wrestling

2CW: Jack (of all) Trades

June 13, 2016

(Note: Before the final 2CW cards this past December, I had the chance to create and put together a magazine. I am slowly putting the stories here on the blog. Enjoy!)

Wrestlers often live their gimmick or their persona. While sometimes it’s for the show, other times it’s because their wrestling character and how they are in real life are parallel to one another.

Just as Jack Trades.

Yes, it’s a name. Yes, it’s a gimmick. What many people don’t know, however, is how alike Jack Trades and Kevin Parker are. So much so that if things lined up right, Jack Trades would be the legal name of Parker.

And it all started with an offer to help, just to get a foot in the door.

Standing in line for a WWE show at the Utica Auditorium, Parker received a flyer for a 2CW show upcoming in Utica.

So, Parker being who he is, decided to see about helping. After figuring out who to contact, he got in touch with 2CW owner Josh Jeanneret and offered to be somewhat of a local liaison. Well, he couldn’t reach Jeanneret directly, so he used a middle man, offering to bring a ring crew to Utica.

When the Utica show happened, Parker showed up with a group of six guys who were willing to put the ring together and take it down – for free.

“He was actually the start of the ring crew,” said Jason Axe. “He got ahold of Josh. We rolled up and saw him and his son and a couple of others. I took one look and was like ‘where did we pick up these people?’”

Parker kept offering help – such as being the guy to take ring clothes back to the back. Up to that point, the clothes were left out by the ring. So, Parker said, let me do that.

“That’s how Jack Trades was born,” he said. “I would follow them. I had no name. I was the guy who got stuff.”

The birth of Jack Trades

A year later, still working with 2CW, Parker was talking to veteran manager Bill Alfonso, who came in for a show.

“He said you need a gimmick,” Parker said.

Jack Trades!

What came from that was the 2CW dog tags you can still see him wearing. The look of a professional with the collared golf shirts became part of the look.

The gimmick though, became who he was. All Parker lacked was a name. But who came up with Jack Trades?

“It depends on who you ask,” he said. “Josh says it was him, so I believe him.”

“They said ‘Dude, Kevin Parker doesn’t work.’ This guy does everything for us.”

And from that point – Jack Trades became not just a wrestling persona, but a real person. He’s called Jack Trades by many people and will keep that well beyond wrestling.

The idea – a jack of all trades. He does a bit of everything for 2CW, so the thought process of the name is there.

Fans interact with him. He’s had a chance to be in the ring. He fixes things, he makes sure people are safe, he still will take clothes to the back.

You name it, Trades does it.

“He’s a person all his own – you can’t describe him in one word,” 2CW star Colin Delaney said. “The best description is he’s a utility player. He does his job well and does it with passion. He knows everybody there. He does all the odd job and does them well. The shows wouldn’t go as smoothly without him.”

Once the name and everything else became part of his persona, Trades became that person and it’s carried on for all but a few of the early 2CW shows before he became part of the company.

“Where else in the world can a 48-year-old man be so over,” Trades said. “Josh gave me my childhood dream. I love being Jack Trades. It’s been a dream. Wrestling-wise, my career has been amazing. … 2CW gave me a family – guys I will know the rest of my life I met through 2CW.”

Everything isn’t perfect

To know Trades, you might know his story. It’s actually a bit jarring.

Heck, Trades actually probably defies logic a bit because more than once he thought he would end up dead.

Drugs played a major part in that, too. And it’s not just some recreational use of pot or something like that. Trades was dabbling a little too heavy with hardcore drugs, which obviously changed him.

After one show in Auburn, Trades had a heart attack.

“The crew and Josh reacted perfectly,” Trades said. “They took good care of me. It was getting bad.

“(Josh) should have thrown me to the curb,” he continued. “But he kept me. That’s a turning point for me. It’s not a great memory, but a turning point.”

Trades, at one show in Syracuse, even announced a retirement. It was at that point where things had gotten pretty bad. He was into bath salts and was told by a doctor if he didn’t clip the habit, he’d be dead soon enough.

He went clean by going cold turkey.

A bit after going clean, he went to a coffee house in Utica and told his story. He told it in the third person, explaining everything that “Jack” went through and what it took for Jack to get clean.

At the end, he revealed who Jack was.

