first time.

All the guys from WCW. I remember seeing the WWF as more colorful and cartoonish while WCW was more… it was real, it was wrestling. And I enjoyed that different feel from it. So that’s what I grew up on.

But I started really getting into wrestling with Monday Night Raw. But you had wrestling on TBS, WCW Saturday Night, where they did the taping from the Orlando Studios, with the rotating ring. Man that was awesome.

I remember seeing Regal on there, Bobby Eaton, Triple H a few times as Terror Ryzing. It was awesome.

HTR: You’ve been on the fan side, and obviously the wrestling side, what is your reaction when fans come up to you? Cause it seems that when people hit it big they forget about when they were watching WCW Saturday night, and when they were a fan. How do you react when someone comes up to you?

BA: You know what? As long as they’re polite and ask and don’t demand, because there is a difference you know, as long as they’re polite I’ll give them an autograph. I don’t care. It’s part of the job.

But if you come up to me and you think I owe it to you to give an autograph, I’ll tell you to piss off. I’m human just like everyone else. I don’t owe anybody anything. But if you want to be cordial or polite, I’ll give you autographs all day.

HTR: Well we definitely thank you for coming on. We want to make sure we tell all the fans to check out ROHWrestling.comso all the fans can check out Brent Albright and the rest of the Ring of Honor stars. Once again Brent, it’s been a pleasure and we hope you’ll come back on once the TV show’s done taping.

BA: Hey, anytime guys. Don’t forget to check out ROH’s TV show on HDNet, the PPV Rising Above on the Dish Network and ROHWrestling.com. Check it out it’s good stuff.

To find out more, listen in to Hit the Ropes Radio. This week's special guests: Former WWE Tough Enough Winner Daniel Puder and Gustavo Mendoza of Booker T's PWA.

Chuck Palumbo Interview

2009-02-19T13:44:00.003-05:00

Hit the Ropes Radio threw no punches with our exclusive interview with former WCW and WWE superstar Chuck Palumbo. And to our pleasant surprise, that was okay with Chuck because he didn't duck anything.

Hit the Ropes Radio: Chuck, Why don’t you gives a little run down of what you’ve been up to since we last saw you on TV.
Chuck Palumbo: Well right after my last match on TV I had surgery on my shoulder. And the day I got released from my rehabbing from my surgery, I got released from the WWE.

HTR: Now your last gimmick in the WWE was the biker gimmick. Now we’ve seen the surfer guy, the Bill and Chuck, the grease monkey. Out of all those gimmicks, which most represents you as a person?
CP: The bike thing was going okay at first, and then they had me doing this gimmick with Noble, which really wasn’t of any help to me. Then they had me beating on girls, which I didn’t dig. So I do what I’m told to do. It’s a job and I’ll do what you pay me to do.

HTR: Chuck, since you brought this up what would your perfect gimmick be if you were able to book your character?
CP: If I were to book my character, that’s a tough one man. I think any of the characters were okay if they could see my real personality. It probably on the face side. I’m an easy laid back kinda guy. Most of the guys in the back know that. But on TV they played me off to be a d*ck, possibly gay, to be a trouble maker. Nothing that was me.

So I’d say a babyface, someone who could put me in jeopardy. Someone big and who can actually get some heat on me. A real heel, you know? I don’t know if that answer your question guys?

HTR: Right, definitely. I want to talk about the Billy, er, Bill and Chuck situation. Who’s idea was that?
CP: I thing that was Sarge, Sarge Slaughter’s idea. Originally it was supposed to be a flamboyant tag team, something going back to the Hollywood Blondes. And then Vince jumped on the bandwagon knowing ratings week was coming up in the future, he wanted to do something crazy for ratings week. To the ratings for that Smackdown show, which he did, that was what that was for.

Now did they think it was going to get over like it did? I didn’t think so. But it started to get over and it was pretty good publicity for a while. But I played the part. Some people want to say it was a gay character or whatever, but I don’t have anything against gay people. That’s fine. I was just playing a character. Billy and I talk about it even now. It was a great time and we laugh our @sses off thinking about it.

HTR: Now that you’re off TV, do you still watch the show? If so, what brands do you watch?
CP: To be honest I don’t really watch. When my buddies are on I watch. When Rey’s on, or Chavo (Guerrero), Dave (Batista), Randy (Orton), Taker when those I guys are on I watch. Otherwise I don’t really watch it to tell you the truth.

