TRYING TO PUT IT ALL IN PERSPECTIVE. You just never know...

TRYING TO PUT IT ALL IN PERSPECTIVE. You just never know...

Wow.  I really did it now...


All I planned to do was go to Mt. Carmel and Waynesboro, do a camp, come home, write a blog, get caught up and do it all over again.  Things don't always work out the way we plan them.  Come to think of it, very rarely has anything turned out the way I planned.

I wrote a blog after my experience at a camp I did for promising hopefuls looking for direction or wanting to learn and given proper instruction.  At least I was under the impression they came to learn something they might not know or could use when they went back to from where they came.
I named names. I responded to comments and emails.  I heard everything from "thank you for exposing these hacks" to "that was a bit strong, you don't know what you're talking about, you're a racist, bitter, angry, has been, that is smearing three upstanding people through the mud for no reason." I won't rehash the blog.  You can read it yourself and make your own call.


After a couple days Tyger Smith emailed me and asked if we could speak.  At least he wanted to get to the heart of the matter and straighten out any "misunderstandings" or mis-perceptions about what happened or was said over the weekend. I can appreciate that.  Nobody else contacted me wanting to clear the air. I will tell you I talked personally with Tyger Smith and in the course of our conversation I told him the way to make things different and better for everyone in that area was to actually make things different and change things in that area!  Lead by example.  Prove and show people that you really do want to make a difference and you have passion for professional wrestling.  Change the perception of what is out there right now.  Because I got so many emails and hits on this blog alone it was mind boggling.  95% were thanking me and relaying their experiences with the guys I mentioned, but there was a small contingent of supporters that took me to task for what I wrote. 

I was prepared to take the heat.  I was prepared to be bombarded.  I got over 8,000 hits from Tuesday night to Friday morning.  I don't know if that's good or bad but it was definitely a hot topic for a lot of people.  I was called unfair, bitter, out of touch, angry, jealous and a few things I really can't print.  And I did answer some in the comments section. I emailed some back.  The blog did evoke emotion and passion from a lot of people.  I had a feeling it would.


Some thought I was too harsh.  Naming names, responding to trolls, "arguing" or even answering baseless comments.  Others said I didn't go far enough.  You can't (and never will) please everybody.  I stopped trying to please everybody a long time ago.  I've said it many times, "Show me a man who never had heat in this business and I'll show you a man who's never been in this business."  I put it out there, attached MY name to it and I better be able to take as well as give....


Independent wrestling is in pretty bad shape for the most part across the country.  I would hope it gets better and that I helped shine a light on some of the scammers out there but I know better.

I would like to think if someone gives me their word, they will follow through.  But again, I know better.  I believe in second and even third chances.  I think Tyger Smith genuinely reached out to straighten things out from his end and only time will tell.  As I said, this problem is not exclusive to Rochester, Buffalo or New York state.  There is an infestation of so called "rasslers" all over the country that don't have a clue and the only way they should be let into a wrestling event is through the front door, buying a ticket!

There should be a way to tell the difference between  a good school  from a bad school, good trainer from bad trainer, but there's really not.  Until you train at a school or with someone for at least three months, you can't tell what you're going to get.

This week did make me somewhat introspective on the wrestling business from starting as a kid to the business it's grown into.

When I first started I just wanted to be a wrestler.  Now, it seems everybody wants to be a celebrity and be on TV.  I would go to building where the toilet was in the middle of the dressing room.  No stall or walls around it.  Just a toilet in the middle of a small, cramped dressing room.  Some buildings and towns were nicer than others but for the most part, it was show up, wrestle and go home or the next town 7 days a week.  And yes, in Louisiana, we worked  twice on Saturday and Sunday as well.  That system no longer exists.

Vince McMahon took wrestling out of the "dark ages" and made it possible for everyone to make a bigger and better living.  He called it what it was..."entertainment."

Professional wrestling has always been about entertainment but you had the tough guy veterans, shooters, hookers and con men during that time as well, who would defend it to their death if you claimed it was anything but a true, legitimate sport or contest! The only difference is the world wasn't as connected as it is now.  That's good and bad in my opinion.



Muhamid Farouk AKA The Iron Sheik 1978

Two incidents immediately came to mind.  I was slapped by The Iron Sheik during training and Les Thorton after a match in Fort Worth, TX.  I screwed up and potatoed Sheik and he slapped me down.  I worked with Les in one of my first matches and was nervous as hell and screwed up the match.  He came back to the dressing room and in showing me how to take his arm, he slapped the hell out of me I think partly as a receipt and partly because he was angry he was booked with a young, green punk!

My trainer/Coach Iron Sheik, 1977

I had my debut singles match against Les Thorton in my hometown of Houston, TX.  I'd been wrestling a couple months and Paul Boesch didn't want to book me too soon before heading to the west coast.  Les Thorton was campaigning for a run with the NWA Jr. Heavyweight Championship and was in no mood to be in the opening match in Houston against a kid who had been the promoter's assistant (gofer) and have to go 15 minutes with him to boot!

Me VS. Les Thorton, Houston 1980

I was nervous beyond belief and between that, Les' English accent and my inexperience, it was the longest 15 minutes of my life!  Les picked me apart in the dressing room after the match for a good 45 minutes!  I wanted to be a wrestler my whole life and now here I was, going 15 minutes with the next World Jr. Heavyweight champion in my home town and he's ripping everything I did apart in front of the entire locker room!  He showed me the correct way to reverse a hold, when to relax, how to slow down, stressing TIMING was everything and there were a lot of four letter words uttered with telling frustration!


Danny McShain looks on as Les is begging me to relax!

Sure, I had trained with the Iron Sheik and Nick Kozak.  Sure, I worked with Les in Fort Worth and he had been over my mistakes before and I should have learned then.  But I was green as grass and even though I'd trained, worked out and watched my whole life, I had a long way to go.  That's why it was advised if you wanted to get better and learn how to wrestle and learn the business of professional wrestling, you had to be willing to travel to different territories where you would learn different styles, work with different people and learn how to make a living on the road.



Wonder why Al was so mad all the time?

When I went to California I was put in a tag team with Al Madril.  Al was ten years older than me and I watched him when he worked in Texas and won the NWA Jr. Heavyweight Championship from Nelson Royal.  But my god!  What a miserable guy!  I couldn't understand how he could be in such a bad mood ALL the time!  We were the America's tag team champions for goodness sake.....What a mark, what an IDIOT I was!!!  Now I understand a little more about why Al was the way he was.

Houston Wrestling Office 1978

I was so fortunate to be able to sit ringside and be Paul Boesch's assistant on Friday nights to watch, listen and learn the business up close and personal.  Working in the wrestling office was an invaluable experience as I learned everything from answering the phone to selling tickets. 

In Texas at that time they had official "seconds" who accompanied the wrestlers to and from the ring and took the jackets to the back.  I was able to referee and learn and listen in the ring. 

Paul & I ringside

That learning process doesn't exist today.  It's not the young guy's fault.  The business has changed and continues to evolve.  The problem is there are so many people out there who want to wrestle and be on TV so they can buy a ring, have a belt made, open their own company and run shows.  They watch and try to mimic what they see on TV without knowing or understanding the reason or key to what's happening.  Therefore, we find the state of independent wrestling today filled with guys just "playing rassler" with no idea how or where to go to get better.


