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The Grappling Times

MAJIK SPEAKS: Just a few weeks after there. Although one of the best out there today, getting back from America where he got the there were still things he found hard to do chance to impress OVW and WWE officials, during the start of his training. Majik has joined forces with his favourite “Hmmm – that’s a difficult one. I would wrestling publication to talk exclusively about say fluidity of movement within the ring. I’d like his time in wrestling as well as his recent trip to to think some other wrestlers would agree too. America. Learning moves is one thing, but putting them Like many others of his age Majik was into practice in a well structured and smooth first tempted into the ring listening to Kent attack is a different thing altogether.” Walton while watching World of Sport. It would take some time for Majik to “I grew up like most others tuning into now count all of his matches, but he can still World of Sport with my Nan on a Saturday remember the first time the phone rang with a afternoon. I was a bit young to totally booking coming out of it. comprehend the sport, but I loved the action on “Ha ha – only just! I got a call from my screen. As I got older, American wrestling Andre saying they were a man short for a show arrived late at night. My brother would taunt me in Tunbridge, and could I be down there in two that he was allowed to stay up and watch it hours? I jumped in my little Beetle and nearly whilst I wasn’t Eventually, whilst staying round killed the poor thing screaming down the my Nan’s, she relented and we were both motorway at 90. I arrived to the show 15 allowed to stay up to watch the American minutes off starting, at which point I am Wrestling. I remember Ultimate Warrior come informed I was in a three man tournament with running out – the first superstar from across the Kev McCulloch and Jon Ryan! If any of the water I had seen, and I was instantly hooked. readers have seen these two, they know they Looking back, it was a wonderful time for are extremely no nonsense and awesome wrestling for me. I believed absolutely wrestlers. And here was I – the new guy on the everything I saw on the screen; my friends and scene, wet behind the ears. Kev stretched me I would almost come to blows on whether around the ring for about seven minutes, then Ultimate Warrior could beat Hogan, whether took pity on me and slapped on a Texas the Mountie really was Canadian, whether Jake Cloverleaf which I was forced to tap out to. I the Snake was the most man on limped backstage, and ten minutes later was earth…great days!” looking across the ring at a very angry Jon When it became time for Majik to Ryan, which isn’t the prettiest sight! Bear in decide to give it ago there really wasn’t mind that Tunbridge was basically a tiny little anywhere else apart from Hammerlock to learn, room at the back of a huge hall that we were a place where he still is today. performing in – and there must have been “Hammerlock always advertised in maybe 50 people there, ten of whom were wrestling mags so when I made the decision to Tank’s football buddies. Jon and I had a good “have a go” at the sport I so loved, Hammerlock hard wrestling match that eventually broke were the only place for me to go. I knew down into a ringside brawl. I turned to get back nothing about the British scene, and had only in the ring before the count out, and WHAM!!! seen one show since the great fall in the Jon chinned me with an awesome right hook nineties, but the moment I walked in to which sent me crashing into Tank’s buddies. At Hammerlock, their professionalism and this point I could see the whole place crumbling atmosphere kept me there, and still does!” into a mass brawl, so I launched myself forward He started on the same day as his and butted Jon on the cheek to get him off me best friend (Psycho) Steve, someone who is and then laid into hi myself. We exchanged still his close friend and wrestling colleague HARD punches all the way to the back. I today. suffered two black eyes, a cracked cheekbone “Steve is my running buddy through and my jaw wasn’t right for a week, but Tank’s thick and thin. We have our disagreements like buddies went absolutely crazy for both me and anyone else, but I’m always there for him and Jon when we separately went out for the vice versa. We’ve been in some close calls, the rumble at the end! We launched ourselves at two of us, whilst we’ve been touring. At the end each other in the rumble and brawled again, as of the day, I don’t think I could have done it the crowd had now joined Tank’s buddies in without Steve being there – supporting, tearing the house down for the two of us suffering and nursing bruises at the same time leathering each other as hard as we could. as me.” Needless to say I enjoyed every second of it, They say that down in Kent the but I felt like I had been hit by a car for about a Hammerlock gym is nothing to look at and it is fortnight.” what is learnt inside that is important, but Majik There are many wrestlers that find it had something else on his mind the first time hard to go to America and work them at their he stepped through the door. own game, they are not the same as us in the “Good god, these are some big boys!” wrestling department, but after several trips to There are those that can get in the America Majik knows just where to stand. ring and seem to have been taught to wrestle in “I get them to adapt to me. I’m an a previous life, there are then those that really adaptable wrestler, but I wouldn’t expect an just don’t have it, although the heart maybe American wrestler to come over here and

