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.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, October 13, 2008
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.
-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.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, October 6, 2008
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?
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?
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