Jack Brisco's second 1976



Paul's assistant 1977

There are some good trainers out there.  But you have to search and then investigate.  Don't just "settle" for something because it's close or convenient if you believe in yourself.  But you must be honest with yourself too.  The odds are against you making it to developmental, much less a major company. 
Professional wrestling is the entertainment business. It can be a self centered, cut throat, heart breaking, vicious, dog-eat-dog BUSINESS.  Where do you fit in?  Why would anyone pay to watch you perform?

To get better you have to find someone who's better than you and knows more.  There's a small minority of people out there that understand how to teach the basics and fundamentals.  But they are out there.  If you can't seek them out, then you will stay where you're at.  If you keep doing what you're doing, you're going to keep getting what you're getting!

I've been accused of having a "negative attitude."  If trying to save you from driving your car (or company) off a cliff is having a "negative attitude" then I'm guilty.

To paraphrase former president Clinton; "It depends on what your definition of "negative" is."  Did I take pictures and posters off the wall and sling them to illustrate a point and demonstrate how absurd it is when someone wants to rip down a list of rules that have been up for years without asking why they're up, I'm guilty!  But everyone (OK, not everyone) but the majority of people there knew what I was doing; I was "performing" absurdity!  It was a work and those that didn't get it, never will. 

But I will stand by my record of how I taught, mentored and helped anybody I trained in FCW or any place else I held a camp.  Every coach has his style.  Bobby Knight threw chairs... Was HE negative or passionate?  I know we had a winning team while I coached and trained at FCW.  When someone comes in and doesn't have a clue about what I do or how the business works on a training level and tries to tell me how it needs to be run, I will do the best I can to follow through with their direction.  That's one reason I am so passionate about people who get in this business being trained properly and not abused or taken advantage of. 

So, if exposing con men, cowards and people who have no idea what they're doing is negative, I'm negative.  If caring and teaching how absurd something is by demonstrating the absurdity of it all, I'm negative.  But I've been around long enough to read the signs and see the writing on the wall.  Independent wrestling is in big trouble and has been for a long time!

This is a dying art.  And I can only imagine what it will look like in five years. I am not a negative person!  I believe in positivity. I think it's a positive thing if just one coward hung up his boots and tights this week due to my blog.  That's one less idiot anybody has to worry about getting hurt by.

Now, I hope we can all move on...

It's been a helluva week.  In addition to stirring up the Independent scene up north and getting the most hits ever so far on my blog, an event happened that put things into perspective.

Dutch Mantell

I've known Dutch Mantell and wife Cathy close to 30 years.  I knew their daughter Amanda as a little girl.  Dutch, John Layfield (JBL) and I travelled together when we were all in WWE and usually "heeled" a room together.  I met Dutch during my first run in Memphis in the early '80s. He was a great story teller and trips were never boring.

Amelia Keown

On Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 14) Dutch's 16 year old granddaughter, Amelia Keown was hit head on by a man speeding trying to run from a state trooper.  She was killed instantly.  I heard the other driver lingered in critical condition before he passed away around 1AM.

In an instant, Dutch and his family's lives changed forever.  All the wrestling, indy crap and out and out BS that happens in this business means absolutely nothing in the end.  It comes down to what's most important to you.  And I can't imagine the sadness and grief Dutch and his family are experiencing at this time. 

What do you say?  How do you reach out?  I don't know.  But I sent an email just to let them know I didn't know what to say but I'm here if they need to vent, scream, cry or talk.  Kind of made me think about all the times on the road and all I worried about was getting to the town and wrestling.  It could have been my daughter.  I don't know how I would handle it.

There are a lot of people who love and support Dutch, Cathy, Amanda and Amelia's little sister.  There are some trying to help with donations and trying to put together a benefit show.  If you want to help and have a paypal account you can send donations to dirtydutchmantell@gmail.com.


General Skandar Akbar

I also realized that two years ago on Aug. 19 we lost two other respected members of the wrestling community.  I worked my first match in the Dallas Sportatorium against General Skandar Akbar.  He passed away at age 75.  The General was a good, kind man and explained what I did in a calmer manner than Les Thorton!  I think you would be hard pressed to find any negative comments from anyone in the business about Ak.

Ted Allen

I worked with Ted Allen many times.  He was getting ready to make a town to wrestle and was found not breathing on his bed after getting out of the shower. Ted was a solid worker and a great guy.  He helped Arn Anderson early in his career and has helped a lot of the young guys when he was around.  His most recent protege is a kid named Kyle Matthews who wrestles everywhere he can and goes to Japan for Noah thanks to Ted's recommendation.  Ted was also a partner of Danny Davis in the original incarnation of The Nightmares.  He was talented and while he traveled extensively down south, Ted was happy being home around Georgia.  He was 54. 

I turned 53 Aug. 18.

Chris Candido, NWA Champ 1995

Hated the gimmick. Loved Chris.

One death affected me more than others was Chris Candido.  At 33 years old, Chris wrestled a tag match for TNA at Lockdown in 2005. He broke his ankle on a freak bump from a drop kick.  Four days later, he passed away from a blood clot.  He flew from Orlando to New Jersey and apparently the altitude is what caused it.  On April 28 I got a call from Tommy Dreamer telling me Chris had died.  I was in shock.  I had just talked to him Monday afternoon and he was on his way to the doctor and was going to call me when he got out.  That was the last time I spoke to Chris.  I cried for days and still think about him.  He grew up in the business.  His grandfather was Chuck "Popeye" Richards and Chris was incredibly talented.  While I hated the Body Donna gimmick, I loved working with Chris.  He was smart and made an insufferable gimmick a little more bearable.

After causing such a stir in some places last week and the events that happened, I got to thinking.

I wish there was a way to help make things better in the business.  That was my goal when I wrote my blog.  Believe it or not. By exposing those that need exposing, maybe that will change just a bit.

Dutch Mantell and his family suffered a tragedy I wouldn't wish on anybody.  It shows how fragile life is and how much your last words mean something.  And none of us know exactly  when we will utter our "last words." 

I wrote what I wrote and I'm passionate about the subject of con men, cowards and bullies.

I'm also aware that wrestling isn't the most important thing in the world when it comes right down to it.  I've met some good people in this business. And it hurts when they are hurting. 

I hope there is some change in Rochester and Buffalo.  Time will tell. I went on a rant and I stand by it until I'm shown it's no longer the way I described.  I know I affected some people because I got emails and comments and more pageviews than ever. If what I wrote makes a difference, great.  I'm not so naive to think I will change the world.  But getting rid of just one cancer is a good start!

At the same time, while trying to think of what to write about next, tragedy struck a good friend of mine.  I can't say I know exactly how he feels.  I hope I never have to find out.  After all is said and done, it's just wrestling.  Entertainment.  Have fun with it, enjoy yourself and be safe. Protect you and your opponent.  But don't take yourself too seriously.  It could all be over in an instant.

I am going to attempt to keep things in perspective going forward.  I've been extremely fortunate and really do want to help.  But right now, all I can think about is Dutch, Cathy and their family.  There is nothing I can write or say to bring Amelia back. But I will be there if Dutch or Cathy need anything. They are in my thoughts and prayers. 

Thanks for reading.

BOGUS WRESTLING SCHOOLS AND CON MEN; TYGER SMITH, SHAWN COOPER AND RIK MATRIX, AKA MATT HENRIE

I want to say right off the bat, I don't know everything. I'm sure there are better trainers than me out there somewhere who know a lot more holds and possibly better storytelling. 

