Strange week in the EWF. Things have gone relatively quiet since James announced a tentative card. West Side War is the EWF's most anticipated event, but I'm seeing more juice building for the event following this. The reason? RD Iguana's challenge of Captain America should start making things tough for the steward of the ship. Also while there is great anticipation for the battle between Han Zo Mon and Dr. Frank, two of the most storied competitors in EWF history, it will be interesting to see where the Doggpound ends up in the current conflict between the Iguanamen and the Untouchables and the Covenant.
The Tag Teams are really intriguing me right now...
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Blog From the Beat 5
It's been a relatively quiet weekend at the EWF HQ and houseshows. Jonny James is still in the hospital, but no word from TR or Ness yet regarding the horrifying attacks from the Covenant. West Side War is fast approaching. I had a moment to speak with the Louisiana Kid, newly drafted from the SLW, where he was a long time champion.
CM: Last time we spoke was in St. Louis, how has the transition to the big leagues been?
LK: I'll be honest, rough.
CM: How so?
LK: I was a dominant wrestler in the SLW, but up here, frankly I'm a jobber.
CM: What's that mean for the layman who's reading?
LK: Basically I'm getting butt kicked night in and night out.
CM: What's the difference here?
LK: Well i'll tell you what's not different. My desire to win. Physically i'll catch up, and when I do, watch out!
CM: Tell us a bit about your style?
LK: I'll be in striking. A lot of guys go for the big move finish, I like to strike, find cover and end it on the mat. You gotta strike fast hard and first.
CM: Has that not translated?
LK: Oh no, it definitely has translated, the difference is that I'm still young and a lot of these guys are bigger and stronger. I just gotta stay with it.
CM: Well I just wanna wish you the best of luck.
LK: Hey thanks Christian, it was a big boost for my career when you covered me in St. Lou.
CM: You make the news kid, I just report it. Take care.
It's terrific hearing from the young talent here at the EWF. Next week I'll be bringing you an exclusive interview with Drew Berkowitz, brother to William Berkowitz, and son to the infamous R.D. Iguana.
CM: Last time we spoke was in St. Louis, how has the transition to the big leagues been?
LK: I'll be honest, rough.
CM: How so?
LK: I was a dominant wrestler in the SLW, but up here, frankly I'm a jobber.
CM: What's that mean for the layman who's reading?
LK: Basically I'm getting butt kicked night in and night out.
CM: What's the difference here?
LK: Well i'll tell you what's not different. My desire to win. Physically i'll catch up, and when I do, watch out!
CM: Tell us a bit about your style?
LK: I'll be in striking. A lot of guys go for the big move finish, I like to strike, find cover and end it on the mat. You gotta strike fast hard and first.
CM: Has that not translated?
LK: Oh no, it definitely has translated, the difference is that I'm still young and a lot of these guys are bigger and stronger. I just gotta stay with it.
CM: Well I just wanna wish you the best of luck.
LK: Hey thanks Christian, it was a big boost for my career when you covered me in St. Lou.
CM: You make the news kid, I just report it. Take care.
It's terrific hearing from the young talent here at the EWF. Next week I'll be bringing you an exclusive interview with Drew Berkowitz, brother to William Berkowitz, and son to the infamous R.D. Iguana.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Blog From the Beat 4
Just had an opportunity to watch the completely inappropriate actions taken by the Covenant during Thunder today. What a terrible display of violence and what an offensive use of a powerful symbol. Let's hope we get a powerful and speedy response from The Untouchables.
Tag division is heating up, mark my words. This is just one example of wrestlers in pairs striking out at one another. Earlier in the day Nyquist had two members of the family four, two HUGE members, attack Ross and Preston's Ultimate gym. The Finn's have challenged anybody having defeated the Dirty Deagos at Wrestlefestania. All this posturing and violence, trust me it all ends at the World Tag Team Titles around the waists of the Nixon Dixon line.
Tag division is heating up, mark my words. This is just one example of wrestlers in pairs striking out at one another. Earlier in the day Nyquist had two members of the family four, two HUGE members, attack Ross and Preston's Ultimate gym. The Finn's have challenged anybody having defeated the Dirty Deagos at Wrestlefestania. All this posturing and violence, trust me it all ends at the World Tag Team Titles around the waists of the Nixon Dixon line.
The Brief Case of Two Briefcases
What an extraordinary couple of days. We already have the countdown to tonights Thunder, which will be the much touted 3rd Day of the Covenant who have claimed the ring as their own. It appears that all of this is due to their anger at Jonny James not advocating for the Cardinal to receive rematches for the Working Man's title and his recently lost US Title. In both cases the rematch was clearly outside the purview of Jonny's intervention, but their insistence and actions have rankled the EWF.
Cilace revealed at todays Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting that it was he who placed the Briefcase on Captain America's desk nearly two years ago. In research done for this blog it is clear that there is a moment when James did in fact lose possession of the briefcase, and certainly Cilace, than called Bishop, could have placed it on Captain America's desk. Confronted with his duplicity James actually conceded the point and admitted his complicity. Of course no one knows Cilace's motive at the time, but no one can argue about the contents of that briefcase.
Inside were documents, authenticated to be by then commissioner the Doggman, allowing wrestlers unfit to compete in the ring. This led to the firing of the Doggman as commissioner. At the time impressed with James doggedness and virtue, Cap offered him the role as second commissioner, one in which many feel he flourished.
Since this is a blog allow me to say that James should still be commended for the job he did as a journalist at that time. He and Phil Berkowitz followed unexpected leads and indeed did uncover what was a scathing scandal at the time. One that chased the Doggman back to Japan. However, it is fair to say that his placement is somewhat predicated on a lie. He took credit for an action not his own. Not just any action, not a noble action, but the ONLY action. At the time James had hesitated giving Captain America this information, and was rightfully castigated by the media at the time. His acquiescence was considered a turning point for the man.
I will leave the devils and angels argument to occur elsewhere. Let me end with this instead. There is another briefcase now. This time it bears the initials DAW, another symbol for the Doggpound, and James still has it in his possession. In fact, according to some well placed sources, Jonny never lets this case out of his sight. Couple this with Don Edward's recent attack on James, and his own dubious claims of nobility, and it's easy to see the picture of a man in decline. The words he spoke at the committee were strong and proud, but did anyone else notice the briefcase in his hand? The one bearing the letters...
D A W?
Cilace revealed at todays Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting that it was he who placed the Briefcase on Captain America's desk nearly two years ago. In research done for this blog it is clear that there is a moment when James did in fact lose possession of the briefcase, and certainly Cilace, than called Bishop, could have placed it on Captain America's desk. Confronted with his duplicity James actually conceded the point and admitted his complicity. Of course no one knows Cilace's motive at the time, but no one can argue about the contents of that briefcase.
Inside were documents, authenticated to be by then commissioner the Doggman, allowing wrestlers unfit to compete in the ring. This led to the firing of the Doggman as commissioner. At the time impressed with James doggedness and virtue, Cap offered him the role as second commissioner, one in which many feel he flourished.
Since this is a blog allow me to say that James should still be commended for the job he did as a journalist at that time. He and Phil Berkowitz followed unexpected leads and indeed did uncover what was a scathing scandal at the time. One that chased the Doggman back to Japan. However, it is fair to say that his placement is somewhat predicated on a lie. He took credit for an action not his own. Not just any action, not a noble action, but the ONLY action. At the time James had hesitated giving Captain America this information, and was rightfully castigated by the media at the time. His acquiescence was considered a turning point for the man.
I will leave the devils and angels argument to occur elsewhere. Let me end with this instead. There is another briefcase now. This time it bears the initials DAW, another symbol for the Doggpound, and James still has it in his possession. In fact, according to some well placed sources, Jonny never lets this case out of his sight. Couple this with Don Edward's recent attack on James, and his own dubious claims of nobility, and it's easy to see the picture of a man in decline. The words he spoke at the committee were strong and proud, but did anyone else notice the briefcase in his hand? The one bearing the letters...
D A W?
Monday, June 2, 2008
3 Days Time
3 Days Time
How much time is enough time? Very rarely in this business are firm deadlines set. Even ppvs have been known to be shifted and moved. With the most spectacular threat in quite some time the Cardinal and Cilace have reminded everyone that a title has just been lost. They have reminded everyone that there is more than just one sadistic sect in this federation. It is men like these that make the Doggpound seem mild. To place a ring on fire, to threaten a man, and to promise to make a challenge and do worse if someone should grace the ring on Thunder in 3 days time.
How much time do you need to get ready for work? How much time do you take to say goodnight to your children, spend time with your parents. What if you were told that would end in 3 days times if you did something as simple as your job. That's the nature of this threat, and it feels very real and very unfair. Most importantly, most curiously will be to see who stands up. Not much can be worse than lighting a ring on fire, but woe to those who doubt that Chris Christian can't imagine it up.
How much time is enough time? Very rarely in this business are firm deadlines set. Even ppvs have been known to be shifted and moved. With the most spectacular threat in quite some time the Cardinal and Cilace have reminded everyone that a title has just been lost. They have reminded everyone that there is more than just one sadistic sect in this federation. It is men like these that make the Doggpound seem mild. To place a ring on fire, to threaten a man, and to promise to make a challenge and do worse if someone should grace the ring on Thunder in 3 days time.
How much time do you need to get ready for work? How much time do you take to say goodnight to your children, spend time with your parents. What if you were told that would end in 3 days times if you did something as simple as your job. That's the nature of this threat, and it feels very real and very unfair. Most importantly, most curiously will be to see who stands up. Not much can be worse than lighting a ring on fire, but woe to those who doubt that Chris Christian can't imagine it up.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
2.0
Welcome to our Blog here at WORLD WIDE TRUTH. This is a commitment I made with my fans, hopefully you are one of them, to provide my honest analysis and opinion on the world of EWF wrestling with no editorial restraints, and no unbiased opinions. This is version 2.0, we've grown since we started, and I hope all the fans new and old will see this as a place to contribute to the discussion of our beloved sport!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Blog From the Beat 3
I was intrigued recently by Bobby the Brain's editorial on the Doggman's recent push for commish. It made me take out some old tapes, and really review Bobby's assessment of what had occurred. I watched and realized that quite correctly the Doggman bought his own ticket out by placing himself between too popular a wrestler and too stubborn a hard place. It's interesting to look back and see the man go down. Except that glosses over what really brought the man down.
Many seem to forget the controversy of a briefcase and the documents held therein. The health of many of our greatest wrestlers put at terrific risk because of what many saw as Doggman's inherent slavishness to the bottom line. The man had an apparent need to control and dictate not only ppv's but the health and faculties of these great wrestlers. It was the worst kind of scandal, swathed in hidden documents and secret trips by the then noble Phillip Berkowitz and someone Heenan underplayed, Jonny James.
