Depression: Sure I got it

Before I get too far started, I did my best to give a great online interview to Charlene about the pro wrestling business last night. For those of you who check out this blog on a regular basis, please feel free to divert your attention to www.charlenetellsall.blogspot.com. A warning ahead of time, one or two morons post about a dozen anonymous comments regularly on this blog, and they will probably get started on this interview anytime. But to the people who read this blog and appreciate it for what it is, I know you see all too well right through those two lifeless losers.

Now, there is a popular rumour floating around local wrestling circles that yours truly is suffering from a severe depression, and might be at such a low point that I may just off myself. In fact, one of the guys who posts many comments anonymously and regularly, suggested that a bunch of guys get together and spring for a shrink for me as a Christmas gift. I thought, well isn't that a thoughtful gesture. Please do.

Truthfully, I have been depressed, and it felt major at times, and minor at others. But for the most part that isn't anything out of the ordinary for me. People who have worked closely with me for years, and people who have gotten to know me both inside and outside of the wrestling business will attest to the fact that they've often wondered if I was Manic, bi-polar or some other form of a chemical imbalance. I'm either the happiest, funniest and most pumped up guy in the office, or I'm the saddest, most irritable, and hard to please guy, and it can switch in the span of 10 minutes.

So what did I do when I felt like I was sinking at times. I went to a therapist, and talked openly about life. Sometimes we talked about why I don't like winter. Or how I hate being abandoned, or how much pressure work has been. Or why the news anchor dumped in 2000. We talked a lot about my family life, and professional life, and I just let it out. The great thing about therapy, is it allows you to figure out your own shit, and if you honestly want to get better, you find the strength to do so.

I've also leaned on some of the best friends anybody has ever had in this world, and boy have they been there for me. Everyone will always say they have the best set of friends in the world, but mine listened to me at all hours of the night, just to hear me say I'd be alright. I can understand how whispers started that I was at risk of being yet another young casualty in the wrestling business. But those were just friends who were worried about me.

Fact is, I've never been better. I'm working on a brand new entertainment project that is something I couldn't be more happy about. One of the tough questions that Charlene asked me about was when I would return to my promoting wrestling roots and run a show or two. Who knows, I don't know if that will add to my happiness or make my stress level unbearable. So I will leave that door wide open.

So don't worry about me today. I'm doing fine. I will check back in a month and confirm I'm just fine then. And again in 6 months. I still will be doing just fine.

A Perfect World in Bomberland

A few short weeks ago, following the dismissal of Doug Berry as Head Coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, I was openly skeptical of the front-runner Mike Kelly. Today, Mike Kelly has been named Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator of the Bombers, and it is plain and simply the wrong choice.

Mike Kelly just finished a season as Receivers Coach of the Edmonton Eskimos. Lets give kudos where they are deserved, whatever he did to make Kamau Peterson an all-star, and Most Outstanding Canadian is impressive to anyone who is forced to remember Peterson's season and a half in Winnipeg, and 2+ forgettable seasons in Hamilton. Edmonton's receivers were decent under the guidance of Kelly. It should be noted that Ricky Ray is arguably the best Quarterback in the CFL, and Rick Worman is a damn good Offensive Coordinator.

Kelly's claim to fame in the CFL was as Offensive Coordinator in Winnipeg from 1992-1996 under Cal Murphy. In his first two seasons, Kelly was the archetect of a damn good offense. Lets not fail to mention a hall of famer by the name of Matt Dunnigan was his QB. Dunnigan's backup in the first season was a young man named Danny MacManus as well. In his last two less than stellar seasons, with a combination of Sammy Garza, Reggie Slack and Kent Austin (a great quarterback in his own right) the Bombers offense was hidious. Nothing that would warrant automatic consideration as the new Blue Boss 12 years later (and rest assured, prior to Berry's firing, Bauer knew Kelly was the heir-apparent).

In a perfect world, the Bombers would have and should have promoted Defensive Coordinator Greg Marshall to Head Coach. Marshall has the respect of his defensive unit, and over his 3 seasons as the teams DC, has not had a season where the team didn't perform to expectation. In fact, all three seasons of the Doug Berry era where the team made the playoffs, including a Grey Cup loss, the defense was the selling feature for the team. Even with injuries to key personel, Barrin Simpson and Tom Canada this season, and the departure of one of the best defensive players in recent history Kyries Hybert, the team remained stingy when without the ball. Marshall has done this franchise proud, and without question should have received first consideration as new Head Coach. But he's not Bauer's cronie. Marshall should start a facebook club with Dave Ritchie, another coaching legend who did the franchise proud, but wasn't a buddy to Lyle.

Perfect worlds are very hypothetical, so lets play the what if game. Had Marshall been promoted to Head Coach, who would have made ideal candidates as Coordinators?

On the offensive side of the ball, Mike Kelly would make a great choice as OC. It would make Bauer happy for one, he's supposedly an Offensive genius, afterall. He said in his press conference today, his skill is to get the best out of a Quarterback. While Kevin Glenn definitely deserves a chance to play under a real Offensive Coordator. Kelly would have been easily available, after not even warranting consideration in Edmonton for their Head Coaching vacancy. OC in Winnipeg would still be a very fitting promotion for perhaps one of the most over-rated Head Coaches the Bombers have hired since Jim Daly and (shutter) Jeff Reinbolt.

Defensively, I'd call on Rich Stubler to bring the same tough defense from Toronto to Winnipeg. With Marshall overseeing the Defensive gameplan, and Stubler implementing some of his expertise, I do believe the team would be in good hands. Keep key personel, such as Doug Brown, Zeke Moreno, Gavin Walls, and the entire secondary, and this team would be an instant contender.

Unfortunately for Mike Kelly, he's truly a genuine nice gentleman, who badly wanted to be head coach of Winnipeg, and has the very tough task of delivering a Grey Cup to Winnipeg. Anything less, would make the fans wish for the days that Doug Berry was strong-arming the sidelines, and bringing our beloved blue, within one broken arm of a grey cup.

Good luck to Kelly. He got the job because he was a good guy, the type of guy the CEO would be proud to call a buddy, not because he had a great football resume, or was the right choice.

Walked Through Hell

I knew I would be writing this blog today. I wrote a similar blog at the end of October talking about how I really hoped the changed of the calender month from October into November would bring welcomed change. I had been on a two month slide where my personal life was in chaos, my professional life was going through a critical change, my health was in question, and I was just overall unhappy. Some said I was depressed. My next blog will talk about my definition of depression.

Personally I saw challenges that defined who I was. When you are down, the measure of a man isn't who gets knocked down, mopes and cries about it, and does nothing to identify it, fix it, and get stronger from it, but the measure of a man is how you get back up, come back stronger, and more in touch with how to avoid falling back down. I really don't like getting back up, even if it's a source of pride, because it reminds me how easy it is to fall. Thanks to some really great people I keep in my life, the personal stuff, and trust me it was major, got better quickly, and 12 short weeks later I can honestly say everything is right back on track. I'm feeling great.

From a health standpoint, I had to visit a nuerologist recently and get a CT scan for a chronic migrane headache condition. Turns out that I have some continuing nagging effects from a few concussions I've had over the course of time. It's nothing too major, sometimes I have troubles focusing, or I lose what I tried to say mid-sentence, or I get a dibilitating head-ache. It's ok, I feel good. I also had a weird swelling in my stomach, that I was worried was a hurnia. After seeing the doctor, it's been x-rayed, and doesn't require any treatment at this time. A relief.

Professionally things are really starting to go strong. Danny Duggan and I are partners in a marketing company, and I've never been happier. Business is steadily going up for us, and we've found a great way to get the most out of our objectives.

There is so many people who surprised me how well they stood beside me, and never let me slip further. There were some people who actually poked fun at me for battling depression. I think that's a low blow, but I can smile and laugh about it now. Those are the same people who are perputually whiney about everything in life. Throughout it all, I believed things were going to improve, and they did. That's the power of believing. I just believed in myself with complete faith.

JFK Lone Gun Man or Conspiracy?