I won't post my resume, this being the Internet age you can look up what I've done in this business as far as my career, where and who I trained or helped train, if you care to. Best way to find out is ask.  I was the first trainer/coach for WWE's developmental system from 1996-2004.  I was released and returned in 2007. I was released again in May 2012.  The only constant in this business is change so being the head coach of any sport or organization is going to put you in the line of fire when any new administration or owner takes over.  I am still confident I am qualified and know what I'm talking about as far as coaching and training someone to work in professional wrestling /sports entertainment.

My stats and reputation, as well as the list of people who trained with me speak for itself.  I can be outspoken and opinionated.  That didn't always sit well with some.  I am passionate about what I do. I'm not perfect by a long shot.  I think I've been fair and tried to not only teach, coach and mentor people who trained with me but I believe I did my best to help them if they were going through a rough time, be it mentally or physically worn down.

Of course I know not everyone will see it that way.  Everyone has an opinion and I know not everyone will agree or see things my way. This business and the approach to professional wrestling really comes down to someones opinion anyway.

And no doubt, I'm about to offend and upset some people in this column!

I did a camp this weekend (Aug. 10-12) in Mt. Carmel, Tn and Waynesville, NC.  I came in for Southern States Wrestling (SSW) run by Beau James.  I've know Beau since he was a teenager from my days working for Continental Wrestling in Alabama.  He's done everything in the business from street teams (putting up posters and fliers), setting up the ring, referee, wrestle, promote and run shows.

You can check out Beau Jame's SSW TV Saturdays at 4 PM on Tri Cities CW 4, Online, youtube.com/kingofkingsportblip.tv/sswpowerhalfhour.

Beau became good friends and is considered family by a lot of the old school guys like Handsome Jimmy "The Boogie-Woogie Man" Valiant (and many others) due to his respect and love for the business.  Beau has a Crusher Jerry Blackwell physique and was born about 20 years too late. By that I mean Beau never had ambitions of going to WWE or anywhere other than the southern territories like Memphis.  And there's nothing wrong with that.  The Memphis territory was a stop for basically every major name in the business as it was a place to learn and develop. 

You had better love the wrestling business if you were booked in Memphis because you sure weren't going to make a lot of money!  But  if you could survive in Memphis, you could pretty much survive anywhere!  Beau came to know and become friends with a lot of people in the business and earned respect by giving respect.

I've told people for years to shake hands with everyone as they walk in the dressing room or building.  Treat everyone, from the guy (or gal) that sweeps the place, the office staff, TV people and camera crew, all the way up to the owner, with the same respect you want to be treated with.  It's not only common courtesy, but you don't know who knows who or who might be related to the person who makes the decisions or signs your check!  Give respect, earn respect and you will get respect!

Doing a camp for independent wrestlers  is always interesting and challenging.  I've done a lot of camps over the years and have come across novice, mid level and potential star quality workers. I hadn't done one in a while, so I was really interested and anticipating the ability level I would see.  We had 17 total with 9 coming from the northeast.  I believe 2 came  from Canada and the rest made two vans full from Rochester, NY.  That's a LONG drive to Mt. Carmel on Friday to do a live event and then drive another 80 miles to Waynesville to begin a camp with registration at 8:30 AM.
As I do with all my camps, I start out with the introductions and explain what we will be covering the next couple days.  This particular camp had the caveat that if you came to the Friday show in Mt Carmel, Beau would put you on the card to work a match with one of his (SSW) guys for his TV show.  So everyone worked the card Friday and drove to Waynesville that night.

Bright and early Saturday morning, after I do my introductions, I critique the rest of the matches from Friday.  I'd talked to some already so I just had a few to follow up on.  I went over and explained what was expected and how we would go over some basic drills and moves.  Depending how that went, we would progress to the next step. 

A basic lock up and footwork are two of the most important of fundamentals that any competent coach or trainer should know and teach.  Balance. Without it, you have nothing!

There are certain "rules" to follow in the ring.  If you've ever attended a credible school with a credible trainer, you understand what those "rules" are.  One is if you apply a headlock, your feet are like they are on a railroad track, approximately shoulder width apart, knees bent where you have balance.  Your opponent's feet are facing you. You should be in a "T" formation.  It's easier to show than type.

Time after time, these guys were grabbing headlocks and the man applying the hold would turn toward his opponent, with his feet FACING him so that they are facing each other!  What??  OK, I understand being green and not knowing.  Even if you've been training 3 years, that probably means you haven't had a lot of matches.  So I just kept making the same corrections over and over.  Until...

Someone asked "How is the correct way to stand in a headlock?  Because we were taught to 'mirror' your opponent."  What?  Explain what that means.  "We were taught to grab a headlock and then face him with our feet facing his."

Would anyone care to show me how that works?  And then show me how you shoot your opponent to the ropes in that position.  They showed me what they were taught and it made NO sense, any way you sliced it that it can work the way they were shown.

I went ballistic!  I wanted to know then and there WHO taught and showed them that?  Nobody wanted to say anything.  I understood why later.  But eventually, someone said, TIGER SMITH and SHAWN COOPER.  And guys, I'm sure this is the most publicity you ever got or ever will get.  If not, show me and prove me wrong! If you or your so called "Head Trainer" didn't show them this way, get in touch with me and explain what you do when you train at your "school."

Well, we had various degrees of experience levels from one year all the way up to a guy who said he had been doing this for 18 years and was just wanting  a shot, just one break and.....wait a minute.  18 years and you never had an opportunity, sent in a DVD, made a phone call?  Who trained you??  "Al Snow trained me 18 years ago." Oh no, wrong thing to say to me... I just happened to know Al Snow.

I watched this so called "18 year veteran" trained by Al Snow go out and stink the joint out on Friday night against a talented cruiser weight named Kyle Matthews.  This "vet" was 6'3" 275 lbs.  I would think he would know how to tell a story and have a credible match with a smaller guy.  What does he do within the first 3 minutes of the match?? He POWER BOMBS a 175 lb kid and covers him for a 2 count!  Kyle kicked out!!!  Then this "vet" continues to do big moves that make no sense, out wrestles his smaller opponent with no rhyme or reason and gets beat with a school boy! 

Saturday morning as I gave my thoughts on the match, he sat there like he wanted to cry.  I explained how Kyle kicking out of all these big moves and him out wrestling a smaller guy made NO sense.  I gave him a scenario I thought would have worked better he just shook his head but didn't say a word.  If someone tells me they have "18 years experience" and drops Al Snows' name, I'm going to watch very close what they do and how they handle themselves.  It didn't take me long to figure out something wasn't quite right here. 

Saturday after practice, this 18 year veteran, trained by Al Snow wants to talk to me.  His wrestling name is RIK MATRIX, real name MATT HENRIE.  I ask all the usual questions of most guys that say they've been around for a while; "Why haven't you tried to get with one of the major companies?"  Come to find out, he did jobs for WCW, try out for TNA in 2007, hurt his knee and had to have surgery.  They liked what they saw but there just wasn't a spot right now for him, yada, yada, yada.  Well, did you ever follow up with a phone call?  "No."  Why?  "I don't know, I guess I'm just bad about that."  That's not the ONLY thing you're bad about, kid!