I can't help and watch what's unfolding between Team USA and the Doggman and feel they aren't held together by a thin thread. It was Jonny James that originally destroyed the morale of Team USA, making them expend a years worth of energy on defeating him and his minions. They carried on after that, but the level of violence James brought to the federation laid the ground for the fallacy that was the apparent death of Samuel Adams. Next came Jonny's search for redemption. Many forget that during David Finn's improbably long title reign, one which helped stabilize and counteract much of the Doggman's ultimate control of the federation, James was constantly seeking the forgiveness of the wrestlers around him, and most importantly from Don Edwards. This search, which took nearly four years, through poor showings in the ring, purchasing and losing the company, and most importantly as a journalist seeking redemption through truth, placed Jonny in the unlikely role as Commissioner of the EWF. He was the redemption to the Doggman's corruption. He was the chance taken by Bret Hart and Captain America that provided the ultimate contrast to the Doggman's reign as commissioner.
It's hard to believe but it wasn't that long ago Jonny James immediately began campaigning for the power to rest in the hands of the champions. This was met with resistance. Yes, even by the venerable Bret Hart and noble Captain America. They questioned the source, the man who had abused that power so greatly. Many feared anarchy. But Jonny persevered and convinced Mr. Hart. Together they forged a policy that so far has created an exciting and competitive dynamic in the federation where feuds flourish or flounder on their own. The terrible threat of a despotic champion has not yet been seen, though many would say Dean Nyquist is moving in such a direction. Still the commissioners are imbued with their original powers and can step in. It a systems of patience and measured steps.
Heenan's column is interesting but incomplete. The Doggman seeks power and attention, and the new amalgamation of wrestlers, call them Team USA or the Alliance, are seeking to battle great evils. The man standing between the two, the man who has straddled both those lines, is Jonny James. I can't help but wonder which way he will be pulled.
Many seem to forget the controversy of a briefcase and the documents held therein. The health of many of our greatest wrestlers put at terrific risk because of what many saw as Doggman's inherent slavishness to the bottom line. The man had an apparent need to control and dictate not only ppv's but the health and faculties of these great wrestlers. It was the worst kind of scandal, swathed in hidden documents and secret trips by the then noble Phillip Berkowitz and someone Heenan underplayed, Jonny James.
I can't help and watch what's unfolding between Team USA and the Doggman and feel they aren't held together by a thin thread. It was Jonny James that originally destroyed the morale of Team USA, making them expend a years worth of energy on defeating him and his minions. They carried on after that, but the level of violence James brought to the federation laid the ground for the fallacy that was the apparent death of Samuel Adams. Next came Jonny's search for redemption. Many forget that during David Finn's improbably long title reign, one which helped stabilize and counteract much of the Doggman's ultimate control of the federation, James was constantly seeking the forgiveness of the wrestlers around him, and most importantly from Don Edwards. This search, which took nearly four years, through poor showings in the ring, purchasing and losing the company, and most importantly as a journalist seeking redemption through truth, placed Jonny in the unlikely role as Commissioner of the EWF. He was the redemption to the Doggman's corruption. He was the chance taken by Bret Hart and Captain America that provided the ultimate contrast to the Doggman's reign as commissioner.
It's hard to believe but it wasn't that long ago Jonny James immediately began campaigning for the power to rest in the hands of the champions. This was met with resistance. Yes, even by the venerable Bret Hart and noble Captain America. They questioned the source, the man who had abused that power so greatly. Many feared anarchy. But Jonny persevered and convinced Mr. Hart. Together they forged a policy that so far has created an exciting and competitive dynamic in the federation where feuds flourish or flounder on their own. The terrible threat of a despotic champion has not yet been seen, though many would say Dean Nyquist is moving in such a direction. Still the commissioners are imbued with their original powers and can step in. It a systems of patience and measured steps.
Heenan's column is interesting but incomplete. The Doggman seeks power and attention, and the new amalgamation of wrestlers, call them Team USA or the Alliance, are seeking to battle great evils. The man standing between the two, the man who has straddled both those lines, is Jonny James. I can't help but wonder which way he will be pulled.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
The Resurrection of a Tower
The Resurrection of a Tower
by Christian McHausenstern
NY, NY
All ready poured over and looked at by hundreds of writers and analysts across the world, the events of Friday night's Wrestlefestania are still resonant. In Topeka, Kansas, a teenage boy was severely burned throwing a memorial poster in the garbage and lighting it on fire. The memorial poster in question bearing the face of one Samuel Adams, former member of Team USA one half of the tag team The Twin Towers. "For many his death was as emotional event as any other, eclipsed for some only by that singular day on September 11th 2001."Read without context the above quote could be potentially offensive, as it was when David Brooks wrote it just a few days ago. Brooks' point was not that the return of Sam Adam's has the emotional or geo political impact of that fateful day. Instead, he was pointing to the emotional resonance that Team USA had to the fans at the EWF. When the towers fell many fans put their weight on the stalwarts of America. I myself, a younger reporter, marveled at the first tag match The Twin Towers fought following 9/11. Their opponent is forgotten to me, lost in the echoes of ovation and adulation. It is lost in the images of desperate crying eyes rooting for their heroes to win. Win they did, and though they had stopped being a consistent tag team at that point Team USA seemed destined to continue forever in some fashion. It was therefore all the more horrible, all the more destructive, all the more disturbing when a box containing the head of Sam Adams arrived in Captain America's lap. Somewhere deep inside of all of us something stirred. The fall of one beloved tower reflecting and reminding us deeply of another.
I stand today at the edge of a gaping pit. Construction workers seem to mill about but nothing grows here. As the city has waited for something anything to rise from the ashes, perhaps somewhere inside Captain America, Don Edwards, all of us had been waiting for a similar resurrection. And so it was delivered, and so we are deceived. Sometimes things broken and fallen serve as their own best witnesses. Sometimes resurrecting great things from the past only helps them serve as ghosts. Sam Adams did not die, it seems. Sam Adams has been long alive. Did he see our sorrow? Did he see Andrew Jackson's? Did he see Don Edwards'? If we stand at the edge of a new beginning for Samuel Adams here in the EWF what will we see? There have been deeper betrayals in our sport, but few reek of such unanswered and unforgivable questions. It is at this time that I wish my best to Captain America, who oversaw and so beautifully spoke the memorial services for his friend Samuel Adams; now resurrected.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Here Come The Bad Guys
HERE COME THE BAD GUYS![]()
by Christian McHausenstern
They did not emerge from darkness. They had been here the whole time. A federation which had become a stable battleground was ruled by a man like David Finn, the CW division was floundering, the Tag Division was ruled by an unbeatable line drawn in the sand, and the Ultimate Champion was perhaps the greatest wrestler in the EWF never to hold the EWF title. The central theme to this time, barring perhaps Finn's reign which saw a number of eras pass through it, was the law and order provided by Captain America and the Untouchables. The message last night, resounding in it's scope and clarity; Here Come the Bad Guys.
It's been a long time that we've had an evening so dominated by the villains of the EWF. The Doggpound, seen at first as a nuisance, has done what no one has done since the Halycon Days of the Lords of Darkness. They've united and divided. They've united the fans and wrestlers in their abundant hatred of this successful group. They've divided those who would oppose them along lines of loyalty, past transgressions, and the covetous power of a title.
The most cruel and effective example of how cold and calculating intelligence is just as important in the wrestling world as brute strength or technical skill is Dean Nyquist's strategy last night in the CW division. He would face three men in five minute matches, the man with the highest score wins. He picked Nancy Preston for his first match. This was wise. Preston, who I still believe could surprise some people, is no great point scorer. The judges I spoke with explained that her natural lack of power does not afford her the move set one most desires in the circumstance. Nyquist, the seeds of his plans in place, gets an easy round 1. Though close in points, Nancy's light touch which needed more time to develop never put Nyquist in any danger. His second match was closer, but the agile mind of the True Genius of the EWF had him attack a tired Marquis immediately following his sporting contest against the number one contender for the CW title Caesar Rivera. Out of breath and dazed from his loss to Rivera the Marquis fought valiantly but inconsequentially to the determined champion. The Frenchman's inability to follow up on momentary advantages cost him victory in the points game. Then came the great screw job. A moment that fans will remember and remember and remember. Every great champion needs a great foil. Someone from whom their legacy will be sealed. For men of honor it is a great opponent in the ring. David Finn's wins over Bu Jo Mon and Han Zo Mon made him legend. For men without such honor it is the delight in torturing and leading their opponents. It is temporary promise and falling crushingly unfulfilled. We all know the greatest foil in this federations history, and we all know which side of that cat and mouse Dr. Acula was on.
The tables have turned. The scope and perspective of what occurred last night is still difficult to wrap the mind around. Dr. Acula began his evening fighting the Dread Ninja Han Zo Mon, student and now teacher himself. The two were engaging in a terrific match of known skill. Counters and deep understandings of each others arsenal was creating a stalemate. Only now, in the light of a new day, can we understand the psychology born throughout the contest. Bu Jo Mon interferes. An understandable moment. These three men have been linked for years, both former students at the feet of the great Sensei. Both dangerous. Both ninjas. Bu Jo Mon's entrance into the ring distracting Acula from his goal. He and Han Zo Mon make quick work of Bu Jo Mon, they thrust him from the ring. They celebrate together! The insidiousness was not clear then. Acula, now seeing his beloved student and not his opponent seems almost disconnected. Perhaps he's thinking to the next fight against Nyquist? His momentum has been stymied by Bu Jo Mon's appearance. Let us pause and reflect for a moment on the arrival of Don Edwards. He repels to the ring, bat in hand. He sees his former enemy. He pauses just a moment, and attacks Han Zo Mon. He attacks Bu Jo Mon, he is quickly thrown from the ring, but the question hangs in the air. What did Don Edwards know and why did he arrive to help Dr. Acula?
The questions don't matter as much as the answers on this night. Acula loses this match, it's close, but he loses. The match goes longer than it most likely would have. Dr. Acula is winded, and something else. He is thrown. He is thrown by something, and he can't put his finger on it. No one would till the end. Nyquist, seeking competitive advantage once again enters the ring immediately. But here's the surprise. Here's the moment of true true surprise. Dr. Acula is winning. The hero is defeating the obfuscating champion. No longer can Nyquist dodge the great former champion looking to reclaim glory. Except that the True Genius has one last trick up his sleeve. Interference. A run in from the Yu Nugata Frank, the only other student of Dr. Acula. The only other one. Acula loses. Mr. Nyquist has solidified the legacy of what is being called the Brilliance at the Balls.
It was not until the main event that the circle closed, as it must do when history is made. Bu Jo Mon's mystery opponent is, as you and billions of others now know, Han Zo Mon. The Dread Ninja has rejoined his brethren. They stand together, and though they lose, the signal to Dr. Acula is clear. You never had a chance.