45 years ago today in Dallas Texas, US President John F. Kennedy was shot dead while in a motorcade. The circumstances of that case, have fascinated me since I was in grade 6, 18 years ago. I've always wondered if there was a second shooter on the Grassy Knoll, if Jack Ruby was hired to silence Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin, if there was a conspiracy who orchestrated it and why. I will be honest there are times, like 5 years ago, the 40th anniversary where I was more convinced that Oswald acted alone, but for the most part over the last 18 years I've believed conspiracy with multiple shooters and a vast cover-up.

Some of the theories I've believed over the years include:
-The CIA and Military Industrial Complex planned the assassination, and used the Mafia in the clean up to silence Oswald. This was done to ensure a pro-war agenda shift from the Kennedy administration to Johnson's and escalate the Viet Nam war. Kennedy, as brilliantly portrayed in the Movie 13 Days had already avoided a war in Cuba, and was seen by the hardliners in his administration as soft.
-Lyndon B. Johnson who was Vice President and became the President 45 years ago today, used his Texas connections to have Kennedy executed in his own backyard, in a thirst for power. Appointed the Warren Commission to find Oswald guilty of the crime, and eliminate any official conspiracy investigation.
-And I'm of the minority who has believed the official version, that Lee Harvey Oswald fired 3 shots at Kennedy and fatally wounded him. That one is the longest shot, excuse the pun, because he would have been more lucky than anything to have performed that shooting, and there were far too many coincidences after the assassination that have pointed too much to conspiracy. That being said, I believe there was a conspiracy, but that Lee Harvey Oswald was most definitely involved. Perhaps as an "agent" taking orders, but rest assured there is far too much evidence of his behavior on November 22, 1963 to eliminate him as a suspect, or call him innocent.

Now there has been some really preposterous theories that point to conspiracy over the years. Some that despite the unfortunate tragedy of the assassination, make me laugh until I have tears in my eyes.

Outrageous Theory Number 1:

A secret Service agent in the car trailing Kennedy shot the fatal head shot to Kennedy by accident.

This theory suggest that after Oswald began firing, the Secret Service agent pulled out his modified machine gun to fire back in the car directly behind Kennedy. In the commotion, the car accelerated, and the armed agent fell and discharged his weapon, and the shot hit Kennedy in the back of the head and delivered the most severe wound.

Imagine this, agent getting back to his feet, "Did you shoot the Eagle? (code word for President)"

"Oh shit, I hope not".

"Don't worry, we've got you covered, we didn't see a thing."

And therefore, the new President Lyndon Johnson agreed to appoint the Warren Commission to cover it up to save the reputation of The Secret Service. That sounds about right.

Outrageous Theory Number 2:

The second shooter, on the Grassy Knoll was a sharp shooter hired by the Mafia to take out Lee Harvey Oswald in the 6th floor window after he successfully killed the President. This shooter in no way shot at JFK.

And what would have happened after? There would have been no investigation of conspiracy as to why the Assassin was shot by a vigilante who must have guessed he was going to take a shot at the President? That's ridiculous. But that's the theory of Robert Blakey believes. Blakey actually got paid by the US Government to re-investigate the assassination in 1976 as chair person of The House Select Committee on Assassinations.

Imagine how appeased the US citizens would have been to hear that lone assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was shot immediately after the assassination by a mafia hitman. Good one.

The Oliver Stone movie JFK, while not explaining why Clay Shaw was involved (and I don't believe he was), does an amazing job of shedding some light on this matter. It's the best movie I've ever seen on the subject, and I believe some of the theories in this movie are provable.

Either way, it's been 45 years and there will never be more answers to the many questions, but we can all rest assured, at least The Secret Service didn't get blamed for an honest mistake.

Bitter Sweet Week of being a Sportsfan

This week was a good week, in fact a damn near amazing one. As a sports fan, a couple of major shake-ups caught me completely off-guard, one was great and one was not so great, and one was just plain surprising.

In Bomberland, after a bitterly disappointing loss last week in the East Division semi-final to the Edmonton Eskimos, The Winnipeg Blue Bomber Football club parted ways with Head Coach Doug Berry, and demoted talent guru Brendan Taman to Director of Player Personnel. The goal now will be to lure a major league candidate to Winnipeg, to be both Coach and General Manager. And the front runner, get this... wait for it, is Mike Kelly.

First, let me say I was the biggest supporter of the Bombers firing Doug Berry. He lost his players probably prior to this season even starting. His treatment of future Bomber Hall of Famer Troy Westwood was offensive at best. His pass at all costs offense completely stifled Charles Roberts (the best running back this team has had in modern history). What was absolutely most unacceptable for me as a Bomber fan was how Doug Berry would single out one player after a loss, and never acknowledge his coaching decision as a major factor, see Mike Quinn's release in Berry's first year as a prime example. Quinn threw a critical 4th quarter interception in the end-zone with the Bombers in striking distance of beating the Toronto Argos. The two points lost in that game was the separation that forced Winnipeg into 3rd and a loss on the road in Toronto in the playoffs. Mike Quinn was released the Tuesday following the game, but Berry never accounted for the team losing that game on the sideline from bad coaching. With 10 minutes left in that particular game, the Bombers lead and with the ball in their own territory sent Quinn out to throw two incomplete passes, leading to a punt, and a major momentum shift. Had Charles Roberts run the ball twice, the clock would have been far better managed and positive yardage may have been obtained. Either way, the team went on to lose the game, after Quinn in scoring range threw a pick in the end-zone when he supposedly read bad coverage with 2 minutes left from about the 30 yard line of the Argos. Of course it wasn't do or die at that point and first downs would have eaten the clock and given the offense more options to get the TD to win the game. Doug Berry or the OC at the time lost that game, not the talent on the field but that first rate asshole would never "own" that loss. And from that day forward, I welcomed the day he would be fired. To have it happen after a season where the team made the playoffs was even better.

After saying that, let me say, that Berry didn't deserve to lose his job based on his performance. This season the Bombers finished 6-2 in their last eight to make the playoffs. They hosted a playoff game (granted Toronto's implosion was the reason). It was Berry who pushed out Westwood, and Alexis Serna may well have kicked better. It was Berry who pushed Taman to get rid of Charles Roberts, and Thunder and Lightning, Joe Smith and Fred Reid got more results (in defense of Charlie, he didn't benefit from Kevin Glenn calling his own plays for long, and Reid and Smith benefited from a balanced pass/run offense). Berry succeeded in my opinion this season, and definitely over 3 years will go down as one of the better Bomber coaches since Cal Murphy (though he can't be compared to Dave Ritchie).

What he lacked was likability. This guy was a complete prick who lacked human decency. And the local media, the fan base and even his players had begun to hate him. And that made him expendable. Thank god. But there is a far bigger problem in Bomberland.

Brendan Taman is a guy who I believe has succeeded in his role of bringing in the right talent to win. Jerome Haywood, Javon Johnson, Fred Reid, Terence Edwards, Zeke Moreno, and Kai Ellis over the last two seasons are shining examples of a GM who accomplished his goal of putting the best team on the field. The problem is a cocky son of a bitch named Lyle Bauer who is the single biggest reason this team has not been successful in 10 years. Firing Dave Ritchie in 2004, demoting Brendan Taman (which will ultimately lead to Taman ending up with another franchise in one years time), and now making Mike Kelly front and centre on our coaching radar are all examples that this guy shouldn't be running a lemonade stand let alone a Professional Football franchise.

Mike Kelly? A gifted offensive coordinator for the team in the 1990s, right? Well he did have a Hall of Fame quarterback named Matt Dunnigan behind centre, to achieve those results and was running an offense under Cal Murphy who was an offensive genius himself. When he was graced with Sammy Garza or Reggie Slack or Kent Austin, how good was our offense? The drizzling shits. He's so qualified, that Edmonton found the very important role of Receivers coach for this highly qualified head coaching candidate. So he's their Bob Dyce (no offense to Dyce, the Bombers have the best receiving core in the league, making him more qualified than Mike Kelly at present time). Oh and his brilliant NFL credentials? Ya, sure, he was a scout. 80 year Cal Murphy is a scout for Indianapolis Colts, so that's a credential. Mike Kelly is front and centre, not because he's the most qualified, but because he's Bauer's buddy. FUCK THAT.

