The Grappling Times ______

ANDRE BAKER TALKS TO sometimes Peter Szakacs Some may say that THE GRAPPLING TIMES who was a former the golden boy of by Dean Baker: Fresh off Hungarian champion would Hammerlock is Gary Steele, announcing a massive do some coaching, some of someone that went to television deal, opening a the guys training there then America and became the new training centre and were John Hall, John first British (NWA) World bringing through new faces Ritchie, Lenny Hurst, Dave Champion (a into the British Bond, Lee Bronson, Wolf title currently held by Jeff scene Hammerlock from Gladiators, they would Jarrett), Steele also Promoter and the National also invite down various top appeared on a Zero-One Wrestling Alliance European shooters from time to time to pay per view but over the Consultant Andre Baker tune us up a bit, in a nut past year Gary has been took some time out of his shell a painful but suspicious from his absence busy schedule to talk to us. worthwhile experience that “In a nutshell Gary is Before opening strangely enough I look spending a bit of time with Hammerlock Jay back on fondly.” his family, he has been quite ‘Sledgehammer’ Baker was Known as the busy with his commitments a well known name on the sledgehammer for his to Hammerlock, trips to British circuit and on other powerful forearm smashes and America, foreign venues. Like many today, this has not always spending many hours a of his time he got involved at been the case “When I first week working out, on top of a very young age “I began began appearing on shows I all that he holds down a full at The Lions Amateur club had very technical wrestling time job so all in all he has when I was eight years old, I style because that was what spent quite a bit of time wanted to get in to pro I knew best, as I was a away from home so he is wrestling after having been youngster I was normally doing a bit of catching up, to a live event but there used as a babyface so it additionally he will at the were no such facilities fitted in well with that same time get a chance to available at that time, I then scenario, despite the fact re-charge his battery a bit got involved with at 11 that I did not try to model my rather than keep going and years of age which lead me style around anyone as burn himself out. Expect to in to various other martial such I think that having see Gary back in arts, my first proper crack at spent so much time training Hammerlock rings in the not pro wrestling training came with Mike Marino it is to distant future.” when I was fifteen and I was inevitable that my style If you can name a invited up to the Dale Martin would be influenced by Martial Art then there is a promotions gym at Brixton Mike's style.” good chance that Andre is by Peter Szakacs, it was a Since it was not only a belt holder but totally different environment announced the Hammerlock also a trained instructor, to how things are these TV deal has been the most even being able to compete days, you had to fight to get talked about topic on the against Dan Severn when in the business then, one of internet and at shows, but it he was unbeaten and at the the reasons was because at doesn’t look like Andre will time of the fight Andre that time British wrestlers let slip anymore details lasted longer than any could work seven nights a anytime soon “Sorry, I can't previous opponent. “To be week basically make a living tell you anything at this honest I did not get involved from it and so some of them stage, believe I am busting in Martial Arts to benefit were not keen to see new to tell you but I have signed anything I might do in faces coming in to the a legal binding agreement , I business because they were with the people concerned began Judo at an early age concerned that they new that restricts me from doing then when I came into the faces might get work they so at this stage, but would business I had to train in could have had, I spent the like I always say submission wrestling first six months doing Hammerlock never whether I liked it or not, as it nothing but submission announces something it happens I liked it and picked wrestling, getting beaten cant follow up with, so for it up pretty quickly, in fact I black and blue every week, anyone that may have any enjoyed it to the extent that I this was standard procedure doubts about our TV deal I found myself going along to then, once you had done would like to add that firstly I various Martial Arts and your so called don’t care whether you submission wrestling clubs apprenticeship then and believe it of not, this is not all over the place including only then were you let in on because I am being the infamous Wigan gym, anything, I had to lie about arrogant but because it is all hence I spent a lot of time my age to get in so I had to on the level and I really can't training, competing and take the adults treatment, be doing with childish title gaining grades and the main trainer there was tattle from idiots who do not qualifications, however I feel Mike Marino, although have a clue.” that it is good for credibility

Issue 4 1/17 January 2003 The Grappling Times ______when someone decides to program, wrestlers such as name a few they gain knock the business.” Robbie and Flash versatility from wrestling Anyone who has Barker “We will look at different people with seen a Hammerlock show anybody with the required different styles, they get the will know just how hard qualities eg talent, look etc, chance to showcase hitting or ‘stiff’ their work it is not our aim just to themselves and gain a good rate is, many compare it to produce a television reputation, they make great the old All Japan style, programme to showcase or contacts whilst doing so, it “Well firstly different people benefit of Hammerlock or educates them about the have different definitions of the NWA, we intend to many things to do with the stiff, you can work stiff produce a top quality business in and out of the without getting injured if you television production of ring.” know what you are doing, international wrestling, we With the NWA someone being clumsy gets will do what we have too having over 20 members it you injured, the problems and employ whoever we means a lot of networking come when someone who have to in order to achieve has to be done, but Andre does not know what they this.” keeps in contact with as are doing tries to copy you Hammerlock is many of the other promoters and works like you look like also looking to put on more as possible so he can use you are working as opposed shows in Ireland “We have the contacts to the best of to how you are actually already been involved in his advantage. “Obviously I working.” shows in Dublin and Cork as know some members better Hammerlock far back as last November than others but we are on started as a training school including one submission good terms with all of the and turned into a promotion, wrestling tournament, we membership and keep in now it has training schools will be back in Ireland this regular contact, as for the in Kent, Sheffield, Coventry, Saturday with a show in other board members I am Dublin, Cork and Cumbria, Cork.” in touch with them every day meaning that there is plenty On being a at very least.” of talent on the way through member of the NWA Board All Star promotions “Its always good to put new of Directors and what it promote more live wrestling faces on the shows, keeps it means to his work schedule than anyone in the UK, they fresh and interesting for the “More work!” usually promote 5 shows a fans especially when they The hottest thing in week, compared to are mixed in with some Japan at the moment in the Hammerlocks usual 4 a established wrestlers and last few years is PRIDE a month, Andre knows scenarios, fortunately for us fighting Hammerlock is not always our training facility is has promotion that has done considered a full time been and continues to be worked shoot fights, promotion “Despite my very busy and as such we something I suggested to many commitments to have the plenty of new Andre “It is possible, we Hammerlock which are very trainees coming through.” have already run an open time consuming I do have Something that has submission wrestling several other business been talked about on these back in interests.” pages a lot and on the August, also a second While booking internet is the Universal tournament was held in shows, running them and British Heavyweight Title Cork, Ireland.” making sure everything between WAW, All Star, Hammerlock has goes well at venues it is not TWA and FWA, a title that been part of the National the only thing Andre enjoys, then later went on to only Wrestling Alliance for a few the original purpose of appear on TWA shows and years know, this allows Hammerlock is not forgotten become a reason All Star Hammerlock to send “Definitely training, I have and TWA relations where wrestlers to work in the got more into the training strained even more. “No we and Japan, he now than I have for a long were not contacted, but we really wants as many of his time, I pay very close would not have been workers to have attention to the training.” interested because one we international exposure. Hammerlock lost knew at the time it would “Very keen, I have several workers over the only be a matter of time many good contacts past few years to what is before someone fell out with throughout the world now known as FWA, during someone, also it would not including the USA and the last few months their fit in with our NWA situation Japan so it is very easy for booker lost his job as concerning titles.” me to get work abroad for presenter on Talksport Hammerlock is my team, I feel that they presenting a wrestling show also looking at some top benefit in many ways by that got a lot of heat on the independent wrestlers who working abroad, probably internet for only covering might help their television too many to mention but to FWA instead of British