Years ago a team was hung from the rafters like so much meat. Their erstwhile young champion had closed the circle and began a reign that we never thought we'd see again. Except that it is happening again. The gauntlet thrown last night, the Doggpound's victories in the Ultimate Division and Nyquists incredible play in the Cruiserweight division give them the evening and beyond. The battle won in the main event has stemmed the tide, but for how long? Here come the bad guys? No wait, they're already here.
by Christian McHausenstern
They did not emerge from darkness. They had been here the whole time. A federation which had become a stable battleground was ruled by a man like David Finn, the CW division was floundering, the Tag Division was ruled by an unbeatable line drawn in the sand, and the Ultimate Champion was perhaps the greatest wrestler in the EWF never to hold the EWF title. The central theme to this time, barring perhaps Finn's reign which saw a number of eras pass through it, was the law and order provided by Captain America and the Untouchables. The message last night, resounding in it's scope and clarity; Here Come the Bad Guys.
It's been a long time that we've had an evening so dominated by the villains of the EWF. The Doggpound, seen at first as a nuisance, has done what no one has done since the Halycon Days of the Lords of Darkness. They've united and divided. They've united the fans and wrestlers in their abundant hatred of this successful group. They've divided those who would oppose them along lines of loyalty, past transgressions, and the covetous power of a title.
The most cruel and effective example of how cold and calculating intelligence is just as important in the wrestling world as brute strength or technical skill is Dean Nyquist's strategy last night in the CW division. He would face three men in five minute matches, the man with the highest score wins. He picked Nancy Preston for his first match. This was wise. Preston, who I still believe could surprise some people, is no great point scorer. The judges I spoke with explained that her natural lack of power does not afford her the move set one most desires in the circumstance. Nyquist, the seeds of his plans in place, gets an easy round 1. Though close in points, Nancy's light touch which needed more time to develop never put Nyquist in any danger. His second match was closer, but the agile mind of the True Genius of the EWF had him attack a tired Marquis immediately following his sporting contest against the number one contender for the CW title Caesar Rivera. Out of breath and dazed from his loss to Rivera the Marquis fought valiantly but inconsequentially to the determined champion. The Frenchman's inability to follow up on momentary advantages cost him victory in the points game. Then came the great screw job. A moment that fans will remember and remember and remember. Every great champion needs a great foil. Someone from whom their legacy will be sealed. For men of honor it is a great opponent in the ring. David Finn's wins over Bu Jo Mon and Han Zo Mon made him legend. For men without such honor it is the delight in torturing and leading their opponents. It is temporary promise and falling crushingly unfulfilled. We all know the greatest foil in this federations history, and we all know which side of that cat and mouse Dr. Acula was on.
The tables have turned. The scope and perspective of what occurred last night is still difficult to wrap the mind around. Dr. Acula began his evening fighting the Dread Ninja Han Zo Mon, student and now teacher himself. The two were engaging in a terrific match of known skill. Counters and deep understandings of each others arsenal was creating a stalemate. Only now, in the light of a new day, can we understand the psychology born throughout the contest. Bu Jo Mon interferes. An understandable moment. These three men have been linked for years, both former students at the feet of the great Sensei. Both dangerous. Both ninjas. Bu Jo Mon's entrance into the ring distracting Acula from his goal. He and Han Zo Mon make quick work of Bu Jo Mon, they thrust him from the ring. They celebrate together! The insidiousness was not clear then. Acula, now seeing his beloved student and not his opponent seems almost disconnected. Perhaps he's thinking to the next fight against Nyquist? His momentum has been stymied by Bu Jo Mon's appearance. Let us pause and reflect for a moment on the arrival of Don Edwards. He repels to the ring, bat in hand. He sees his former enemy. He pauses just a moment, and attacks Han Zo Mon. He attacks Bu Jo Mon, he is quickly thrown from the ring, but the question hangs in the air. What did Don Edwards know and why did he arrive to help Dr. Acula?
The questions don't matter as much as the answers on this night. Acula loses this match, it's close, but he loses. The match goes longer than it most likely would have. Dr. Acula is winded, and something else. He is thrown. He is thrown by something, and he can't put his finger on it. No one would till the end. Nyquist, seeking competitive advantage once again enters the ring immediately. But here's the surprise. Here's the moment of true true surprise. Dr. Acula is winning. The hero is defeating the obfuscating champion. No longer can Nyquist dodge the great former champion looking to reclaim glory. Except that the True Genius has one last trick up his sleeve. Interference. A run in from the Yu Nugata Frank, the only other student of Dr. Acula. The only other one. Acula loses. Mr. Nyquist has solidified the legacy of what is being called the Brilliance at the Balls.
It was not until the main event that the circle closed, as it must do when history is made. Bu Jo Mon's mystery opponent is, as you and billions of others now know, Han Zo Mon. The Dread Ninja has rejoined his brethren. They stand together, and though they lose, the signal to Dr. Acula is clear. You never had a chance.
Years ago a team was hung from the rafters like so much meat. Their erstwhile young champion had closed the circle and began a reign that we never thought we'd see again. Except that it is happening again. The gauntlet thrown last night, the Doggpound's victories in the Ultimate Division and Nyquists incredible play in the Cruiserweight division give them the evening and beyond. The battle won in the main event has stemmed the tide, but for how long? Here come the bad guys? No wait, they're already here.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Interview with Dean Nyquist
An Exclusive Interview with Dean Nyquist
by Christian McHausenstern
In the EWF magazines continuing quest for insight into the issues that matter most in this federation they have asked that all the journalists and editorial board members conduct interviews with wrestlers that viewers care about the most.
I had an opportunity to sit down with Dean Nyquist, current Cruiserweight Champion, the first title in his tenure here in the EWF. The man who has been called "the greatest mind in wrestling today", by Mike Lupica of the New York Daily News, is as arrogant and defensive as one might expect. Beneath all of that however, is a deep seated belief in his own righteousness. You begin to see the portrait of a man who has earned all of his current success, and the uneasiness of someone who can see how fleeting such success can be. He minces no words, and for that this journalist is exceptionally grateful.
CM: Mr. Nyquist thanks for sitting down with me today.
DN: It's your pleasure.
CM: Of course. How does it feel to be the Cruiserweight champion, the first championship of your career?
DN: It's awesome. But you know what's not awesome? The rule changing as soon as I become champion. Let's talk about this point based system for a minute.
CM: Okay, the rules recently changed...you didn't formally object. What's your take?
DN: The cruiserweight division used to be the same as the US Division in that you wrestle matches and try to be the best. The cruiserweights have a weight limit, but the competition is the same. It's whoever is the best. Whoever can beat everyone else. Not, whoever can impress the judges. But now it's this spectacle. This joke of a division thanks to these stupid rules.
CM: Do you feel the rules undermine your title run?
DN: I feel like I'm going to continue winning no matter what.
CM: The rules do say that the title match does not have to be fought under such the point system. You've had a lot of challengers, but you haven't really accepted a challenge. Have you chosen someone to fight at St. Valentine's Day Massacre? DN: I haven't accepted a challenge because I still think that Sugarcane should accept my idea for a four way match. If he doesn't I'm going to be talking to the commissioners to put that match into the main event for the April PPV. And the April match will be an absolute blockbuster.
CM: You ran in on Dr. Acula's match with Sanderson, he defeated
Sanderson, and than you locked him out of the NPI, are you dodging
Dr. Acula?
DN: Dodging is a big word there. I wouldn't say that I'm dodging Dr.
Acula. I can say that I honestly believe that I should give the #1
contender a shot before anyone else. Clearly, Caesar Rivera is the #1
contender and I plan on fighting him at March Madness. It comes down
to my expectation that Sugarcane would have taken my match idea. Had
he taken that match, then we'd have an exciting dual championship
match this month and no one would be complaining. Dr. Acula would have
his shot, and that bitch Han Zo Mon who thinks that the world owes him
something would have a shot too. Sugarcane would have a shot and I'd
have a shot at the Ultimate Title. I see that match as a win-win
scenario, but Sugarcane won't go for it.... this month.
CM: How about Caesar Rivera who WON the NPI...are you dodging him?
DN: Again, I'm not dodging these people. It's all about expectations.
Caesar Rivera will have his day in the sun. No matter what happens
this month, he has a shot next month, and he better be ready because
he's going up against one of the smartest wrestlers the world over.
CM: You've been with the federation a long time, and this is your first title run, why now? What can you point to that ended your dry spell?
DN: It's all about opportunity. If you remember, I spent months
sleeping outside of the EWF building in my car because no one would
give me the opportunity and my contract was up. I had to sign on as an
interviewer in order to get my foot in the door once more. What also
helped was my knowledge of what was going on behind the scenes in the
EWF back then. A friendship with Doggman helped, despite his
resignation from the commissioner's office shortly afterwards. He's
been a huge help. And to answer your question of "why now?" it's
simple. I had never actually fought for the cruiserweight title
before. I've never come up short. For some reason, I was always pushed
into the other divisions of this company before the cruiserweights.
I'm a cruiserweight and I always have been, it's just taken people a
while to realize that. I've been going for other titles because I
honestly believe that men like the Cardinal and Sugarcane are merely
holding the belt until a real champion comes along. Han Zo Mon was the
last champion of the ultimate Division in my mind. The current
structure of the Ultimate division is a joke, much like my division.
Points? Are you kidding me? They're going to tell the fans who the
better wrestlers are? I'll tell you who's the best wrestler, it's me.
And you wanna know how? I fought for this title until I was able to
make Joey the goon scream "I QUIT" in the middle of that ring. I
proved that day and the following PPV that I was the better man. Not
that I scored more points based on some arbitrary system of scoring
punches and kicks versus planchas and missle dropkicks.
CM: Some have questioned your integrity. When you criticize men
like Sugarcane, who defeated a much larger man and won a four way,
and when you criticize the Cardinal who beat you at the last ppv,
doesn't that refute your claims that these men aren't worthy of the
titles they hold?
DN: Sugarcane won his match in a four way. Chunky Lee Chong had a good
day against Jamal, but he's not one of those guys that you associate
with a title. I have no doubt in my mind that if Sugarcane faced Han
Zo Mon or Jamal he would not stand a chance. Plus, did you see how red
and sweaty Chunky was before the match? It was clear the man was sick
but willing to participate. And the Cardinal is a tough man, but he's
no wrestling superstar. He's fighting in a division where there are
more men that are pushed to fight for that title then there are
contenders. If I walked into the conversation for the Workingman's
Title without so much as showing any interest beforehand, it could not
be a division that's hard to qualify for.
CM: But you don't deny that The Cardinal did beat you in the
Workingman's division?
DN: I was proving a point out there. Who am I in the Workingman's
Division? I'm no one. The Cardinal HAS to take on all comers because
no one is lining up to fight him. It's a first come first served
division. Who is going to want to fight for a belt where the champion
has to beg for people to fight for the title? Hmmm?