Issue 6 1/12 March 2003 The Grappling Times wrestle British style, so why should I do the challenges, and still hold the title to this day, same? As a British trained wrestler, I consider despite losing it for a while to Paul Vault. I’d be myself representing the style and so show it off interested to see if I am the longest title holder wherever I can. Some people may claim I am in recent times.” one of the more Americanised wrestlers over Like many wrestlers, Majik has had an here, but I would disagree – I’m certainly one of uphill battle to gain weight, it has taken years of the more outlandish vocally, but my wrestling trying, diets and work out regimes but finally style is derived from 100 percent British Majik has made the decision to put on some training.” weight and it is finally working. A couple of years ago Hammerlock “I walked in to the Hammerlock gym at got one of the biggest breaks in recent 9 stone! I’m now 13 stone 5 pounds, once I put wrestling history with the Trans Atlantic the weight back on I lost in the USA. It was Challenge being aired on all but two regions of unbelievably hard, but it was worth all the pain the ITV network, Majik was asked to take part without a doubt. I was in the same boat as a lot in that. of my trainees, and other wrestlers around the “It was a blur. I could not believe that world – I thought I just couldn’t put on weight – Andre had so much faith in me to put me on the it wasn’t my body style. Then I made a decision first terrestrially broadcast Wrestling program in last September to break the cycle and get a decade! I absolutely worked my arse off on some meat on my bones. At this point I was 11 that programme, and suffered for it. It wasn’t to and a half stones. I kid you not – I spent the some people’s tastes, but that’s life. Wrestling next six months getting up at 7am to eat a is like ice cream – there’s a lot of different massive breakfast, protein shakes and pack my flavours. If I offer you rum and raisin and you food for work. Three meals and three protein don’t like it, it doesn’t mean it’s wrong, it just shakes whilst at work, straight into the gym for means it’s not your flavour. I’ve been using this a personally designed training regime then analogy a lot recently for various reasons…” home for some more food, a snack about eight While we may have some of the best o clock and then a protein shake as I get in wrestlers in the world, the Americans seem to bed. And repeat for six months. All the time, have the talkers, but one British wrestler that drinking between four and seven litres of water can use the microphone and really get the fans a day, vitamins at specific points during the into a match is Majik. day, and watching how much CV I did. I kept a “I have always been a big mouthed diary of stuff I did which would scare you! git, quite frankly. Wrestling was just a way for However, I have proved that the cycle can be me to channel that energy I had. If you could broken if you want it enough – and now I’m on be a fly on the wall in my flat, you would find my way to fifteen stone by July hopefully.” me constantly singing and chatting away to Wrestling is a big part of Majik’s life, myself. Wrestling allows me to do that in front when is not in the ring, he is in the gym or of hundreds of people – who wouldn’t love training guys at his Coventry wrestling school that? Hammerlock focussed my talking so it but occasionally he gets to watch some became in the style required to not bore the wrestling himself. crowd silly, and to get a point over, but the mic “As far as WWE is concerned, I’m a has always been mine from the first time Andre big fan of matches. Tight and took a risk and put it in my hand, a decision I’m technically excellent. I used to watch a lot of sure he sometimes regrets!” Ring of Honour, but have recently gone off the There are so many independent style they have developed – too spotty for my promotions popping up all of the time and it liking. Some incredible athletes in there without seems that on most of their shows their first a doubt, particularly Chris Daniels, who is a joy mission is to get all of the titles out as soon as to watch.” they can. Hammerlock didn’t do this, it was Arrogance is a dangerous thing in the years before they decided to put wrestling business, you need someone on your championships on their shows, building up shoulder telling you what you may not be doing wrestlers and relationships with the National so right, it is for that very reason that Majik Wrestling Alliance as well purchasing two studies as much of his action as he can, to extremely attractive title belts, Majik was the improve and help his ability. first and still is the NWA UK Junior “Sadly enough, my favourite tapes to Heavyweight Champion. put on are my own matches so I can rip them “Being 100 percent serious here – that apart and learn from my mistakes.” NWA-UK Junior Heavyweight title meant so There are many workers out there and much to me it knocked me for six. The NWA is many who work for Hammerlock, out of those a world renowned organisation with a history there are many he would still like to work with. longer than any other company on earth. To be “Jon Ryan. Undoubtedly. We only met the first ever UK Junior Heavyweight champion at the very start of my career and we have both wasn’t a dream come true, as I couldn’t even progressed so much since then. Don’t tell him, dream that it would happen. I carry that belt ‘cause he’ll get a big head, but he’s the guy with an awesome amount of pride, and woe that inspires me to improve in the ring.” betides anyone that dares to deny the prestige Unlike some Majik likes to work for and watch that the title represents. I’ve turned away most as much wrestling as possible and is known

Issue 6 2/12 March 2003 The Grappling Times away from the Hammerlock fold, so there are TV programme, I would want a British company even more people that he would like to get into with a British style and a deep roster.” the ring with. Judging from what Gary Steele did in “Here’s a loaded question if I ever saw America a few years ago and what Doug one! Having done SCW last year, I would love Williams seems to be doing every other to ruck with Marco DiFiore in a real high flying weekend in Philly, there really does seem to be contest. Likewise with The Great Scot in a fans of British wrestling in the United States, suplex based battle. If I had to pick one, Majik knows this from his many trips to the however, it would be Robbie Brookside – I’m a states. massive fan of his and think we would have a “I’d like to think that British wrestling great encounter which would really entertain provides a welcome break to the Americans the fans.” from the fad of the time. Whether that be the One of his favourite foreign wrestlers strongstyle or insane high flying, British style he has worked with before, but that doesn’t wrestlers have never tried to be anything stop him wanting to wrestle him again. they’re not. Gary, in my opinion, is one of the “I would love to wrestle best pure wrestler I have ever seen in my life, again, having gained a lot of experience and and there is a lack of them on the other side of strength since we last met. I think David is a the Atlantic.” massively underrated talent. Chris Daniels In a recent interview with The without a doubt. And I would give my left leg to Grappling Times Andre Baker stated his love wrestle Taka Michinoku.” for submission wrestling and his views on its Hammerlock are the member of the importance, but he is not the only one that feels National Wrestling Alliance, which is known at this way. the moment for its weekly pay per view show “I personally think it is the absolute that is run by Jerry and and has most essential part of wrestling. Submission such wrestlers as , AJ Styles, Chris wrestling, kosher style, gives believability to Daniels, Sandman, , D’Lo Brown and bouts when so called “smarts” are trying to pick Ron Killings. But NWA has many affiliates holes in matches. Certainly not all of them, but around the United States as well as having a there are a select few out there that would member in Japan called Zero-One. This would rather sit there with a notebook and their arms be a great use to Majik if he ever wanted to go folded, feeling smug and superior than just to Japan. enjoy the show for what it is. I know that I can “I may well do sooner rather than later take any guy down to the mat if I hit something – I’m in the process of making some contacts right, and make even the biggest, muscle out there through Hammerlock and will see if I bound monster tap like a child with some locks can get some work. I love the Japanese Junior – that is what believability is all about. Heavyweight style, and it would be very Especially as Hammerlock also attract a lot of interesting to see how they take a big mouthed martial artists into the audience who will Brit that can keep up with their submission instantly pick the rubbish out from the genuine style.” stuff.” Sporting his new more revealing tights There are so many training camps in and larger body, they are not the only things the UK that are run by Hammerlock wrestlers, that Majik has changed. there really is going to be a whole new “My style has adapted somewhat. It generation of Hammerlock workers soon, Majik was a conscious decision to leave the knows just how important is it to keep bringing sometimes comedic character behind and get these kids through. taken seriously.” “The next generation, so to speak, is It has been a good couple of years beginning to come through to Hammerlock and since Majik walked into the gym down in Kent there is some immense talent in there. With for the first time and now he has seen many people like Johnny Moss, Jon Ryan, Andre and people come and go. It has been a true rest of the crew there to help them along, evolution in . Hammerlock can only grow and grow at the “They’ve changed a lot, and for the end of the day. If you stagnate in this business, better without a doubt. Andre runs a very tight you’re left behind. New faces means new fans ship now, and the backstage atmosphere is – no point boring people with the same professional and light.” wrestlers night after night.” Hammerlock was chosen from the For the past year and a half Steve and many other companies to put a television show Majik have run Midlands Pro Wrestling the together, but why was Hammerlock chosen Coventry branch of the Hammerlock training over the others, it is a question that many network, something he wanted to do for a people are asking, with so many good wrestling while, it just took time to set up. shows out there. “I won’t even begin to tell you how “Hard to say really – in case you much blood, sweat, stress and money got piled hadn’t noticed, I’m not a TV executive! I could into setting up MPW. And then the real hard harp on about how Hammerlock have a great work started!” array of talent and a good attitude, but I’m And part of that job allows him to bound to say that, aren’t I? If I was making a watch people develop each week, watching