Who should be the next head coach of the Bombers? Without 2 hours delay after the firing of Berry, they should have promoted Greg Marshall. This guy has run one of the best defenses in the CFL for the last 3 years. And lets be real, when he gets passed over for this job, and don't be fooled he already has been, will he stay? No, even if its to leave here for another Defensive Coordinators job, rest assured he WILL leave. And he should, for this is the biggest slap in the face this franchise has done since they went with Darryl Rogers in the 91 season over Defensive Coordinator Dave Ritchie. But they didn't and it sucks. The only bright spot maybe that Kelly might be able to lure Matt Dunnigan to town as Offensive Coordinator, and that would be nice.

A dark-horse candidate should have been Rick Worman, Offensive Coordinator for Edmonton. He was the Offensive genius for the Bombers who helped Khari Jones and Milt Stegall establish their dominance in 2001. He left after that season and was replaced by Paul LaPolice, who is another worthy candidate of consideration, having been effective in both Saskatchewan and Toronto since being scape-goated out of Winnipeg. So that's that about the Bombers. A bitter sweet week.

In the NHL, Brian Burke was relieved of his duties in Anaheim as General Manager and Vice President. Burke is my favorite pro sports personality. He tells it like it is, and he's been successful in every role he's had in the NHL (and don't dis his results in Vancouver, they were far better after he got there than before, and if he had a goalie, they would have been contenders).

I don't respect the process that Burke used to become a free agent this week. I wonder if Burke would have wavered forever and a day to sign a contract extension in Anaheim if the Toronto media (sorry David Bastl, good friend but you are one of them), had not made it clear that the GM's job in Toronto was Burke's at the end of the year. It was implicedly unstated by Cliff Fletcher staying on as Interim GM for an extra season that Brian Burke had an open invitation in Toronto. And I lose a smidgen of respect for "Burkey" for not being more loyal to the Ducks.

It was during the NHL work stoppage, that Burke was all too eager to grab the job in Duckland. After being passed over by other teams who didn't even consider Burke, he jumped at the Ducks GM job. After 4 years of him calling the Samuelli's "The Greatest Owners in sports", he really re payed their autonomy by giving them the selfish middle finger, and becoming a free agent.

So enjoy Toronto Brian Burke. Enjoy the pressure of having to win or Richard Pettie being a complete dickface. Remember last year when he was clearly interviewing candidates for John Ferguson Jr's job while stating publicly that JFJ was safe? Poor Fergie was screwed royally, though he was a horrible GM, he was disposed of in a dishonest fashion. The same happened to Paul Maurice this off season. Part of me would love to see Burke end up in Toronto failing with Ron Wilson (though he's getting over-achiever of the year so far) to teach him a bitter lesson. In the end I have far too much respect for him, and hope the best for him. Maybe the Blackhawks can get in the mix and pluck him out from Toronto, that would be a small bonus in this shitty situation.

Finally, Tampa Bay Lightning pulled the New York Islander-Neil Smith debacle all over again yesterday when firing Barry Melrose. He was only two games under 500, and had to go immediately?!? This ownership experiment in Tampa looks destined to fail. Karma's a bitch, and his name might well be Jay Feester, a man who most certainly didn't deserve to lose his job. Rick Tocchet has big shoes to fill in Tampa, and those shoes aren't Barry Melrose's but in fact John Torterella. Good luck. I am a fan of Tocchet.

CWF To Resume Status as a Travelling Road-show

One thing people know about me, I love to say "I WAS RIGHT!!!". And about 2 months ago I urged Andrew Shallcross, promoter of Winnipeg wrestling group Premier Championship Wrestling to rethink a working relationship with Ernie Todd, promoter of Winnipeg travelling wrestling group Canadian Wrestling Federation. I had many points, most notably, "What's the point?" "Ernie's a supreme asshole".

Last week Ernie made his long awaited, highly trumpeted return to running shows in Winnipeg, as the CWF Extreme Wrestling invaded Wiseguys on Campus, with booker Robby Royce in tow. I wonder if people remember me making a comment on "The Squared Circle" radio show back in August, where I suggested as a booker Royce was an "impotent old man" which was my way of saying he was a bit out of touch.

The fans who attended the show have spoken, and the show was labelled "not very good" (and I'm being far too kind). In fact, it seems other than 5 wrestlers, Team Impact (a sign Royce should stick to wrestling and not booking), Mentallo, JP Kaos and Nate Hardy the show was critically panned.

How does Promoter Ernie Todd respond, with an all-out internet assault against the paying customers calling them amongst other things drunken smart marks. Consider two things Ernie, you are running a show in a bar, it's a good thing if your fans drink because it impresses the venue. Second, if your fans are totally drunk it maybe a statement that they needed the booze to enjoy watching your product. If you're running a bar show, alcohol is a promoters friend.

Further impressing me, Ernie has now done something I've been always accused of, and that's pointing fingers in every other direction away from himself. Who could blame him, it's a brilliant strategy. He's publicly saying that he didn't even promote the show, that it was Robby Royce and Scotty Styles. Of course he waits until 48 hours after the show, in which he tried to say was "deemed a success" the next day, to say he wasn't the promoter, after he confirmed there was no positives to being the promoter of record. The next unaccountable action on Ernie's part is to suggest that his actions on the internet ripping on paying customers (he went as far as to ask fans not to come to the next show that they would be doing him a favor, that he doesn't need their $10 and in fact they should shove the money up their ass), were requested by fellow promoter Andrew Shallcross. Andrew maybe silly sometimes, but I can assure you that he would never suggest it's a good idea to legitimately rip on the fans who loyally buy his tickets.

To summarize, last weeks debacle, was in no way Ernie Todd's fault, but rather the fault of Robby Royce and Andrew Shallcross.

Oh and my personal favorite from the guy who constantly rips on me as a promoter who "doesn't pay his bills", Ernie neglected paying young wrestler Bobby Fox, because Bobby didn't help 53 year old Ernie lug Ernie's wrestling ring around the venue. I always love the suggestion "Kid, you gotta pay your dues." That came after booker Robby Royce sought after Bobby for weeks to be a Chris Jericho/Jerry Lynn character (those two are carbon copies in the gimmick department). Both Jericho and Lynn have impeccable reputations for helping out the staff with the ring before and after the show. Of course, I can't say I'm innocent, during AWE and WFX there were bills that the corporate entities didn't pay, so Ernie you're right I'm guilty and you've just proven to be a hypocrite. And doubling the hypocrisy is entering into a business relationship with a promoter who didn't pay two names. SO, that's why the phrase "Don't throw stones if you live in a glass house" was created.

Now, everybody will strongly urge Andrew to end the working relationship with Ernie immediately. Fans maybe can recall when Ernie was introduced as "The Man who Ran Mike Davidson out of PCW", well I can be introduced as "The Man Who Told Andrew Shallcross Ernie was an idiot". But listen to this great advice. Rather than fire Ernie Todd, and end the working relationship, I would urge Andrew to push Ernie to the moon, completely force feed him to the audience, give him 15 minute promo segments, make him a character who is trying his hardest to take over PCW. The fans will absolutely get on this guy as a heel, and at the appropriate time, Ernie bumps his ancient ass off for a top babyface, I suggest Adam Knight because his punches are proven to be safe and seemingly pulled, and the fans can actually get their $10 worth for this failed PCWF experiment. I might add, Andrew has not made a habit of listening to my advice, and may not be likely to start now. But there is money to be drawn off of Ernie Todd's ridiculous antics, and unfortunately it will never be on a CWF show. So someone should definitely capitalize.

This should be a lesson to the promoter who constantly needs to put himself over. If you need to shamelessly put yourself over, stick to writing a blog, like me. It's cheap and effective, and it generally pisses people off just the same. But what do I know, Danny Duggan and I are just two ribbers who rip peoples lives apart right? Sure...

What will really happen moving forward? Ernie will constantly talk about his 12 private functions, in remote communities. Those communities used to pay as much as $5000 for a live wrestling event, and now pay as low as $1800, not because of competing low bids, but because Ernie has a knack of taking 6 wrestlers on the road and putting over Mike Hammer as the heavyweight champion. Go figure, if Mike Hammer is the best wrestler on the show, the promotion is in trouble. So its a reflection of quality, why the guaranteed Private Function business is dieing, not other promoters, but again, the strategy of blame everyone else is proven to work.