CM: I'd like to thank you for -
DN: I'm not done you son of a bitch. This is my official complaint
about the joke that Bret Hart and Jonny James has turned my division
into. I've granted Caesar Rivera a title shot based on his performance
in the She-Male Invitational. But that's it. I fight based on wins and
losses, not some stupid system that isn't even released to the public.
Bret Hart talks about wanting to make these matches more exciting. How
about he lets us smaller guys fight until there's a clear winner
instead of turning us into some sideshow. The smaller guys can put on
great matches, just like the big guys. I say that you let us have
those matches. I'm outta here.
CM: Mr. Nyquist! What do you have against Nancy Preston, who has
personally challenged you for your title and said she'd leave the
division if she lost!?
DN: I have no interest in making Nancy Preston leave the division. If
it wants to fight for the title, then it should fight for the title,
but I won't support the idea that people would be in 100% as champion
or out in another division. I can't support that kind of mentality.
Just because it's not at the top of the food chain today doesn't mean
that it won't be tomorrow. To Nancy I say this. Fight your way to the
top. Prove you deserve my respect. Don't prove it to me. Prove it to
every other wrestler in this division. Prove it to everyone in the
locker room. Prove it to all your fans. You were in the tag division
and dropped out when things didn't go your way. Now you're dropping
out of the cruiserweights too? Soon you're going to be fighting in the
hardcore division, and those guys play for keeps. So calm down, take
the sand out of your vagina, stop listening to My Chemical Romance and
just fight. If you want the title, earn it bitch.
CM: Thanks very much for your time and, best of luck at St. Valentine's Day Massacre.
by Christian McHausenstern
In the EWF magazines continuing quest for insight into the issues that matter most in this federation they have asked that all the journalists and editorial board members conduct interviews with wrestlers that viewers care about the most.
I had an opportunity to sit down with Dean Nyquist, current Cruiserweight Champion, the first title in his tenure here in the EWF. The man who has been called "the greatest mind in wrestling today", by Mike Lupica of the New York Daily News, is as arrogant and defensive as one might expect. Beneath all of that however, is a deep seated belief in his own righteousness. You begin to see the portrait of a man who has earned all of his current success, and the uneasiness of someone who can see how fleeting such success can be. He minces no words, and for that this journalist is exceptionally grateful.
CM: Mr. Nyquist thanks for sitting down with me today.
DN: It's your pleasure.
CM: Of course. How does it feel to be the Cruiserweight champion, the first championship of your career?
DN: It's awesome. But you know what's not awesome? The rule changing as soon as I become champion. Let's talk about this point based system for a minute.
CM: Okay, the rules recently changed...you didn't formally object. What's your take?
DN: The cruiserweight division used to be the same as the US Division in that you wrestle matches and try to be the best. The cruiserweights have a weight limit, but the competition is the same. It's whoever is the best. Whoever can beat everyone else. Not, whoever can impress the judges. But now it's this spectacle. This joke of a division thanks to these stupid rules.
CM: Do you feel the rules undermine your title run?
DN: I feel like I'm going to continue winning no matter what.
CM: The rules do say that the title match does not have to be fought under such the point system. You've had a lot of challengers, but you haven't really accepted a challenge. Have you chosen someone to fight at St. Valentine's Day Massacre?
CM: You ran in on Dr. Acula's match with Sanderson, he defeated
Sanderson, and than you locked him out of the NPI, are you dodging
Dr. Acula?
DN: Dodging is a big word there. I wouldn't say that I'm dodging Dr.
Acula. I can say that I honestly believe that I should give the #1
contender a shot before anyone else. Clearly, Caesar Rivera is the #1
contender and I plan on fighting him at March Madness. It comes down
to my expectation that Sugarcane would have taken my match idea. Had
he taken that match, then we'd have an exciting dual championship
match this month and no one would be complaining. Dr. Acula would have
his shot, and that bitch Han Zo Mon who thinks that the world owes him
something would have a shot too. Sugarcane would have a shot and I'd
have a shot at the Ultimate Title. I see that match as a win-win
scenario, but Sugarcane won't go for it.... this month.
CM: How about Caesar Rivera who WON the NPI...are you dodging him?
Caesar Rivera will have his day in the sun. No matter what happens
this month, he has a shot next month, and he better be ready because
he's going up against one of the smartest wrestlers the world over.
CM: You've been with the federation a long time, and this is your first title run, why now? What can you point to that ended your dry spell?
sleeping outside of the EWF building in my car because no one would
give me the opportunity and my contract was up. I had to sign on as an
interviewer in order to get my foot in the door once more. What also
helped was my knowledge of what was going on behind the scenes in the
EWF back then. A friendship with Doggman helped, despite his
resignation from the commissioner's office shortly afterwards. He's
been a huge help. And to answer your question of "why now?" it's
simple. I had never actually fought for the cruiserweight title
before. I've never come up short. For some reason, I was always pushed
into the other divisions of this company before the cruiserweights.
I'm a cruiserweight and I always have been, it's just taken people a
while to realize that. I've been going for other titles because I
honestly believe that men like the Cardinal and Sugarcane are merely
holding the belt until a real champion comes along. Han Zo Mon was the
last champion of the ultimate Division in my mind. The current
structure of the Ultimate division is a joke, much like my division.
Points? Are you kidding me? They're going to tell the fans who the
better wrestlers are? I'll tell you who's the best wrestler, it's me.
And you wanna know how? I fought for this title until I was able to
make Joey the goon scream "I QUIT" in the middle of that ring. I
proved that day and the following PPV that I was the better man. Not
that I scored more points based on some arbitrary system of scoring
punches and kicks versus planchas and missle dropkicks.
CM: Some have questioned your integrity. When you criticize men
like Sugarcane, who defeated a much larger man and won a four way,
and when you criticize the Cardinal who beat you at the last ppv,
doesn't that refute your claims that these men aren't worthy of the
titles they hold?
DN: Sugarcane won his match in a four way. Chunky Lee Chong had a good
day against Jamal, but he's not one of those guys that you associate
with a title. I have no doubt in my mind that if Sugarcane faced Han
Zo Mon or Jamal he would not stand a chance. Plus, did you see how red
and sweaty Chunky was before the match? It was clear the man was sick
but willing to participate. And the Cardinal is a tough man, but he's
no wrestling superstar. He's fighting in a division where there are
more men that are pushed to fight for that title then there are
contenders. If I walked into the conversation for the Workingman's
Title without so much as showing any interest beforehand, it could not
be a division that's hard to qualify for.
CM: But you don't deny that The Cardinal did beat you in the
Workingman's division?
DN: I was proving a point out there. Who am I in the Workingman's
Division? I'm no one. The Cardinal HAS to take on all comers because
no one is lining up to fight him. It's a first come first served
division. Who is going to want to fight for a belt where the champion
has to beg for people to fight for the title? Hmmm?
CM: I'd like to thank you for -
DN: I'm not done you son of a bitch. This is my official complaint
about the joke that Bret Hart and Jonny James has turned my division
into. I've granted Caesar Rivera a title shot based on his performance
in the She-Male Invitational. But that's it. I fight based on wins and
losses, not some stupid system that isn't even released to the public.
Bret Hart talks about wanting to make these matches more exciting. How
about he lets us smaller guys fight until there's a clear winner
instead of turning us into some sideshow. The smaller guys can put on
great matches, just like the big guys. I say that you let us have
those matches. I'm outta here.
CM: Mr. Nyquist! What do you have against Nancy Preston, who has
personally challenged you for your title and said she'd leave the
division if she lost!?
DN: I have no interest in making Nancy Preston leave the division. If
it wants to fight for the title, then it should fight for the title,
but I won't support the idea that people would be in 100% as champion
or out in another division. I can't support that kind of mentality.
Just because it's not at the top of the food chain today doesn't mean
that it won't be tomorrow. To Nancy I say this. Fight your way to the
top. Prove you deserve my respect. Don't prove it to me. Prove it to
every other wrestler in this division. Prove it to everyone in the
locker room. Prove it to all your fans. You were in the tag division
and dropped out when things didn't go your way. Now you're dropping
out of the cruiserweights too? Soon you're going to be fighting in the
hardcore division, and those guys play for keeps. So calm down, take
the sand out of your vagina, stop listening to My Chemical Romance and
just fight. If you want the title, earn it bitch.
CM: Thanks very much for your time and, best of luck at St. Valentine's Day Massacre.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Blog From the Beat 2
Hey there wrestling fans, wrestling reporters, and yes even
you cantankerous clowns of the ring who clandestinely read this
colorful collection of stories from the beat. The beat takes us to
St. Louis, Missouri this week, and It's been a terrific opportunity to
look beyond the EWF's home base, and see what's wrestling in the rest
of the country.
The SLWF (St. Louis Wrestling Federation) is a local
wrestling company that, like all small wrestling companies, has
experienced terrific success locally thanks to the EWF's success
nationally. Certainly the wrestling isn't as hard hitting as in the
hallowed halls of the Trumbull Arena, but there is a certain drive and
heart here that has been encompassed by their current champion
Johnathan St. Pierre, the Louisiana Kid. We caught up with him on an
evening after he had successfully defended his title against The
Grievous Giant, and mountain of a man that has a strange obsession
with death.
CM: Just a terrific match tonight!
JSP: Thank's man!
CM: The Grievous Giant seemed to really have it in for you. His
attack before the match was particularly brutal.
JSP: Probably my own fault. I told him to just chill out.
CM: That's it?
JSP: Well it was more like "Chill Grevious Bitch, you're making me uptight".
CM: Didn't like that huh?
JSP: Na, he's all "The angels of death approach, the fates measure
your thread and find it wanting." So I told him "The fates a measured
your d*ck and found it wanting."
CM: You really impressed me in the ring.
JSP: Thanks, that's real nice of you to say.
CM: There's a huge difference between your laid back attitude here
and your attitude inside the square circle
JSP: Oh absolutely. I mean, look...this is the greatest thing in the
world. Wrestling that is. I mean, I'm a wrestler, I'm just not pissed
off about it.
CM: You're currently the SLWF Champion, what do you want to do next?
JSP: You know what I want. I want to headline the EWF.
CM: How tough is it for a young new wrestler to break in.
JSP: Real tough! Almost impossible really. One in a million chance.
CM: You think you're that one?
JSP: I do Christian. I really do.
CM: Anything you'd like to say to all the fans that are going to read
this blog post?
JSP: I hope I get the chance to show you guys what I got. I wanna
get in there and mix it up with Tracey Dix, and have a drink with
David Finn. I mean it's where the legends battle...it's where I
belong.
I find myself reflective on this particular sojourn through
Missouri. I remember when I first started, and how my eyes were
filled with stars. At that time Dr. Frank was a beloved face, Johnny
James was champion, Earl Jamal and Finn all drank together at a bar
called Muprhy's. The tag champs were two loved and hated fellas
called the Heartbreakers, and the most beloved group was a team
appropriately titled Team USA. This federation has come so far.