Issue 4 2/17 January 2003 The Grappling Times ______wrestling as a whole. “I maybe similar to how RoH the size difference makes it never listened to it, to be operates or maybe (but hard to move the balls honest the last thing that I doubtfully) a full circle will go around the table and pot the would want to do on a and they will change to old balls. Saturday evening is sit style rounds and rules I am personally listening to a radio show, making the company more expecting the company to however in response to your British in its ring style. Some change its logo and colours, question if people listening of the changes are from not because they need to are expecting a programme direct conversations with but because the re-launch where British wrestling is Television producers, this has been talked about so supposed to be talked about seem to be the most much, it means it will but instead get something intelligent thing to be doing happen. They are also else as you suggest I can at the time, although they talking about a new understand that they would then risk the chance or Commissioner, I don’t know be pissed off about that but putting on shows that they how much the fans are at the same time you can't don’t feel a hundred percent really going to care about really blame Alex Shane for about and shows that really this to be honest, many of using the opportunity to only the television producers the fans that go to FWA promote anything that like. But when you get on shows are there to see the benefits him, lets be honest TV, you get the money. excellent main events they most people in the same A lot of people have usually involving the position would probably do have said that they will have same couple of men with the same, without having a new ring, a 20 x 20 ring. different gimmicks or listened its hard to say but There are many reasons stipulations added. Unless maybe he could have just why we don’t use this rings the new Commissioner is toned it down a bit and in this country, the first someone that is either a made it less obvious. ” being that it means you celebrity or a previous ******************************** have to usually take two wrestler that is extremely THE RE-LAUNCH By Dean rows out from the ringside well known for example if Baker: With 2003 only just area, in this case loosing they could bring in began one of the top FWA a lot of money Billington, Nagasaki or promotions in the country is because they charge a hell Mcmanus then it would aiming to start the year as of a lot for these seats. Also really add a lot to the show the intend to go on. A lot a normal British ring can be and would bring in a whole has been written and will transported in van, a 20 x 20 new generation to FWA continue to be written about ring usually needs a truck or shows that don’t really go. FWA, whether you love lorry, this might not be the Mark Sloan has them or hate them there is end of the world for FWA suggest changing the name no denying that they put out because they don’t put on to Frontier Wrestling, this is an exciting product that will too many shows, but if it a brilliant idea in my eyes, see their wrestlers go and was All Star of TWA who FWA are just letters but give it their all. If you are a tour the financial Frontier Wrestling is well so long time fan then maybe it implications of this would much more, it’s a style, it’s a is not your cup of tea but make it not worth while to show it’s something that that shouldn’t put you off, tour. Also the bigger the could be very special. I don’t because the best ring, the smaller the workers think this will happen international talent from the get, with the UK never though, it means to much UK and abroad can usually having the biggest wrestlers change and would loose the be found in the ring at an in the world our small 15, 16 reputation that FWA FWA show. FWA is or 18 rings have meant that currently has, maybe it planning a re-launch of the we do indeed look like the could be phased out in the company, only a couple of kings of the ring. As for long run but changing it over people know the real reason timing, it is easier to go from night wont and wouldn’t be why but its easy to guess, a smaller ring to a bigger easy. with Alex Shane now in ring but it will then be hard What ever happens control, Hammerlock with for a worker to go back to a they should try and I mean TV and , smaller ring to work for other try to avoid letting people Jodie Fliesch and Jonny shows. The easiest way for down on this. They have a Storm in America so much a none-wrestler to large fan base on the they run the risk of being understand this is to talk internet talking about this as snapped up FWA have about Snooker and Pool. If well as readers of various decided to make some you are a snooker play and publications. changes. then go to play Pool it ******************************** Alex Shane has appears much easier LOOSING WHAT IS REAL stated in his new column on because of the size but if By Douglas Stokes: Going his web site that there will you are a Pool player and to shows and watching be some rule changes, then go and play Snooker tapes, it’s a great love of

Issue 4 3/17 January 2003 The Grappling Times ______mine to watch professional they were an American, get up when John Wayne wrestling. It fills a void left in flying around the ring or had killed them in a my life that cannot be met hitting big move after big Western? The answer is by watching the television or move to pop the fans. none, when you watch meeting friends in the pub. I I’m not going to try wrestling your in a can remember the first time and describe what the ‘Wrestling World’ where I went to a professional British style is in words, it everything is real, you don’t wrestling show, many years would take someone with want that bubble to be burst. ago. I have seen wrestlers the literal ability of William I believe that one come into this business and Shakespeare and the of the reasons that Doug leave it, some in good wrestling knowledge of Williams is so popular in shape and some in not so Jonny Saint. British America right now is good shape. I have seen wrestling is something very because people don’t get to young men wrestling in their different to anywhere else in see that type of wrestling first match turn into the world, while it may anymore, maybe the odd seasoned workers, I have resemble the Japanese wrestler like or also seen promotions come ‘Strong Style’ more than . Other wrestlers and promotions go, I’ve anything else it is still very that have gone other to the seen companies drawing unique. I was watching an states like Jonny Storm and large crowds and then small old tape just last night from Jodie Fliesh seem to wrestle crowds, I have seen the early eighties, I then a style of wrestling that is wrestling promotions turn watched a Wrestlemania very American basing their into laughing stokes, using from two years later directly matches around big spots tributes just to pull in the after it and it was extremely and building up to an extra one or two punters. interesting to see just how exciting finish, they very I am not going to developed the British rarely work on a body part say that the wrestlers in the wrestlers were compared to or use the audience as a ring these days is not as their American co-workers. fourth person in the ring so good as they were, I think The mix of athletic ability, to speak. wrestling changes, styles characters and charismatic It is a shape there come and go but one thing play to the fans was far are not many wrestling that has been going in the more advanced on this side tapes available from when last ten years is the very of the Atlantic and it was British Wrestling was big on unique British style that we easy to see just how television, people wrestle all remember Kent Walton seriously the British fans like the same type of talking about for years and (particularly the older ladies) wrestling they are exposed years. I recently read a were. to. Young wrestlers need to column by the NWA UK With American go back to their routes, Hammerlock regular and wrestling being so exposed thinking they are special head trainer at Midlands in the because they wrestle like Professional Wrestling through SKY TV, it is no Americans is not smart based in Coventry Majik. He wonder that young trainees when every other British noted that we are loosing are going to do the same wrestlers also wrestles like this style, it is hard to moves and try and work the an American. disagree with him. But to same style that they see on ******************************** come from someone that the television. Unfortunately EDITORIAL by Dean trains young wrestlers not enough Wrestling Baker: Welcome to our especially as Hammerlock is Schools teach ‘old school’ fourth edition of the really one of the only links spots or even talk about the Grappling Times, it has we have back to the glory history of British wrestling. been a great pleasure to days. Sure there is Premier British wrestling was so see this newsletter turn into Promotions and recently successful on television a great focal point. There RBW promoted a night of because it was ‘British are many British wrestling traditional wrestling but most Wrestling’ there is no doubt news site as well as a of the wrestlers on them two that the submission based couple of forums and shows are filled with older work ethic as well as stiff newsletters so its nice to more established talent. and more times than not see the Grappling Times get The trouble is that realistic strikes made some attention. in the past a large amount of wrestling look real. When At the end of the Armature wrestlers became people pay their money to previous year we gave you; professional wrestlers, they go to a wrestling event they the readers the decision were trained and they don’t want their intelligence over the future of this wrestled as they were insulted, they want to see newsletter and it was mind taught. I go to wrestling something that will look real, blowing the amount of shows and it appears that even though many people response’s we got. If you most of the young talent will know it is not. How thought that we got a lot would rather wrestle as if many times did the Indians with our Year End Awards