HTR: Chuck you mention some of the guys you watch, I saw on your website (for bikes) that you built bikes for a couple of those guys, which of those have the biggest baddest bike? I saw Rey was on there, Batista was on there, who has the best bike?
CP: They’re all good bikes actually, but if you wanna go big, bad, aggressive I’d would have to say Dave’s. I try to build bikes that go along with their personality, so I’d have to say Dave’s is pretty aggressive. That’s the way Dave portrays himself in the ring. Outside the ring the guy’s laid back as heck. But I think it fits him.

HTR: Great. Now when you’re not building bikes or crossing the country in the name of the troops, are you wrestling? I know you said you had your injury, are you 100%?
CP: Yeah I’m a 100%. I’ve actually have my first Jiu Jitsu completion on the 28th in Westminster, California . I’ve been taking Jiu Jitsu just to keep my wind up, keep in ring shape, and I’m ready to go. I’ve been talking with TNA, trying to figure out in the creative department something. But as soon as that happens I’ll have more news for you. That’s all I can say now. We’re talking about the creative side of it right now.

I’d love to go down there right now because all the guys I started with are down there. All the guys that helped me from the beginning are there. Sting, Kevin Nash, Scott Steiner, Booker. All those guys are down there and it would be a nice to get a chance to work with those guys. It’ll be nice to work with the younger guys. They’ve got a lot of exciting talent who I think are underrated, you know?

HTR: That’s something we’ve all agreed on. TNA is chopped full of talent. So what do you think they need to do to get on that level where WCW was at to rival the WWE?
CP: Oh, gosh. Well number one they need time. They need time in that two hour time slot. Time will boost their publicity. As far as talent, they’ve got the talent. Talent is not an issue. They just need the marketing machine behind them. I think they’re on their way. If you look at from where they started, they started they had the one hour time slot. Now they’ve got the two, obviously that means they’ve got the bigger sponsors coming in. Which means more money for the boys. I think it’s just time now. They’re not lacking talent, they’re not lacking writers, they’re not lacking management. I think they’ve got everything, they just need a little time.

HTR: Who are you most looking forward to stepping into the ring with once this deal gets worked out?
CP: Gosh, that’s a real good question. I don’t know. I’d love to work with the older guys who are there because it brings back memories . Because I was green as grass when I was first there and I learned while I was on TV. So it would be great to go back and work with these guys now, but I’d love to work with these young guys. I’d love to help these young guys out. I may not have had the super push or gotten over like a lot of these guys but I’ve got the experience as far as working in the ring and I can really help put these young guys over, you know?

HTR: Now you said you went to wrestling straight after basketball, now have you always watched wrestling? Or are you one of those guys who were working out in the gym who some other big guy comes in and says. “you’re big, you should wrestle.”
CP: No, I watched wrestling. Not every week, but from time to time. In the early 80s I watched it a lot, with the Saturday morning deals with the WWF you know. I was crazy about it back then. But I watched it once and a while. But at that point I never even lifted a weight. I wasn’t into the weights.

I was actually watching WCW Nitro and they had an ad on TV. You remember that cat Lodi? They had him in the crowd, it was back when he was doing that sign thing. He had a sign that said “Want to Wrestle” and then it had a number with a 404 area code, and I didn’t even know what that was. I tried to write the number down, but I missed it. So I watched the next week and I taped it. So I called and the number was the WCW Power Plant. So I called them, and spoke with Jody Hamilton, the original Assassin. And he said “Hey kid. What do you look like? Are you an athlete?” and I was like yeah, yeah, yeah. So he said to get a physical and come down, and he gave me a tryout date.

So I took the physical, scrounged up $350 and went there with a plane ticket. I think my tryout cost me $250 and 30 of us tried out. By the third day I was the only one left, everyone else either quit or got hurt. Ask anyone about those WCW tryouts. Dave Batista tried out and he only lasted about an hour. I was there, you can ask him. He puked, they make him take his shirt off his back, and then he had to put the shirt back on and then kicked him in the @ss and out the door.