Well, Saturday night Beau put RIK MATRIX in the main event against a guy more his size to see if he can tell a better story or have a better match.  I don't know how much worse it could get but it was pretty bad.  No rhyme or reason. No story. Here's this big, bad "18 year veteran" who had no idea how to get from point A to point C.  CLUELESS!  Now I have a pretty good idea why he never got called back or made any calls.

Sunday was the last day and everyone worked hard the day before in a hot building.  Last day of practice with an afternoon show and Mr. 18 year vet, RIK MATRIX is hurt.  He hurt his sternum from the day before and wasn't feeling good.  Come to find out, he was laughing and drinking with everybody Saturday night in a room and nothing seemed wrong then! 

I ran a drill and we finished up an hour before bell time.  The entire card was made up of the guys from the camp.  Both night the houses were horrible.  But it was a great experience for these guys to say they worked in front of 6 then 11 people.  That sucks but it should inspire you to want to get out and work in front of 6,000 and 11,000 people. 

But the 18 year vet, RIK MATRIX sat by me during the show trying to see my critiques.  I was going to review the matches after the show anyway so I didn't care.

After the show I went to the back and thanked everyone for coming down and working hard.  I was brutally honest with everyone, ESPECIALLY Mr. "18 year veteran" RIK MATRIX.

I told Rik he had no clue and couldn't have a match with a small or big man.  I said in front of everyone that he needed just as much if not more training than anyone here!  I gave everyone my thoughts and critique and expressed how pissed and disgusted I am by people who run "Rasslin' schools" and rip people off.  I told the Rochester crew that TIGER SMITH and SHAWN COOPER don't know SHIT if that's what they taught them.  I told them to deliver that message from me to them. 

Well, I'm delivering the message myself.  SHAWN COOPER and TIGER SMITH, I'm CALLING YOU OUT, BOYS. What are your credentials?  Who trained you?  Where have you ever worked and made a living in professional wrestling besides conning people, young kids and single parents with 3 kids to feed, out of their money when you don't know a wrist watch from a wrist lock??? What have you EVER done, where have you EVER BEEN and  who the F**K do you think you are???

Oh yeah, and this is the kicker.  This is the icing on the cake.  RIK MATRIX, AKA MATT HENRIE, THE "18 YEAR, I WAS TRAINED BY AL SNOW VET" IS SUPPOSEDLY THE TRAINER FOR THESE TWO JACK OFFS!!!!

There are so many con men and thieves out there everywhere that can buy a ring, say they got a "try out" with WWE in the afternoon before the show or did a TNA "gut check" and buy a ring and start "training" people!  YOU ARE PATHETIC!

Don't think for a minute I'm not going to tell Al Snow about my experience with you MATT HENRIE.  I heard you invoke Brodie Lee and Colin Delaney's name as people who came from your "school."  I know Delaney had a brief run in WWE but don't know him personally.  I know Brodie Lee.  And after you showed him how to bump he was smart to your shit and got as far away from you as he could! Yes, I did check with Brodie and he did re-enforce that you all are con men and belong nowhere near the wrestling business! YOUR NAME IS MUD! 

If I were you, RIK MATRIX AKA MATT HENRIE, TIGER SMITH AND SHAWN COOPER,
I WOULD QUIT NOW!!! I can't stand people taking advantage of someone coming off the street chasing a dream being taken advantage of and being lied to and taught by people who don't know what they're doing, have never done anything in this business and never will!

And it's not just in the northeast!  It's all over the country. 

Some advice:  If you are planning to go to a wrestling school, check them out.  I mean REALLY check them out.  Who are their trainers and coaches.  What are their backgrounds.  Who trained them.  Do they have contacts with anybody that could help you get booked somewhere and help you accomplish your dream?  Maybe it's a pipe dream.  Only you can make that call.  This isn't for everybody.  But you don't want someone telling you how "great you are" just so you keep coming back paying your hard earned cash just so they can pay THEIR bills!

They majority of wrestling schools out there are bogus rip offs.  If you hear something that sounds too good to be true, chances are it is.  If someone tells you they can make you a TV star in one or two weeks, RUN!!

Running a wrestling school is a hard job.  You have to rent a building, keep the electricity on, pay rent, upkeep and never ending problems from somewhere.  How can anybody keep it up without having students come in?  They can't so they have to resort to telling everybody how great they are and dangle the carrot as long as they can until that person smartens up and leaves.  Some have potential and will find a way to make it happen.  Others are living on a hope and a prayer.

When asked about credible and REAL wrestling schools in the country, there's slim pickins'.  My opinion is there are very few.  OVW in Louisville Kentucky and FCW in Tampa, Florida. There are no guarantees in either place but at least you will be in a place visited by WWE and TNA officials.  If you have something they're looking for, the trainers there will let them know.  They ARE connected.  Lance Storm in Calgary has a good school from all reports I've heard.  Kevin Knight used to have a great school in New Jersey that many WWE and former WWE talent visited and a few talent was signed from there due to Kevin's professional demeanor and he reached out for help and advice on how to do things the right way.  Darren Young is a product of the now defunct IWF as is a young Dante Dash, now training in FCW.

Harley Race still runs a school located in Eldon, Missouri.  It's in a small, sleepy town and you would have to find a job to live and support your wrestling habit.  But Harley is respected by the wrestling community and major companies keep an eye on his talent because if Harley says they're ready, chances are they're ready!

Pat Buck is now running PWS in Rahway, NJ and can be found at www.bedofnailz.com/school.html.  Pat trained with us at FCW and comes highly recommended and has a healthy respect for the business.  He is in the northeast and you can get more information by going to the website.  Google Pat Buck and find out what he's done in this business and the connections he's made.

I'm sure there are some more legit schools out there that are doing their best and aren't complete rip offs.  But before you give your money to anyone, find out what they've done, where they've been and what connections they have.  Also know and understand what your goal is.  Be realistic and know the odds of becoming a Superstar are not in your favor!

This weekend was an eye opener for me.  What prompted me to write this was when one of the guys who worked hard came to me on Sunday after everything was over and said "I'm going to have to give this up.  I have 3 kids and I can't travel right now.  That sonovabitch (MATRIX) has been taking my money and I haven't learned shit.  This weekend was an eye opener." 

I wondered why MATRIX left pretty quick after my post show meeting.  He was exposed like a cockroach when the light comes on and he ran like a coward.  He wouldn't train the last day because I called him out and critiqued him in front of the people he trained.  Now he looked like the goof and idiot he really is.  A con man.  The worst kind.  He cried when he was told he did something wrong instead of manning up and trying to learn, he quit.  Good.

If I were you, I'd pack up shop and stop now.  I will do everything in my power to expose all 3 of you phonies and con men for what you are.  You are the scum that somehow infiltrated the business I love and have been in most of my life.  You give this business a bad name by just trying to attach yourself to it.  I talked to other people you claim came from your school before I wrote this and I heard the same thing from every one of them: "Please expose those low life's for what they are!  They have given the Rochester wrestling area a BAD name!"

If you see or hear of any of these people RIK MATRIX AKA MATT HENRIE, TIGER SMITH OR SHAWN COOPER, DO NOT SUPPORT THEM!  THEY ARE SCUM CON MEN THAT SHOULD BE RODE OUT OF TOWN ON A RAIL!  They make me sick!

Any questions or comments, PLEASE email me at bookdrtom@aol.com.

Thanks for reading.

IF YOU'RE GONNA STEAL, STEAL FROM THE BEST! Or, Why I sound like Roddy Piper...