Issue 4 4/17 January 2003 The Grappling Times ______then the amount we got in just like our friends in producers. Whether that our vote was far more, America do. If his happens works or not is really for nearly double. then we may consider another column but you There were both charging again, but that is have to think that FWA pros and cons of both ideas. all in the future and no one really can’t have a long life I am glad that many of our really knows what is going span like this. readers acknowledge the to happen for sure. FWA has become fact that they would like to I just thought I one of the biggest pay money to read what we would take this time to promotions in the country write. If we had been able to explain what was and have done it easily charge to read the happening, I would also like without having to put on a newsletter it would have to ask anyone that runs any large amount of shows. meant that we could have kind of Wrestling web site to FWA has been booked competed with other contact us, we are already through the internet and in publications and added new in some discussions with magazines, there are very writers to the staff as well as some large web sites about few people that follow being able to pay the writers posting our newsletter (or at wrestling in the country that for the hard work they put in. least a link) on their site, haven’t heard of FWA. The problem with asking for hopefully attracting more There shows have that ‘big people to pay for this British wrestling fans and event’ feeling about them newsletter is that we would some from over seas. with each event having a have been under a large Currently two web sites are specific name and many amount of pressure to come allowing us to do this the Americans coming over to up with the goods each and first being Pro Wrestling work on them. But unlike every month. We would Between The Sheets and other promotions they bring have become a product and the second being Wrestling over a different kind of our standards (while already Scene. You can find their American, unlike All Star, very high) would have to be links later on in the The Wrestling Alliance or raised yet again. Remaining newsletter. Thanks for your Hammerlock who bring over free does allow us to spread time DB. former WWE/WCW the word about British ******************************** wrestlers usually in the later wrestling, more people can LIFE SPAN OF FWA? By stages of their career; FWA read this newsletter, Graham Atlas: In a recent brings over the hot young especially younger people interview I read with Alex stars of the independent who may not have the Shane he stated that the scene. Whether they draw means or money to order a wage bill for British Uprising or not there is no doubt that subscription. Also our staff was £6500 with 10% held they put on a great show was very concerned about back for bonus. I don’t know and work very hard in the charging people when our if Alex Shane wants to get ring. newsletter has only been into the Guinness Book of FWA continues to running for a very short time Records but the way he is put out a product very and we don’t want anyone going he will be there soon, similar to that of the World to believe we are money because that has to be a Wrestling Entertainment, it’s hungry. Everyone here record. I can’t say this is the a crash television show; writes because they like to kind of record you really without the television. They and because they like want. defiantly try to live up to the wrestling. However much you production values that WWE This newsletter will try it is hard to ignore the poses. They have one of the remain free for the fact that wrestling is a best looking rings in the considerable future, we just business and it has to make country as well as a well hope that we can add new money. So I wonder to designed set and ring writers to our staff as we are myself, how does FWA barriers, there is no doubt always looking for new make money? The easy they have money to spend. people and fresh new answer would be that they But whose is it? And do they columns. British Wrestling is don’t really want to make make any back? on the wave of something any money from their Many people on big, I am not the only one to shows. You may think this is the internet and within the say that, with many crazy but when you think business claim that FWA wrestlers travelling to the about it, it can make sense. doesn’t run their own shows, United States most months FWA want television, there in fact they sell them to and with Hammerlock is no denying that. If they people. Now there is nothing getting ready to go to can spend as much money unusual about these, they Television there is going to as possible to bring over happen all the time with be lots of news to report on. American workers and put companies like TWA and All If wrestling really does pick on high production shows Star. What happens is a up we may be able to then they might just attract person gives a company a publish a weekly newsletter the attention of television specified amount of money,

Issue 4 5/17 January 2003 The Grappling Times ______for that they get the the set, which was well 20 points, Fliesch had 15 wrestlers, ring, venue and designed, no idea the official but Storm was now injured are able to use the number but there certainly and out of the tournament. companies name. They then was a fair few people there, Flash beat Ulf via do the advertising and a good couple of hundreds, DQ in what can only be promoting of the show. If the although there were a few called a clusterfuck of a show then makes any empty seats dotted around. match with tons of weapons, money then said person Show started with blade jobs, interference and gets the profit. If it looses a short introduction to the ended with Ulf money then they loose Round Robin Tournament, powerbombing the referee. money…but the company 20 points for pin or does not. submission, 15 for count out The final of the The only thing or DQ and 10 points each if Round Robin Tournament about FWA not running their a 20 minute time limit draw. was now AJ Styles and own shows is that they run Jonny Storm beat Doug Williams as Jonny so few shows it would be Doug Williams in the Round Storm was out injured. But unusual to sell them all plus Robin tournament after his before the match could start Alex Shane is now the reverse Huricarana, botched came out the booker and is the one that finish but eventually hit it. match was turned into a decides the line up and AJ Styles beat three way dance because of wrestlers that are being Jody Fleisch after the Styles some strange reason. Jerry used. Clash, brilliant match Lynn won by winning both The company considering this is really just men with a twisting sunset could just have a big backer, an indy show. I guess when flip, they exchanged someone that enjoys you pay Styles to work he finishers and high spots in wrestling, has a very good doesn’t matter where and to this match that was late job and doesn’t really mind who because he put his starting because Pyro set of throwing around a large body on the line in this one. the fire alarm. Jerry Lynn is amount of money if it means Old School, Shane now the Number One that they can put together and Ulf cut a funny promo, contender for Christopher their own company and run and settled the crowd down Daniels FWA their own shows. from the previous match for Championship. The last option, the next one. Been to a couple of and this is where it becomes Duke of Danger, FWA shows now and this hard to believe, the Simmons and Sloan beat was surprisingly good, still company could actually Hade Vansen, Raj Ghosh to much high spots, hype make money? OK I realise and Chris Justice when and expensive tickets. I’ve how strange this sounds, Sloan pinned Justice after a read some other reports and but they do charge a hell of run in, match went on for to it seemed as I was at a a lot for those ringside long. different show than them. tickets, and if they run the Jody Fleisch beat Although give them their company like the RF Tape Jonny Storm via count out dues everyone worked hard company run Ring of after a 720 DDT, not as and the tournament was Honour then they will pay good as some of their other well booked. their wrestlers a percentage matches, but better than ******************************** of all videos sold. This could most of them. Jody gets 15 GARBAGE By Douglas be the reason that they are points. Stokes: When I say now getting their videos After the interval Garbage wrestling I am not professionally filmed and Nikita was guest ring going to start by slagging it edited, or it could be that announcer for the All off. I am just using the word Strong Style Tapes has a title match in which Garbage as a wrestling pretty terrible record when it Zebra Kid beat James Tighe term, maybe just a less than comes to delivering goods in a solid match after a top friendly way to say on time in a good standard. rope elbow drop. Hardcore. I am not against ******************************** Williams beat this sort of wrestling, I GUEST EDITORIAL Fleisch in what started out believe in the right way it SEANSONS BEATINGS to be a mat based match, can be entertaining and REPORT by Samson until it spilled out onto the something different to the Davies: Living only twenty ringside area where they rest of the show. I don’t like minutes away from the brawled in the fans and hit a it when an entire show Broxbourne Civic Hall I high moonsault similar to contains wrestlers barraging decided to attend the last the balcony one at British each other with tables and FWA show of the year Uprising, but maybe slightly chairs, but most of all I don’t ‘Seasons Beatings’. I got higher. When they got back like it when children watch their in time to have a look to the ring Williams win with this sort of wrestling, I think round the various a reverse roll up. Williams, it is one of the main reasons merchandise and check out Styles and Storm now had