Issue 6 3/12 March 2003 The Grappling Times people grow and do things that they never them with kindness.” – he has defeated many thought they could do before. It is not hard to guys with attitudes by just being super nice to dismiss what joy that could bring. them, and I like this attitude. There were many “It is a side of my character I have other pieces of advice given out, but one which always had. I love to teach people that want to really made me chuckle was from Bradshaw, learn, and seeing some of the guys and girls and you’ve got to imagine this huge man and come through to Hammerlock and hear how his Texas accent saying this “There ain’t well they represented themselves and how nothing wrong with a bit of contact.” He said happy Andre and the boys were about their this with a smile on his face that put the fear of performance, just makes me beam. Steve and I god up the guys that were about to step in the have produced some cracking talent that made ring with him!” the step up, and will continue to do so, which is It was an OVW camp, but it was a a testament to our own training.” direct link into the WWE and something that If you have been anywhere near a many independent wrestlers seemed to forget, computer screen in the last month you will but when he was there, it was hard to ignore know that Majik went over to the World the WWE involvement. Wrestling Entertainments development facility “A lot more than I expected. Tom at for a week long camp, Pritchard trained us from day one till the something that many people were envious of penultimate day, and we were treated like and more were interested in how it cam about. superstars by Tim Ashe, the WWE “Strange story actually. I have always representative who was there to look after us. been an OVW fan. I was just going to go to bed He laid down the law too, and was fair to us all. when I popped to the site as I hadn’t visited for He treated us very well, made sure we were a while and I was a few months behind with happy and didn’t get into too much trouble. tapes. The OVW training camp popped up and Sergeant Slaughter turned up on the I applied there and then, more out of cheek Wednesday and gave us a talk, and he had than anything else. Later on, an email arrived specifically gone to Vince McMahon to ask that had said I had been accepted and my face what he should talk about to us – so you can’t must have been a picture – I was in a daze for get much more involved than that apart form quite some days!” the man himself walking in, can you?” As this was a direct way into the WWE It is something very different from there were few that didn’t want to go to this doing a couple of shows a month to getting the camp, and the attendees included many well shot at a WWE or OVW contract, but when you known independent workers. make the trip half way across the world to get “Wow. Chris Daniels was there before that chance, it must be something that many he had to go on the Thursday due to would kill for. It was an important trip for his commitments in Japan. J.R. Ryder was there career. all week, who then went on to Smackdown to “I made contacts at OVW I couldn’t have a dark match with Nathan Jones. Chris have made anywhere else in the world. I from Tough Enough 1 was there, who I had a stayed up till 3am with just chatting good match with. New York indy guy Vic about life on the road. I taught a Delicious attended, Recon from New Jersey, way out of a rear waistlock he’d been trying to Runs with Thunder, the mighty James Tighe work out for some time. Opportunities like that ,The James, as he came to be known and don’t just spring out of the ground, you have to many more.” work for them, and that’s what I did. I am This wasn’t a holiday and there was a hoping that the UK scene realise that OVW is lot of work to be done, with peoples livelihoods only one step away from WWE, and appreciate on the line, there were also many things that the fact that out of hundreds of applications, it had to be done so the officials could determine was a select few that were picked to attend. It their abilities. wasn’t a money making scheme in any way, “Arrive at 11 or 12, get changed and shape or form – we were there because we then either hit the mat with Nick Dinsmore and were the cream of the applications. Recognition Doug Basham, in the ring with Tom Pritchard, is one thing, but seeing something done about in the promo room with or in the it is another. In the bigger picture, I am still 100 tape room with . Constantly percent NWA-UK and what Andre says goes as watched by the ever eager .” far as I am concerned; Andre is very keen for With some many talented wrestlers all the boys to get more worldwide recognition, there as well as some people that have been in and this is just another help along.” the business for many years, there were plenty With a full time job, family and the of people offering advice. commitment of running a wrestling school, “Three or four statements stood out to some may feel that if he was offered a WWE or me. JR Ryder, in slightly more colourful OVW contract it would be a hard decision to language said “Never miss a good opportunity make, but not for Majik. to shut the **** up.”. After an incident during the “Ask any UK wrestler that question, week concerning one attendee’s big mouth, it and if they’re honest, who wouldn’t jump at the was a good piece of advice! Crash Holly also chance? I’d be a fool not to. They don’t give gave some storming advice by saying “Kill those contracts out for fun, and if they want to