HTR: Wow
CP: I’m not saying that was cool, I’m just saying it was a weeding out process. They wanted guys to really want it. They didn’t teach you anything about wrestling in the beginning. They just beat you up and if you hung in after three days you’d get an opportunity to go to the camp.

So I got the opportunity to go to camp. So I went back to San Diego, sold my belongings, everything I had. Got my two year old daughter, drove cross country with her and show up at the Power Plant. I get to the Power Plant with a Uhaul on my truck and guys are laughing at me ‘cause no one ever made it out of the Power Plant. So my wife was working full time to support my training and that was it.

HTR: You made through the ranks pretty quick. What do you think attributed to that?
CP: JJ Dillion came down to the Power Plant and noticed there was a bunch of guys on there and said that they had to do something with these guys. It was starting to be sort of a scam down there, they were taking in a bunch of people off the street who were paying but not going on TV.

So Bischoff told JJ to take the guys you think are worth something and we’re going to start a new Power Plant. So they put Orndorf in charge and got rid of Hamilton and called Jimmy Hart, who’s a sweetheart by the way, down who was booking Saturday Night at the time. So he took a few of us and mixed us with the veterans and we were up and running. Then Vince Russo came in and put us on TV. And anyone who saw, saw I was green as grass. I didn’t get the opportunity to work the Indy ranks.

HTR: And that’s the issue with a lot of guys now. No experience, they’re thrown on TV, and we’re left saying what happened to so and so.
CP: Right. If you notice there was a period of time where OVW were stacked with people who can work. And the guys now, no knock on them, but they don’t have the time in front of people. The only problem is there’s nowhere for them to work. Now people are just trying to make a buck. Ex football players, WWE brings them in right away and they can’t carry a work. No knock on the WWE, the talent isn’t there because there are no territories for them to work.

HTR: Right, there’s Ring of Honor and Booker T’s PWA but that’s about it.
CP: And I’ve noticed the wrestlers are getting younger these days.

HTR: Yeah and speaking with Kurt Angle, they don’t quite know what they’re doing yet. They’re jumping out of the ring just to jump back into the ring. Things just don’t make sense.
CP: Yeah, but that will change. We all did that when we were young, trying to get the spots.

HTR: Well, you’ve been in the WWE and WCW, which one has the bigger power pull?
CP: The locker room’s not bad. The boys are all pretty cool with each other for the most part. Some people can blame the politics for some stuff but it’s not that bad. I know this though, when I first came over from WCW, JR said we all share the same locker room and there are no superstars or that b.s. That’s a bunch of horsesh*t. The WWE and WCW are no different.

HTR: We’re out of time, but thank you very much for stopping by.
CP: Thanks guys and I hoped I answered all your questions.

Hit the Ropes Radio Show

2009-02-07T09:32:00.001-05:00

Brand New Wrestling Radio Show

2009-02-04T15:06:00.003-05:00

Hit the Ropes Radio Show
What up B/R. Shane, Demetrus and Myself want all of you to check out our online radio show.

Our first guest will be former WWE and WCW superstar Chuck Palumbo. We'll be discussing his time in WCW, WWE, his motorcycle shop and what he's up to now.

And if you have any questions you want us to ask him, leave it here or call and ask him yourself.

In my last article, I teased someone who's jumping promotions, that's still in the works. But right now our guest is the 4 time WCW World Tag Champ and 2 time WWE World Tag Champ, Chuck Palumbo.

Our Radio Show:

Show Name: Hit the Ropes Radio

When: Wednesday

Time: 6:00 -7:00pm

Where: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/HitTheRopesRadioShow

Number: (646) 929-2442 (Call in let us know what you think about the world of wrestling today)

You can also click to talk if you have a mic, or use the live chat room

Next week's guest, the stars from Booker T's PWA wrestling. We will also have Booker T calling in sometime in the next few weeks. When? You have to tune in to see.

Interview with TNA's Monster, Abyss

2009-01-28T11:50:00.006-05:00

I recently got to square off with TNA's Abyss via phone interview, not the squared circle, where he revealed the misconsieved world that makes up the Monster Abyss.