Issue 4 6/17 January 2003 The Grappling Times ______kids get into Backyard died a horrible death owing partners in short amounts of wrestling. millions of dollars to the time and there is also a For a long time World Wrestling large amount of professional there was only one place Entertainment and to wrestlers that are practicing that was frequently Acclaim. While it may have homosexuals. Which is promoting hardcore been at one time one of the seldom talked about. wrestling and that was GBH most exciting companies to There is also the wrestling, that is no longer watch, the problem is that high risk of injury due to the the same place when you have to top everything, implements and high spots attending shows, they are with the fans that you are that are involved in wrestling now called AIWF-GB and attracting becoming more these kinds of matches. The put on some completely and more hard to please human body is just not different stuff. Mainly you are creating your own made for being sent through because they found it hard nightmare, being your own tables, being hit by trash to draw amounts of people worst enemy. cans, thrown of ladders and that would allow them to put Also if you look at being killed with chairs. I on them shows, as well as many of their achievements recently read on Icemans the people that did go to they only went onto be web site that he wants to be their shows mostly out of stolen by other more known as the English Mick Stoke-On-Trent were mainstream companies who Foley. Wouldn’t he rather be offended with Iceman firing could expose them to a known for being Iceman. If staples into the head of large viewing audience. you look at the people that people and the large There is also the have got over to these amount of blood. large concern of safety, extreme promotions from It is the companies during the middle of the the UK you will see none of responsibility to make sure 1990’s none of the large them are considered that the fans that will attend companies had any ‘Blade hardcore over here, they are the show know what is Jobs’ during their matches, just highfliers, Zebra Kid, going to happen, many this was because of the risk Fliesch and Storm are all parents will take their young of HIV and AIDS which was just talented high fliers and children to wrestling shows at it’s peak during this time. that interests the Americans because the poster will say ECW went against the grain in XPW and CZW. There ‘Wrestling’ they are not and had blood, by the pints, are plenty of Americans that going to be happy to get they had bloody wrestlers are willing to staple there and see Hardcore brawling in the audience themselves, set themselves wrestling, with blood, and because no other on fire and bleed like a pig, violence and swearing. company did this is stood it isn’t going to make them Either by stating the nature out. But HIV and AIDS have want to fly someone over of the wrestling on posters not gone away, and it from the United Kingdom and/or by restricting the doesn’t look like it ever will when someone round the show to people of a certain in many of our life times. corner is going to do it, so age, maybe between 15-18. The only other industy that I don’t think its a ticket to the This makes it very can think of that risks its states, you have to be really hard to build up a fan base, workers with these two special to get over there. one that would make the deadly disease similar to Only time will tell if company profitable or at that wrestling does is the Garbage wrestling will exist least allow it to survive. I’m pornographic industry. For in the United Kingdom in a not saying it can’t be done, years one of the biggest couple of years time, if used but it is very hard. The sort taboos concerning right then it can be an of people that would be pornography was that interesting and important attracted to this type of American producers didn’t part of the show, it is a wrestling would be the 18- film sex scenes with shame it isn’t used like that 30 age range, that would condoms on risking HIV and more oftern. mean that advertising would AIDS. Although now in ******************************** need to be done in a many states it is required by HERE AND THERE: One of completely different way. law that all ‘actors’ and the greatest British wrestlers Promoters will need to place ‘actress’ have to be tested from the past forty years; posters in pubs, cheap bar every 3 months for such Rollerball Rocco will be at the venue and sexy girls diseases. There are no suck returning to the United on posters as if it was tests done in professional Kingdom in the spring time advertising a lap-dancing wrestling. While wrestlers for the final of the club. don’t have unprotected sex tournament to crown the If you look at the with each other in the ring new Heavy-Middleweight small amount of success they do bleed, they do live Champion after the title was that this style of wrestling on the road; increasing the vacated. Rocco now lives in has had in America you can likelihood that they are to Tenerife…Available just see how hard it is. ECW have several sexual television ratings from the

Issue 4 7/17 January 2003 The Grappling Times ______

British Audience Research 2…Ricky Night celebrated Vanders being part of a Board Ltd for the World his birthday on Christmas professional wrestling Wrestling Entertainment, Eve…Combat Zone Wrstling announcing team are not Friday 29th of November on 28th December: G.Q. won true (thank God)…Ian Sky 1 RAW got 0.19, three-way over Hurricane Freeman has been released Friday 6th December on Sky Kid and Derrick Frasier, from his UFC contract and Sports 2 RAW got Nick Berk b Nosawa, Adam has been in talks with 0.19…Friday 15th of Flash b Z-Barr, Jon Dahmer PRIDE…Professional December on Sky Sports 1 & Irish Drinking Team b Wrestling NOAH offered Raw got a .20 and on Friday Rockin & Greg Jonny Smith a contract, but 29th of November on Sky Matthews, Johnny he decided to stay with All Sports 3 RAW got Kashmere b Ric Blade, Japan even after a large pay 0.17..,WAW hve released won three-way over cut, NOAH then contacted the following for their show Chris Cash and Jodie Doug Williams about on February 15th show from Fleisch (far and away best working a tour but they have the Talk, Norwich: Doug match on the show), Trent shown no other interest in Williams and Flash Barker Acid b to keep him, they do want a British will challenge for the WAW CZW jr. title, Messiah kept Heavyweight wrestler Titles, Jimmy CZW title over though…RBW will have a Ocean and Jonny Storm will and …Ring of show on February 8th at the wrestle in a TLC match and Honor 28th December: CM Notts County Sports Zebra Kid will take on Ricky Punk beat Cabanada, facilities with Knight…XPW results from Special K beat Da Hit Squad and Keith Myatt last night at Viking Hall in and Backseat Boyz, headlinging...NWA (UK) Philadelphia before 400 beat Chris Devine, Quiet Hammerlock tour dates: fans: Chris Hamrick b Shark Storm beat Konnan, Daniels 11/1 Colaiste Choilm Gym, Boy, Danny Doring b Kaos- and Morgan beat SAT, CSC Cork, Ireland, 19/2 Castle DQ, Jerry Lynn and Jonny beat Loc & Devito, Jody Hall, Hertfordshire, 20/2 Storm both won four-way Fleisch beat Red (Terrible), Winter Gardens Margate, over Zebra Kid and Joey beat and Kent, 21/2 Civic Hall, Grays Matthews, Supreme b Altar , American Essex, 22/2 Andover Boy Luke to win King of Dragon, and Leisure Centre, Hampshire, Death match title, Tracy Samoan Joe go to a 45 23/2 East Street Sports Smothers b Angel, M-Dogg minute draw…All Stars Centre, Sittingbourne Kent. & Josh Prohibition b Sensational Spiderman is ******************************** Halloween & Damian to win now known as Sensational ALL BUT GONE? By Dean the XPW tag titles, Spidermask…FWA British Baker: Two good friends b Chris Chetti, Pogo the Uprising will be available on and two good wrestlers can Clown b Sandman, Shane two 90 minute tapes directly be found in Jonny Storm Douglas b Vic from FWA not SST…Alex and Jodie Fliesch, but are Grimes…NWA UK Shane is to fly to Philly next their days together Hammerlock’s Paul Vault year to meat with XPW and numbered? Before appeared on the BBC 1 RoH (Maybe shouldn’t have Christmas Jonny Storm show the Weakest Link on made that common along with Zebra Kid the 27th of December which knowledge, also isn’t XPW wrestled in America for the was a special Body based in LA)…Flash Barker notorious Xtreme Beautiful show, Vault won and go Professional Wrestling the show and £9000…In the together like a pimp to a promotion, a company that top 30 Amazon.co.uk BMW, so look for that to is owned by Rob Black, one Sports, Hobbies and Games happen soon…FWA have of the biggest pornography Books are the following: (6) considered going to a bigger barons in the United States. Its good to be ring for some time know, Black owns a Extreme “King”…sometimes by Jerry main problems are Associates which is the Lawler, (8) WWE Hollywood transport, cost and the parent company of XPW, by Hulk Hogan, workers size and Extreme Associates makes (15) In the Pit with Piper: timing…WAW has a its money selling videos and Roddy gets Rowdy by weekend training camp at DVD’s over the internet and Roddy Piper and Robert the end of in many major stores across Picarello and (20) Bobby the Febuary…Christopher America as well as having a Brain: Wrestling’s Bad Boy Daniels is trying to confirm large members section on Tells all by bookings with FWA before their web site. Extreme and Steve Anderson… In being offered New Japan Associates are one of the the top 100 Amazon.co.uk tours, not an easy job but most explicit film companies PC & Video Games are the that’s what you get when in the world, filming up to following: (50) WWE you put your title on two films a week, some Smackdown Shut Your someone that travels round being branded as ‘snuff’ Mouth on PlayStation the world…Rumours of Will movies and others being