One thing I learned a long time ago is you can't please everybody.  I also learned if you're going to be in the wrestling business, you better have thick skin and understand you have more "acquaintances" than real friends.  I can count my friends on one hand.

I stopped wrestling full time for all intents and purposes in 1996.  I started training people in the newly founded developmental system for WWE in Stamford CT in August, 1996.  I still wrestled periodically here and there and went on the road to wrestle some of the new guys coming out of the system.  But I considered myself semi active as opposed to full time or retired.  I wrestled on and off through the years even while training prospects.  I've wrestled one hour matches against developmental talent to demonstrate that even at my age, it can be done if you know what you're doing.

This is a young man's sport, no doubt.  One of the hardest things to do in the ring is relax and be intense at the same time.

 One of the first one hour matches I had against a student was in a hot, muggy warehouse in Tampa. I gave everyone an assignment; They were going to have to be able to wrestle one hour straight through, keep the action inside the ring, tell a story that made sense and learn how to relax, breathe and think on their feet.  One student got hit in the eye and broke his orbital bone during a match prior to the hour long matches beginning.  So he was out for about five weeks.

We were having two and three hour matches daily and it came this guy's turn.  He didn't feel comfortable working with just  anybody so I opened my big mouth and told him I'd wrestle him for one hour!

Once I said it, I knew I couldn't (and wouldn't) take it back.  Anybody who's been in this business longer than five years has back and neck issues.  Some are worse than  others.  At this time I hadn't wrestled a short match in years, much less one hour!  But I made my mind up I was going to do it.

I have some significant back and neck issues.  I shouldn't have done it.  But I had to.  I had a plan.  I was going to call it and I knew the story I was going to tell.  I knew how to breathe and relax.  He had to listen and relax.  Not as easy as it sounds...

Anyway, 10 minutes into a 60 minute match, I call a backdrop.  The guy didn't want to do it.  I demanded him to "backdrop me NOW, dammit!" and he did.  I landed wrong on my ankle and just knew I broke it. I broke my ankle before and that's what this felt like.

But I was damned if I was stopping the match, so we went the rest of the time leading up to the end where I had him catch me in a sleeper with 20 seconds left to go.  As time ran out, he let me go and puked on the side of the ring.  I was hurting but I wasn't about to let anybody else know how bad.  I was just happy I made the kid puke!  It's a great story for those who were there to witness it. I believe this kid will be a big star one day.  He's already on his way and he can tell the story if he wants.  I'm leaving the name out to protect the innocent at this time.

The next day I made it to the school but as I went to get out of my car, I couldn't stand.  I went to the hospital and they put me in a walking cast. It wasn't broke this time.  It was just a real bad sprain.  I made it through and it gave me a good story and bond with a talented kid who loves this business and has passion.

I remember when I was just starting out.  There wasn't a developmental system.  There was the territory system.  Young guys were initiated in battle royals, getting chopped or piled on or just ribbed because they were new and the veterans wanted to see if you could take it. 

I had my first match October 20, 1979 in Bryan, TX.  I wrestled some shots around Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi for the next couple months before Paul Boesch got me booked in Portland, Oregon. 

The very next week, Gary Hart (who was booking the Dallas territory) told me he had me booked in Los Angeles for Mike LaBelle.  When I told him I was booked in Portland he said, "yeah, you go to LA first and then you go to Portland."  I thought it was arranged with Paul and everybody knew what was going on.  It wasn't and they didn't.

Anyway, I was going to the gym and working out with Mark Lewin at the time and he helped me book my flight to California.  My start date was the beginning of January in Fresno. 

So I packed two bags and got on a PSA flight to Fresno to begin my new adventure.  I knew nobody out there really. I'd met Al Madril and knew him some when he was wrestling in Houston but I didn't know if he would remember me or not.  And I had no idea how I was going to get around!  My dad was going to make a road trip and bring my car to me once I got settled in.

On Andre's shoulders 1980

I arrived at the Fresno airport and took a cab to the building.  I was early but one of the first guys I saw was Al Madril.  He vaguely remembered me from Houston and we exchanged pleasantries and general conversation. I'd seen Andre the Giant at the airport as well and had briefly met him too but didn't know him well enough to feel like he would want to share a cab to the building.

I was in a battle royal in Houston a couple weeks before and climbed on Andre's shoulders.  The photographer got a shot of that and it seemed to become one of Paul's favorite pictures to use if I was going to be working in Houston.

Anyway, as I'm talking with Al in walks Roddy Piper.  He puts his bag down, says hello and immediately walks back in the hall and confronts an office guy (wasn't Jeff Walton but can't remember his name) and started yelling "You left me stranded last night and I want my money!  I'm not getting dressed until you get my money and I want it now!"

Well, this is great.  My first night in the territory and I hear this loud confrontation between Roddy Piper and some office guy.  They eventually worked it out and Piper got dressed and wrestled Andre that night.

I met Chavo Gurerrero, who was booking at the time, and his dad Gory who I watched as a kid.  I caught a ride back to LA with Frank Hill (Later became Jules Strongbow and teamed with Jay in the WWWF) and the Twin Devils.  The Devils dropped Frank and I off at the Milner Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. 

The Milner Hotel was located at 8th and Flower St. It was about 50 years old then!  But that's where Chief stayed and it was cheap and convenient at the time.  Los Angeles, The Olympic Auditorium and my Los Angeles experience is too extensive for just one blog. I'm mentioning it now as a point of reference.

This was the first time I met Roddy Piper face to face.  He was an intense guy to say the least.

I later came in contact with Roddy around 1981-82 in Atlanta.  He was doing color commentary with Gordon Solie as well as wrestling back and forth between the Atlanta and Charlotte offices.  Ole Anderson was booking both places and Roddy was a top star.  Jim Barnette made a trip to Texas earlier and I was offered a job in Atlanta.

My timing is impeccable.  I was "dating" a girl in San Antonio and decided to get married two days before heading to Atlanta.  The guys told me everybody stayed at a place in Hapeville, GA. called The Falcon's Rest.  Well, I completely screwed up, got married, went to Atlanta and lived in a separate place because I didn't want my new wife exposed to what was going on at  "The Rest." I stayed a week there many nights though.  I'm no longer married to her by the way...

Me with the Dean of Announcers

Atlanta was just getting rolling on the Superstation, TBS.  Tommy Rich, Bob and Brad Armstrong, Super Destroyer, The Masked Superstar, Ole Anderson, Stan Hansen, Don Muraco, my trainer and mentor The Iron Sheik, Kevin Sullivan, Buzz Sawyer, The Freebirds and countless other major names were showing up almost daily to be a part of TBS and World Championship Wrestling.

Roddy was commentating with Gordon Solie along with wrestling.  For some reason, about a month into my stay, Ole told me Mr. Barnette would like to have me do some commentating along side Gordon as well.  It was nerve racking to say the least, but a  great experience none the less.

Gordon Solie and Roddy Piper

I was lucky enough to ride and make frequent trips with Brad Armstrong, Tommy Rich, Nick Patrick  and eventually Tommy's cousin Johnny when he arrived from Alabama.  When Piper was working the Atlanta side he would occasionally ride with us or at least stay in the same hotel and party with the crew.  Tommy had a van we usually took so we could take at least half the guys.

It was that time in Atlanta where I got to know Roddy Piper for what Roddy Piper is.  He was always a good guy to the young guys and rookies coming up.  I'd known some bitter veterans and so called "Superstars" who were above talking to peons in the first four matches.  But Roddy treated everyone with respect.  That is if you treated him with respect.  It was was give, earn, and get respect back in those days.