Being Jack Trades

It’s not easy to describe Trades, who has announced his life in professional wrestling will end when 2CW shuts its doors. He’s working on a degree at Mohawk Valley CC, where he’s active on campus. He’s outgoing, friendly and envisions success in his next life steps.

But until that step comes, there’s still the rest of the run with 2CW.

“He’s somebody who has become a personality,” Axe said. “I’ve never seen anything like it. He’s out there every match. He doesn’t announce, referee, or manage. He takes care of the wrestlers and fans. It’s the most unique position.”

He has dabbled in other spots, though. He’s been involved with matches. He’s refereed. He took a double super kick from the Young Bucks. He’s bumped and been in the middle of brawls.

But beyond that, he’s so much more for 2CW. He drives the truck with the ring. He leads the ring crew. He sacrifices himself for the safety of others. He goes and hangs flyers and will do anything he has to do to help 2CW be successful.

“It’s hard to put who he is into words,” 2CW champion Sean Carr said. “He is 2CW. He breathes, eats, and sleeps the company. … We saw him when he was at is low and still be able to contribute to the company, and then to go away, and fix himself and come back even better.

“He’s an amazing man and a damn good dude,” he continued. “No other company that I’ve seen has a Jack Trades like him, at least nobody that dedicated.”

When 2CW closes and Jack Trades retires from wrestling, he said he’ll stick with the name. It fits him, so why give it up?

But the lasting legacy of Trades likely won’t be forgotten anytime soon, especially by those who watched him morph from a ring guy to being a personality.

“It’s exactly what it was – Jack Trades gave back to what he loved,” Trades said.

There’s no bitterness. He’s had a chance to live a dream. He can hang his 2CW dog tags without regret. He’ll be the first to tell you the ride has been awesome and he looks back on it with fondness.

“Being Jack Trades has been awesome,” he said. “I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s a perfect ending. We’re all going onto bigger and better things. It’s been a hell of a run and made some great friends.

“In 10 years, people will still call me Jack Trades.”

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

2CW fans bring the passion

May 13, 2016

(Note: Before the final 2CW cards this past December, I had the chance to create and put together a magazine. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be putting the stories here on the blog. Enjoy!)

They’ve often been described as rabid.

Some have tattoos with the 2CW logo.

Some tailgate before shows like it’s an NFL game.

Others bring items – such as a prosthetic leg – with the hopes of it being used as an object during a match.

Some of the “crazies” in the crowd are just as much part of the show as the wrestlers in the ring.

One might wonder what the hell somebody is talking about with all of this, but if you’ve ever been to and experienced a 2CW wrestling show, you’ll understand every bit of this.

The fans have a certain vibe when they come to a show and deliver to make it one of the best atmospheres in wrestling. There’s a reason fans voted the federation the best independent promotion for three straight years.

“They remind me of going to watch ECW in the early days,” Slyck Wagner Brown said. “The same group of fans supports the company and the product. That’s cool. People invest into this. They dress in gimmicks, they tailgate and they know all about the wrestlers.”

Yes, the action in the ring is great. Yes, the names on the card are usually stellar. But if you had an empty building or had fewer than 100 fans sitting on their hands throughout the card like other federations get, you wouldn’t have 2CW.

The fan experience is top notch.

“They have this desire and thirst to make their home promotion great and they did it,” said Eddie Edwards, who has competed for 2CW for many years and has become internationally known, “People tailgate and have a good time. There are chants like ‘use the leg.’ These fans make it special and they do a great job.”

Fans cover all walks of life at a 2CW show. But when in the building, an echoing “2CW” chant will eliminate much of the boundaries between people.

Fans travel, too. It’s not a shock to see people drive for several hours to see a card.

Mathew D’angelo travels from Aylmer, Quebec to see shows. That means going across the border every time he wants to get his 2CW fix.

But since 2012, he’s been attending shows. He hasn’t made as many as he’d like because of work and other obligations, but it’s been a place where he’s had the chance to experience some cool things.

D’angelo, who makes figures and drawings for wrestlers, said it’s hard to know 2CW is closing. On his birthday, he had the chance to stand in the ring with the Young Bucks and Mike Bailey.

“I know things like this happen and people have to do what they have to do, but I am going to miss traveling to shows,” he said. “I am going to miss the gang. It was the one place where I can see the Young Bucks so often. The atmosphere is special. The people from promoters to staff to crew to talents to fans are special people.”

Leanne Walker, of Gatineau, Quebec, was brought to the shows by D’Angelo.