Villains are now heroes and vice versa. Watching these young
wrestlers work, it only leads me to ask what else can happen?
Till next time!
you cantankerous clowns of the ring who clandestinely read this
colorful collection of stories from the beat. The beat takes us to
St. Louis, Missouri this week, and It's been a terrific opportunity to
look beyond the EWF's home base, and see what's wrestling in the rest
of the country.
The SLWF (St. Louis Wrestling Federation) is a local
wrestling company that, like all small wrestling companies, has
experienced terrific success locally thanks to the EWF's success
nationally. Certainly the wrestling isn't as hard hitting as in the
hallowed halls of the Trumbull Arena, but there is a certain drive and
heart here that has been encompassed by their current champion
Johnathan St. Pierre, the Louisiana Kid. We caught up with him on an
evening after he had successfully defended his title against The
Grievous Giant, and mountain of a man that has a strange obsession
with death.
CM: Just a terrific match tonight!
JSP: Thank's man!
CM: The Grievous Giant seemed to really have it in for you. His
attack before the match was particularly brutal.
JSP: Probably my own fault. I told him to just chill out.
CM: That's it?
JSP: Well it was more like "Chill Grevious Bitch, you're making me uptight".
CM: Didn't like that huh?
JSP: Na, he's all "The angels of death approach, the fates measure
your thread and find it wanting." So I told him "The fates a measured
your d*ck and found it wanting."
CM: You really impressed me in the ring.
JSP: Thanks, that's real nice of you to say.
CM: There's a huge difference between your laid back attitude here
and your attitude inside the square circle
JSP: Oh absolutely. I mean, look...this is the greatest thing in the
world. Wrestling that is. I mean, I'm a wrestler, I'm just not pissed
off about it.
CM: You're currently the SLWF Champion, what do you want to do next?
JSP: You know what I want. I want to headline the EWF.
CM: How tough is it for a young new wrestler to break in.
JSP: Real tough! Almost impossible really. One in a million chance.
CM: You think you're that one?
JSP: I do Christian. I really do.
CM: Anything you'd like to say to all the fans that are going to read
this blog post?
JSP: I hope I get the chance to show you guys what I got. I wanna
get in there and mix it up with Tracey Dix, and have a drink with
David Finn. I mean it's where the legends battle...it's where I
belong.
I find myself reflective on this particular sojourn through
Missouri. I remember when I first started, and how my eyes were
filled with stars. At that time Dr. Frank was a beloved face, Johnny
James was champion, Earl Jamal and Finn all drank together at a bar
called Muprhy's. The tag champs were two loved and hated fellas
called the Heartbreakers, and the most beloved group was a team
appropriately titled Team USA. This federation has come so far.
Villains are now heroes and vice versa. Watching these young
wrestlers work, it only leads me to ask what else can happen?
Till next time!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Blog From the Beat
Things have grown quiet this past week in regards to the St. Valentine's day massacre since the main event was established. In my previous article (See NY TIMES: EWF COMES TO LONG ISLAND) it was clear that about half the ppv was established, but there is still further to go. I am not surprised by the quiet following what is one of the most intriguing main events we've seen in a good long time. The pairing of Randolph and Dix is something new, and Bu Jo's upping the ante on the Lillian Garcia issue and mystery partner only add sizzle to the steak. On top of that it's clear that the Untouchable's and Randolph and even the Doggpound could view this match as a seminal moment in the brewing hostilities between those taking sides in the EWF's current struggle.
The struggle itself is being further complicated by the Doggman's insistence on the four way match, and in an interview I conducted that will be released tomorrow, Dean Nyquist continues to refuse to book any match until he is sure the four way is an impossibility. With all the individuals currently gunning for Nyquist he has not only made himself one of the most hated men in the federation, but also has effectively held up the final bookings for the PPV. Again look for that interview tomorrow, you won't be disappointed.
Also intriguing is Sanderson's search for Berkowitz and his implication that Phil might not be the man stalking H Randolph Scott. Mark me as one that doesn't buy Sanderson's turn around yet. Still, he and Randolph seem to have reached a detente of sorts, and RD Iguana remains at large. I hope to speak to Sanderson sometime soon.
I did have a chance to talk with Andre Pavlovski, former Hardcore Champion via a telephone interview.
ME: Andre, good afternoon.
AP: Is good to be speaking at you.
ME: You lost the title to Hardcore Hoover, but now are teaming with him against the Nixon Dixon line. Wouldn't you rather have a rematch.
AP: Is plenty time for rematch! Is time for history now! Two big hardcore fight two big tag champs. Is glorious hardcore all over champions faces.
ME: It's non title correct?
AP: Who is caring?
ME: Well don't you want the titles.
AP: Good to have titles. Sure. Better to have hardcore destruction in ring. Then think about titles. Ulp! Lexi is here to be taking little Anya to park!
ME: Lexi Sanderson? Is that safe?
AP: Sins of father, not of son...
ME: Thanks for your time Andre.
AP: Is me thanking you friend!
Thankfully i was on the phone so I was not bear hugged. A few of my colleagues have been bruised and broken from such interactions. There's lots more at this ppv, including Caesar Rivera vs The Marquis, and once Nyquist makes a decision a lot of exciting pieces can fall into place.
One last thing. Keep your eye on the First Estate. Bu Jo Mon's discussion of the First Estate's intentions stirred some feelings of distrust in the locker room. Say what you will about the current coalition opposing t!e Doggpound, but firmly united it is not. And then there's the little issue of Dr. Frank on the loose...
Till next time!
The struggle itself is being further complicated by the Doggman's insistence on the four way match, and in an interview I conducted that will be released tomorrow, Dean Nyquist continues to refuse to book any match until he is sure the four way is an impossibility. With all the individuals currently gunning for Nyquist he has not only made himself one of the most hated men in the federation, but also has effectively held up the final bookings for the PPV. Again look for that interview tomorrow, you won't be disappointed.
Also intriguing is Sanderson's search for Berkowitz and his implication that Phil might not be the man stalking H Randolph Scott. Mark me as one that doesn't buy Sanderson's turn around yet. Still, he and Randolph seem to have reached a detente of sorts, and RD Iguana remains at large. I hope to speak to Sanderson sometime soon.
I did have a chance to talk with Andre Pavlovski, former Hardcore Champion via a telephone interview.
ME: Andre, good afternoon.
AP: Is good to be speaking at you.
ME: You lost the title to Hardcore Hoover, but now are teaming with him against the Nixon Dixon line. Wouldn't you rather have a rematch.
AP: Is plenty time for rematch! Is time for history now! Two big hardcore fight two big tag champs. Is glorious hardcore all over champions faces.
ME: It's non title correct?
AP: Who is caring?
ME: Well don't you want the titles.
AP: Good to have titles. Sure. Better to have hardcore destruction in ring. Then think about titles. Ulp! Lexi is here to be taking little Anya to park!
ME: Lexi Sanderson? Is that safe?
AP: Sins of father, not of son...
ME: Thanks for your time Andre.
AP: Is me thanking you friend!
Thankfully i was on the phone so I was not bear hugged. A few of my colleagues have been bruised and broken from such interactions. There's lots more at this ppv, including Caesar Rivera vs The Marquis, and once Nyquist makes a decision a lot of exciting pieces can fall into place.
One last thing. Keep your eye on the First Estate. Bu Jo Mon's discussion of the First Estate's intentions stirred some feelings of distrust in the locker room. Say what you will about the current coalition opposing t!e Doggpound, but firmly united it is not. And then there's the little issue of Dr. Frank on the loose...
Till next time!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
The Fierce Urgency of Now
The Fierce Urgency of Now
by Christian McHausenstern
Santa Slam is in the books a month late and overdue. And what I felt from that crowd from the wrestlers was a sense of dissatisfaction with the status quo, a sense that things are coalescing around particular groups, and there is no great resistance no one to really behind. Dr. Martin Luther King spoke of the fierce urgency of now, and from these great competitors and the fans that's what this particular ppv seemed to convey.
The official results will be forthcoming I'm certain, but the clear winners of the night were the Doggpound. Now they didn't win many matches. Bu Jo Mon certainly made a statement that he is still dominant, but he and Earl put on a terrific match that continues Kensingtons streak of such, but the group itself was involved in almost every match. The Doggman's fingerprints could be felt, and Jonny James' own philosophy may come back to haunt him. With the power returning to champions the commissioner's will recedes. With the Doggman clearly intent on retrieving those titles his own rule of law could again become law of the land. Which brings me to my thesis. Who will fight this gathering storm? At different points in this federations history we've had men step up and resist the very ideology of a group. The dominant Lords of Darkness were resisted for a full year by Team USA. The Dutch East India company fell apart from the resistance of men such as David Finn, Earl Kensington, and Jamal Jamama. The Deagos and the Russians, two "heel" groups at one point, battled one another for dominance. But who will be todays champion? Do we look back in the past for David Finn, entrenched in a battle with kin. Will Han Zo Mon return with the same lethal dominance and fight against the forces the Doggman is gathering. Who? Who will step in and say enough. The run ins that cost Acula a title shot at the last ppv, and the politicizing of the NPI that locked Acula out is only just the start.
The people do look to someone however. They look to their champion. There is a lot of cynicism in terms of what it means to be a champion nowadays. To live up to the legacies of those that came before is an impossible task. Some have even spoken of different tiers of wrestlers, an A team and B team of sorts, which this author disputes; but understand that it speaks to the idea that the past was brighter than the future will be. Why? There is a fierce urgency to now, and no one seems to see it. Tracey Dix is a fine young champion. I know the young man, and have great respect for him. True respect for the job he's done in the ring. But why does he go silent. Some have accused him of sanctimony, others say that he is simply shy. I say it is simply his nature to be so, but is it wrong for the fans to ask for more? To demand that Tracey Dix break from the status quo of his own side, the Untouchables, and stand up for the fans and wrestlers who don't wish to do bad things to get good results? The match with H Randolph was an interesting experiment. When it began the crowd was fully behind Tracey Dix, but as it went along, as Randolph battled, the temper change. The crowd began supporting this small egotistical British man. A towering intellect for sure, but H Randolph was not seen in the same class as Dix. But I felt it, and others did as well, he has spoken for quite some time towards a growing storm. This was a man who would fight for his belief, that would not simply sit back and allow the cards fall where they may. Sometimes it's not enough just to be a champion. Sometimes you have to be leader. I believe Tracey Dix has that in him. I'm starting to believe H Randolph Scott VI has that in him as well. I'd like to see more. Much much more.
by Christian McHausenstern
Santa Slam is in the books a month late and overdue. And what I felt from that crowd from the wrestlers was a sense of dissatisfaction with the status quo, a sense that things are coalescing around particular groups, and there is no great resistance no one to really behind. Dr. Martin Luther King spoke of the fierce urgency of now, and from these great competitors and the fans that's what this particular ppv seemed to convey.