For those who aren't familiar with the 6'8" 350 pounder, Abyss is a former World Heavyweight Champion, former World Tag Champion and is widely regarded as one of the greatest big men the sport has ever seen due to his "dominant force of pure destruction in hardcore match-ups." (TNA)

I sat down to get to know the Monster, and boy did I ever. Check it out:

Daris Brown: Everyone is familiar with your TNA accomplishments. You’re a former World Heavyweight Champion and former World Tag Champion, how did you come to debut in TNA? What was your big break?

Abyss: I got my big break while working for IWA. I was spotted by Dutch Mantel and he helped me make the transition to TNA.

DB: You won your world title from one of the legends of this business Sting, what was that like?

A: That was an unforgettable night for me. To work with Sting was a true honor. He’s one of the legends in this business and I just enjoyed every minute of it.

DB: We’ve talked about your championships but another one of your accolades is being one of the toughest wrestlers in the biz. You’ve been in table matches, ripped with barb wires, stuck with glass, punctured with tax and bloodied beyond recognition. What is your mind set going into these hardcore matches?

A: I just snap into being Abyss. You know going into these hardcore matches that there’s a good chance that you could get hurt. And you prepare yourself for those moments. But I don’t worry too much about them.

DB: Has there been a time where you just finished a Monster’s Ball match or a match involving tables and tacks that you look back and say “why in the world did I just do that?”

DB:No. Never. I just say wow I could’ve been hurt worse. I’ve been hurt on many occasions but I always know there’s a potential for me being hurt much worse.

DB: Speaking of brutal stuff. You’ve recently been teaming up with “The Blue Print” Matt Morgan. The two of you are huge powerful guys. You should be running through the tag team division. Instead, he turns on you. What’s next for the two of you? Can you forgive and forget or did he Cross the Line?

A: He Crossed the Line. This time I can’t forgive him.

DB: Well will you take out your frustrations by taking him to your world, say Monsters Ball or something of that nature?

A: If I have my choice it will be a Monsters Ball match. Because Matt Morgan has unleashed the old Abyss and for that he will have to pay.

DB: Okay, before we go into our rapid fire questions there’s something I have to know, what’s up with the mask? What are you hiding?

A: I’m not hiding anything. The mask is a symbol for Abyss. It symbolizes everything I’ve gone through and everything I’ve become. You see, Abyss is a simple person with an intelligent mind. He’s very kind. And the mask more of a symbol and it isn’t hiding anything.

Rapid Fire Questions

A: AJ Styles

DB: Who haven’t you faced that you’d like to tie up with?

DB:Mick Foley

DB: Best thing about being a pro wrestler?

DB: Being in the best business there is. It’s the greatest.

DB: Worst thing about being a pro wrestler?

A: I don’t think there is one.

DB: If you had to start your own promotion, who would be the first person you’d sign? Why?

A: Sting. He’s a legend in this business and could help it get off the ground.

DB: If They Made A Movie Of Your Life, Who Would Play You and Who Plays Supporting Roles?

A: Ahh, you got me there. I don’t know. Let’s just go with Brad Pitt. He kinda looks like me.

DB: What’s one thing your fans would be surprised to find out about you?

A: I have a huge heart. I’m a very nice person.

DB: If You Could Go One on One with Any Celebrity, Who Would You Choose and Why?

A: What do you mean by that?

DB: You can take it any way you want.

A: [laughs] Kim Kardashian. I couldn’t stand next to her beauty but…

Conclusion

DB: Who’s your favorite opponent? DB: What’s the best road story you can share?

A: in 1998 I went to a show in Nebraska. And I had to ride 17 hours lying in the back of a flatbed from Ohio to Nebraska in November.

DB: What do you want your legacy to be when it’s all said and done?

A: I want everyone to consider me as one of the best big men in the business. I also want TNA and the fans to see I gave 100%. And also that I was one of the premier hardcore wrestlers.

DB: So you embrace being known for hardcore wrestling? I know Mick Foley has said that he kinda shies away from it as he doesn’t want to only be known for as a hardcore wrestler.

A: And the same thing goes for me. But I’m proud of what I’ve done and the respect that goes along with it.

DB: February 8 is the Against All Odds PPV, what can we expect from you on the card?

A: You can expect the Matt Morgan and I are going to revolutionize how the big men square off. And know I don’t want to just beat Matt I want to destroy him.

DB: Any advice to those thinking about getting into the business?