Now if I could just prove I wasn't the Rokeby Ribber, I could once again say "I WAS RIGHT!!!".

A Serious Injury at a Wrestling Show

Last night at the Steeltown Pro Wrestling show in Selkirk, an all-around good guy Zack Mercury suffered what might go down as the worst injury at a wrestling show this province has ever seen. It will rank right up there with the November 1997 match, where Chad Ripley suffered a broken neck. Due to the gruesome details, this may be worse.

Zack Mercury was doing a highspot to the floor, and unfortunately, he ended up with a severely broken wrist, or hand (I haven't heard an update as of this morning, so I can't be precise about the injury). The injury was so bad that when Zack got back to the locker room there was blood, that apparently was coming from the hand, where skin had been broken. Kudos to Ike Idol for getting Zack to the ER very quickly after the injury.

This update came from Rob Stardom at the gathering after the show, but Zack had to be rushed to Winnipeg to get reconstructive surgery on his hand, within an hour of the show, which should tell you how serious the injury is. I fear that it will be at least a year before Zack will even think about wrestling a match, if ever, and that's a shame. More than worrying about Zack Mercury the wrestler right now, my thoughts and prayers go out to Darren the person, who will have a very difficult couple of months ahead of him.

Zack is one of the most passionate people about the business I've ever seen. Ask anyone who has debated the philosophies of wrestling with him, even if you didn't agree with him, he would stick to his opinion and argue til the bitter end, and that is reflective of his passion for this business. He always strives to keep in peek shape, and reflect the image professional wrestling should be. And I've always believed he's been a welcomed addition to any wrestling show I've ever promoted.

More than that, Darren, always proves to be a good person in this business. A prime example, takes me back to last March, when WFX Wrestling had a commitment to volunteer with the Manitoba Brain Injury Association to help bag groceries at Safeway on Saturday afternoons. It was a charitable engagement, which was to help WFX's image in the community. And I always believed Jon Cutler could be called with short notice, because he loves that kind of thing and does it so well. However, giving Jon incredibly short notice, he couldn't be available because of a work commitment. I reached Zack with 20 minutes notice, and asked if he could make it down, and like a professional, but more importantly, like the great person he is, he made it down, and was a huge hit with the MBIA, the Safeway shoppers and staff. And Shelley Melanson, lol. That's exactly the guy Zack is. If you're running a wrestling show, there is no shortage of help he can offer to make the show a success.

I know the next couple of months are going to be very difficult for Darren the person. And he might not even think about Zack Mercury the wrestling character which will tell you the severity of this situation. Because in so many ways Darren lives to perform as Zack. And I'm calling on the boys, to step up for one of their own. This is a guy who needs his fellow boys more today than ever before, and I for one, want to be one of those boys to have Darren's back.

I know Rob Stardom, TJ Bratt, and Bobby Jay will be the first three guys to step up for Darren, they are much closer to Darren than I've ever been. But I'm offering to help organize a benefit show for Darren, with the aforementioned people, I'd also extend the invitation to Angus, Andrew and Ernie to step up for the good of one of the boys and the business as a whole. And more importantly the boys, more than the promoters, to step up and get together and do something they can really be proud of. Anybody who knows Darren, knows he's the first guy who would be volunteering for this cause if he was the healthy one, and one of you got hurt badly in the ring, so I'm very much encouraging the boys to step up, outside of political lines that we constantly find the business affected by, and do something right.

Darren, my thoughts and prayers are with you, and I know your passion for the business won't let this injury get you down. I can't wait until you're back in the ring.

Bring on November

I find Halloween to be one of the most annoying days of the year. Well it's true I'm an uncle to a neice and nephew and for their sake I enjoy certain features of October 31, I hate running to the door every five or 10 minutes to give kids candy. It's cold, and it's useless. Sorry to be so honestly blunt, lol, but that's my true feeling. So October 31st is just the day before November 1st in my world.

And what is November 1st? Well if I have anything to say about it, November 1st will be a turning of the page. The last two months were Gawd awful, September and October were stressful, depressing and useless. So rather than feel too sorry for myself, I decided its time to set a date on the calender, and live to it 100% and make an assertive change for the better. That day was November 1st.

So what will November 1st bring? Well a better commitment to my friends at Impact Fitness. I'd like to be in there at least 3 maybe 4 times per week. And considering I don't workout on weekends that will tell you how focused I will have to be to balance that schedule. I'd like a better effort to limiting my soft drink in-take, I recently kicked my addiction to Xenergy energy drinks, and now have to kick Coca-Cola out of my diet as well. I've already increased my water in-take to about a litre a day. (side note, my five year old kindergarten aged nephew just rang the door bell, highlight of the day, he was Indiana Jones, and cute as hell)... Now the commitment to diet and better rest, maybe a little less socializing until all hours of the night and I should be all set.

My professional objectives have changed as well. I'm a little less distracted by what's happening in local wrestling, and a little more focused on a new venture that I've thrown myself into. That isn't to say I've decided to end my promoting career, because honestly I haven't. When the time is right and the opportunity is interesting enough I will most definitely do it all over again. People will remember I said that in 2006 after AWE's hiatus, and I committed to LaZboy Furniture Gallaries that I wouldn't rule out returning to promote wrestling. And in 2007 and into 2008, I was instrumental in starting Wrestling Fan Xperience a concept I was proud of, and as a result many in Winnipeg were treated to Jerry "The King" Lawler and Sunny. So here I say it again, I'm not retired, and when the time is right I will do something again in the wrestling business. In the meantime, check out PCW referee Jay Walker, who for halloween decided to pay tribute to me by dressing up as yours truly. In my opinion this guy could pass as a baby brother for Big O, minus a whole lot of talent. At least he's striving to be like the best, lol.

Whatelse can I say? Well that's about it.

Time For Change

I haven't been living up to my standard of writing blogs lately, I think it's actually been over a week since I wrote the last one. Believe it or not I haven't had much to say. I've been going through something that has really consumed my focus, and I haven't been able to shake it.

It's the time of year where I start to get a little run down, a little worn out, a little depressed, and even a little bit re-motivated. A couple of weeks ago, fellow local wrestling promoter Andrew Shallcross all but challenged me to step up and run a local wrestling show in competition to his PCW. I respect Andrew immensly, and would not allow that challenge to be a determining factor of if I would promote or not. If I was going to promote in the fall season it would be done because I believe the ducks were in a row to do the following:
A) Entertain the crowd
B) Draw a large fanbase
C) Have an enjoyable and hopefully profitable promotion
So, there is no immenent announcement of my impending return to Promoting at this time. Will that change in the not so distant future, that's really hard for me to speculate. The situation would have to be right for the marketplace of fans, myself, and the crew of performers put together.

In the meantime, I've got more pressing personal stuff I want to focus on.

I haven't watched a whole lot of hockey yet this season, but something that totally pisses me off is the Brian Burke situation. The guy is the President/General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks. His contract expires at the end of this season. It's almost a 100% guarentee he will then assume the role President/General Manager in Toronto next season. And it's fine that he has the freedom to work out his contract and then move to the next city and accept a job. However, the problem that currently exists is that there is no secret to the fact that Burke will be moving to Toronto. If this was an allstar Centre, lets say Vincent Lecavalier or Sidney Crosby, the NHL brass would be investigating heavy duty tampering charges against the team that signed the superstar away. The same should occur in the Burke matter. Burke would be far more likely to resign a long term contract in Anaheim without the security of the Toronto opening which the media in Toronto and the Maple Leaf organization have made clear without saying it, that the job is Burkes. It's sucks, and it's a blackeye in pro sports.

The Blue Bombers are so hit and miss right now, it's an emotional roller coaster. I still believe the Bombers will outdo the Eskimos in the "East" semi-final. And like today, will soundly defeat Montreal by a single point (the rouge is valueable in the CFL), and will go to the Grey Cup similar to last year and meet an unbeatable match either BC or Calgary. But hey, everyone will talk about how great Doug Berry is, except for Troy Westwood.