The official results will be forthcoming I'm certain, but the clear winners of the night were the Doggpound. Now they didn't win many matches. Bu Jo Mon certainly made a statement that he is still dominant, but he and Earl put on a terrific match that continues Kensingtons streak of such, but the group itself was involved in almost every match. The Doggman's fingerprints could be felt, and Jonny James' own philosophy may come back to haunt him. With the power returning to champions the commissioner's will recedes. With the Doggman clearly intent on retrieving those titles his own rule of law could again become law of the land. Which brings me to my thesis. Who will fight this gathering storm? At different points in this federations history we've had men step up and resist the very ideology of a group. The dominant Lords of Darkness were resisted for a full year by Team USA. The Dutch East India company fell apart from the resistance of men such as David Finn, Earl Kensington, and Jamal Jamama. The Deagos and the Russians, two "heel" groups at one point, battled one another for dominance. But who will be todays champion? Do we look back in the past for David Finn, entrenched in a battle with kin. Will Han Zo Mon return with the same lethal dominance and fight against the forces the Doggman is gathering. Who? Who will step in and say enough. The run ins that cost Acula a title shot at the last ppv, and the politicizing of the NPI that locked Acula out is only just the start.
The people do look to someone however. They look to their champion. There is a lot of cynicism in terms of what it means to be a champion nowadays. To live up to the legacies of those that came before is an impossible task. Some have even spoken of different tiers of wrestlers, an A team and B team of sorts, which this author disputes; but understand that it speaks to the idea that the past was brighter than the future will be. Why? There is a fierce urgency to now, and no one seems to see it. Tracey Dix is a fine young champion. I know the young man, and have great respect for him. True respect for the job he's done in the ring. But why does he go silent. Some have accused him of sanctimony, others say that he is simply shy. I say it is simply his nature to be so, but is it wrong for the fans to ask for more? To demand that Tracey Dix break from the status quo of his own side, the Untouchables, and stand up for the fans and wrestlers who don't wish to do bad things to get good results? The match with H Randolph was an interesting experiment. When it began the crowd was fully behind Tracey Dix, but as it went along, as Randolph battled, the temper change. The crowd began supporting this small egotistical British man. A towering intellect for sure, but H Randolph was not seen in the same class as Dix. But I felt it, and others did as well, he has spoken for quite some time towards a growing storm. This was a man who would fight for his belief, that would not simply sit back and allow the cards fall where they may. Sometimes it's not enough just to be a champion. Sometimes you have to be leader. I believe Tracey Dix has that in him. I'm starting to believe H Randolph Scott VI has that in him as well. I'd like to see more. Much much more.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
A Heart to Hart
A Heart to Hart
By Christian McHausenstern
Bret "the Hitman" Hart sits at his desk in a long sleeved shirt and jeans. His hair is long and unblemished with gray. In fact the only betrayal of age in the man are the light lines that crease the eyes and brow. He is still in good shape, a "gym rat" in the mornings he uses that time to let the world of the EWF fall away. For the rest of the day it is still wrestling 24/7 for this restless warrior. I had been warned about interviewing Mr. Hart by the other's in my field. "Hart," one reporter told me "has the ability to be obtuse and obfuscate while still retaining the loyalty of fans and wrestlers". It is a harsh assessment of a man that's seen as a "Sharpshooter". I found that Bret was neither forthright or dishonest. Instead what we get is the picture of a man who is cautious, some could say too cautious, about protecting the status quo.
CM: Bret I'd like to thank you for giving this interview today.
BH: Always good to see you Mac.
CM: You've been commissioner for about two years now. How would you rate your performance?
BH: I'll leave it to others to rate my performance. What I can do is rate the performance of the EWF over the last two years. So with respect to that, I believe this is probably the best two year run the company's ever had.
CM: Are you responsible for that then?
BH: Everybody that works here is responsible for that.
CM: How about in terms of a personal sense of accomplishment.
BH: I take great pride in what I do. So yeah, obviously I feel a sense of personal accomplishment when I see the company doing well.
CM: What is your greatest success and most bitter disappointment.
BH: Again, I'll let other people judge my successes.
CM: And bitter disappointment?
BH: Can I go with Shawn Michaels on that?
CM: I mean in the EWF.
BH: Anytime one of my wrestlers is injured.
CM: How did you feel when you first entered the job, were you bothered by the circumstances of a federation in turmoil? Can you take us through Caps invitation?
BH: Well, to the first part, I mean, I've spent plenty of time in 'federations in turmoil', as you say, so that didn't really faze me. And an top of that, I don't think this place really was in turmoil. I mean, if you saw what WCW was like towards the end, well this was nothing. As for Cap's invitation, it was actually Doggman's idea to bring me on. I didn't really know Cap before I came here.
CM: Your old partner Doggman has recently obtained a managing license. What do you expect from him? What was your experience working with him?
BH: I expect him to be a very entertaining manager. I don't know if his wrestlers will win more matches because of him; time will bear that out. My experience working with him was great. I learned a lot from him. He's a truly accomplished commissioner.
CM: And now you work with Jonny James, the former Lord of Darkness. There have been interesting rumors floating about dissension within the office fo the commissioner. Many people say that this recent push for Champions having power is really a push from Jonny James, how would you characterize the state of the commissioner's office today?
BH: What goes on behind closed doors is between myself and Jonny. All I'm going to say is that when we announce a card, we do so in agreement.
CM: I'd like to talk about the titles if we could. Particularly the Working Mans Title. There has been some outrage, particularly along the coasts, that the Cardinal's placing of the cross on the title is inappropriate. Where does EWF management stand on the issue, and will you ask him to remove the cross?
BH: That's the champion's prerogative. As far as I know, Chris hasn't violated any FCC regulations, so I see no need for discipline or change.
CM: I'd like to stay with this. There is of course no FCC regulation, but there are many fans who feel offended by this, I'd like to point to the online petition "Cross Face the Cardinal", which calls for the title to be stripped.
BH: Look, I realize different people are going to be sensitive to different things. But let's try and keep this in perspective. Nobody wanted to suspend Jamal when he was portraying an unfavorable stereotype of an urban african american. Nobody wanted to suspend Dave Finn for portraying the stereotypical drunken irishman. Nobody wanted to suspend the heartbreakers because they portrayed stereotypical flamboyant homosexuals -
CM: That's not entirely true in their case. I mean, people did call for their firing -
BH: The point, Mac, is that people are going to be sensitive to different things. This is an entertainment business. That's what Chris is doing. It may not meet with your sensibilities, or mine. But the fact of the matter is he's not hurting anybody, and he'll be allowed to continue.
CM: I think some of those competitors might take umbrage with the idea that they are "portraying" anything. Do you feel that these individuals are being insincere?
BH: This is show business, Mac. Most of these guys go home to wives and kids. Do you think they're the same person when they're at home that they are in the ring? Some are and some aren't. Like I said, this is show biz.
CM: Final question on this topic. If lieu of your statement today that the Cardinal will not be suspended, will you meet with or in any way ask Mr. Christian to remove the religious symbol from the belt?
BH: I believe I've already answered that.
CM: There has been a youth movement in the EWF that some people say is a result of older wrestlers fading in athletic prowess. Is their still a place in the EWF for a Dr. Frank? How about a David Finn or Han Zo Mon, neither are over the hill, but each has been wrestling for a such an expanse of time?
BH: There's a place for anybody as long as they remain competitive. And that's up to them. Nobody has a job here because of what they did 5 years ago, or ten years ago. If Frank or Finn or Zo or anybody else entertains the fans, then there is a place for them.
CM: I'd like to address the issue of Steroids with you. Han Zo Mon was accused of doing steroids, Dr. Acula appears and claims it was a scheme. Some in the press have questioned the timing and validity of Dr. Acula's timely interference. Has the EWF changed its drug testing policy? Would it diminish Han Zo Mon's accomplishments in your eyes if he had been taking enhancements?
BH: I'm not going to comment on any of that. That's really Cap's department, and he'll probably refer you to the Untouchables.
CM: Are you saying The Untouchables set steroid policy in the EWF?
BH: The Untouchables are Cap's enforcement arm. We don't condone or tolerate the use of performance enhancing drugs. The enforcement of that policy falls to the Untouchables. That's all I'm saying. If you want anything more, you'll have to talk to Cap.
BH: I'm going to get hell for saying this, but for one day, it was Chris Benoit.
CM: Best Finishing move?
BH: Weapons of Mass Destruction off the top rope.
CM: Best two young wrestlers today?
BH: Gotta go with Tracey Dix again. And I'm curious about this Romney kid over in England.
CM: Will Bret Hart ever step back in that ring?
BH: Never say never, but I doubt it.
CM: Thanks for your time Bret.
BH: Any time, Mac.
By Christian McHausenstern
Bret "the Hitman" Hart sits at his desk in a long sleeved shirt and jeans. His hair is long and unblemished with gray. In fact the only betrayal of age in the man are the light lines that crease the eyes and brow. He is still in good shape, a "gym rat" in the mornings he uses that time to let the world of the EWF fall away. For the rest of the day it is still wrestling 24/7 for this restless warrior. I had been warned about interviewing Mr. Hart by the other's in my field. "Hart," one reporter told me "has the ability to be obtuse and obfuscate while still retaining the loyalty of fans and wrestlers". It is a harsh assessment of a man that's seen as a "Sharpshooter". I found that Bret was neither forthright or dishonest. Instead what we get is the picture of a man who is cautious, some could say too cautious, about protecting the status quo.
CM: Bret I'd like to thank you for giving this interview today.
BH: Always good to see you Mac.
CM: You've been commissioner for about two years now. How would you rate your performance?
CM: Are you responsible for that then?
BH: Everybody that works here is responsible for that.
CM: How about in terms of a personal sense of accomplishment.
CM: What is your greatest success and most bitter disappointment.
CM: And bitter disappointment?
BH: Can I go with Shawn Michaels on that?
CM: I mean in the EWF.
BH: Anytime one of my wrestlers is injured.
CM: How did you feel when you first entered the job, were you bothered by the circumstances of a federation in turmoil? Can you take us through Caps invitation?
CM: Your old partner Doggman has recently obtained a managing license. What do you expect from him? What was your experience working with him?
CM: And now you work with Jonny James, the former Lord of Darkness. There have been interesting rumors floating about dissension within the office fo the commissioner. Many people say that this recent push for Champions having power is really a push from Jonny James, how would you characterize the state of the commissioner's office today?
CM: I'd like to talk about the titles if we could. Particularly the Working Mans Title. There has been some outrage, particularly along the coasts, that the Cardinal's placing of the cross on the title is inappropriate. Where does EWF management stand on the issue, and will you ask him to remove the cross?