Issue 6 4/12 March 2003 The Grappling Times employ you at that level, there is obviously a feel very privileged and thankful I have been very good reason for it.” taught elements of that side of the business.” There are some that don’t tell their With some magazine journalists friends or people they casually meet about running their own shows, others just plugging wrestling, but there are then others that talk certain companies and some just ignoring about it from dusk till dawn. British wrestling, the role and importance of the “All my friends and family know that British wrestling magazines has often been wrestling is my life and respect that. Some of questioned. them have their noses knocked out of joint “Truthfully? Not as important as they when I can’t be social as I’m training, or on a think they are. Magazines don’t make or break show, or organising something, but they all companies, shows do. I’d love them to cover understand. It started off as a bit of a joke, but more Hammerlock, and things I get up to, but if they all now show great respect and love to see they don’t want the news, then that’s their loss. me and any students that MPW produce The world knows I’ve been to OVW for a WWE wrestling. Even my Mum, who hates seeing me tryout, and has there been any contact? I’m not get hurt, has come to see me twice now.” exactly hard to find.” Being slightly larger now, some may Depending on how much time you think that Hammerlock would want to put Majik spend on the internet, you will find some in the heavyweight title picture, allowing him to genuine fans of the way things are done in this mix it up more with Gary Steele and Jonny country, but you will also find those that are Moss. intend in bashing and criticising the game, for “I hope not to be honest. I am happy little point or reason at all. at Junior Heavyweight level, and have a while “Not much. Fans will talk about to go before I get into the Heavyweight title wrestling wherever – I do it in the pub mostly picture.” and the internet has provided a forum for this. I With FWA bringing over Styles, Lynn don’t think it’s necessarily effected it though. and Low Ki, All Star bringing over Slyk Brown, Not from where I stand anyway.” Jonny Devine and Bison Smith and Majik is one of the few Hammerlock Hammerlock bringing over , Jake guys to work for other people occasionally, it Roberts and previously Sin. They are three was always said that Hammerlock wrestlers are very different groups of people, and whiles may 'exclusive', so how come you work indy dates, be entertaining at the end of the day, it is the it is in interviews like this that rumours can be money that determines whether a show was, or put to rest. was not a success. “Absolute unadulterated myth. I’ve “There is no denying that Americans draw. worked for four different British companies Whether they be legends or the new guys, or besides Hammerlock with Andres blessing.” former WWE wrestlers, a certain crowd With a real understanding for great element will pay and travel to see them. Each technical and hard hitting wrestling, there is no to their own I suppose. Value for money is doubt in who Majik considers the greatest dependent on what you want for your money British wrestler of all time. really – I’ve been in a match with Jake in “Tommy Billington without a shadow Andover where he was in the ring for less than of a doubt” three minutes. You know why? Because we Majik can be found on NWA were being good and making sure he didn’t tag Hammerlock shows as well as various other in! You think I want to face a 6 foot 6 monster? shows, for more information visit hi web site Jon Ryan and I had great fun taking Mendosa which can be found in this months editors links. apart, thankyou. Does that make Jake lazy? **************************************************** Not at all – I’ve seen Jake go twenty minutes ALL STAR ON THE ROCKS: All Star with Johnny Moss. People have expectations Promotions have had a strange road to the and shouldn’t have – pay to see your heroes, present since its creation them many years sure, but don’t demand certain things from ago. While Brian Dixon has stayed the owner them.” and extremely involved in the Mersyside One of the most refreshing aspects of company many wrestlers have come and gone Hammerlock is the structure to the show, they over the years, but over the last decade and a are almost always well booked, this is half there have been few rocks for Dixon more something that many people would be very so than Robbie Brookside and Chic Cullen. keen to learn, a different aspect of the business Brookside has grown up with Dixon in that cannot be learnt watching tapes or going to many ways and is now one of the finest live shows. wrestlers not to be signed by the WWE or “An awesome amount. I am glad you Japan. He has shown his skill all over the world have said that Hammerlock are always well as well being a true professional in and out of booked, because a lot of thought goes into the the ring. Chic has also been a great booking. I’ve involved myself in the booking, ambassador for the game and finally got given and I’ve watched some genius angles being a chance to shine in another aspect before dreamed up. You can’t learn things like that Christmas when he was given the job as All from the other side of the curtain, and even Star Promotions 'Commissioner'. Unlike his on then only when you are allowed to look on. I screen colleagues in America, Cullen was a

Issue 6 5/12 March 2003 The Grappling Times real commissioner, booking talent, venues, the bread and butter of the financial side of a matches and having a large control on the training school. direction that the company took. I am sure the other staff writers at The Chic maintained the aspects of All Grappling Times will join me in wishing Chic Star that we had come to expect, the lengthy the best in his personal and professional future, tours and feel of 'Big Time American Wrestling' I am sure that many stars of tomorrow will be but with a mix of what we really liked to watch born in the IWA. when All Star was being claimed as the best ****************************************************** company in the world in the late 80's. While JONNY STORM THE RISING STAR by there are very few that can match up to Graham Atlas: His stock has risen increasingly Rollerball Rocco and Chic in the last 12 months and his name in America used his prior relationship with the famous is commonplace. His in ring work has also company to bring over began to not only improve, but mature, it looks many young up and comers as well as some like he is going to start to use more of a top freelance workers from the United States, storytelling technique as well as his high risk namely and . It really did and dangerous style of working opponents. look like something you were proud to talk Now working for TWA, All Star, XPW about to your friends and would expect to see and of course FWA, Jonny Storm continues to inches and inches of column space in the be one of the countries top workers and wrestling magazines. But it all ended just too America is waking up to the fact that we have soon. more than to offer. Jonny Storm Recently Chic Cullen resigned from first came to the attention of the Americans his post as Commissioner. He stated that the during his brief tour last summer where he last involvement with the company would be wrestled in and Combat Zone the World Mid-Heavyweight Title tournament Wrestling with Jodie Fleisch. He decided later that for said title that he had previously given on in the year to wrestle for XPW, the company up. This title was going to lead to more work that is ran by and owned by with Stampede and three man board to book adult entertainments manager Rob Black. This the tournament consisted of Rollerball Rocco, decision was criticized in many areas, of and Chic. course working for XPW means that he will no No details have been released to the longer be able to wrestle for CZW and RoH due wrestling media or the internet regarding to the politics involved, but wrestling for XPW Cullen's leaving of All Star, but after many hard also has benefits. years in the business going through the difficult It is well known for being run with times and the near impossible times, it is money as a secondary issue and this means surprising that Chic would go unless it was that when ever he goes over he will always get something increasingly serious, or on the other his money, even when there are not really the hand his actions were thought to be the same fans in attendance to warrant such high and there was no question in the mind of Dixon paycheques. The contacts that he is making in that he could keep him on the payroll. XPW is also a bonus and it is certainly the The 'New Generation' tour was a big series of matches his wrestled against Jerry deal at All Star, half before Christmas and half Lynn in XPW that got him his match in after it, we are currently drawing to the final NWA:TNA a few weeks ago. month of it as Cullen prepares to leave his job, Since he started training with some people might assume that his leaving Hammerlock he has always been able to do would be because of a lack of money being what so many smaller wrestlers want to do and made at the venues, although I don’t sign up aim to do. Because when ever a smaller for this idea due to them drawing over 500 wrestler comes out to the ring they always get people five days a week, which is far more over noticed by the fans, in a way they may not wish the month than any other company in Europe. to be noticed. But as soon as Jonny gets to This was not the case when All Star was work that is all forgotten and he and his style running shows full of tributes, relying on the allows for even casual fans to become involved money they made from selling merchandise to in his matches. children. Recently becoming the first XPW Chic had only recently opened the first European champion, it means the American full time training academy in Great Britain with company is defiant that they wish to use him in his International Wrestling Academy, which will the future and means more top class workers be open 7 days a week 52 weeks a year. While he will be able to wrestle from all over the not being on the road every night will mean that world. he will be able to spend most of his time at the Last year Storm had the chance to gym, it is to be noted that Chic earns a living wrestle many people in the United Kingdom from wrestling and with this type of training such as AJ Styles, and Juventude academy where trainees have to pay up front Gurrerare. The latter who is obviously someone and then over a period of time, it means he can that Storm has based his style about. only take serious trainees, while Hammerlock While Jonny Storm is getting more and FWA can take peoples money for a couple dates and working more shows, it obviously of weeks, these casual trainees can tend to be can increase the risk of him becoming injured.