Issue 4 8/17 January 2003 The Grappling Times ______rape fantasy films. Lizzy and RoH, two totally company so he got Borden is the main star for different wrestling someone who could. That Extreme Associates and companies but two wrestling someone was former also the real life wife of Rob companies hat both have WWF/WCW/ECW/NWA Black, starting off her career their fingers on the button wrestler ‘The Franchise’ as an actress she has taken (totally different buttons may . Douglas part in many X rated films I add). Jonny and Jodie had a little bit more respect but is now a producer for the mostly worked with each in the business than Rob company. other on the shows, just like Black, having not being A couple of years they do up and down the taken on by WWE since his back Extreme Associates country for the British WCW contracted had wanted to brand out from promotions. On their return expired not much had been pornography, using its vast to the United Kingdom they heard of him, but now amounts of money to open a had cemented the basics of Douglas had a company of company called Xtreme a relationship with the fans his own and was determined Professional Wrestling, a and had got their names to make it the best. He company that was offering mentioned on the internet brought in the likes of fans hardcore wrestling and in many of the Malice, Jerry Lynn, Vic action with hot girls (most off newsletters. They were Grimes, Juventude, all adult actresses). Rob attempting to do the same Psychosis and others. But Black started running shows as what Doug Williams had they didn’t stop trying to put in Los Angeles with stars done and is still doing to this CZW out of business, they such as Big Dick Dudley day…stand out. Jodie and started a war, one that and then picking up other Jonny are not Doug couldn’t be finished. They people that ECW released. Williams thought, they don’t snapped up four CZW Rob Black booked his necessarily wrestle a British wrestlers over the months promotion with very little style, they have matches as well as one RoH wrestler. knowledge of the wrestling with more spots than 15 They even offered Steve industry, the company was year old about to go out on Corino a £1000 to no-show not about making money, it his first date. But what they a RoH show and do a run-in was about making a do, they do well. and cut a promo on reputation and advertising Fast forward to Douglas. itself and Extreme December and things have XPW saw that RoH Associates. changed. Jodie Fleisch is on had not booked Jonny They didn’t make his way back to RoH now Storm on their December many friends, the the number one 28th show so they called him pornography business independent wrestling up and booked him in a maybe a rough and ready federation in the United match with Jerry Lynn and industry and Rob Black took States, selling tapes by the Zebra Kid. But what does the same approach to hat full and with its new this mean? running his wrestling television show being Jonny Storm is company. Pulling many in a broadcast in and around now one of the few that has long list of stunts which Philadelphia. Other things worked for both XPW and include legitimately invading were different was well, CZW. He does not live in an ECW pay per view, FWA had not got the the United States, so when stealing name after name television deal they had he gets bookings to go over from arch rival CZW, taking hoped for, their number one their he is willing to take out a 3 year lease for Viking competitor and their former them. But could this one Hall (ECW arena) so that home promotion NWA (UK) match for XPW have ruined none of the other companies Hammerlock had got on the his career with CZW and (3PW and CZW) could box, something that had RoH? Both of them promote there as well as been in the works for all to companies are working allegedly filming LA police long. Jonny and Jodie may together now as well as storming the Extreme just have admitted to 3PW, with every Associates office to get out themselves that they were independent wrestler of a police charge and as going to have to make it in wanting to work for RoH I well as allegedly sending the Atlantic, because FWA cannot imagine they are two men to attack a former really wasn’t cutting the going to want to bring in XPW wrestler who was now mustard in the United someone that worked a rival working for CZW. Kingdom like they had XPW show when they have Last summer Jodie hoped. plenty of other fishes in the Fleisch and Jonny Storm XPW was different sea. went to the Unites States for was well, being the XPW are looking to a couple of weeks to try and pornography tycoon that he put on a show in the United make a name for was meant that Rob Black Kingdom, FWA have themselves. They took no longer had the time to contacts in many offices but several bookings with CZW book and run his own it seems strange, even for

Issue 4 9/17 January 2003 The Grappling Times ______them to want to work with overall viewpoint, which XPW mainly because of I would just like to thank all seems to carry an their public relationship with the fans who voted for the overarching passion for a RoH which Alex Shane TWA during the last year, better day for British frequently talks about. If their support has been wrestling, is one with which I XPW put a hsow on in the tremendous as always. wholeheartedly agree. I am United Kingdom there is a Looking ahead into 2003 I going directly to issues #2 good chance that Storm aim to promote regular and 3 now, and expect I will would work the show, but shows as normal throughout find more of the same. what about Fliesch. the UK and have now got Keep up the great work They are very good several contacts in other Tom Ayling (Stampede friends out of the ring, I am parts of the world who have Wrestling) sure that Jonny discussed shown an interest in TWA DB: Even loves us. the matter with Jodie before for the forthcoming new going to the US. They may year. I have followed wrestling for well have gone together and Scott Conway (TWA a long time, although I have spent the week in the US Promoter) never been involved in the over the Christmas period wrestling business I have while they have time off I’ve been reading your always considered myself work. Yet it would be newsletter since it started, an arm chair booker like horrible if Storm had lost a while I don’t live in Great many. After going to a local chance to work for other Britain it is interesting to wrestling show I think it is companies in the USA read who wrestling is doing obvious that many people because he did an XPW in other parts of the world who run shows nowadays show. apart from here in the have no real knowledge of Yet there are states. the wrestling business. The wrestlers that work for XPW Jesse booking on these shows is that work for other not very good to say the companies, the internet Having seen Doug Williams least. There is no built up to makes out that they are one wrestle for Ring of Honor, the main event, there are big cult. Malice works for do you think that there is either to many matches on a other companies such as any chance of WWE picking show or just not enough. NWA TNA so why couldn’t him up anytime soon, as he There are usually to many Storm go to the US again? is a great wrestler. gimmicked matches and to He probably can and will, Duncan many ref bumps. Maybe but it most likely wont be DB: I am sure that the WWE these people running shows with CZW and RoH. is aware of many of the RoH should concentrate on None of this will workers now, but WWE has learning the business a little mean anything in the UK a packed roster and I’m more before digging into anyway, here apart from guessing that there will be their pockets and putting on Hammerlock you work for plenty of releases before a show. everyone and you don’t slag they sign anyone else. Also Thomas. them off on the internet, you the WWE always go on keep that talk for the locker guys looks more than ability ******************************** room or the bar. If anything as history has shown. POLITICAL POWER by it is always good for Dean Baker: Sometimes it wrestlers to go to the United I didn’t have the chance to is hard to just understand States to get more exposure go to any of Jake Roberts the life of a professional and seasoning as well as RSOW shows that he wrestler. This is their living making some helpful recently promoted any news and what the fans and contacts, lets just hope this on further shows? Internet journalists one trip for Jonny didn’t burn Chris sometimes don’t understand a couple of bridges on the DB: Jake drew pretty well and mock is that winning way. Although to make on them shows and is and loosing is an all to things even more expected to promote a few important part for some complicated one week after more in spring time, a people. Not just for their Jonny Storm had appeared couple of names have been egos but for their position in on an XPW show, the Jodie banded about like the Road said company, whether it be Fliesch Vs. Jonny Storm Warriors and others. to make money with match from CZW’s Best of merchandise or just getting the Best show was voted I have just finished reading more money being higher match of the year. the first issue of Grappling up the card for bigger pay ******************************** Times, and had to say I am offs. In this column I am LETTERS: Please keep very impressed. The going to evaluate the ten sending in your letters to articles were well written most powerful men in British [email protected] we (and well edited!) and the Professional Wrestling. read them all.