“We are the crazy Canucks from up north,” Walker said. “We shout and scream like the best of them! I am also the hugger of the group. It isn’t a show until I give out at least 20 hugs.”

D’Angelo and Walker are just two of many faces one can see at 2CW shows. The gimmicks are all over and depending on which venue you are at, it can get a tad crazier.

2CW has made a mark on many people’s lives, including the 2CW Viking.

2CW saves lives

For Brian Burton – the Viking – 2CW means way more than just a wrestling show.

Burton worked as a professional chef. Cooking was his passion, but when he became extremely ill in 2004, his career came to an end as he was put on disability.

“I was beyond depressed and I was miserable,” Burton said. “I didn’t care if I died or not. It didn’t matter anymore.”

In April 2006, Burton attended the inaugural 2CW card and discovered he was having a good time. He was laughing again and chanting with everyone that was there. In the matter of a few hours, he started feeling like himself again. He found a new passion. Following that show, he dived into 2CW becoming one of the biggest fans.

He hasn’t missed many shows as he’s been to 110.

“The 2CW family and fans made my life awesome,” Burton said.

He is also one of the fans who have a 2CW tattoo and is also one of the members on the 2CW Fancast podcast.

Though Burton’s story may be rare, the reality is fans of 2CW are very into the product and it can be an energetic and fun way to escape reality for a few hours.

“You have to really love something to mark your body,” 2CW’s Jack Trades said. “That’s commitment. I like that we are centered on wrestling. They found 2CW and I understand the passion – it’s a testament to what we are doing. We’re nothing without the fans.”

Fans of all ages

Don’t think that 2CW only attracts the hardcore fans. It’s far from that, actually. With a wide array of abilities in the ring, there’s something for everybody. If you like technical wrestling, you’ll get it. High-flying? Check. Hardcore? There’s that, too. Comedy? You know it.

Therefore, it’s just as possible to see a family of five there as it is to see the wrestling fans who go to every show possible.

Take Dave and Roo McCormick of Syracuse. The self-professed 50-something couple has attended more than 30 shows since 2011 after Roo McCormick’s sister won tickets to a show in Watertown. She couldn’t attend, so Roo and Dave went and they’ve been attending ever since.

“2CW got Roo and I interested in wrestling again,” Dave McCormick said.

That’s probably a good thing, being pro-wrestling is what brought the two together. Back in the late 1980s, Dave and Roo were subscribers to the Wrestling Observer newsletter. Dave reached out to Roo when he was in Watertown on business to maybe trade tapes. A few years later, they were married.

Alas, as the business changed, the interest in wrestling started to go away. 2CW changed that.

“We had a blast at the Watertown show, met Mick Foley and Sunny, and talked about checking out future shows,” Dave McCormick said. “The rest is history. We have gone to most of the company’s shows since then, loaded our shelves with 2CW, Barbershop Window and Pro Wrestling Tees shirts, and started attending the PWHF inductions. We have ventured out to see a couple other independent promotions and for the first time, will be going to the Cauliflower Alley Club inductions in Vegas this April. We owe 2CW a debt of gratitude.”

Talk to enough 2CW hardcore fans and you’ll get many stories like this.

The personal touch

Though all companies may try and say they are fan-friendly, 2CW takes it to another level.

Tammy Angiolillo has been attending 2CW shows for more than three years.

Angiolillo’s aunt Pauline has stage-4 cancer and she has a bucket list called “The What Cancer Cannot Do Tour.” She wanted to do things she had never done before, so the two of them and a friend attended a 2CW show.

When arriving, they had an obstructed view. Trades was working to help them and started talking to them about the What Cancer Cannot Do shirts. After getting them their own row, he came back later and said Matt Hardy wanted to meet them. He also came back to give them tickets to a show and then got them to the front of the line to meet Hardy.

“2CW has touched my life in so many ways,” Angiolillo said. “First it was entertainment. Then it became a place where I could make memories that my aunt, friend and I will never forget. Then they became my friends. Now, they are my family.”

She’s also cooked dinner for the wrestlers as a thank you for how her and her family has been treated. It’s happened more than once.

“I know to some people it may sound a little weird to be sad that a wrestling show is closing, but they don’t know 2CW,” Angiolillo said. “These guys show heart, soul and amazing skills in all of their performances. I had just been to a WWE show before that and I was floored how much better this show was. I watched as the wrestlers greeted every fan that came up to them, especially the kids. They treat them with gratitude and respect. Even if I get to see some of the guys at other shows there is nothing like 2CW.”