A: Do things right. Do your research and pick a credible school. And don’t let anyone discourage you along the way.

DB: Anything you’d like to share with your fans?

A: Thank you for supporting TNA. Thank you for supporting Abyss. And you can look for big things from Abyss in 2009!

DB: Thanks for your time

A: No problem man.

One-On-One Interview with TNA's Consequence Creed

2009-01-26T15:12:00.010-05:00

For those who are not familiar with TNA's fastest rising star, Consequences Creed, here's you're catch me up before the interview:

He first debuted in TNA as a replacement for NFL player Adam “Pacman” Jones in the TNA World Tag Team Championship bout at “Bound For Glory” in 2007. Athletic, energetic and charismatic Creed has been labeled as one of the best new talents in professional wrestling.

Since joining the ranks of TNA, Creed has competed for the X Division Championship on several occassions, and defended his immense patriotism and love of America when he squared off against Sheik Abdul Bashir. With youth and pure talent on his side, Creed has shown his determination to show TNA fans and the world how to face “The Consequences”. He is currently a member of the Frontline opposing the Main Event Mafia bid to rule over TNA. -TNA

Without further ado, here's the interview with TNA star Consequences Creed.

Daris Brown: Fill us in with your background. When did you first realize pro wrestling?

Consequences Creed: I don’t know a time where I didn’t like wrestling. I always watched it with my friends. We’d pitch in to buy PPVs, throwing in like $5 for a pizza. I don’t know, it’s just always something I loved.

DB: I read that you made a promise to yourself that you’d be signed before you graduated college. What was like juggling wrestling and school books?

CC: Aww man, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Going to class and hitting the road. I majored in both Psychology and Philosophy so it was tough.

DB: Now your wrestling style is like a throwback to the 80s. You know, Rocky Johnson and the way he shuffled. Who had the greatest impact in your career?

CC: My favorite wrestler was 2 Cold Scorpio because he has a unique style. I can’t do all the things that he can do, but I’ve always admired him. But also Booker T, Kurt Angle, and Sting. I watched all those guys growing up. So it's great being here and getting to work with these guys.

DB: I saw on TNA Rough Cuts that you said if you were not a pro wrestler you’d work with autistic children. Was there someone or an event in your life that drew you to that line of work?

CC: One of my psychiatry classes that I took my senior year featured autism. And when I found there wasn’t as much help as there needed to be it drew me to it. And I enjoy helping others. It’s really fulfilling. More so than working at a daycare, because with autism patients you’re creating relationships. You get a one-on-one bond with the kids, parents and family that everyone will remember for a lifetime.

DB: How’d you come to teaming with Jay Lethal? Was it your idea or managements?

CC: Management actually put us together, but I love it because Jay’s one of my closest friends in the TNA locker room. We have good chemistry and we’re looking to do big things in the tag team division.

DB: TNA’s bread and butter has been the X-Division since day one. It’s what separates TNA from the WWE. But lately the X-Division has taken a back seat to the veterans. Do you think that needs to change?

CC: I hope so because that’s what they’re known for. They put together some very creative matches. Fast paced and it keeps fans on their feet.

Rapid Fire Questions

DB: Who’s your favorite opponent?

CC: I’d have to say Petey Williams we’ve had some good matches. Or Sheik Abdul Bashire.

DB: Who haven’t you faced that you’d like to tie up with?

CC: Kurt Angle. I’ve got to work with him a bit, but not for a long time. I’d like to get in there with him again.

DB: Best thing about being a pro wrestler?

CC: It’s everything I wanted to be. I enjoy it on my days off and I never have a bad day at work. I think about wrestling when I'm off and enjoy it a whole lot.

DB: Worst thing about being a pro wrestler? Everything’s good and what I’d hope it would be.

CC: If you had to start your own promotion, who would be the first person you’d sign? Why?

CC: Me, I got bills to pay man.

DB: If They Made A Movie Of Your Life, Who Would Play You and Who Plays Supporting Roles?

CC: Corbin Bleu, the kid from High School Musical. And as far as the supporting roles... I'd have to say my friend Brandon. He’d demand to play himself.

DB: What’s one thing your fans would be surprised to find out about you?

CC: I love the 90s and everything from that era that I grew up on.

Wrap Up

DB: What do you want your legacy to be when it’s all said and done?