Issue 4 10/17 January 2003 The Grappling Times ______

(10) DOUG British wrestling circuit for creating the phase WILLIAMS: The breakout many years. His son is now ‘Powerslam mark’. Martin star of British Professional one of the most exciting used to have a close ally in Wrestling in the past years break out stars of 2002 as Andre Baker in the early he has made it his point to well. Knight runs his own 90’s when Hammerlock first not only make a name for promotion and wrestling opened as a training school himself in the United school as well as still wanting to send British Kingdom but cleverly wrestling himself. WAW has wrestlers to the states. booking himself on some of become a promotion that Martin is known for not liking the biggest American not many people have heard anything British and hence Independent shows of the of yet seem to get large his large publicity of FWA. year. Williams can drawing crowds. They Through his words and command top money for his promote regular shows to a actions Martin has made performances after wrestling solid fan base in Norwich as sure that know one who the likes of Jerry Lynn, well as venturing away from picks up his magazine has , AJ the town. Knight has booked heard of All Star in the last Styles and so on. Williams many great matches and five years. Does this really doesn’t restrict himself to brought in some great matter you say? I’m sure it one promotion, he left names on the UK scene, does in some way, shape or Hammerlock several years most shows include the likes form. ago and has gone on to of Williams, Pitbulls, Zebra (5) ALEX SHANE wrestle for nearly everyone kid and Flash Barker. Knight how appropriate we go from that has shows, Premier knows what he wants with Martin to Shane. Now the Promotions, FWA, TWA, All his promotion and is steadily booker for FWA he has Star, WAW and the list goes turning WAW into a come full circle since on. Because he is always at wrestling company you are starting to train at the top of the card he can proud to attend. Hammerlock as a skinny always use his backstage (7) ROBBIE teenager. Now with a great influences to his advantage BROOKSIDE is one of the physical body and whether it be in booking or only wrestlers that was just bottomless pockets he can bringing in over sees talent. coming into his prime when important any and all top US (9) JON RYAN we lost TV many years ago, independent stars, although once a shining star in the now he is an accustomed they might not draw or make Hammerlock ranks he was talent that wrestles for All money they sure do put on half of the reason Star, TWA among others. some flash cards. While Hammerlock went online Brookside has many friends Shane may not have many and impressed a great deal on both sides of the Atlantic, friends back at Hammerlock of people with his outings in Germany and Japan. he has managed to work his the United States. Jon Recently his friend Kendo way into communication suffered a serious knee Ka Shin came over and with head booker for Ring of injury in the ring with Paul Brookside got him some Honor as well as a Vault after going for a bookings around the sometimes odd relationship double axe handle of the top country, hard to argue that with TWA Owner and rope, he had a long wait on he doesn’t have some Promoter Scott Conway. his hands before he could backstage stroke when you Shane now has the chance go under the knife and that have been headlining British to prove how powerful he is was to loose a hair vs. hair wrestling shows for the past by making up for the lost match. The operation wasn’t ten years. Having wrestled ground that was made last a success and doctors for WCW he could have year when FWA lost out on couldn’t find out what was joined the likes of Adams, getting television first, if wrong with his knee. Andre Regal and Taylor if he had Shane sticks to his guns Baker the promoter of NWA really liked but know back and keeps on riding the (UK) Hammerlock decided home wrestling for anyone internet and Fin Martin like he wanted to spend more and everyone that will meet his own personal spindoctor time on the different sides of his price. FWA has a chance of doing Hammerlock and gave Ryan (6) FIN MARTIN something interesting. the book, recently coming gone are the days when (4) CHIC CULLEN back to the ring Jon is wrestling journalists would is now the booker for All known for putting together just comment on the Star Promotions. Having the most structured shows business know they are answered the none existent in the country together single handily changing it. critics he booked talent, evolving through gimmick Martin, best known for being matches and venues for the characters, athletic editor of Powerslam first part of the New matches, gimmick matches magazine has a large Generation Tour which and thrilling main events. reader base and usually ended before Christmas. (8) what he writes, or allows to Gone were the fakes and has been a name on the be written is word. Hence tributes and in where the

Issue 4 11/17 January 2003 The Grappling Times ______

Harts Dungeon trained apart from maybe FWA. Challenge or Weakest Link Canadians, Men dressed as Conway pulled off one of the there are very few television fish and the son the one of political moves of the year producers that don’t know the greatest wrestlers of all when he got All Star, WAW Baker. Everything he has time. While Chic will admit and FWA to recognise a done in the last couple of that he would have liked ‘Universal’ British years has been leading up attendances to have been Heavyweight Championship, to this television deal, now higher he can also boast this got a lot of press in the all he has to do is pull some that he drew more money wrestling magazines and of them NWA strings and and more people to live promoted the TWA show in have some international wrestling than anyone else which the tournament was talent that Vince would be in 2002. While it may take a to be on. What wasn’t proud of. while to get over the past All known at the time was that (1) BRIAN DIXON is number Star problems know they this title was owned by one after a fair bit of are able to put the right foot Conway and he had no thought. Baker has his forward and make a clean desire to have it defended television, but Dixon has his break for it. Chic retired last on WAW, All Star or FWA a company year and seems to have shows instead he just used that continues to put on taken to his knew job like a the publicity some great show after show, night after duck to water, also he will workers and pulled a great night. And while he may not be opening a new training stunt. All Star no longer be at every venue booking acedmy in the near future recognise the title and Dixon the talent he is the one that where he will train not just had Doug Williams loose to is reaping the financial wrestlers from the United Brookside in for a rewards if there are any. Kingdom on a full time basis title belt that was then called Dixon has had a ton of bad but also young workers from the All Star Wrestling British press over the years, but his all over the world. It will be Heavyweight Title. The company is the longest interesting to see what readers of the Grappling running in the United wrestlers he books for the Times also voted TWA their Kingdom and at several second part of the New best promotion of 2002 and points during the late 80’s Generation Tour, if they are there is a letter in this and early 90’s it has been of the same calibre then it newsletter that Conway one of the best wrestling means the first part of the wrote us thanking the fans. companies in the world. He tour was a definite success (2) ANDRE BAKER had TV once, it was in 1988 and they made money, if not how powerful is he? Well he and when he had it, it wasn’t they maybe Chic needs to has a roster of close to 30 that bad. Kendo was back go back to the drawing wrestlers, that he trained, on the box and with a knew board. One thing I do know that he books and only he company, All Star were is that many people who books. Andre also has links giving the fans what they have been to All Star shows to over 20 other NWA wanted instead of what Joint in the last couple of months territories in the World Promotions were giving the have not been disappointed. including Zero-One in fans, or should I say kids. All (3) SCOTT Japan. Andre also has one Star survived the loss of CONWAY another man that thing that every other television and went on to do has enjoyed bringing over promoter would like and that big business in the towns some good US stars most is a television deal. He can around the country, some notably Juventude Guerrera now expose the public to venues being so hot you who lit up many of the TWA which ever of his wrestlers had to buy your ticket on the shows. Conway who runs he wants and push which way out for their next show and promotes TWA has ever wrestlers he wants. in three weeks because if been in the press a fair bit Andre also has training you didn’t it would be sold on the internet due to his schools in Sheffield, out. Brian Dixon floated falling out with Brian Dixon Coventry and Ireland. through the 90’s with and All Star Promotions. He Rumour also has it he will television far behind them, was an announcer, second be opening a new company they set about surviving at and sometimes a wrestler in Ireland or at least help set first using the Holiday for them over the past two one up to make the NWA camps to put on shows that decades but that is all over brand stronger in this part of would always make money, now. Although TWA is not a the world. Hammerlock run because they were ‘paid’ new company it has been plenty of shows, not the shows although usually not going since 1986, most most but defiantly not the really a show just a couple people always thought it least, they get some print in of matches. Then when was owned by Dixon and the magazines behind FWA WWF got hot in the late 90’s was because Dixon was in and seem to always be Dixon got poor and there some financial troubles. getting people on the was way that meanthe was Conway has built up a fan television whether it is going to keep getting the base like no other company Faking It, Scrapheap money in and that was the