Hardcore and passionate

Long-time fans of 2CW are easily recognizable, even if you might know their names. They dress in gimmicks. They know the wrestlers. They have their chants.

2CW champion Sean Carr has been on both sides of the coin – first being a fan of the company and now being the top guy.

“There’s a lot of passion,” Carr said. “To this day, I’ve never performed in front of fans as passionate as 2CW fans. I was a fan chanting ‘2CW’ and watching Samoa Joe take on Wagner Brown. Ten years later, I’m on the other end of it. I got to see it on both ends of the spectrum.”

Tyler “Dash” Walton of Syracuse has been to more than 100 shows, first attending an event in 2007. Ask him and he’ll tell you he’s a loudmouth in the front row – and if you’ve been to cards, you’ve likely seen Walton getting in the face of more than one wrestler, usually with a smirk on his face.

“When I think of 2CW, all I can think of is magical moments,” said Walton, who pointed to the time Terry Funk came out and pinned Slyck Wagner Brown, the Binghamton “incident” and Sean Carr recently winning the 2CW title as incredible moments in company history.

“The aura in the Legion in Binghamton was surreal when Sean Carr’s yearlong pursuit of the 2CW heavyweight title came to a climax,” Walton said. “When his family embraced him in the ring, I don’t think there was a one dry eye in the house. Pure magic from 2CW.”

Another front-row member is Kelly Nolan of Granby, who usually is dressed in a Dick Justice sort of outfit, has attended 117 of 121 shows with 2CW.

“For the past 10-plus years, 117 of those days for me were guaranteed to be amazing and unforgettable and I can never thank them enough,” Nolan said. “Next year there will be a huge void sadly no one will be able to fill.”

April Baron, of Watertown, has been attending events since 2008. She’s seen a lot and said she’s devastated the company is closing.

“Every moment in 2CW is special,” she said. “2CW has taught me to understand the true meaning of wrestling. The passion and love of independent wrestling forever began with 2CW. As a dear friend said ‘It feels like I’ve lost a member of my family.’”

Appreciation

The appreciation the fans show the wrestlers is one thing, but wrestlers feel the same way back.

Take Jason Axe, who isn’t quite a crowd favorite.

“It’s interesting because I have an old-school mentality,” Axe said. “I never signed an autograph for five years because I played the character. I’ve loosened up on that. I will always be in character. The fans certainly respect how long I’ve been there and they can applaud the effort, but they hate me.”

Colin Delaney is a bit different. For a long while he was pretty hated, especially during his run as tag team champions with Jimmy Olsen. But since then, he’s been a bit more on the good side of the fans. He has fun with them.

“At this point, I don’t think I could be heel if I tried,” he said. “I know many of them by name. They know me. It’s an interesting relationship. I don’t have that elsewhere. These people are just as much a part of the show as the guys in the locker room. They have personalities. We remember the fan moments, just as much as we do those in the ring.”

The appreciation will go on well past the final card for 2CW. Fans will continue to remember and talk about 2CW, especially in this part of New York State.

“It’s very sad for me, but it’s one of those situations where you try to not be sad that it’s ending but be happy that it happened,” Walton said. “As a lifelong fan of professional wrestling I will be hard pressed to find something that consistently puts out quality products the way 2CW has since 2006.”

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

Fancast gives perspective on 2CW

May 5, 2016

Squared Circle Wrestling isn’t your normal independent wrestling federation. It’s proven that time and time again with the cards it puts on, the talent it brings in, and the way it treats its fans.

But there are other aspects that separate 2CW from other independent federations.

Take the 2CW Fancast, for example. This podcast, which is all about 2CW, gives fans a perspective on the federation that many others don’t have.

Starting up

In late 2008, Peter Wrightsman – known as the Original Hat Guy – came up with an idea as a way to spread the word about 2CW.

“We did some research and figured out how to record and edit and set up the website for it,” said Andrew “Dewey” Brooks, one of the four original hosts for the show. “We did a couple of demo episodes to work out some of the bugs in December, and released our first episode in January 2009.”

Brooks and Wrightsman hosted alongside Brian “Viking” Burton and Token Tom, who later left the podcast to work on other podcasts.