CM: I'd like to stay with this. There is of course no FCC regulation, but there are many fans who feel offended by this, I'd like to point to the online petition "Cross Face the Cardinal", which calls for the title to be stripped.
BH: Look, I realize different people are going to be sensitive to different things. But let's try and keep this in perspective. Nobody wanted to suspend Jamal when he was portraying an unfavorable stereotype of an urban african american. Nobody wanted to suspend Dave Finn for portraying the stereotypical drunken irishman. Nobody wanted to suspend the heartbreakers because they portrayed stereotypical flamboyant homosexuals -
CM: That's not entirely true in their case. I mean, people did call for their firing -
BH: The point, Mac, is that people are going to be sensitive to different things. This is an entertainment business. That's what Chris is doing. It may not meet with your sensibilities, or mine. But the fact of the matter is he's not hurting anybody, and he'll be allowed to continue.
CM: I think some of those competitors might take umbrage with the idea that they are "portraying" anything. Do you feel that these individuals are being insincere?
BH: This is show business, Mac. Most of these guys go home to wives and kids. Do you think they're the same person when they're at home that they are in the ring? Some are and some aren't. Like I said, this is show biz.
CM: Final question on this topic. If lieu of your statement today that the Cardinal will not be suspended, will you meet with or in any way ask Mr. Christian to remove the religious symbol from the belt?
BH: I believe I've already answered that.
CM: There has been a youth movement in the EWF that some people say is a result of older wrestlers fading in athletic prowess. Is their still a place in the EWF for a Dr. Frank? How about a David Finn or Han Zo Mon, neither are over the hill, but each has been wrestling for a such an expanse of time?
CM: I'd like to address the issue of Steroids with you. Han Zo Mon was accused of doing steroids, Dr. Acula appears and claims it was a scheme. Some in the press have questioned the timing and validity of Dr. Acula's timely interference. Has the EWF changed its drug testing policy? Would it diminish Han Zo Mon's accomplishments in your eyes if he had been taking enhancements?
CM: Are you saying The Untouchables set steroid policy in the EWF?
BH: The Untouchables are Cap's enforcement arm. We don't condone or tolerate the use of performance enhancing drugs. The enforcement of that policy falls to the Untouchables. That's all I'm saying. If you want anything more, you'll have to talk to Cap.
CM: Some final questions. Greatest Champion Ever?
CM: Best Finishing move?
BH: Weapons of Mass Destruction off the top rope.
CM: Best two young wrestlers today?
CM: Will Bret Hart ever step back in that ring?
CM: Thanks for your time Bret.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Class Wars (Where Are We Going)
Where Are We Going
By Christian McHausenstern
I was offered by the great editors here at EWF Magazine to take a break from my usual newspaper beat. They wanted me to kick my thirty dollar shoes on the table, lean back in my chair, and share some of my thoughts. The only thing I can think about is where the heck all this is going. It's not even a question, it's more of an existential statement.
Okay, it is actually a question. The answer is I have no idea. This is not a spectacular place to start an editorial from. Just one month ago I would've seen this whole landscape clearly and started with a statement such as "Philip Berkowitz's descent and departure are clear indications that the mainstays are leaving the building." I would've been right. The mainstays are indeed getting far more quiet. David Finn returned with little fan fare and has said nothing to the press. I imagine it's mostly because he intends to duck his brothers challenge at this ppv. Dr. Frank is having a resurgence, but that is suddenly waylaid by his involvement in the First Estate. Mark my words, the big man would've been far better off with the aggressive and title hungry Ty Chee. Still, with Frank's eye only on Fred, it's clear that his days as champion are most likely over.
Not that this is all bad. David Finn is till a very viable champ in the future I think, but mostly all this room has allowed some youngsters to breathe and grow. We've got an exciting young new champ fighting against an exciting young challenger. We've got Jamal, who never broke the ceiling to meet his potential, poised for an enormous upset victory if it were to happen. And how about Alex Nyquist fighting Joey Baboon? Nyquist finally seems to finding his stride here.
So why the confusion about where everything is going? Because the Class Wars seem poised to create a lot of damage in this federation. I know it's hard to believe. I know some people aren't interested, but the truth is that these are two highly motivated groups. Each one wants all the titles, and each one is willing to go through hell to get them. As the vortex of their craving continues to spin it can only suck the rest of the federation in, in some way or another. As with groups from the past, such as the NWO, lines of good and evil tend to get blurred. H Randolph Scott is clearly working from a noble place, but William Berkowitz seems to be a little more self involved. I don't fault the young man for that, i simply note it.
Slaughter at the Seaport will most likely be an engaging PPV, but I am far more interested in what happens next than in what is happening now. That's how the war drums beat sometimes. As we approach Turkey Tussle and eventually West Side War, I can see many of these confrontations coalescing into exciting and defining moments. For now these are just pieces of a larger puzzle. With no clear picture, I can't even start to put it together.
By Christian McHausenstern
I was offered by the great editors here at EWF Magazine to take a break from my usual newspaper beat. They wanted me to kick my thirty dollar shoes on the table, lean back in my chair, and share some of my thoughts. The only thing I can think about is where the heck all this is going. It's not even a question, it's more of an existential statement.
Okay, it is actually a question. The answer is I have no idea. This is not a spectacular place to start an editorial from. Just one month ago I would've seen this whole landscape clearly and started with a statement such as "Philip Berkowitz's descent and departure are clear indications that the mainstays are leaving the building." I would've been right. The mainstays are indeed getting far more quiet. David Finn returned with little fan fare and has said nothing to the press. I imagine it's mostly because he intends to duck his brothers challenge at this ppv. Dr. Frank is having a resurgence, but that is suddenly waylaid by his involvement in the First Estate. Mark my words, the big man would've been far better off with the aggressive and title hungry Ty Chee. Still, with Frank's eye only on Fred, it's clear that his days as champion are most likely over.
Not that this is all bad. David Finn is till a very viable champ in the future I think, but mostly all this room has allowed some youngsters to breathe and grow. We've got an exciting young new champ fighting against an exciting young challenger. We've got Jamal, who never broke the ceiling to meet his potential, poised for an enormous upset victory if it were to happen. And how about Alex Nyquist fighting Joey Baboon? Nyquist finally seems to finding his stride here.
So why the confusion about where everything is going? Because the Class Wars seem poised to create a lot of damage in this federation. I know it's hard to believe. I know some people aren't interested, but the truth is that these are two highly motivated groups. Each one wants all the titles, and each one is willing to go through hell to get them. As the vortex of their craving continues to spin it can only suck the rest of the federation in, in some way or another. As with groups from the past, such as the NWO, lines of good and evil tend to get blurred. H Randolph Scott is clearly working from a noble place, but William Berkowitz seems to be a little more self involved. I don't fault the young man for that, i simply note it.
Slaughter at the Seaport will most likely be an engaging PPV, but I am far more interested in what happens next than in what is happening now. That's how the war drums beat sometimes. As we approach Turkey Tussle and eventually West Side War, I can see many of these confrontations coalescing into exciting and defining moments. For now these are just pieces of a larger puzzle. With no clear picture, I can't even start to put it together.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Blowing Off Some Steam
BLOWING OFF SOME STEAM
by Christian McHausenstern
Stamford, Conn - In a recent conversation with Bobby Heenan, Mr. Heenan was asked did her prefer "The Brain" or "The Weasel". Surprisingly Mr. Heenan replied, "The Weasel". When asked why, he replied "because it was a chance for everyone to have some fun, and it has to come at someone's expense".
Mr. Heenan's interesting insight into his view of the wrestling world, or "the biz" as it once was known in more provincial times, provides clues into the recent gag machine the EWF has become. From the return of beloved Hardcore Hoover, to the surging love/hate relationship with James Powers the EWF, since the very successful Rumble in Trumble, has been downright silly.
When entering the EWF training facilities there is no sense of humor apparent. These men train for five hours a day five to seven days of the week. They are focused, dedicated, and diligent athletes. It is equally hard not to notice the palpable tension inside each different training are. Sitting with Han Zo Mon, who has his own gym known as the Ultimate Dojo, he explained why.
"The key to success in wrestling is focus," Han Zo Mon long time contender for nearly every title, and only holder of the Ultimate Title to date speaks from experience. "The idea is if you aren't prepared mentally and physically something will pass you by. Either you will make mistakes in the ring, which can be unforgiving and dangerous, or you make mistakes in the politics which can be costly to your future opportunities. Essentially you have to be on all the time." This idea of "on" or "on stage" was one I heard over and over again from our competitors.
"The mental strain here is just incredible. You have to understand that we as individuals have families and lives that we have abandoned. Or we cut ourselves off completely from that aspect of life, sacrificing these ideals of contentment for personal glory. None of it coincides with any psychological stability." Dr. Cooman spoke to us from the road, where he is in hot pursuit of William Berkowitz. "The particular situation i find myself in right now is the perfect example of how tough this can be mentally. Philip Berkowitz," a former patient of Dr. Cooman's "has been unable to choose one or the other, this psychic tension creates a dissassociative break from who he truly is". Philip Berkowitz's descent into a more dangerous and psychotic individual has been the discussion of many reporters and scholars over the years. Most recently the New Psychologist Journal of Medicine has published an article called "THE BERKOWITZ SYNDROME" which looks at the connection between perceived breaks from reality and the personalization of outgroup characteristics, is a highly controversial look at the link between personal psychosis and the evocativeness of an environment. Dr. Cooman explains the relevance. "Phil is a great example of how psychic breakdowns are not entirely internal, but instead can be reflections of external triggers. Interestingly it brings us back to Freud, which ultimately posits that very intense traumatic events in formative years of life can cause a person to regress when faced with similar triggers later in life."
According to Dr. Cooman wrestling plays into it because it creates a lifestyle of greater tension and inconsistency. "Lets say you put a bunch of rats into a cage, but only one rat got cheese. All the biggest fastest smartest, perhaps even cruelest rats would be jostling for the cheese. Now lets say you put that cheese on a pedestal. All the rats would run towards that pedestal, but those rats that weren't strong enough would be stepped on to reach the correct height, and eventually the hungry rats that didn't get cheese would eat the weaker ones. Some rats, and we've seen this in research, some would allow themselves to be eaten. They become so overwhelmed that they disconnect from their need to survive."
A rude welcome to the world of wrestling. The truth is tempered by different voices. Dr. Cooman's analytical tone belies his research background, but it was Jonny James who was most layman in regards to understanding these particular pressures. "Look, I know this pressure really well. There is no pressure release valve. It drives men to drink, to do awful things. But here's the thing. It's a hell of a lot of fun. When you're in the ring and you're fighting for that title...well there is nothing like it in the world."