Issue 4 12/17 January 2003 The Grappling Times ______tributes. I have wrote before the top, there are also those years earlier than them, and about how revolutionary young men that just want to five years in a wrestling tribute shows were, not only live a dream, not a dream or career can seem like a lot did they mean the wrestlers travelling the world and longer. This can mean men got work but the promoters winning , but as young as 18 injecting could keep putting shows the reality of being a themselves with Steroids. on, although they really professional wrestler and Steroids first have hurt the British working regular shows. It is entered the word of wresting wrestling scene in more often said that the public in the 1960’s in America but ways than they hurt it. What don’t want to pay to watch it took a decade to spread, started off as a UK someone that looks like their in the 1970’s their use was Undertaker and a couple of brother or uncle, it is wide spread as Billy similar looking guys doing phrases like this that don’t Graham started to look like WWF gimmicks became just push young aspiring a body builder instead of a whole WWE tribute shows wrestlers not just into the wrestler. This started pushing away the people gym, but beyond the walls of something off that Is still ripe that had been going to All the gym into a more sinister in America today, with the Star shows for years. Dixon environment. Unlike most WWE roster reading like a also has contacts in nearly other drugs you don’t get whose who of substance every office in the world. Steroids from the man at the use with only a few being When wanted to corner of your street, or from left out. send his son to England to the guy sitting at the bar in When Tom teach him the ropes (it is your local. You get them Billington went to Canada important to note that Flair from your gym or the he was already a tough wanted to send his son to internet. Let me make young man, someone that England and not Japan) he myself clear I am not saying didn’t really need the muscle contacted Dixon and set up that everyone that runs a mass to be a good worker or the tour, where he surprised gym is a drug dealer, that is even a shooter. When he everyone at how not the case and with more arrived in Canada there professional and talented he women and the general were many things different, really is. And within two public as a whole using not only their one fall weeks of returning to gyms they have become a American rules but the America he was back on a much more friendly and attitude to substance use. national television station regulated industry. But in But still during this period with NWA TNA. If Dixon every gym, or every other very little was known about wants something done he gym there is going to be the long term dangers of does it, if he wants you to someone there that might taking steroids. work a show you do it, this walk past while our lifting Today the dangers as well as his long and some weights and say are known about but it complex history in wrestling ‘’want any juice’. It is these doesn’t put people off. In the has made me proclaim him temptations that can start it United Kingdom it is an the most politically powerful all off. illegal offence to supply man in British wrestling. Britain has never Steroids but even some ******************************** had some of the biggest wrestling companies can STEROIDS By Dean bodies, in the past all of our help supply them. It is not Baker: It is easy to say the big men have been big hard to find pictures of word Steroid without really because of their weight not wrestlers when they break understanding what is said. their muscle mass. But that into the business and It is also easy to guess at does not mean that we do compare them to what they the nature of Steroids within not have wrestlers using look now. Not only may they wrestling but more substances to increase their be five stone heavier but importantly British wrestling. workrate in the gym. One their defined muscle and One of the dark secrets of thing I am not going to do is increased injury rate is Professional Wrestling is the name names, second thing I increased. extremely close connection am not going to do is judge It is strange in to Steroids. Maybe not so people, this column is just to many eyes that during the much in Britain but in let people know that it heyday of British wrestling America it is a reality that is happens over here not just on ITV there were very few hard to escape. And like America. Just like it workers with good bodies. many things that have happens in Japan and Unlike in America today crossed the Atlantic in terms to. where many wrestlers would of wrestling and its culture My main concern consider themselves Junior Steroids are one of them. with substance use in British we had some With the price of wrestling is that many of our big lads. This also helps our success being so much, wrestlers are very young. weight system that was many people are going to do Compared to America we inplace here with titles being what ever they can to get to start wrestling around five in the following weight limits:

Issue 4 13/17 January 2003 The Grappling Times ______

Heavyweight, Mid- Steroids. Making this ‘fake’ mistakenly ate a turkey Heavyweight, Light- even more strange sandwich that Bert’s sister Heavyweight, Heavy- every day. had made him. Middleweight, Middleweight ******************************** and Lightweight. ’EASY’ THE BIG DADDY 1966-1972: Shirley took During those days FILM WROTE By Albert some time off to recover the pressure was on a Crabtree: The following is a from injuries he had different aspect of the proposal for a feature film to received when he fell out of business and that of the make the British film bed one night. Shirley used work ethic. It wasn’t as easy industry stand up and smell this time to put on some to get into the business as it the cookies, if you though extra weight ready for a is now, not only was there Billy Elliot, Lock Stock and return to the ring, it was strict but there was The Full Monty were big during this time he wooed a immense respect for the films then wait for this one to young prostitute into being business in many parts of be released. his wife. the athletic world. Instead of telling workers that they Cast Big Daddy Era: Starting in should build themselves up - Charlotte 1974 Shirley came up with (which they did), more time Church the idea to call himself Big was spent on making them Big Daddy (Young) – Rick Daddy after a famous good shooters and workers, Waller underground porn star who it was this reputation of Big Daddy (Old) – John had been using the name tough British wrestlers that Prescott for the past ten years. spread across the world Mrs. Crabtree – Dame Judie During the start of this and still gains a large Drench gimmick Big Daddy got to amount of respect to this Max Crabtree – Lenny be himself, he was nasty day. Henry mean and hated everyone, Now it is different – Hugh he really loved that and Britain looks very Grant character. similar to America, many of Tony St. Claire – David our workers are small and Jason Monster Tag Team: Big young. It is and will be their Greg Dyke – Alan Rickman Daddy found a young decision to use substances, wrestler called Giant with television soon to come Synopsis Haystacks and plucked him there is going to be a race to Childhood: Shirley was born out of the obscurity and get on television and with with both sets of genitals made him a superstar. many good workers out and was treated at a young there it may well be their age for hormone Kendo Nagasaki: Kendo bodies that are the deciding displacement, at the age of was a wrestler with no factor in who gets what. 14 she went under surgery talent, no charisma and no Although the American indy to have her female sexual gimmick. Then one day Big scene today doesn’t have a organs removed, contrary to Daddy decided to make him large amount of substance popular belief the breasts a masked wrestler, Big use apart from those who were removed but the Daddy spent weeks training want to get into WWE. The hormone tablets Shirley was him into a wrestler that UK scene is some what given up until the age of 20 could work a good match smaller though and it is a lot meant that they grew back. and started to feud with him more of a level playing field. up and down the country. It It is important to Schooldays: Shirley had a was shortly after this time note that wrestling is not the hard time at school after her that Big Daddy invented the only place you can find operation and dropped out toaster. Steroids, along with the shortly after, during her obvious of Bodybuilding school days Shirley had a Kids Loved Him: But Big there is also use in Clycling, series of boyfriends and was Daddy was unable to Swimming, Athletics and class president as well as produce any children of his mostly in Rugby League. In being an excellent hockey own due an extremely low the last few years we have player. sperm count that he had seen lots more top names due to him being born with being tested positive for Wrestling: At the age of 20 both sexual organs as a substances, although it is Shirley joined a company child. When Big Daddy always hard to prove where called BWF and turned it turned face he turned they came from due to the from a small time wrestling upside down, he amount of supplements that independent group into a suggested to Max Crabtree professional athletes take. little bit bigger group. In that every wrestler should Although wrestling has to be 1966 Shirley agreed to have their own T-Shirt and the only place that isn’t a leave BWF and fell out with Entrance music. He was the sport where you see Bert Assirate after Shirley Babe Ruth of wrestling.