I wish both my fellow promoters luck in their upcoming events, and I mean that sincerely. Promoter Andrew Shallcross of PCW, has a show Thursday night at Dylan's on Pembina. It's an open house with free admission, where the best talent available will be on display. A couple of days later Ernie Todd, brings the CWF back to Winnipeg at Wiseguys on Campus, Tuesday night November 4. I personally will not be attending either show, as it's month end for my business on Thursday and I'm drawn to the US Political election coverage on November 4th. And just so you know, in a landslide Barrock Obama will be the next President of the United States.

What a weekend!

Sorry for the delay in writing a blog, I had quite a last couple of days and therefore was late and putting any kind of thoughts together. I wanted to describe my weekend in full.

-True story, Adam Knight did throw a punch at me on Saturday night. What isn't true is all the reports of what actually happened. Here is the best recollection that I have of the event. I walked into the VIP door at Alive, Adam Knight said "worst timing in the world". Coming up the stairs in the VIP entrance I offered my handshake, he took a shot. I don't remember it hurting, and I've been punched in the past and remember either initial pain or a sore spot the next day. Neither has happen. I grabbed him around the waste, he grabbed me in a front facelock, we stood there for a couple of seconds, and Joe the doormen seperated us. My initial reaction was either to call the police for what was a cheap shot, or go outside and discuss it further. Neither of those occured. This is my honest opinion, Adam Knight feels justified in throwing a punch because of a couple of things. One was a late night prank phone call which I did. The other is that he believes I'm the Rokeby Ribber, which once and for all I wish could be proved by a higher authority that it's not me. And lastly it's because I've been openly critical of Adam Knight as a professional wrestler. My points aren't meant as cheap shots on Knight, but more an honest opinion, and when you don't like someone's honest opinion, the choice is take a shot, and you better knock someone out when you take that shot, especially if he's offering a handshake and has his back to stairs, or you don't throw a punch and instead use it as negative motivation to be far better than that person's opinion. It seems for every supposed fan in the local wrestling scene there is two internet aliases that constantly bad mouth me. I enjoy it. Maybe Knight will develop a similar thick skin. I don't hate Knight at all, for 13 years I've known him well, and I'm sorry that he hates me. But if he hates for me thinking the Rokeby Rib was funny, that's the wrong reason. For the thousandth time, I didn't do it.

-Friday night I ventured to Stonewall to watch a Steeltown Pro Wrestling event at the Old Fellow's Hall. About 160 people in attendance, and Rob is doing his best to put together a TV like atmosphere, for his crew. Tons of organization, and well put together show. Even using a crew that most would call green, he's getting the most out of them, and sending the people home happy. I'm sure he's profiting as well. If the promoters checklist was earn a few dollars, keep the crowd happy, and draw a crowd, he should consider it a success.

-On Thursday night, PCW ran it's "Back To School Bash". I've heard from about 8 people who were at the show. Apparently my name was dropped a few times, which is whatever. It gives me a right to speak an opinion if they drop my name. From what I've been told, Shallcross was unhappy with the show and now will do a PCW Open House on October 30th. Shallcross is attempting to say I don't have any respect for his roster, with my criticisms of his company. I don't agree with that. I think anything that is wrong with PCW falls on the booking and promoting of the product and not the "team". For instance, Nate Hardy didn't wake up last Thursday and forget how to work. I think it's an act of desperation to do the free show, and further a questionable expectation to want the crew to do it on a voluntary basis. If the Winnipeg Blue Bombers started 0-6, or winless, would Lyle Bauer say all 28,000 tickets are free next game? No, and that's in a business where tickets aren't the sole form of revenue. What Lyle Bauer would do, is make assessments on the coaching staff, the general manager, and talent, until he created a winning formula. I do truly think the world of Andrew, no one wants to believe it, because it's so much easier for everyone to say Mike Davidson is the Rokeby Ribber. Andrew needs to develop a stronger strategy to promote his shows. Mentallo and Omega are easily two gems that should be working in front of a hundred and a half or more, but those people should be paying to appreciate their talents as well. And that is my humble opinion. I hope the Open House works well, and PCW can find a new level of success following it. One last piece of advice, is Andrew obviously wasn't impressed with his "teams" performance, maybe now is the right time to drop the petty pissing wars with RME, SPW etc and put the best crew on the show possible every event. That would mean a return of Chevy & Sanchez, Duggan and Douglas. All four would be a strong addition to any roster.

-Last week reports broke that I was running a wrestling event on November 6th at Coyotes. That was unfortunately false. I would very much like to run a show, or even a regular venue at this point. And I firmly believe with the talent out there could have a successful run. If I am to run an event in the coming months, I don't want the perception that I'm doing it for the wrong reasons. I don't want it to be a justification for PCW to get pissy, or CWF to assume I'm running them out, and I don't want it to be anything that will amount to a heatscore. If I do, and never say never, I'd like to do it where the fans get a product that they consider very entertaining, and where talent gets an opportunity to have a whole lot of fun. But I'm not holding my breath that I could accomplish any of that, lol, except the fans getting a great event.

-Bombers secured 2nd place with a win over the argos on Friday. I very much doubt that Don Matthews will be back in TO next season.

-A very wise person gave me some advice the last couple of days. With all the heat in the local wrestling scene right now, it's very easy to place the heat on me. A bigger person will know exactly how to deal with it, and still come out in better shape. For a week or two I lost sight of what to do with that, but I have a firm grasp of what needs to be done.

Small Town Saturday Night, Mecca, Duggan and I hit Brandon

So this is a continuation of last night's blog, where I cautioned readers who don't like wrestling, to skim it and move on. Well part two is a perfect example of what wrestling people do after a show.

So, picking up where the show ended in Gladstone.

We pile into the Hogan limo-- the Yellow Sunfire with Red Leather Interior. Leaving Gladstone, Duggan assures us he will drive fast to get us to Brandon in 40 minutes. Fast is 120kms, which is still in the safe zone with most cops. We arrive in Brandon at about 11:20, and quickly proceed to the Victoria Inn to get a hotel room. Amber was working behind the counter, and I quickly began to use my single guy charm on her. It seems to work, as she informs us she was from Saskatchewan, sadly it is Estevan and not Rokeby (I would have citizen arrested her for her part in the "rib"). She also informs us that she has a boyfriend and that he is going to pop the question.

Straight up to the room. Duggan showers off the RME show sweat, from all the crowd heat. Mecca jumps in... After Duggan is done. Duggan does his hair and dresses. Mecca finishes his shower and begins to panick. There is no lotion in the hotel room. Frantic, Madison has nothing to mosterize his skin, he worries people might pick up an imperfection. He calls down to the lobby and they send up a cot for me to sleep on, and almond lotion. The night is saved.

Proceed to Houston's. Our desired destination. Danny being a doorman at Alive in The District, tells us he maybe able to get us through an unbareable lineup, by working "club courtesy". He gets to the front of the VIP line, and an utter jabrone (loser) is there to say no club courtesy. Fuck him. Mark. If the Rokeby Ribber is reading this, please rib any Houston's doormen you can find.

Frustrated, we as a trio move on to the Canad Bar there which is known as Road House, which to my recollection is just a cheap knockoff of Houstons. Mecca proceeds to tell Duggan how he should offer to grease a palm of a doorman, then when Duggan tells him then go do it, Mecca backs off and says, "No Duggan, that's your business, you know what your doing." Very humorous.

We get in with little resistance. Duggan and Mecca are of the belief they need to drink doubles quickly to make up for the lack of time to get shitfaced. It's 12:30 and we have 90 minutes to get attention from girls and get drunk. Hopefully both. Girls are selling us (making eyes), but aren't coming up, and everytime I initiate conversation I'm getting jobbed to a small package. And that hurts the pride a little. A dead ringer for an ex of mine, Cassandra Evers is there and I point out to Duggan there is a resemblance. Duggan likes. But Duggan is sad because he's got a lot on his mind. Mecca walks off with a different girl and it seems apparent he's getting "over" (meaning she is liking him).