Issue 6 6/12 March 2003 The Grappling Times

At such a young age, his style can take your Hammerlock, and knew him through the breath away, whatever you feel of ‘high spot’ internet when I was a student, it was there I matches there is no doubt that one day he will experienced my first taste of shoot fighting and end up in a hospital bed, lets just hope that it loved it. From there as well as training at doesn’t come to soon, because he has such a Hammerlock in the pro style I tried to do as great deal of potential that the FWA and every much shooting as possible. I entered various other company that he works for has something no holds barred competitions with the KSBO very special on their books. federation run by Paul Lloyd Davies down in ****************************************************** Nottingham and had some measure of ANDY HOGG INTERVIEW: There are not to success, even coming third in an International many wrestlers that dress in pink and dance to open competition. Sadly its something I have the YMCA after their matches, but Andy Hogg neglected over the past few years, but I do is not your ordinary wrestler, he is - he is Andy have a desire to enter more mixed martial art Hogg. And in this interview we gain and insight and submission tournaments.” into the mind of a man that is a legitimate shoot If you look at the workers who were at fighter and one of the respected wrestlers on Hammerlock when he was there, it reads like a the British circuit. whose who of the wrestling business now. When you grow up watching a true “The training camp I went on was also master in the ring, there is little else you really the first introduction of a few guys to British want to do when you grow up. wrestling, like the Vigilante Johnny Moss, Solid “For me I grew up admiring wrestlers Gold Scott Parker, Scott Future and Mad Dog like Mark Rollerball Rocco who I believe was Macphie. The Main guys training at one of the greatest ever British wrestlers, and Hammerlock at that time were Doug Williams, throughout the world along with Tommy Justin Richards who taught me, Andre Baker, Billington. Fit Finlay, , Skull Johnny Storm, Jody Flesh, New Breed, Jon Murphy, Pat Roach, Alan Kilby all guys who I Ryan, Paul Travell, Made In Sheffield Alan loved watching. American wise big fan of Arn Johnson, and various others, as well as former Anderson, Ted Dibiase Steve Dr Death NWA World Champion Gary Steele.” Williams, young Jeff Jarrett, , Jake The experiences were ones that Andy Roberts and with had wanted to experience since he was just a Michael P.S Hayes being a guy who I still think young lad and when he finally got the chance was a master of his role. “ to experience them, they didn’t let him down. And Andy has taken things from them “A boyhood dream, I had so much fun days and they have made him the person that travelling and training with my good friend Alan he is today. Johnson, the guys in the gym and the “When I am wrestling I try to mix a promotion were fantastic, all the established little of all of these, especially Hayes character, faces were very approachable and great to and add a little of my own.” work with, and being taught by Justin Richards The more you watch good faces and was both an honour and a pleasure I loved it.” good heels the more you want to be one. Also Andy has some claims to fame, not watching people you can call great athletes only does he have the most bazaar gimmick in shows the respect for the business at an early the UK with his homo loving, YMCA dancing, age. pink wearing Pigman character, but he is also “Another of my idols was the one of the few to have ever left Hammerlock on decathlete Daley Thompson who I believe was good terms. the greatest sportsman in the world ever, and “I retired! Seriously I was working lots, always thought he would make a great heel hardly training, lived a long way from Kent and wrestler!” could not share the journeys as I had Known for being a good legitimate previously done with Alan Johnson, where we worker, this was done as a way into the would leave Sheffield at 7am on a sun morning business and has become something he has and get back 1am Monday morning, as I had enjoyed doing ever since. moved to Blackpool a good 8or so hours from “I dreamed of being a pro wrestler Kent, so I pretty much left wrestling for since I was four years old sat on the sofa 12months, and got invited back to wrestle in watching world of sport, but it was never a way Brawl by the booker who would later become of life I could find a way into. Then when I was Mark Priest in the FWA, and never really got at University I decided to do some martial arts the chance to go back to Hammerlock.” figuring that if I could ever get into pro wrestling With his homo antics and it would be a way for me. So I started doing outspokenness at shows, there really is no Kokoshinkai Full contact Karate, Kick Boxing, other Andy Hogg. But surely this cant be an amateur wrestling, tae kwon do, jujitsu, aikido extension of himself. as well as playing rugby, to which I played “I don’t have a gimmick, I don’t need competitive and representative level when I one it’s just me! Seriously, I always thought was a teenager. I also went to the hammerlock had one of the greatest talents training camp as my first way into pro wrestling, in this business from the promo to the wrestling which I was encouraged to do by Dean Ayass style through the outfit so I took a little of who was at the time the for Michael Hayes, mixed a little , a little