Roddy was gracious, caring and shared whatever he had.  Never made a young rookie feel like he was worthless or beneath him.  He was a class act and would fight anybody who tried to mess with his friends. 

Hot Rod

Don't get me wrong.  I'm sure Roddy had his hard side if someone tried to steamroll over him.  He would stand up for himself as well as someone being taken advantage of.  He was a wild man and I admired his ability to ingest and consume more than almost anybody in the room and appear un-affected.  I tried (many tried) but failed miserably.  I kept up as much as I could but Piper could put everybody under the table...

There's a story in Gary Hart's book about Ric Flair having a party, inviting Roddy and Mark Lewin to his house to see who could out do who.  Both had mythical reputations as being THE party animal elite and it was supposed to be a challenge of sorts to see who the "real deal" was.  Gary leaves it as "I didn't go because I was the boss and couldn't be around that, so I don't know what happened."

Mark Lewin

I've indulged with both Mark Lewin and Roddy Piper.  I thought I was going to get my 'Keith Richards merit badge' and worked hard to earn it!  The '80s was a fun time and a lot of guys didn't make it out alive.  I'm sure there are times Lewin and Piper wonder how they did it...

The thing I really admired about Roddy (besides his ability to consume mass quantities of whatever was put in front of him) was his demeanor and attitude toward everyone backstage.  He didn't have to be nice or offer advice to anyone.  He shared whatever he had, never let you pick up the tab for drinks or dinner and was a genuine good guy.  That's my opinion and I'm sure you can find people who think otherwise.  But remember, if you give respect, then earn respect, you will get respect back.  In other words, don't just talk the talk.  Walk it too!

I've caught a lot of grief through the years for cutting promos and sounding like Roddy Piper.  Yes, I copied Piper. Yes, I blatantly copied his style and mannerisms.  It really came a little more natural once I did it the first time because I felt anger and passion when I was able to come off like such a prick.  I had a lot of anger in my my life during my active wrestling days.  But I also had the utmost respect for the business and the ones who came before me.  Onstage, cutting a promo or in the ring was the only time I felt comfortable.  I always felt out of place in a crowd, didn't like people and just wanted to wrestle and be left alone.

Roddy Piper   encapsulated everything I felt in his promos.  His style, cadence, mannerisms, confidence, everything.  Then backstage was such a contrast.  I was able to let my emotions out and come back and have fun and relax in the dressing room. I have always worn my hair long and it became like my shield or my flag against society.  I could hide with it and wearing shaded glasses, never smiling pretty much confirmed I was a flaming asshole!

I felt like a heel inside.  I looked like a stoned freaked out hippie outside.  I sounded like Roddy Piper and I knew it.  I've heard people say I "had the personality of a dishrag so I had to steal Piper's gimmick."  OK.  What's new?  The ones who know, know who and what I am.  That's all who really matter.  What's that other saying? "Any press is good press.  As long as they're talking about you." 

My dad had a heart attack and wasn't supposed to make it.  He died twice on the table and the doctors brought him back. During this time I was working in Memphis and Dallas for the USWA Jerry Jarrett promotion.  ESPN was airing the Dallas shows on weekdays at four.  I was wrestling and doing color commentary at the time and of course, I sounded like Piper.  Someone told me that a bunch of the WWF (hadn't got the 'F' out yet) guys were watching the show one afternoon and Rick Rude got hot saying I was "just ripping off Piper!"  Yeah and again, so?

I came home when my dad had his heart attack and one day the phone rang.  I was the only one home and I answered.  It was Roddy Piper checking on my dad.  He and my brother Bruce (Brother Love) had become close and Roddy just wanted to see how everybody was doing.  I gave him an update and before we hung up I said "Roddy, I know a lot of people have been saying I'm ripping you off and stealing your gimmick, but if I ever wanted to steal from anybody I wanted to steal from the best.  I'll stop and change everything man, I'm sorry."  To which Roddy replied "No, no, no. I heard it and think you're doing a great job.  Don't listen to what a few assholes say.  I consider it an honor and I have no problem with what you're doing.  Keep up the good work.  I love you and your brother and I hope to see you soon."

Now, surely Hot Rod is just saying that to make me feel good, ya know dad being in the hospital and all.  Think what you want.  I believe Roddy was being genuine.  I was paying homage to a guy I admired and respected.  I was never going  to WWE anyway.  I was content on working the territories that were left and carve out a living  there. 

Fate being what it is, I did wind up going to WWE.  I surpassed anything I ever thought I would  accomplish while I was there.  I did the WM 10 free for all in Madison Square Garden and the WM 12 free for all where we won the World tag team Championship. We won them on the west coast in Los Angeles and lost them on the east in MSG. 

Roddy and me backstage MSG, WM 10

Wait.  I actually wrestled in Madison Square Garden!  That wasn't supposed to happen!  I lost the WWF World Tag Team Championship in Madison Square Garden.  OK, it's not the same as 'winning' the titles there but we walked in the champions!

My point is I was horrible at playing the political games of life.  I've learned a lot since then.  Although I do have this sense of trying to help by demonstrating something absurd to get my point across that doesn't always work.  And I've taken risks and lost.  Failure isn't final.  I will find success again.  And for those that say what success, I say to those who know, you know.  Those that don't, never will and I don't care!

Sure, I copied Roddy Piper.

Ever heard of Lord Lansdowne?  Danny McShane?  Ray Stevens? Buddy Rogers?  Look 'em up.  Then see who copied them.  And who continues to look at who came before them and how this business evolved.

What determines success is the level of confidence, skill and just plain balls to go out and do it!  Refuse to lose or take no for an answer.  Roddy Piper and guys like him paved the way.  Somebody mentored them and gave them a chance, then they kicked the door wide open and owned their opportunity.  I made a lot of mistakes.  That's called experience. 

Anytime I hear somebody say "He can't teach you anything.  He never drew a dime!  I can teach you how to be a star!" I just sit back and say, "Go ahead. In fact show me your formula in how you are going to make this guy or girl a star."  Are you going to tell them how to maneuver in the ever changing political landscape?  Check.  Got that one.  Are you going to show them how to connect with a crowd?  Check.  That's the intangible "it factor" I believe.  There's not just one way to teach or do this business.  There's not a special formula or secret handshake that will make you a star.  Hard work, preparation, understanding and adapting are good ways to start though.

Piper after a match with Kim Duk (Houston, TX 1975)

I'm proud to say I've known Roddy Piper since I was was a rookie in this business.  I watched Roddy when he was a rookie in 1975 in Houston.  I took this picture the night he wrestled Kim Duk and got his face kicked in.  He was just a kid then.

One Friday night, the sound system went out in the building.  The microphone worked but the system that played the national anthem wasn't working.  So Paul Boesch asked a young Roddy Piper to play the anthem on his bag pipes.  This was in the Fonde Recreation center in Houston.  Some confuse that story being in the coliseum.  I was there and remember it vividly.  He got an incredible ovation and was an instant babyface! Who knew Roddy Piper would go on to be one of the biggest icons ever in professional wrestling?  Roddy did.  He refused to take no for an answer and he refused to lose.  You gotta admire that.