Issue 4 14/17 January 2003 The Grappling Times ______

been taught. Then not on shows in Scotland, SCW Big Daddy Tag Team believing Andre could train and BCW are both looking Matches: Max Crabtree anyone he set up a at running more shows in decided that because Big company called FWA and 2003. BCW has a three day Daddy was such an paid for it to be run until tour planned in February excellent worker instead of 2008. featuring Doug Williams and just putting him singles SCW has a show booked in matches he would put him in The End: Before his April. tag team matches, tag team untimely death due to heart The first SCW matches were in fact failure, Big Daddy sold his show featured many invented by Big Daddy home so that it could be wrestlers from across the during his time out of the used to build an extension board including NWA (UK) ring in 1969. Big Daddy was to a Cancer Research Hammerlock wrestlers Majik always on the good side, the centre. Big Daddy also and Conscience along with two bad guys would then became the first wrestler to top UK favourites like Andy beat up Big Daddy’s partner climb to the top of Everest Hogg. until he could be tagged in, and just four days before his Scotland is a large then using just one move death Big Daddy invented country and one that can be (shoulder tackle) Big Daddy the Internet and emailed run regularly but most of the was not only able to save with an idea talent on these shows is the day but lower the about a stable called the English. While there are interest rate and stop New World Order. In his will training schools such as the Mortgages rising causing he left a letter to Vince Jnr. BCW one, if Hammerlock people to leave their homes. Talking about an idea for was to go up and do a week someone to be called ‘Stone camp there it would be sure : Big Daddy saw Cold’ and refer to John 3:16, to make a large amount of this young man when he unfortunately Big Daddy money. was just 12 years old and didn’t leave an address for If either BCW or Big Daddy made him a this Vince Jnr. And the letter SCW can be successful it superstar in just a weekend was never delivered. will mean that Scotland a of training him. Rocco ******************************** country that was once rich wanted to go down the gym SCOTTISH MISERY By with wrestlers and and train but Daddy thought Dean Baker: Since the promoters can attempt to it would be a better idea to collapse of British Wrestling return to its former glory. work on some shoulder in the early 1990’s the UK While up and down the tackles. Unfortunately when has been starved of country we now see UK Vs. Rocco went to Brian Dixon’s professional wrestling in USA wrestlers headlining All Star Promotions he many locations. Scotland, shows, many people still forgot everything he was and Ireland mainly. remember the old England taught by Big Daddy. Over the past few Vs. Scotland matches years Irish Whip Wrestling fondly. ITV: When Big Daddy came has drew big shows in ******************************** back to the ring in 1972 it Ireland using many top JON FARRER INTERVIEW: was because ITV were British names as well as Easily one of the most rumoured to be cancelling bringing over more than a recognisable journalists in ITV World of Sport, but handful amount of the UK, Jon has now turned when Big Daddy got back Americans and drew big to promoting and has into the ring, this didn’t shows. brought in many names happen. Big Daddy was still There are also a from the USA to make his wrestling at the end of the couple of Independent GWF shows something to 80’s but when ITV heard groups in Wales, but nothing remember. that he was considering to that has the power to put on Like many Jon retire Greg Dyke (who was regular shows that aren’t found wrestling at an early related to Big Daddy by a using tributes. age, “from about the age of cousin who had got married) Until recently 6 onwards, yes. I first paid Big Daddy a large Scotland was the weak link caught the old WCW show amount of money to carry in the chain with having on ITV on Saturday on, Big Daddy took the nothing but the WWA afternoons with and money but retired anyway coming to Glasgow twice a Vader. I got to interview so he could set-up a year. While this ensures that Sting a few weeks back for children’s hospital. they get a big draw due to about an hour in the flesh, the fact no one else goes so that felt kind of weird!” After TV: Big Daddy gave there it still means that there “I started writing a Andre Baker a large amount are large areas of Scotland column on a website. One of of money to set up a training not getting run. the other columnists left and school and teach wrestlers Now there are two got a job as a producer at the way Big Daddy had companies that are putting CBS SportsLine in America.

Issue 4 15/17 January 2003 The Grappling Times ______

He brought me in as part of Aftermath has a example? Is it going to help the staff of their wrestling Fans Bring The Weapons me sell tickets? Will it help site, WrestleLine.com, at match between Ian Knoxx them sell tickets? There's no that time one of the biggest and Iceman, Jon problem having good wrestling sites online. I was understands the concerns relationships with these 17 at the time! From then, it some parents may have places, as my relationship just snowballed, as I had the taking their kids to his show. with members of CZW over name value and recognition “Sure I do. The weapons will the last year or so proved to to an extent. I got invited to be brought out before the be a good stepping stone for a show, liked it and carried match and, I'm not positive Jonny Storm and Jody on going and helping out. I over this yet, but either me Fleisch getting to America guess that cuts a long story or someone else will come and in turn, Trent coming to short.” down, get on the mic, and the UK. For now, we are Having contacts thoroughly go over with the trying to establish ourselves through writing seems to crowd what's about to as a separate entity. I urge help when booking shows happen. I hope people aren't everyone to at least check but there are others who expecting one of these 100 us out at have not yet been used by light tube death matches or www.2kwrestling.com and GWF who he would like use something, this is just a test see what we're all about. Be “sure - Hogan, Goldberg, and we'll see how it goes.” sure to stop by at the King Savage.. haha. In realistic Like many there is George's Hall, Blackburn on terms we wanted to bring in one match in particular he is February 2nd and see what Low Ki, but he was already looking forward to “without all the fuss is about!!” booked in Japan. That a doubt the ******************************** aside, everyone I wanted on between Jody Fleisch and EDITRS LINKS: Please the show, is on the show”. Trent Acid. Fortunately, the take the time to check out Jon believes he is balcony at this venue is far these great web sites. one of the reasons wrestling too high for any of them to is costs more to attend now jump off of!!” 1stopwrestling.co.uk – great and attributes it to better Unlike others Jon news from Great Britain. shows “I'm not positive over has looked into the future this but I think I started the and has high hopes. Pwbts.com – News from all trend here! The fact is, when “Aftermath on February 2nd around the world. you have higher costs, you in Blackburn has sold very need to recuperate that well, so in the near future Wrestlingscene.com – More back by charging higher we'll be doing more events news than you can shake a prices for the best seats. there. We're not looking to stick at. We've been selling out our leave the North West at the best seats lately, so it goes moment, what's the point? Wrestlingexpress.com – to show that people are Wrestling is all around Can you have to much willing to pay for the England as it is, so we'll stay wrestling news? privilege. It's a fact of life firmly put. I am interested in when you buy tickets to any possibly going to Ireland or Hammerlockwrestling.com – show, the best seats will be Scotland, but we'll have to Thanks to Andre Baker for more expensive than the sit down and see if that's a his interview. nosebleeds.” viable option. The short term He has used Americans in aim is to build towards Britwrestling.co.uk – Home the past, even though they Battle of the Champions 2 at of Union Jack wrestling may not draw “to be honest the end of the year. With newsletter. I couldn't tell you as I've wrestling at a low, we are never done a show without still selling well which is 2kwrestling.com – Home of foreigners. Many people promising. I forsee a rise in GWF. were of the opinion I was off business in and around my rocker by flying in Trent WrestleMania, and when it Wrestlingobserver.com – Acid back in July, but he booms for WWE, it booms Home of Dave Meltzers proved to be one of the for everyone. I guess time Wrestling Observer, top most popular guys there. will tell.” journalist. The Internet is a powerful Although he has tool and short of paying used Americans he doubts AlexShane.com – Can you thousands upon thousands he will start a working imagine FWA without him? for the "big" names, the up relationship with any and coming stars is where American independent ******************************** we've got to look. I don't group “I don't think so. I'm If you would like to send us think it's overly important to not a believer it does news, show reports, bring them in, but it makes anything for business. What interview requests, guest for a better show and that's good would it do for me to editorials, letters or general what counts.” officially work with.. CZW for feedback please write to

Issue 4 16/17 January 2003 The Grappling Times [email protected] Also if you would like to read the past archives of the Grappling Times they are all available on our web site that can be found at www.geocities.com/grapplin gt at this site you can also sign up for our mailing list and you will hear all the latest news regarding the Grappling Times before anyone else. Please note that this publication is considered copyright of the editor and individual writer and no portion of the Grappling Times may be copied or republished without the expressed consent of Dean Baker. Due to this being a free newsletter any reprinting of this publication should be in a non profit form and if payment is received should only be for materials.

Issue 4 17/17 January 2003