Issue 6 7/12 March 2003 The Grappling Times

Arn Anderson and some and every and promotion I have ever injected my own natural speaking and worked with has been fantastic with me, and character ability to create the Biggest Cult in again a pleasure to work with and for.” pro Wrestling, The Pigman Andy Hogg, and With a strong gimmick and good after all pigs are pink!” fundermental wrestling skills there are still Some people that have strong people that Andy would like to work against gimmicks end up falling foul to relying on their and work for. gimmicks instead of doing what brought them “I would love to work for anyone and to the dance, their wrestling abilities. everyone, would love to do more stuff with the “To be honest its a point I have FWA as they are possibly the most mainstream agonised over myself, and I have beaten of the British Indies, would love to work for All myself up many times over thinking that I may Star, Premier, TWA as the regular shows have phoned some performances in so to could be great for me. Basically anywhere I can speak, I believe I have never done that but it is wrestle I would, as I love this sport that much, so easy to mask wrestling by the fact I have so anyone who wants me email me! such a large personality and gimmick out there. [email protected]” I believe that there are people out there who Doug Williams, Gary Steele, Jonny fail to see what a talented wrestler I am and Storm, Jodie Fliesch and others are all how good some of my matches have been due beginging to make names for themselves to my gimmick. I believe I am a very good abroad, but what about the Hogman. wrestler with lots of abilities and skills, likewise “I believe I could cause riots in some some of the matches I have been in whether countries like Puerto Rico, Japan, where the worked old school style, hardcore, new style or wrestling is so much more serious, likewise I more legit have been fantastic matches, as I believe Canada, USA, Europe and Australia am a very adaptable person, and character would love the Pigman too!” wise I can cope and adapt to the situations I It seems that at every shows Andy wrestle in. The gimmick is huge and a lesser does he is usually the most hated heel on the wrestler could hide behind it, but that’s show, so with plent of good faces out there to something I never want to do, going back to work with, Andy has still got a long list of Adrian Street and Michael Hayes they were people he would like to work against. fantastic wrestlers, whose gimmick took them “I would never rule out working with to a higher level rather than blend them in with anyone, I can learn so much from every the crowd. The gimmick grabs people’s wrestler out there, likewise I believe I can have attention but my wrestling ability keeps it. It is great matches with everyone out there, I quite easy to remain level headed with my wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t. you have to gimmick because no matter how larger than life look at the top guys like Robbie Brookside, the gimmick is, one criticism that can never be Doug Williams, Johnny Moss, Gary Steele, levelled at me is that I Andrew James Hogg the Johnny Storm, Jody Fliesh, Majik, Paul Vault, person is that I have an ego, because I don’t. I Flash Barker, and all the other guys out there, will wrestle anyone in any situation, and I can I would love to wrestle everyone and anyone.” win or lose for to me as long as people enjoy There was a rumour that Andy had and the match looks good and all involved look turned down the chance to work with FWA, good. I hope everyone in British Wrestling that seeing that several people that he spent a has met or encountered me feels I am a nice considerable time at Hammerlock with are now guy, because I generally believe I am and try to at FWA, why is he not working FWA shows as be.” well. Andy has been wrestling for many “Well as far as I know its not true! years and there have been many people that would love to know where that rumour came have got in the ring with Andy, but its hard to from, I would love to work for the FWA, one of pick on out that is better than the rest. my big regrets at the moment is that I have “I have enjoyed wrestling everyone I never done anything other than Unknown have ever faced, had great matches with Scott Quantity 2 and a Futureshock for them. So its Parker, mass/Maniac, MTX, GBH, not true, and I would love to work for them, or Eric Canyon in Scotland was a rookie who has maybe at least to know if they would like to use fantastic talent and whom I had a great match me.” with, it was an honour to wrestle C W There was one point of his career that Anderson, likewise Alan kilby, was extremely hard to deal with, something Harrison, and everyone else, I enjoy every that nearly ended his career. second of every minute I have ever been in a “The car crash that I had while on the , and whomever I have been in way to training in Sheffield, that left my friends with has been a pleasure to work with.” Liam and Alex with problems, and myself. A car Considering the time Andy has spent ran into the back of us on the motorway while I in the wrestling business, Andy has escaped was stationary in congestion, and shook us all being tricked, screwed or messed about by any up pretty bad.” promoters in his time. Unfortunately not everyone was fine “No none whatsoever, heard the after that crash and some still aren’t. stories and rumours but never experienced,

Issue 6 8/12 March 2003 The Grappling Times

“Liam unfortunately ended up with a broken past 12 months has made a name for himself in neck, he broke his c7 vertebrae, and coming the Philadelphia area of America wrestling for unto a year later is still having problems, no the ‘Ring of Honor’ promotion. longer in a neck brace, but a long way from “Well, first of all, I hate the term getting back wrestling, and he could have been 'Backyard Wrestling' - it's a term which almost so great, reminded me of a young Ted Dibiase, gives it a 'status' or 'legitimacy'. We all know it's and would and still might be a huge star in kids in their back gardens or 'yards', to coin an British wrestling. Alex suffered rein juries to a American phrase mucking about pretending to couple of dodgy collapsed discs in his back, do pro moves and hitting each other with and a ripped shoulder ligament and tendons. various implements.” Likewise Alex is a phenomenon, he’s a big Doug Williams was a former National muscular guy, tattoos long hair, knows Judo champion before he trained to be a wrestling inside out, and is the biggest star professional wrestler, he knows how hard it British wrestling’s never had, he has the look was learning to take the physical punishment to the knowledge, and is reminiscent of Barry allow him to do what he does safely and to Windham/Dan Spivey/Sid Viscous and again entertain the masses as well. But when you get the accident robbed him of a good year. I children, some as young as 12 going into their myself suffered lower back and neck damage back gardens, setting up a ring using along with whiplash, and it will be another year broomsticks and rope and calling it a wrestling before I am completely physically recovered, so ring it slaps the professional wrestling business the Pigman you see is only about 80% if that as in the face. good as he should be, but what doesn’t kill us NWA (UK) Hammerlock is one of the makes us stronger.” biggest wrestling promotions in the country, But with them deep, dark moments which started of purely as a training school. In they can then be compared to the happier a statement released to the Grappling Times ones, the times when he has been in the ring on the subject it said. and it seems like nothing could be better with “We feel that it is very dangerous, the world. under no circumstances should anyone take “Every time I ever go out to the ring is part in such activity, wrestling trainee's should a highspot. But the opportunity to wrestle only take part training sessions that are fully someone like Alan Kilby who has been in the supervised by adequately qualified and insured business for so long, so well respected, so instructors and coaches. We do not say this to talented and been in with so many gods of this be kill joys because we understand how badly industry, to step in a ring with him was an some people want to wrestle, it is purely a case honour and my pleasure.” of many years experiences having shown us But looking back there is still one that safety has to come first.” moment that shines above the rest, a memory Backyard wrestling comes from that he will take to the grave. America, and as Doug Williams says that is “The day I made my professional where the term came from. Starting as a way to debut in a in Hull city hall, for either relieve energy or to fight it has escalated Hammerlock one wet cold miserable February across America and now into Europe where it night, in a rumble Made in Sheffield Alan has been a frequent trait of teenage British Johnson won, for that was the day I lived my wrestling fans that congregate mostly on the childhood dream, a dream I had since I was internet. four years old, to be a professional wrestler. “I am not hurting anyone, its not like it How many people can ever say they have against the law. It’s just fun” one 15 year old achieved their childhood dreams, so that made told me when I asked him about backyard me very very very proud.” wrestling. Unlike some, Andy lives and loves the In the late 1990’s promotions such as business and always enjoys interacting with the Extreme Championship Wrestling in America fans. made ‘hardcore’ wrestling fashionable, where “If anyone wants to get in touch either weapons were common place and rules were to ask advice, offer advice, offer work, or just few. This violent and often bloody kind of generally have a chat feel free to email me.” wrestling attracted youngsters and made Andy Hogg can be found working as backyard wrestling even more desirable, due to often as he can up and down the country, for the lack of moves done and most matches are more information on him the you can visit his just spent hitting each other with objects. web site which is listed in this months editors The internet has been blamed for the links. rise of backyard wrestling by many people in ****************************************************** the wrestling industry but the truth is that it was BACKYARD WRESTLING: Its not hard to find always there. When you see something on people venting their opinions on this subject television your natural instinct is that you would and it has been written about to many times to like to do something, it is the same emotions get the facts wrong. that may make us play football or sports after Doug Williams is the countries top watching it on the television. professional wrestler. He wrestles most The only problem is, kicking a ball weekends in the United Kingdom and over the around your garden is no where as near as