Me and Roddy WM 28, Miami, FL 2012

And I do.  Every time I see Roddy he's the same gracious, funny, positive person I've known for years.  If I was going to steal or 'borrow' from anybody today, it would still be from the Hot Rod!

For those that don't like it, say what you will.  At least you're talking about it.

Thanks for reading.

FREEBIRD FOREVER!

Not that Michael Hayes needs anyone to come to his defense for anything, he's a big boy and can take care of himself.  But last week I got some texts and calls about his latest video about his former partner Terry "Bamm Bamm" Gordy.  I consider Michael a friend.  I attended my first writer's meeting with Michael in Vince McMahon's office and somehow wound up sitting in on creative and writer's meetings.  I traveled with Michael on the road while I was on creative and we had a lot of fun.  I experienced things with Michael that not too many people would believe.  But I swear your honor, it's the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!

I had my third professional wrestling match against Michael Hayes and Terry Gordy, AKA The Freebirds in Shreveport, LA in 1979.  I can't remember who my partner was, but I took their finish; Michael back dropped me into Terry's waiting arms. Bamm Bamm gave me a piledriver and pinned me.

My second ever match was that same day against Lord Jonathan Boyd on the first set of tapings.  I lost that one too.  But Jon is another story for another time.

(Lord Michael Hayes, Percy Pringle, Terry Gordy)

Before the TV tapings that day, Michael Hayes and Terry Gordy did some pre taped promos in the studio that fed the monitor in the dressing room.  Michael could talk his ass off!  I just knew these guys had been around a lot longer than I had and they were certainly older!  Come to find out, Michael was 20 (so was I)  and Terry was a couple years younger.  Wise beyond their years for sure.  They had been wrestling a couple years around the southern end of Mississippi and Alabama but now they were starting for Bill Watts.

They both were cool and easy.  I was nervous and green, but they took care of me in the ring.  They called themselves  The Freebirds and though they weren't the first to come to the ring with music, they certainly were the first of this generation to want to come out to Lynyrd Skynyrd's Freebird.  For 1979, it was different.
I've known Michael over 30 years. And like I said earlier,  I consider him a friend.  He recently cut a song and video to honor Terry Gordy called "Freebird Road."  I got 4 texts the day it came out telling me I HAD to watch it.  I did.  I cried.

Jimmy Garvin, Buddy Roberts, Michael, Ray Gordy, Kevin Von Erich

Now wait. Let me explain, because I know what a lot of people are saying.  The critics talk about the similarities between Michael's song and Skynyrd's "Brickyard Road" and how Michael ranged from cheesy to ridiculous to pandering.  I cried because I knew how close Michael and Terry were and I can relate when someone you know and love in this business dies suddenly and way too young.


Pro wrestling is my life. It is who I am. I love rock and roll.  My older brothers Ken and Chris are musicians and I have always been amazed and respect anyone who can play an instrument or sing. I can't do either.  My two favorite rock and roll front men of all time are David Lee Roth and Steven Tyler.  I never was a Van Halen fan. I was a David Lee Roth fan.  I love Tyler and Areosmith.

(Jimmy Garvin, Sir Oliver Humperdink, MIchael Hayes and Badstreet)

For me, Dave brought that rock and roll attitude on and off stage.  I liked the fact he screamed and you couldn't always understand the words.  He wasn't looking for perfect; he was looking for 'right.' If there was a story to be told, he didn't let the facts get in the way, hell it's rock and roll!  Make it bigger, better, badder! In fact, make it up as you go along. Damn the  facts!  I'm sure DLR did his share of partying and playing but how much is myth, fact, or a little and a lot mixed in together?  I've seen Dave in concert a few times and heard the same stories, catch phrases and intros including "impromptu" jabs at the crowd to get a reaction.  Dave couldn't really sing but he could perform and make you pay attention to him.  With Van Halen, he helped sell out arenas.  On his own, he played to half full (the optimist in me refuses to say half empty) buildings and smaller venues.  He had the sizzle, VH had the steak.
An interview with DLR was full of quotable lines, my favorite being "You don't get a poem from ice tea" and he knew people would talk about what he wore, said and how he acted  on and off camera.  He wouldn't dress like a civilian if there was a chance to be noticed.  He always had an answer or something interesting to say on interviews.  Even if they might have stretched the truth just a bit.

Steven Tyler is the same kind of guy who likes to wrap himself in mystery and doesn't like to be seen as normal (whatever that is).  Both he and Dave had some cool moves and a good rap onstage, big difference was Steven Tyler can actually sing.

Michael in concert at the Dallas Sportatorium

I think Michael always wanted to be a rock star.  He was a star, make no mistake about it.  Ask anybody who witnessed the Freebird - Von Erich feud in the '80s if Michael didn't know how to connect emotionally with a crowd and understand psychology better than most during that era. The famous "Freebird hair cream" almost ended the career of The Junkyard Dog in Louisiana and I believe there was one particular incident in New Orleans that a fan actually pulled on gun on Michael!  The New Orleans police were nobody to play with and I'm pretty sure that "fan" was 'interregated' to the fullest extent.

Michael wrote a song called "Badstreet" and put out an album. Michael, Terry Gordy and Buddy Jack Roberts made a music video as The Freebirds and made it clear they lived on the last house on the block! And everybody knows it "just got badder the further you walked down that street." Classic stuff I'm sure you can find on YouTube.  Some might call it cheesy. I'll stick with classic.

Now, I like David Lee Roth's singing.  I've bought his CDs (except for the folk singing) and actually appreciate his rhymes, lyrics and stories.  They're not sophisticated.  They're entertaining.  I'm not listening for the music as much as the story, sights and sounds.  I didn't get KISS or Alice Cooper until I started seeing what they were going for.  It ain't about the music kid!  We got us a show goin' on here!

And I can appreciate guys like Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and Diamond Dave who are in their 60s or late 50's still rockin' and rollin' and putting on a two hour performance with energy and passion that can't be manufactured.  I've seen Aerosmith four times live and in living color and was never disappointed.  Those guys might be a lot older and not always getting along, but onstage with Steven Tyler out front, there was no denying they were having a party with  thousands of close friends in attendance!  Passion, feeling, emotional attachment.

Terry, Jimmy, Michael

Buddy, Terry, Michael

To me, Michael Hayes is the David Lee Roth of wrestling.  Michael and Terry Gordy WERE the Freebirds.  There were other members; Buddy 'Jack' Roberts, Jimmy 'Jamm' Garvin, for a brief period a masked Brad Armstrong as 'Badstreet' and there was even King Parsons as a 'Black Bird.'  But when all said and done, it was Michael 'PS' Hayes and Terry 'Bamm Bamm' Gordy who were the Freebirds. 

Without David Lee Roth Roth, Van Halen became Van Hagar.  Sammy might have been a better singer, guitar player but nobody could match Dave in wits and bringing the party to life.  Hell, DLR was the party!  Van Halen might have played better music but they didn't have the same attitude without Dave.  I'll take a great show over great music any day.  But that's just me.

Areosmith tried to keep rolling without Steven Tyler.  Didn't work out so well.  There is only one Areosmith and only one guy who can be in front.  Steven Tyler.

Without Michael, Terry found success.  He was bound to.  He had the size, look and talent.  Terry teamed with Steve 'Dr. Death' Williams in Japan for years and they were unstoppable.  But the problem sometimes with being unstoppable is you don't have anyone there to say STOP!