“At the time, I was a big fan of wrestling podcasts and thought it would be a good idea to start one for 2CW,” Wrightsman said. “None of us knew what to do, so it involved a lot of research to figure it out. Actually, Dewey did most of the research and we did all the recordings at his place. He edited everything and he recorded everything, so he was a huge part of getting the podcast off the ground.”

It also gave the group a chance to talk about wrestling, and more specifically about 2CW.

“It was to help bring attention to the best wrestling company on the planet,” Burton said.

Fans from the start

Brooks, Burton, and Wrightsman all attended the first 2CW card on April 8, 2006. Held at the Pastime Athletic Center in Syracuse, the three went to support a local company after seeing a commercial for the event during Monday Night Raw.

The Fancast crew.

Brooks has since been to 111 shows. Burton has been to 110. Wrightsman has been to more than half, but often has conflicts during the summer, so his total isn’t as high as the other two.

“We went to the first show after seeing the commercial on RAW, and wanted to see what a local promotion could offer,” Brooks said. “We started with just the Syracuse shows for the first year, but after going to one in Rochester, the Viking and I decided we’d try to go to every show from then on.”

Not only is the trio known for the Fancast, but they also are known for tailgating before events. The group can be found in parking lots before events indulging in some food and libations before heading inside to their customary front-row seats.

Burton said the tailgating has been a great way to interact with fans and wrestlers alike.

Brooks noted for the first few, it was only for an hour or so before a shot to have a cordial or two before heading in to watch the card.

“As we met more and more of the same people going to all the shows, we started getting there earlier and earlier to spend more and more time tailgating,” Brooks said. “As more and more people hung out, the wrestlers began coming out as well and it just took off from there.”

One time, Brooks said, they went and visited a brewery before tailgating , thus making it an all-day event.

Wrightsman said he thinks the first tailgating day came at an event at the Pastime Athletic Club and they’ve done it in all weather.

“The best tailgate party was recently when we returned to the Pastime Athletic Club,” he said. “It was a Sunday and it was warm out. People brought flat-screen TVs and were watching football in the parking lot. We had a grill going and it was a blast.”

Moving forward with the show

The group has brought an added element to the 2CW family and wrestlers have taken part as well. Some of those interviewed over the years have included Colin Delaney, AR Fox, Dick Justice, Sean Carr, Nick Ando, Slyck Wagner Brown, Kevin Steen, Jason Axe, Jay Freddie, Matt Hardy, Spike Dudley, Isys Ephex, and Eddie Edwards, among others.

In total, there have been 73 shows.

The guests and topics have varied. They’ve recapped and previewed shows and who was coming and going in 2CW. The website (http://the2cwfancast.com/) has a plethora of information, including the results of every card 2CW has held, as well as title histories.

Burton said Jason Axe was the best guest they’ve had on the show, especially the second time he visited.

“He was just a great guest and had a lot to say that was really interesting,” Burton said.

Brooks agreed on Axe’s appearance.

“I think it’s probably the best interview we did and really gave a great insight into Jason’s entire career to that point,” he said.

Wrightsman said he had a lot of favorite episodes, including one where Punisher Van Slyke and Kevin “The Man” Graham showed up. Another of his favorites was when Dick Justice was on the show.

“I didn’t know he was coming to do the show,” Wrightsman said. “They wanted to surprise me as I always have been and always will be a huge Dick Justice mark.”

As for the worst guest?

Burton and Brooks once again agreed, saying it was when ZSIII was on the show.

“He may be the Innovator of Silence but that doesn’t mean he ever stops talking,” Brooks said.

Added Burton: “He just rambled on and on about prayer dogs.”

But Wrightsman? He went against the pick Burton and Brooks had for their favorite show, saying Axe was the worst guest.

“I really hate to say it,” Wrightsman said. “I don’t think he really wanted to be there and was not very open with the answers he was giving. It was like pulling teeth for a while.”

Saying goodbye to 2CW

It’s not going to be easy to say goodbye to a federation the three have given so much time to, but they all noted they understood.

The memories will last for many years to come, however.

“It’s a mixed bag of emotions,” Burton said. “On one hand, I hate to see it go, but this way it won’t end up being a joke like what happened to WCW or other similar promotions.”

The legacy of 2CW will be a strong one, Brooks said. He noted he’d hate to see the federation turn into a shadow or parody of itself like many companies do, so he understands why this is happening.