CC: That I was a good guy and respectful. Eager to learn.

DB: Any advice to those thinking about getting into the business?

CC: If you’re gonna do it do, you have to put your heart into it. Don’t let anything knock you off your path. Your only going to get out what you put in. So stay focused and don't give up.

DB: Against All Odds is approaching, what can we expect from you on the card?

CC: Walk out of there with the tag team titles. Jay and I just won the number one contenders match and we're going to get our belts back.

DB: Anything you’d like to share with your fans?

CC: Stay in school

DB: Thanks for your time and good luck at Against All Odds.

CC: No problem.

Kurt Angle Interview Part 1

2009-01-26T10:20:00.000-05:00

Kurt Angle Interview Part 2

2009-01-26T10:15:00.001-05:00

Interview with ROH's Nigel McGuinness

2009-01-26T09:07:00.005-05:00

Recently I got the chance to interview Ring of Honor's Heavyweight Champion, Nigel McGuinness via email.

For those who aren't familiar with the Nigel McGuinness, just YouTube him and you'll see just why he's set the independent wrestling scene on fire.

Born in London, England the 6'1" 220lbs phenom made quick work of legendary Les Thatcher's wrestling school.He has made his way, holding world titles everywhere he's gone.

Known for his Jawbreaker lariat, carefree attitude and his in your face style, this spiked hair warrior from across the pond is as fierce as he is cocky.

He's had notable feuds with Brian Danielson and Claudio Castagnoli.

But without further delay, here's what Nigel McGuinness had to say:

Daris Brown: I read you became a serious fan after attending the SummerSlam PPV where Bret Hart battled British Bulldog. What gave you the confidence to think you could fly to the US and succeed as a professional wrestler?
Nigel McGuinness: Movies. Hope.

DB: Who has had the greatest impact in your career?
NM: Les Thatcher. Shark Boy. William Regal. Samoa Joe. Bryan Danielson.

DB: Why is it that we see long title reigns, such as yours in ROH, where in WWE and TNA the belt changes every other month?
NM: Just a difference of philosophy.

DB: Who’s your favorite opponent?
NM: Clamdigger Danielson.

DB: Who haven’t you faced that you’d like to tie up with?
NM: John Cena on PPV.

DB: You’ve been one of the longest reigning champions in ROH, defeated the best the business has to offer, what’s left for you to do there?
NM: Create a legacy, best Joe's record.

DB: If you weren’t a pro wrestler, how would you make a living?
NM: Writer, salesman, barman.

DB:Best thing about being a pro wrestler?
NM: It's what I always wanted to do.

DB: Worst thing about being a pro wrestler?
NM: Destroying your body.

DB: If you had to start your own promotion, who would be the first person you’d sign? Why?
NM: Dragon. 2nd best wrestler in the world.

DB: What’s one thing your fans would be surprised to find out about you?
NM: I like classical music.

DB: What’s the best road story you can share?
NM: Nothing worth writing.

DB: You’ve appeared in both the WWE and TNA for brief stints, with your huge success in the independents, why haven’t you been signed by the “big two” yet?
NM: If you figure it out let me know.

DB: Any advice to those thinking about getting into the business?
NM: Don't. Unless you a. look like Brock Lesnar, or b. don't care if you make money at it.

DB: Anything you’d like to share with your fans?
NM: Their disrespect.

Interview with TNA's Eric Young

2009-01-26T08:38:00.001-05:00

Eric Young Interview (7/15/08)

I like to thank you for taking time out to do this interview with Myrtle Beach Life.com. I’d like to talk to you today about TNA’s first ever show in Florence, SC, on Saturday July 26, and about you of course.

Daris Brown: Tell the fans what they can expect from a TNA House Show.

Eric Young: If you’ve never been to a live wrestling show and you’re a fan, or a casual fan, it’s something you really have to experience. There’s nothing like being at a live pro wrestling event. And TNA puts on the best live event in the entire industry. It’s worth the drive. It’s worth the money. You won’t be disappointed. It’s an experience.

DB: You broke into wrestling when it was at its peak. Where You A Wrestling Fan Growing Up?

EY: Yeah I’ve been a pro wrestling fan since I was 6. That’s my first memory of pro wrestling that I can remember. But I’ve been a fan my entire life.