Mecca walks back about 20 minutes later after going to do shots at the bar with the girl and a friend. Not going to lie, both Duggan and I were a little offended that he went into business for himself even though there was 4 girls at that table. We believe him to be covering his ass for a potential strike out with this female when he tells us (verbatim) "Dude, that girl is like in my imediate family!" To me and Duggan it seems that would end any further angling towards her, other than maybe a polite good bye at the end of the night. Unfortunately we were sadly mistaken.

Duggan is next to get attention from a female, and sadly she was no good. From where I was standing, underneath an elevated dance perch I could see her upskirt, which does not make me a pervert (if I had taken a picture maybe, but I did not), her skirt was that short. I didn't like the view. Duggan got hog-tied into dancing with her, Mecca went to dance with his family member, and I was left to observe. No office for me. Hard to believe.

Keeping a keen eye on Mecca I notice him dancing close with his supposed family member. Some might even call it "grinding", though I won't go that far to torpedo a buddy for poor taste. What I can say was he spent 30 minutes dancing with her, with a smile that can be seen for miles (because he uses Crest white strips daily, his teeth actually glow under the black lights). At this point, it appears a guy actually blocks Mecca out, and he should do the appropriate thing and step off the dance floor, as now it just appears he is dancing alone. He does not, he continues to dance but now it's a bigger number of guys to girls, which is never a good sign.

Meanwhile Duggan is trying his hardest to get away from his girl. At one point he even reached for my hand, an obvious feed for the "hot tag" (reference to an old school tag-team wrestling match), but I go heel and no sell. I'm totally Rick Martel during the Strike Force tag, only I'm selling my wounded pride of being left all alone as opposed to any injury. Duggan finally manages to get away, it may have been a forearm to the back, but maybe it was just a cowardly scoot, but he finds his way back to me with this sad report "Man, she stinks. Reeks bad. I can't be around her. It's terrible". Unlucky prick. Sometimes no office is good office.

Mecca is still on the dance floor believe it or not, even after the music is playing. He's investing a lot of time with this "family member" and he's not going to settle for anything less than a nice hug. We find the sister of the female in question, and ask if Mecca is family. She's says "sorta". Apparently Mecca's dad Senior Mecca is engaged to the aunt of these two attached females (making matters far worse, he's willing to wreck marriages within his own family!). The sister tells us that "by blood it's perfectly acceptable, however the next family function would not be cool at all." Mecca doesn't care, he's put the time in, if it's there he may well go for it. No dice, she's not buying, he's selling like it's probably for the best "Dude, I wasn't trying to book (Score), I was just having fun." I believe him, because that would have been just plain wrong.

Now it's my turn to rib. Every guy I walk buy who even faintly resembles somebody I know, I start calling out their name and shaking their hand. I mistook Brandon local flunkies as Ronnie Attitude, Scotty Styles, Kevin Thorn, Rob Royce, among others I'm sure. I see a horse's ass and call for Adam Knight, and it answers, big pop.

To the hotel, and the fun really begins. OBO has dispatched a security official for the lobby of the hotel. His name is Ian, and he's a complete dork. Dork isn't good enough, he's worse. One of those guys that takes life far to serious and has testicle notitus (nuts tied in nots). He pleads with us to keep the noise down. Duggan asks him "Ian really, what will you do if we get loud." Only answer Ian had "call the police and serve you with an eviction notice". Duggan sensing that Ian the testicular notitus victim is hungry, finds an apple from a display and offers him a snack by throwing it directly in Ian's chest. Coming from the Adam Knight school of playing it cool, Ian doesn't sell. Amber, the non Rokeby yet Saskatchewan native, gives me an extra breakfast voucher, we call for pizza and assure Amber we will send down some for her. She blushes and accepts.

We proceed to the room. As per the usual, some prank phone calls get made. Adam Knight, Rob Royce, Mike Arnott and Omar Nicholas are the targets. They get called stooges who may not be masculin for being so kiss ass-ish. I love you all for your brilliant no-sells.

We fall asleep. If I'm missing anything, Mecca and Duggan will post them in my comment section.

Mecca returns and other stuff.

Sorry it's been a week or so since my last blog, truth told, I've been a little busier than I like to be.

It's been pointed out that I don't talk enough about wrestling, something that is a major part of my life. So this blog is going to be mainly wrestling related, and I'm sure some of my non-wrestling friends (yes I have those), may want to skim this one quickly, or just not read it completely.

My good friend "The Mecca" Shane Madison made a very rare wrestling appearance this weekend, and wrestled a match on Saturday night in Gladstone Manitoba, for Ringmasters Entertainment. This move created quite the shockwave in the local wrestling industry, because some people don't like Ringmasters for whatever reasons. Mecca had seemingly been in PCW, though it was unclear what direction he was headed with my recent exit from the company, and Jon Cutler leaving PCW for WWE.

Madison teamed with Danny Duggan to defeat the best tag-team this territory has ever seen Kevyn Chevy and AJ Sanchez (even better than the 25 incarnations of Team Impact, and Royce/Nevada). Unfortunately, that appears to be an after thought. The fact that RME (Ringmasters Entertainment), had a great show and sent every fan in attendance home satisfied, is unfortunately a casuality of local wrestling politics as well.

Let me say right here and now, that this blog will undoubtably cause a little bit of heat, but I'm not meaning for that.

Shane Madison's own blog, www.meccaholic.blogspot.com seems to contradict what I'm about to say, but here's what I understood took place for Madison to wrestle on this show in Gladstone.

On Thursday Madison met with RME promoter Chris MacFarlane (Angus), where an invitation was extended that if he was going to be in Gladstone to bring his gear. Madison was going to be in Gladstone anyway, because Danny Duggan was on the show, and after the three of us were going to Brandon to have a night out on the town.

Madison contemplated taking his gear, and throughout the next 48 hours was encouraged by Duggan to bring gear, knowing that it was a complete no-brainer that Madison would add considerable value in wrestling on the show. AJ Sanchez also strongly urged Madison to wrestle as well on Friday night.

Saturday rolled around and Madison shaved his legs in preparation of a wrestling booking. Just in case. He also went to the gym, and from witnesses on hand, had a more intense workout than he normally would have had. Something that someone who is considering wrestling a match that night would most likely do. At 3:30PM Duggan pulled up in the Hulk Hogan yellow sunfire with red leather interior at my place, Madison was in the car.. Madison confirmed he had packed his gear but was indecisive if he'd actually wrestle that night. A major concern was brought up by Madison that if the venue did not have a shower, he probably would not so that he could be fresh when hitting on chicks in Brandon's bar (more on that later).

At approximately 4:30 we pulled into the Boston Pizza in Portage La Prairie. I ordered a steak. I also may have got Kym fired from the Winnipeg Kenaston location, the ribbing shit disturber was just getting started (ask in the comment section if you wish to know more). Madison ordered a virgin water, and said he did not want to eat, for fear that he'd be bloated later in the event he wrestled. An obvious sign that he intended to wrestle. I ate, savoring every last bite of my steak. One thing I've noticed, it's a damn good thing that BP has air miles, because their serving staff minus a few exceptions is not up to par in the looks department. Sorry I speak the truth.

We proceeded on the 60km journey from Portage to Gladstone, affectionately referred to as Happy Rock. About 25 minutes up the road, with approximately 15kms left in the trip, Madison informed Danny and I that he had a change of heart and would not work that night. Deciding instead that he would watch the show with me and hit on all the single women in attendance. Which coincidently there were a fair share.

Arrive at the Gladstone Curling Club at approximately 6:30, site of the RME show. Ring goes up without a hitch. We find out that AJ Sanchez, JJ Sanchez (a rumoured guilty party in the infamous Rokeby Rib), and Kevyn Chevy had car trouble 20kms out of town, and were stranded. Duggan being the hero, goes and picks them up, so they didn't perish in the October heat (and there would be lots of crowd heat a few short hours later).

10 minutes prior to the show starting, Danny Duggan came up to Shane and told him that for the sake of the near capacity crowd in attendance, they needed him to work, as they were 2 guys short. Madison said, if it saves the show I'll do it. He's good that way. And the agreement was made for Shane Madison to make his big comeback, shockingly in a RME ring and not in the PCWF ring (an unannounced merger is in the works between Ernie Todd & Andrew Shallcross, apparently, according to Mike Arnott).