The twinkle in Mr. James' eye and the grin on his face belie the silliness that is beneath the entire industry. Men in tights walk into what is known as a "squared circle" and do everything in there power to lay on top and pin the man across from them. It is ridiculous child like rough housing. The Herbert Hoover's and James Power's of the federation serve to strip away the sanctimony of the business and replace it with old vaudevillian acts of years before. Perhaps wrestling is what some have always called it. A three ring circus; with only one ring. And no elephants.
*
by Christian McHausenstern
Stamford, Conn - In a recent conversation with Bobby Heenan, Mr. Heenan was asked did her prefer "The Brain" or "The Weasel". Surprisingly Mr. Heenan replied, "The Weasel". When asked why, he replied "because it was a chance for everyone to have some fun, and it has to come at someone's expense".
Mr. Heenan's interesting insight into his view of the wrestling world, or "the biz" as it once was known in more provincial times, provides clues into the recent gag machine the EWF has become. From the return of beloved Hardcore Hoover, to the surging love/hate relationship with James Powers the EWF, since the very successful Rumble in Trumble, has been downright silly.
When entering the EWF training facilities there is no sense of humor apparent. These men train for five hours a day five to seven days of the week. They are focused, dedicated, and diligent athletes. It is equally hard not to notice the palpable tension inside each different training are. Sitting with Han Zo Mon, who has his own gym known as the Ultimate Dojo, he explained why.
"The key to success in wrestling is focus," Han Zo Mon long time contender for nearly every title, and only holder of the Ultimate Title to date speaks from experience. "The idea is if you aren't prepared mentally and physically something will pass you by. Either you will make mistakes in the ring, which can be unforgiving and dangerous, or you make mistakes in the politics which can be costly to your future opportunities. Essentially you have to be on all the time." This idea of "on" or "on stage" was one I heard over and over again from our competitors.
"The mental strain here is just incredible. You have to understand that we as individuals have families and lives that we have abandoned. Or we cut ourselves off completely from that aspect of life, sacrificing these ideals of contentment for personal glory. None of it coincides with any psychological stability." Dr. Cooman spoke to us from the road, where he is in hot pursuit of William Berkowitz. "The particular situation i find myself in right now is the perfect example of how tough this can be mentally. Philip Berkowitz," a former patient of Dr. Cooman's "has been unable to choose one or the other, this psychic tension creates a dissassociative break from who he truly is". Philip Berkowitz's descent into a more dangerous and psychotic individual has been the discussion of many reporters and scholars over the years. Most recently the New Psychologist Journal of Medicine has published an article called "THE BERKOWITZ SYNDROME" which looks at the connection between perceived breaks from reality and the personalization of outgroup characteristics, is a highly controversial look at the link between personal psychosis and the evocativeness of an environment. Dr. Cooman explains the relevance. "Phil is a great example of how psychic breakdowns are not entirely internal, but instead can be reflections of external triggers. Interestingly it brings us back to Freud, which ultimately posits that very intense traumatic events in formative years of life can cause a person to regress when faced with similar triggers later in life."
According to Dr. Cooman wrestling plays into it because it creates a lifestyle of greater tension and inconsistency. "Lets say you put a bunch of rats into a cage, but only one rat got cheese. All the biggest fastest smartest, perhaps even cruelest rats would be jostling for the cheese. Now lets say you put that cheese on a pedestal. All the rats would run towards that pedestal, but those rats that weren't strong enough would be stepped on to reach the correct height, and eventually the hungry rats that didn't get cheese would eat the weaker ones. Some rats, and we've seen this in research, some would allow themselves to be eaten. They become so overwhelmed that they disconnect from their need to survive."
A rude welcome to the world of wrestling. The truth is tempered by different voices. Dr. Cooman's analytical tone belies his research background, but it was Jonny James who was most layman in regards to understanding these particular pressures. "Look, I know this pressure really well. There is no pressure release valve. It drives men to drink, to do awful things. But here's the thing. It's a hell of a lot of fun. When you're in the ring and you're fighting for that title...well there is nothing like it in the world."
The twinkle in Mr. James' eye and the grin on his face belie the silliness that is beneath the entire industry. Men in tights walk into what is known as a "squared circle" and do everything in there power to lay on top and pin the man across from them. It is ridiculous child like rough housing. The Herbert Hoover's and James Power's of the federation serve to strip away the sanctimony of the business and replace it with old vaudevillian acts of years before. Perhaps wrestling is what some have always called it. A three ring circus; with only one ring. And no elephants.
*
Friday, September 14, 2007
The Road Ahead
The Road Ahead
Christian "Mayor McCheese" McHausenstern
Trumbull Conn-
The Superstars of EWF Wrestling have arrived in Trumbull and are readily preparing for the enormous event set to take place at BLATT ARENA tomorrow. The card itself is jam packed with action, albeit no actual rumble match. While this is much to Doggman's chagrin it suits this intrepid reporter just fine, as I prefer single and tag matches as defining forces for contendership.
Two of the stars to make the biggest stir upon their arrival were Dr. Frank, the "Iceman" or "Monster", and Ty Chee. Dr. Frank had no comment on the recent offer tendered by William O. Orange. In fact Dr. Frank had no comment on any subject. Ty Chee did respond to reporter's questions with his usual straightforward no nonsense attitude. When asked about his title aspirations Ty Chee responded succinctly. "I will be champion. And it's going to happen sooner than later." Chee was asked how he feels his contest against Philip Berkowitz effects his title hopes, "People are under the impression that my fight with Phil is personal. It isn't personal. My fight with Phil is based solely on the fact that he denied me a title shot. Phil is also a former champion, shortlived maybe, but I intend to press my claim that I should be considered number one contender."
Ty Chee isn't alone. There are a number of superstars who have caught title fever. It's little surprise considering the long term entrenched title reign of David Finn saw little room for victory. Don Edwards was kind enough to give me some perspective when he said "Finn's run left little room for anyone to squeeze in. He was so dominant over that time, that some people didn't even consider a run." With a new champion, unproven, and perhaps a little green, many wrestlers here smell blood, and more important opportunity.
"It isn't enough to want the title shot, you have to earn it. But with a new champion there's less distance between the contender and title holder. A new champion still has something to earn," Ross Robinson spoke to me over a cup of coffee. Robinson will not be participating in the current PPV but I asked him about his future aspirations. "After all that stuff that went down with Preston, I needed a moment to clear my head. I'll tell ya what Chris, don't be surprised if I jump into that title scene."
And so it was from competitor to competitor. Eyes aglow, waist lines light and wanting. So what of the current champion. Obviously pressed for time, and needing to fulfill the demands of so many news outlets Tracey Dix, United States Champion, a kind young man, surprisingly quiet compared to our last champion, responded. "Frankly, I'm gonna fight the fight. I have a lot to prove. This title, the history, the honor. I don't look ahead, you have to win the match in front of you."
A thoughtful and fair comment from a young champion. I hope he'll excuse the many eyes peering down the road that leads to Halloween Havok.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
NEW CHAMP HAS A LOT TO PROVE
NEW CHAMP HAS A LOT TO PROVE
by Christian "Mayor McCheese" McHausenstern
It's been a long time since I unholstered my pad and pen and wrote an actual opinion piece. I've been on the beat friends. I've been on the circuit, covering the stories you love, and the men you love to hate. I'm writing this particular article because I think it's about time we addressed an over-arching truth to the upcoming RUMBLE IN TRUMBLE. Tracey Dix must deliver.
Now far be it for me to challenge the popular point of view, but I am not entirely convinced by Dix yet. We have seen over the years one wrestler dominating another, only to find failure against the field. Certainly Captain America had trouble with very few people, but ask him about his battles with R.D. Iguana (i draw the distinction because of the tenacity I feel that R.D. brought as opposed to Phil). Certainly Tracey has proven he can defeat David Finn. This is no small accomplishment. As the longest reigning EWF United States Heavyweight Champion David Finn beat everyone who came his way. Until Tracey Dix.
I wonder how strange it is for the young man to see a federation where David Finn has taken a leave of absence. A trip to Ireland is how he explained it in a quiet press conference. Going back home. The distance between Finn and Dix is true for both men. Dix is not a fixed point yet. The opponent he was able to defeat for the title is gone, and he can no longer define himself with that victory. This next challenge, against the mentally if not wrestling challenged Billy Berkowitz looms.
This reporter would like to see Tracey Dix win. I do in fact expect Tracey Dix to win, I just believe that the challenge is greater than is being reported. We've had paper champions before, as insulting as that statement might be. We've had more than one. It is my sincere hope that we continue to have champions that hold and honor our sport with their reigns. But hope is hope, and wrestling wrestling. For all the talk about who hung Jekel Vudrag, and Han Zo Mon's involvement or lack thereof, or current MIA status, it is my belief that the title match remains the biggest match on the card. Do we have the beginning of an enobling title reign, one which sustains the slight cockiness and sanctimony of the young man the fans love. Or do we see him falter, dropping the title, falling to obscurity, and praying for "The Foil" David Finn.
Tracey Dix must deliver.
by Christian "Mayor McCheese" McHausenstern
It's been a long time since I unholstered my pad and pen and wrote an actual opinion piece. I've been on the beat friends. I've been on the circuit, covering the stories you love, and the men you love to hate. I'm writing this particular article because I think it's about time we addressed an over-arching truth to the upcoming RUMBLE IN TRUMBLE. Tracey Dix must deliver.
Now far be it for me to challenge the popular point of view, but I am not entirely convinced by Dix yet. We have seen over the years one wrestler dominating another, only to find failure against the field. Certainly Captain America had trouble with very few people, but ask him about his battles with R.D. Iguana (i draw the distinction because of the tenacity I feel that R.D. brought as opposed to Phil). Certainly Tracey has proven he can defeat David Finn. This is no small accomplishment. As the longest reigning EWF United States Heavyweight Champion David Finn beat everyone who came his way. Until Tracey Dix.
I wonder how strange it is for the young man to see a federation where David Finn has taken a leave of absence. A trip to Ireland is how he explained it in a quiet press conference. Going back home. The distance between Finn and Dix is true for both men. Dix is not a fixed point yet. The opponent he was able to defeat for the title is gone, and he can no longer define himself with that victory. This next challenge, against the mentally if not wrestling challenged Billy Berkowitz looms.
This reporter would like to see Tracey Dix win. I do in fact expect Tracey Dix to win, I just believe that the challenge is greater than is being reported. We've had paper champions before, as insulting as that statement might be. We've had more than one. It is my sincere hope that we continue to have champions that hold and honor our sport with their reigns. But hope is hope, and wrestling wrestling. For all the talk about who hung Jekel Vudrag, and Han Zo Mon's involvement or lack thereof, or current MIA status, it is my belief that the title match remains the biggest match on the card. Do we have the beginning of an enobling title reign, one which sustains the slight cockiness and sanctimony of the young man the fans love. Or do we see him falter, dropping the title, falling to obscurity, and praying for "The Foil" David Finn.
Tracey Dix must deliver.
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