DB: Who did you look up to growing up?

EY: There’s a pretty big list. Shawn Michaels is my favorite. But I like Owen Hart, Bret Hart of course (I’m from Canada so you have no choice), Terry Funk, Ric Flair, Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat, Sting, the list goes on and on.

DB: You have had some of the best followings in TNA. You’re known as Paranoid Eric, Don’t Fire Eric and your association, or non association, with Super Eric. Do you ever worry that you’re not going be taken seriously as a wrestler?

EY: No. It’s the role I’ve been given and I run with it. I love what I’m doing and it’s so much fun. Things can change, I’m not worrying about it because I know I can wrestle. I don’t worry about it, I just go out there and make it the most entertaining for the fans that I can.

DB: Do you follow the online crowd?

EY: To be honest, not really. I don’t follow it. There are a lot of people out there giving their opinions and they’re entitled to their opinions. But they haven’t been in the wrestling ring. The fans have a right to criticize stuff. But to put us down just to put us down just makes it hard for us, so I don’t really follow it.

DB: With TNA being on a major network (Spike), there’s a video game coming out, TNA is on the way up and you’ve beat the WWE’s ECW in ratings. Does TNA’s roster pay attention to it?

EY: Everyone pays attention to it to a certain degree. I keep my eye on it and ask about it each week. But it’s out of my hands. I just try to make my part of the show entertaining and do the best that I can do.

DB: You were recently in a six-man tag match involving X-Division champ Petey Williams on Impact, on Spike TV, will you be challenging for his title soon?

EY: To be honest. I don’t know what the plans are. It would be fun. I’ve known Petey for years, I wrestled him in his second match ever. There’s history. We’ve been in Team Canada. So It would be interesting.

DB: TNA started off featuring stars of the X-Division. But now so many former WWE stars are jumping ship. Does the locker room fear that this is a similar path taken by WCW which gained success before going under?

EY: I don’t think so. The problems that were there, aren’t here. It’s a completely different product here. Ours is way smarter. Speaking with some guys that were there during that time it was a mess. Some fans who were watching didn’t even realize how disorganized it was.

DB: What’s something about you you’re fans would be surprised to hear?

EY: I was valedictorian of my high school. But I was also captain of rugby team, goalie in soccer, on the AAA travel hockey team. So I was definitely a jock too. I was also into drama and stuff too. So I was an ecliptic young man.

DB: Once your career is over, and you hang up the boots, what’s out there for Eric Young? Road Agent? Manager? Car Lot Owner?

EY: I would hope something in wrestling. I have an interest in film, acting, maybe some stunt work – depending on how healthy I stay. But I’ll be a pro wrestler until they kick me out.

DB: You’re known to associate with a star by the name of Super Eric. Now we know that he has no known weaknesses, but do you?

EY: Eric Young has many weaknesses. I hope to grow up and be just like Super Eric someday.

DB: TNA is coming out with a video game soon. How involved have you been?

EY: We’ve been heavily involved in the making of the game. We told them what we like about wrestling games. What we don’t like. Eric Young plays a big part of the story line. They flew me up to L.A. and I did voice over and they got visual images of my face. And now I have an action figure that I didn’t have to make myself. I can die happy now.

DB: If you can work with any wrestler in TNA, who would it be?

EY: There’s a lot that I haven’t got to work with yet. But my favorite is Bobby Roode, because we have great chemistry and out of the ring. And he’s a complete professional.

DB: Who would you like to wrestle with from the past or present?

EY: There’s a huge list of guys. But I would say AJ Styles. A lot of guys don’t even know that I know what I’m doing, so that would be great to show them. Also working with Bobby again, that’d be good.

DB: Awesome Kong is now challenging men. Are you brave enough to take her on?

EY: Absolutely not. No.

DB: Anything you want to tell your fans before we leave?

EY: Thanks for watching the product and thanks for the support. If TNA comes anywhere close to you, you have to go. Plus you can get in the ring for meet and greets. You can get autographs from wrestlers like Christian Cage, Kurt Angle and everyone else. And the matches are all good. There are no cameras so the wrestling is first. So if you get a chance to go to one, go to one.

DB: Well, Eric I’d like to thank you for your time.

EY: No problem. Have a good one.