The show was absolutely tremendous. Kickass. Most over babyfaces: Bobby Collins, Shane Madison and Danny Duggan. Madison won a royal rumble and became the number one contender. He also became the number three heatscore in the local wrestling industry, behind myself and Danny Duggan.

Feelings were so hurt that a drunken Mike Arnott, waving the PCW flag with all his mite, would verbally flip out on me on Sunday's edition of the Squared Circle. Congrats Mike Arnott, you have clearly established yourself as an asshole. Proud of ya! He used the term "Goddam" and "shit" at least a dozen times, which was absolutely ridiculous. I will talk about that on Tuesday or Wednesday, but for today, I will stick to the topic at hand.

So once again we see the local scene of wrestling, be volitile and passionate. It's about time. PCWF will be the best place for all workers to work, and I couldn't be happier. Adam Knight will be a top draw, Robby Royce will book again. Business will shoot through the rough of a venue with a 13 foot ceiling. This is as good as it gets. We will see the best this city has got rise to the top. Now before I go further, I have made every effort to publicly endorce PCW, and Andrew Shallcross. The same respect has not been extended to me. But I have a very thick skin. I really truly do.

This is when the business is the most fun!

"Guys, don't hit the ropes before your match, we don't want the ring to break." That is a true quote from promoter Andrew Shallcross, who later suggested to Adam Knight to not hit the ropes on the side of the ring near the window out of fear that he would go through the window and fall into the parking lot. I'm not joking... What the hell is wrong with this picture?

Joyce Milgaard gets shaft, Michael Landsberg wears a blouse, and Christian Slater hits the airwaves

As I sit here writing this today, there is a matter that makes my blood boil and I am completely appalled about it. Joyce Milgaard, whom I consider to be a heroic figure for her ability to stand beside her son, David Milgaard, who spent 23 years in Prison, wrongly convicted for murder. On Friday, Justice Edward Mccollum, called Joyce's tireless efforts over 23 years as "counter productive", for continuing to allege there was an intentional miscarriage of justice.

Let me put myself in the position of David, if I found myself in a jail cell, losing hope day by day, for a crime I did not commit, I would think I was the luckiest person in the world that my mother sacrificed financially, was the subject of public scrutiny, hounded politicians and reporters to keep my case in the forefront. If 15 years after I was freed, thanks in no small part to her tireless efforts, was I forced to endure more ridiculous treatment as to have a justice Edward McCollum, say that she didn't help matters, I believe I'd be pretty insulted. I'd probably ask for him to quit his job.

The Justice found no intentional miscarriage of justice on the part of police officers and prosecutors who confind David to a prison term of 23 years for a CRIME HE DID NOT COMMIT. I'm sorry if I misunderstand how this justice can find this conclusion. For at least 5 years of the 23 year term, and probably closer to 10, there was significant reason to believe David was not guilty. I'd like to believe anytime someone is wrongfully convicted, police officers and prosecutors are found at least somewhat responsible for the miscarriage. But whatever, maybe these police officers did their job to the best of their ability, and perhaps the prosecutor and presiding Judge didn't intentionally strip David of his rights.

That being said, a much bigger point is 40 years after the crime, it is utterly ridiculous for Edward McCollum to come out publicly and make a statement that Joyce was counter productive in freeing her son. Such a statement should cost that person his job. It pours salt on a wound that no money will ever heel. And it's an injustice in itself. I would not blame Mrs. Milgaard if she sued for the anguish of this report. And in my opinion she'd be fully in her right.

On to more humurous stuff. Friday we say TSN's Off The Record have an amazing panel. Henry Burris, Jock Climey, John Bonk and Neil Lumsden (father of Hamilton Ti-Cat Jesse Lumsden) joined Michael Landsberg in an amazing discussion about the CFL. What made the show particularly amusing for me was Michael Landsberg's attire.

In what I can only describe as a woman's blouse, Michael sported a blue v-neck (with the v dipping close to his belly button) sweater with a white under shirt. It was the ugliest thing I've ever seen worn on television, and can only be compared to a number I witnessed worn by Randy Garyluk at CKX Brandon (not on air), when he wear a similar red sweater, with the difference being it had a frilly collar. If you need to see this, try finding an archive at www.tsn.ca, but rest assured you will laugh at his piss poor taste in clothing.

This isn't completely Michael's fault. You may wonder why for many years he's been the worst dresser on television. He doesn't have complete say over what he wears, as the show is sponsored by a clother who sends things over that they want him to wear in hopes of sprucing up sales. If I were him, I'd go the shirtless route in protest of the choices. It's common for everyone on the panel to be better dressed than him. Which does a disservice to the clothing sponsor and to Mike. It makes him look like a geek.

CFL this week. Bombers now are in second place, sole possession baby. I thought the team looked great on Friday after the first quarter. Alexis Serna has got to go though. We cannot depend on shaky kicking in the playoffs, and Serna is just way too inconsistant. Kevin Glenn looked amazing, and I did called the deep call to Arjei Franklin just before the throw. Romby Bryant got back into my good books by getting ejected standing up for his quarterback. I really thought that Doug Berry should have not shook Danny Macchochia's hand after the game after the late hit on Glenn. And I also thought, game was pretty much ours in the final seconds, send out a guy we can do without for a game or two, pay the fine and return the favor to Ricky Ray with a late head hunting hit. I believe and eye for eye would have definitely won some respect for the rematch.

Hamilton is such a sorry story. And I'm happy. Bob Young the owner is an idiot and deserves every unfortunate thing that happens in Steeltown. He was instrumental in getting Tom Wright, one of the best CFL commissioners fired, and the karma has been a bitch ever since. Even a respected football man like Bob O'Billovitch can't get anything going there. They should have let Charlie Taffe go in the offseason and ushered in Dave Richie to get things right there. Richie is a winner.

And it's equally nice to see the Toronto Argos struggle. It couldn't come at a better time either. If I was fighting for a playoff spot, the last thing I would be doing is benching a MVP quarterback.

Christian Slater, someone I have been told I resemble, (and have been told that for many many years), is starring in his own TV series in October, "My Own Worst Enemy". I don't believe this show will be a hit, but here's hoping I get laid more because someone I resemble is on TV more often.

Nothing about wrestling today. Proof that the biz isn't my whole life.

Secret to the Bombers, More Wrestling, and Daytime TV... Oh and some country music

I much appreciate all the posts, both positive and negative about my initial blog, of a couple of days ago. Truthfully, as Andrew Shallcross, a good old friend of mine alluded to, I appreciate attention, even the negative kind. So these people who post comments under "anonymous", saying that nobody cares what I have to say, minutes after reading my blog, particularly amuse me. Thank you.

So here's my two cents on the Bombers recent "turnaround". I explained this to my buddy Rogers Sportsnet reporter David Bastl last night. As much as it's the solid play of Kevin Glenn, a guy I say is the best QB the team has had since Matt Dunnigan, it's the play of Running Back Fred Reid that has been the spark for th turn around. Reid has benefitted from Kevin Glenn having a better clue on how to call the plays than either Offensive Coordinator Kit Cartwright and Head Coach Doug Berry, but has worked wonders when given the rock. It almost pains me to see the guy do so well, because Charles Roberts was one of my favorite Bombers of all-time, but the Blue are winning and that is all that matters. Now, here's hoping that Joe Smith can be traded for a first round draft pick on CFL's draft day or something, because that would be the feather in the cap.

I was actually beginning to wish bad things on the Bombers. Not because I was any less of a fan, but I had come to the conclusion that we would miss the playoffs either way, as I didn't forsee the Toronto implusion (which was shitty in itself, because Rich Stubler deserved better). I wanted the team to finish with a high draft pick, top 2, and with a new coach named Greg Marshall. But I will gladly suffer through Doug Berry, who I consider to be a supreme prick, if the Bombers get a shot to raise the Grey Cup.