Issue 6 9/12 March 2003 The Grappling Times dangerous as backyard wrestling is. It was of 'Backyard Football' or 'Backyard Tennis' do always dangerous, even before ‘hardcore’ you?” Doug Williams told us. He has been on wrestling became fashionable. The fist thing many shows and also has concerns that some any wrestler will learn is how to protect his wrestling promoters may put backyard body, this is the same thing that many martial wrestlers on their shows, either so they don’t artists have to learn. For example, if someone have to pay them as much, or just because was to push you, the normal person would turn they cannot find wrestlers in that area of the their body and try to put their hand out to soften country to work the show. the blow, the problem with this is that it is very ‘Any promoter who puts a kid on a easy for wrists and arms to be broken. Also show who's only 'training' was 'being a when you are watching a wrestling match it backyard wrestler' should have his head does not look very smooth. Wrestlers have to examined.’ learn to fall and protect themselves, their arms, There has even been a movie made their back and importantly their head. about Backyard wrestling, although not a very Even in the last two months, two of good one. It was based on a movie that was the top professional wrestlers in America have made on the wrestling business that did very had to take a year of each so they can have well and really helped professional wrestling surgery done on their neck, this is because of gain a great deal of mainstream respect for the the risk wrestling has to that part of the body. firs time called ‘Beyond the Mat’ the backyard It is therefore obvious, that when you version (which had nothing to do with the are rolling around your garden, hitting each before mentioned film) was called The other with chairs and jumping off ladders, Backyard and followed a series of backyard someone will and people have been hurt. wrestlers trying to get themselves killed and It wasn’t to long ago in America that a break into the wrestling business, although young teenager who was charged with most had had either no or very little murdering his younger sister after doing a professional training. ‘’ wrestling move, lead to cries of ‘There is backyard wrestling and there the brutality of backyard wrestling. While this is being a moron. I used to wrestle my mates case really wasn’t backyard wrestling at all and when I was eleven odd, pretending to be B. was merely the mainstream media putting one Brian Blair or , sure. I would and one together and coming up with three it never be stupid enough to think I actually WAS dos show that performing wrestling moves on a wrestler in any way shape or form. We didn’t grass, or unprotected areas can resort in drop each other on our heads, and we certainly paralysing and even death. didn’t hit each other with anything. You want to The internet has allowed more play? Fine, why not? It’s healthy. You want to information to be spread about backyard be a wrestler – get trained, and learn to respect wrestling though. There was one web site the business.’ Says Majik the NWA United called ‘The Backyard Wrestling Link’ this site Kingdom Junior Heavyweight Champion as had columns, interviews, competitions and an well as head coach at the Hammerlock gym in extremely large resource on how to make Coventry. anything from rings to titles and to weapons. It Over the last few years it has been also had an extremely large database of hard to miss that more and more wrestling backyard wrestling web sites, sites were friends schools are opening, and while it has been said or groups of kids calling them self a backyard that some of them are run by people very little wrestling company would post reports of their knowledge about the business, there is no shows as well as images, downloadable movie shortage of places to get changed. It is the clips and even sell their videos to people ignorance and arrogance of the backyard wanting them. wrestlers that believe they are something really One such set of videos has gained a special that annoys most professional cult following on the internet and is infamous wrestlers. Even though most people will accept among the wrestling community. ‘Best of there has never been a good professional Backyard Wrestling 1 + 2’ shows some of the wrestling match to watch. Doug Williams does scariest and craziest stunts done. You have have some advice on getting into the business. children jumping off ladders, being set on fire “If you want to be a pro wrestler follow and jumping through glass. the correct route - get some martial arts training Just like kids like to kick a football then visit one of the many Wrestling Schools around in the garden after school, some like to now running up and down the country”. wrestle around, but you have to learn where to Lets just hope that in the coming draw the line, from play fighting to ‘backyard summer months were the risks of this activity wrestling’, one seems to be something that occurring are high, that we see no series every young boy did when he grew up and one injuries. is something that is filled with dangers and can ****************************************************** lead to some of the most series injuries BRITISH LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT FLASH imaginable. BACK: “I think that the fact it's been given Alan Kilby beats Steve Longan on 16/1/85 some sort of 'status' is more of a problem than anything else. You don't see tapes circulating King Ben wins the title on 25/3/1988