("Dr. Death" Steve Williams and Terry "Bamm Bamm" Gordy)

Terry and Doc were two of the greatest, big hearted men in the business.  If you were their friend they would do anything in the world for you.  Both liked to party.  We all liked to party.  With Michael, for all the crazy and insane things I've seen him do and done with him, he was a voice of reason and protection with Terry. Sometimes we can't help ourselves and need to have someone who knows us better than we do to step in and say "Stop what you're doing.  I love you and you're going to die if you keep doing what you're doing.  I care about you and I won't let you die.  Fight me if you want because you're going to have to!"


Michael tried to do that with Terry.  I remember when Terry came to WWE after he had experienced an overdose in Japan and wound up in a coma years before.  He wasn't the same Terry we all new but he was still a good person.  Michael begged everyone to please not give Terry anything if he asked. He knew Terry wasn't what he once was but he wanted to help and take care of him as best as he could.  And sometimes it doesn't matter what anybody does because we can be our own worse enemies.

Michael tried but inevitably it just wasn't to be.  Michael is one of the most creative and smartest people I know in this business.  He's made some bone headed mistakes and is by no means perfect.  But when you get to know the real Michael Hayes, his heart is in the right place.  It's a ruthless business no doubt.  Caring about people is a good way to become emotionally bankrupt after so many years of people telling you "I've got your back" only to find out their words are empty. 

Michael and Terry had each other's back.  It was their bond and they were brothers from different mothers.  Michael and Terry made magic and created an aura and mystic to what the Freebirds were.  Believe me, they lived their gimmick.  There was no pretending or "acting" as a character.  I have too many stories of walking into a bar or restaurant and all heads turning to see this long haired, loud mouthed, uncouth Southern rebel slide up to the bar and order rounds of Jack Daniels "for my friends!"  On one occasion we just sat down, ordered drinks from the waitress and as soon as she left, Micheal head butted a hanging light over our table!  It was funny and stupid, and the manager immediately came over and not-so-politely told us to "get out, NOW!"  Michael tried to apologize but the guy would have none of it and we left and found a better place with a little less restrictions (and a lot more fun!)

There's been many incarnations of the Freebirds but Michael and Terry were the originals. Michael has made some mistakes, said and done inappropriate things at times, but those without sin go get stoned and take the first hit....or something like that.  I think you get what I'm trying to say.  Nobody's perfect.  We all don't get it right the first time!  So show me a man who never got any heat in this business and I'll show you a man who's never been in this business!

I have a ton of Michael Hayes stories.  Maybe not a ton, but a lot.  I've been white water rafting with Michael, Terry, Brad Armstrong, Nick Patrick and Tommy Rich.  That was a great adventure from start to finish.  I rode with Michael when I was an producer.  We'd go to dinner when he came to Stamford and then go back to his hotel room to write ideas down.  Well, Michael had the ideas.  I pretty much listened. 

I've been to a few social events with Michael and there always seemed to be a story, lesson or adventure involved.  It was never boring.

(Michael, Bruce, John Valdostri, Me, Sgt. Slaughter holding John's bride Beth on their wedding day)

I've been to a couple weddings with Michael.  One wedding in particular,  Michael commandeered the microphone from the band's singer and took over the wedding party!  He was singing and dancing onstage and on the dance floor as the MC! Michael's wife Lori was so pissed, she made him go to the room.  The bride and groom loved it!  The band was pissed but screw that, this happy couple just had Michael PS Hayes sing and perform an unforgettable moment at their most special moment in their lives!  How many people can say that? 
Yeah, how many people would 'want' to say that?  I know....That's why I say this ain't for everybody!

One wedding Michael really affected was mine.

It was December 19, 2000. We were in Charlotte NC finishing taping Smack Down.  The weather was bad.  Cold, rainy and now they're expecting snow in the mountains overnight. 

I'm supposed to get married the next day in Pigeon Forge Tennessee in a romantic cabin in the Smoky Mountains.  My soon to be wife lived in Knoxville at the time and didn't want to get married in Vegas, so Pigeon Forge it was.

Michael, my brother Bruce and I had a flight out the next morning but the weather reports were getting worse by the minute.  I said I would never get married after my first go round and it looked like hell had really froze over the day before number two!

As we left the building, Michael was driving and said "Look, Bruce wants me to bring you straight to a strip club for your bachelor party.  I don't feel good but I'm going to go for a little bit and you have to go or you're a pussy."  What?  OK.  I had no problem going to a strip club in Charlotte in horrible weather.  Sounds like lots of fun!  Michael was feeling the flu or a cold coming on.

Anyway, at the club was Bruce, Sean Morley, Andrew Martin and some of the production crew.  Uh, and some naked girls.  Now I'm not a big liquor drinker but of course I had to do the shots they brought over.  And get the obligatory bachelor lap dances.  Michael stayed about 45 minutes and said he felt horrible and went back to the  hotel.

I don't remember what time we left, all I know is we got back to the hotel and went straight to the crew bus.

I don't want to incriminate any innocents here so I will just say that I stayed on the bus until 5 AM.  I then staggered into the hotel, got to my 12th floor room, jumped in the shower, packed my bags and went downstairs to meet Bruce and Micheal to hit the airport for a 7 AM flight to Knoxville.

Michael drove the car back to the rental return and I rode with Bruce.  When we all got on the shuttle to the terminal, Michael looked at me, shook his head and started singing an Eric Clapton song.  Yes, I'd been up all day and night.  I looked and felt like HELL!

I couldn't wait to get settled in my seat on the plane for a short trip to K-town, sleep, get up, get married and relax.  Yeah, right....

Our flight was cancelled.  ALL flights were cancelled!  Uh oh... Before I knew it Michael was at the  rental car counter, got a car and said "Let's go!"  Michael got behind the wheel and started driving. 

I knew he wasn't feeling good the night before and he wasn't feeling much better that morning, although I'd bet he felt a lot better than I did! Bruce got in the back and I rode shot gun.  I was still a little buzzed and one of my favorite, annoying things to do is point at somebody about an inch away from their face and say "I'm not touching you!" Childish, I know.  But I messed with Michael for about 30 minutes until I crashed and burned. 

Michael drove through the icy mountains of North Carolina to Knoxville Tennessee while Bruce and I slept.  When we pulled into the Knoxville airport, Bruce and Micheal checked into their hotel, I rented another car and I drove to Pigeon Forge to try and get a couple hours of sleep.

That night we had an intimate gathering at a very nice cabin.  It was cold but not as bad as the night before.  A friend of mine made a Badstreet USA CD that I just happen to have with me.  I played that after the wedding in honor of Michael risking his life to get me there.  We drank cheap champagne and rock and rolled.  Cheesy?  I prefer classic.  Who else can say they had Michael PS Hayes drive them through the ice and snow to get them to their wedding in Pigeon Forge Tennessee?  Especially after I out partied his ass the night before!

Me. And that's why I can understand Michael's heart was in the right place when he made his tribute video to his best friend and brother, Terry Gordy.  Michael Hayes is far from perfect.  But show me someone who is.  In this self promoting, self absorbed, selfish, pandering, ego driven business it's easy to point fingers and criticize.  I say walk a block in his shoes.  Not a mile.  A block will do.  I don't know too many people these days that could even turn the corner.

Thanks Michael.  Not just for getting me to my wedding on time, but for your creativity, passion and imperfections.  I don't want perfect.  I can't always be right.  But I appreciate loyalty and passion.  There's no denying you have both. 

Naabs!