Brendan Taman got a lot of the heat for the Bombers disasterous start. It was completely undeserved. In the offseason, Taman was shrewd in keeping the offense together, and kept Tom Canada. And minus the NFL departure of Kyries Hebert, who was a much bigger loss than anyone could have imagined, this Grey Cup finalist from last year, should have been a well oiled machine geared up to return and win it this year. Now, thanks to some lackluster coaching, the team was screwed, and the playoffs looked completely unlikely, when, Trader Taman, makes a move to bring in Zeke Moreno, who is the best Middle Linebacker in the CFL. No offense Barrin Simpson. And the free agent signing of Kai Ellis, amply replaced Tom Canada. Now if Taman figures out a way to get a first rounder on draft day he will have proven he's the best GM in the league, and that includes Eric Tillman.

So, before I get ahead of myself here. Let me boldly predict, that if the Bombers beat the Eskimos on Friday at Canad Inns stadium, which I believe they will. The Bombers will gain strength, and will beat Montreal in the Eastern Final. And will go back to glory of the Grey Cup. And I believe that this team will upset the team from the West. Who right now is too hard to call. Call it wishful thinking, but Glenn, Reid, and the receivers playing to full potential (though they have to lose the Duck Duck goose), a defense that is in good hands with Defensive Coordinator Greg Marshall, and as long as it doesn't come down to a last second field goal kick (sorry Serna not sold on you), we will do just fine.

Wrestling is a big part of my life. Duh! I was amazed I forgot to mention such esteemed wrestling companies as Savage Wrestling Entertainment which runs shows at the St. B and Teddy Bob's as a potential option for my future. I'm so desperate for work, I'll do a naked wrestling show on the corner of Portage and Main in January to stay in the business at this point, lol. Seriously. Well, there was one job I forgot to mention I was really good at, and that was Colour Commentator. And luckily it looks as though that maybe my calling, as I've been contacted about potentially doing that on a largescale project, not based in Winnipeg. So don't worry about me, I'm sure there is a new opportunity lying ahead.

Daytime TV absolutely stinks right now. The Young and The Restless, which can now be seen 3 times daily if you have Showcase Diva (damn it I just outted myself for being lame), airs it between 6pm and 7pm, has gotten so bad, like very very bad, that it's hard to stomach. I was such a Jack Abbott fan, but all the knee jerk storylines have made him seem like a loser. Michael Baldwin's dad is finally found, great, he's a hippy that nobody cares about. Victor has lost his mind, which is reflective of the creative writers having lost their minds eons ago. There isn't a hot piece of ass on that show, and hasn't been since Nicki Newman and Ashley Abbott were in their 20s, and that would be about 30 years ago. Oh, Eva Longoria (bad spelling) was on there pre-Desperate Housewives. Ok one in 30 years. Good work on the casting.

General Hospital has always been my show to watch. Gangsters carrying guns, stupid cops, and hot pieces of tale like Kelli Monaco and the girl that plays Carly give me a reason every day to smile. And for some reason Maxi does it for me as well. However, taking the best character on daytime, Sonny Corinthos, and putting him in a shitty lovestory with the worst leading lady on daytime Kate Howard has really zapped my passion for the show. It's also bad when Jason and cyber geek Spinelli have become the best scenes to watch. Bring back Vanessa Marcil, and get back to the good stuff, gun fights and things like that. Oh and Claudia Zaccara, I'd probably tap that.

I got nothing on Country music... sorry.

A Starter Blog

I don't know if I consider myself important enough to write a blog that people will care to read, so I hope this doesn't amount to a hobby that is just a colossal waste of time. With that said, I am going to attempt to write a regular blog to express opinions on things that matter to me. Politics, Sports, Pro Wrestling (where I have made a healthy living for many years), friendships, courtships, daytime tv, country music and of course, yadda yadda yadda.

On the Professional Wrestling front, Premier Championship Wrestling, a company I was very involved in starting in 2001 and 2002 and left in 2003 to persue grander projects, only to return in 2004, and again in 2008, and I have parted ways again. I went into this with the highest of hopes and ultimately take a majority of the responsibility for where things went wrong. Let me say publicly, Andrew runs PCW well, and my vision for where Mike Davidson the character could go, and where Andrew saw Mike Davidson fitting in PCW was seemingly on the same track. However the marriage just wasn't working, and we have parted ways mutually and hopefully respectfully. I wish him the best, the crew the best, and still consider Andrew a very valued friend.

Does this mean I have decided to leave the wrestling business for good? Prior to my one show return to PCW, I had leaned toward retirement since the hiatus of Wrestling Fan Xperience. A decision was made by Jeff Dyck to move the company out of my backyard, Winnipeg, and headquarter it in Las Vegas where he could be more hands on in the day to day operations. With that change, Rikishi was promoted to booker, and a decision was made to focus on more International touring opportunities. I was offered a role in the revamped WFX, but to this point have not had a burning desire to participate. I wish WFX the very best as well, and most certainly hope to keep my door open for the future.

So where does that leave Mike Davidson, un-retired Wrestling Promoter/Booker/referee/ring announcer/TV & PPV Producer/Wrestler/Manager? Good question. With a resume like mine, I would like to think that Ringmasters Entertainment, Steeltown Pro Wrestling, Danny Duggan Championship Wrestling, Canadian Wrestling Federation, New Wrestling Nation, River City Wrestling, Gorgeous George Promotions, Wrestling For Christ, Wrestling Against The Devil, Wrestling In Prison, and all other wrestling promotions in Winnipeg would at least be interested in talking to me. However, due to my dubious reputation as a shit disturbing ribber, apparently people think Mike Davidson comes with too much negatives to hire. And that's cool. I'm ok with that. I will sit on the sidelines, like Dennis Stamp (who judging by AWA Wrestling on ESPN Classics, he was a hell of a worker in jobber matches, take note Big Man), I will always be ready for the next booking. Wherever such an opportunity should present itself. So no, I'm not retired, just having trouble finding work.

I still shake my head at the sad state of Federal politics in Canada. It feels like we are constantly on the brink of an election, or as we currently see, in a full blown campaign. I have voted mainly Liberal in Federal elections, throughout my adult life. I was a big believer in Paul Martin's finance minister policies, and believed he would make the greatest Prime Minister of our time. Guess I was wrong there.

To vote for the liberal candidate in my riding, I'd have to support their leader. And unfortunately, I can't support Stephan Dion. I believe he portrayes himself effectively as a buffoon, and should probably move away from a career in politics all together. So that leaves me with 3 choices, Green Party (who I think is comprised of outpatients from an insane asylum), the NDP, and the Conservatives. I come from a family of Federal Conservative supporters, and myself am a believer that Jean Charest beating Kim Campbell in the 93 leadership race would have drastically altered the Federal Political landscape that we see today. So well I haven't made up any decision, I have ruled out 2 of 4 options for October.

Now, I can't vote in the US Presidential race, but I follow it as closely as I do Canadian. I have fallen in and out of love and in and out again, for the idea of Barrack Obama. I think he's a great speaker, who can passionately express his viewpoints. I just think there was more to the message from Hillary Clinton than from Obama. I really like Joe Biden, but still am not convinced Obama will make a great president. And while I never believed I would say this, I believe John McCain represents a safe choice for Americans. The drawback to McCain is he is elderly, and may not have the ability to serve a 4 year term. Why couldn't Jesse Ventura run as a renegade?

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have won 2 straight and thanks to a very effective QB, Kevin Glenn maybe on track. Currently they sit in the thick of the East Division playoff picture, more thanks to Toronto's implosion than Winnipeg's explosion. Couple things I would love to see here in Bomberland, a stronger special teams effort, and a Coach with people skills.

NHL Season opens in a few short weeks. I would hate to be a Leaf fan. I'm a fan of the Coyotes and Ducks, and believe both of them will be just fine. Watch for the Blackhawks in the West, especially if they are able to draw any major trade interest for Goalie superstar Nicolai Khabibulin. In the east, Tampa Bay will be vastly improved, Ottawa will slip majorly, and Pittsburg will still be in the thick of things.

In the NFL, the AFC is wide open with New England losing Tom Brady, Peyton and the Colts looking iffy, and Buffalo surprising absolutely everybody at 3 and 0. Why can't the Bengals ever be better, lol? NFC, Dallas is the real deal, Carolina is a pretender, and Minnesota is so not a contender, despite off season predictions. Rodgers will lead the Pack to the post season, and fits in just fine in Green Bay.