Issue 6 10/12 March 2003 The Grappling Times

judging from the past, we will most likely see Alan Kilby (2) wins the title back in 1988 Flash do well against Freeman but then loose the fight and lay out Freeman to get some heat Skull Murphy wins the title on 25/3/1995 back after the fight. Freeman has a UFC record of 4-2, he Alan Kilby (3) takes the title again during 9/95 made his big break when UFC put a show on in the Albert Hall, although he was the first British Danny Collins wins the title on 2/4/96 fighter to ever entered the octagon the Sunderland bouncer has since been released Alan Kilby (4) during 1/98 from his UFC contract and is looking to fight in Japan for one of the many companies over Ian Wilson wins the title on 10/10/1998 there. He is called the Machine due to his Alan Kilby (5) wins the title during 11/1998 and rigorous training regime and is also known in still holds the title to this day. the British martial arts press for his Vale Tudo ****************************************************** skill and experience. There is no doubt that this FWA GEARS UP FOR THE MACHINE by could make or break the career of Flash Douglas Stokes: When you are putting on Barker, who is looking to work some shows in some of the most exciting shows in the country America later this year, if he can have a win or a couple of times a month, it becomes an even a good program with a former UFC fighter addiction to bringing something exciting each in the UK then his value is going to increase on and every month. You cant always keep the other side of the Atlantic, or in the long term bringing over more Americans to work high the Orient. flying matches with the FWA workers, they ****************************************************** have to continue stories and build new stars. HERE AND THERE: Doug Williams lost to One new star that has on the 27/3 NWA: TNA pay per been trying to build up is Flash Barker. He has view in a dark match…FWA is trying to all the fundamental basics, in that he is a great increase the amount of merchandise that it worker, someone of an international level if sells and making sure that all of it’s main given the opportunity. He has worked all over talents will be represented on the merchandise the country for many years and become table with official FWA goods…Alex Shane won someone of recognisable ability and in recent and then was stripped of the TWA Heavyweight times has been given the gimmick that should Title…Jace of Ace, Doug Williams and James allow him to move into the top bracket of Mason will meet in a three way match for the workers at FWA. vacant British Mid-heavyweight Championship Just like in the ‘real’ world, in wrestling at Worthing Assembly Hall on 14 April…RBW you need to learn from past mistakes and what from Notts County Ground on 22/3: Ross happened in the past. Many times promoters Jordan beat Stixx, UK Pitbulls beat Lynsky, have made stars out of people they have found Vasey and Adnrew, Alan Kilby beat Andy it hard to push to the top, by giving them ‘the Hogg, Jem Brown beat Keith Myatt, Jonny Kidd rub’ either from a mainstream celebrity or beat Scotty Future and Bulk won the someone from the outside who has been used rumble…FWA will have their first nationwide in a hot angle to get the other person over. tour in April called ‘British Breakout Tour’ the Ian Freeman isn’t used to doing much dates are as follows: 19/4 Ware in Herts, 20/4 rubbing, although when you weigh 220lbs and Cleethorpes in Lincs, 21/4 Bolton in Lancs, are Great Britain’s top shoot fighter, most of 25/4 Bolton in Lancs, 26/4 Sudbury in Suffolk, what you do is hitting, kicking and stretching. 27/4 in Portsmoith, Hants and 28/4 in Newport, Flash Baker and the whole of British Walkes. Juvi and Chris Chetti will headline this wrestling is about to witnesses the birth of tour with the other FWA regulars…Five Star something new, there has always been a Flash will make his FWA debut soon…Alex stronger connection in Britain to amateur Shane is desperately trying to cut down on the wrestler than in any other country in the world. amount of swearing on FWA shows…Ring of It looks like Flash Barker and Ian Honor on 22/3 from the Murphy Recreational Freeman will have a series of stand offs and Centre in Philly saw Low Ki beat Jodie Fleisch will then finish their feud in a ‘shoot’ fight, and Doug Williams beat for although we will only have to guess whether the FWA Title as well as the RoH Number 1 this will be a genuine shoot or just a work. It Contenders Trophy…All Star from Olympic would make more sense for the match to be a Theatre in Liverpool on 21/3: Thunder beat work, mainly because although Flash is known Robby Dynamite, beat Mikey for being a tough guy, there is a very small Whiplash, Frank Sloan beat Garry B. Ware, chance that he would be able to last for a Spider Mask beat Iron Duke and Rob serious amount of time with Freeman. Brookside beat P N Neuz by DQ…NWA (UK) If it is a work, it will most likely be in a Hammerlock from Ashford on 15/3: Technico shoot style, Freeman has too much to loose by beat Jon Ryan, Luke LeGrande beat Dave doing a ‘pro’ match, although if he does loose McMillian, Physcho Steve beat Hugh Mungus, the match then he may loose some respect in Tony McMillian beat Mike Mendosa, Tony that manner as well. Common sense and McMillian beat Technico, Tony McMillian beat

Issue 6 11/12 March 2003 The Grappling Times

Luke LeGrande and Tank won the wrestling which seems to be on the up. I just rumble…FWA from Broxbourne Civic Hall on hope that the likes of Doug Williams who I have 15/3: James Tighe beat Hade Vansen, JX beat seen working for Ring of Honor and Gary Zebra Kid, beat Joy Fleisch, Steele from Zero-One can continue to shine Andy Simmonz beat Raj Ghosh, Doug Williams and hopefully can be as good as it once was beat James Tighe. Pal Travell and Scott Parker them many years ago. Toby Dickinson. beat Alex Shane and and Jonny Storm beat Jerry Lynn to become the first Please keep sending your letters to European XPW Champion. [email protected] we read them all and ****************************************************** try and publish as many as we can. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: ****************************************************** EDITORS LINKS: I went to the FWA Crunch 2003 last night and I http://www.majiknwa.co.uk would like to say that James Tighe and Andy http://www.1stopwrestling.co.uk Simmons are two of the hottest young wrestlers http://www.hammerlockwrestling.co.uk in the UK, more time should be spent by FWA http://www.doug-williams.co.uk moving these guys up the , usually most http://www.thepigman.veryfunny.co.uk FWA shows are pretty similar, but with these http://www.alexshane.co.uk two and a couple of others that they have, http://www.pwbts.com could get more people interested in FWA. Paul http://www.wrestlingscene.com Cook http://www.wrestlingxpress.com ****************************************************** Why have we heard nothing more about the If you would like to send us news, show television deal? Simon Snow. reports, interview requests, guest editorials, DB: I assume you mean the Hammerlock letters or general feedback please write to one, a lot of work is being done on it, things [email protected] just don’t happen over night. Also if you would like to read the past archives of the Grappling Times they are all What happened to the Dirtbike Kid? Craig available on our web site that can be found at Pitters. http://www.geocities.com/grapplingt at this site DB: I am told that he had an attitude you can also sign up for our mailing list and you problem and just fell out with promoters. will hear all the latest news regarding the Grappling Times before anyone else. How come Robbie Brookside doesn’t work in Please note that this publication is America, like Doug Williams does? Martin considered copyright of the editor and McGloe. individual writer and no portion of the Grappling DB: He has worked in America in the past Times may be copied or republished without and I am sure that if he waned to he could the expressed consent of Dean Baker. Due to get plenty of work there, he does though this being a free newsletter any reprinting of work 7 days a week in the UK and it is this publication should be in a non profit form finding a time in his schedule to work and if payment is received should only be for overseas. materials.

I saw a poster advertising the American Dragon on some All Star shows near me, is this just someone wrestling under that name, or is it the Ring of Honor star? John Clough. DB: Yes it is the same guy, who is currently working in Japan.

I followed wrestling for many years in my teens, I used to love watching Rollerball, Finlay, Nagasaki, Clive Myers and others do battle each and every week. Then when I finished university the British scene was coming to what everyone thought was end. I now live in Seattle and have done for the past 7 years, it means that I can follow wrestling, albeit American. I have been to the UK on many occasions since I have lived here to visit my parents and once or twice had the chance to watch some live wrestling and I have to say that it made me very sad to watch Power Rangers and Clowns wrestle for kids. I know have a young child of my own, and after discovering your web site and a series of others I am getting back into British

Issue 6 12/12 March 2003