It doesn’t make it easier to accept.

“It’s really bittersweet,” he said. “It’s a company that did it their way from the day one until the end. It’s a company that always has something for everyone on every show. While they brought in some of the biggest names in independent wrestling, they also kept their true indy feel by keeping homegrown talent.”

The big names were a bonus, but Brooks said the local talent – such as Axe or Isys Ephex, or Jay Freddie – could capture one’s mind and emotions just as much as an old WWE star or other big names coming in. The mixture that 2CW was able to do each show made the cards even more special.

Obviously nobody is happy that 2CW is coming to an end. But, Wrightsman said, he understands and it seems like the perfect time to do it.

He also said he’s happy 2CW is giving the fans the chance to say goodbye.

“I am glad they announced the last shows are it so that we know to get every bit out of that weekend,” Wrightsman said. “We are going to have the best tailgates and the best time at these last shows.”

On the web:

Website: http://the2cwfancast.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fancast

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

Copyright! No video for you, says (redacted)

March 14, 2016

As anybody who reads my blog knows, I’m a fan of professional wrestling. Specifically, independent professional wrestling.

I’m a supporter of “local” companies (basically anybody in the Albany/Binghamton/Syracuse area) as no matter the quality of the action, it’s good to support them if you are a fan of wrestling.

However, if I feel I’ve been burned, it ends. One federation has been put on that list, but I’ve debated trying it again after speaking with a few people. But this isn’t about that one.

This is about a trip to Albany this past weekend.

In wrestling terms, this is a bit of a shoot.

There is one wrestler from the Binghamton area (Sean Carr) who several of us are big supporters of and that means we’ll travel to see him wrestle. This past weekend, he was in Albany, wrestling for (redacted).

You’ll see why I say that in a moment.

We had seen this federation before and while they aren’t the best, we figure to support Sean and to support local independent wrestling, let’s go again. We gave up the chance to head to a federation in Pennsylvania to see a matchup that would have been a lot of fun.

Instead, we went to (redacted).

There was a pretty solid crowd there (though this was their big “yearly” show and they had brought in some big names), but it didn’t start right when they started a “pre-show” match while the line was still out the door. Seriously.

I tried to see if I was violating any rules, but my eyes weren’t strong enough to read all of this.

We were soon inside and found a place to sit.

Sean’s match was third. And with a little “insider” info, I knew there was going to be a spot of interest, so I wanted to capture it. It involved him and a fan well-known to many local wrestling fans. It was comedic and well done.

I videoed it.

Now, realize that I’ve never had issues in the past with recording clips at wrestling events. In fact, most independent federations encourage it. Why? Because when people see good clips of your federation, they might want to go and see it. When that happens, you sell more tickets and, hopefully, that means selling more merchandise.

Basically, it’s free publicity.

To be fair, I can understand if any federation – good or bad – wouldn’t want to see full matches posted. That makes sense. Especially if you sell DVDs of your shows. But a clip?

Apparently (redacted) doesn’t like you to do that. That being said, I never (in two shows I’ve been to) heard anybody say that in announcements. I don’t see it on the ticket anywhere (though, to be honest, I can’t read everything on the back as it has tiny writing and I don’t have a magnifying glass), and there were no signs saying “no videoing/recording.”

And, again, it’s free publicity for your federation. People like, share and watch. You’d think that would be a good thing.

Anyway, I recorded the spot. I uploaded it to Facebook and tagged Sean and the Viking (the fan). People liked it, shared it, and commented. Everything was positive. They asked where it was. People were saying it was at (redacted). I even noted it in my post that it was (redacted).

NOTHING was negative about it. NOTHING.

That’s why I was shocked when I got a notice from Facebook on Monday … logging me out and then having some things I needed to see.

This is what I first saw (with certain information redacted, of course):

redacted1

Followed by:

redacted_2

I can’t make this stuff up. As you can see, I redacted the name of (redacted) because I honestly don’t want to give them any publicity – good or bad.

And this isn’t on Facebook at all. They had to do what they had to do, so I’m not even close to being annoyed with them.

But as somebody who works in PR, something like this would make me go bonkers.

Over the past five years, I have taken thousands and thousands of wrestling photos. At federations all over and of hundreds of wrestlers – good and bad. Many have retweeted/shared/used my photos (usually keeping my watermark, which is appreciated). So many times I could have done what was done to me.

I didn’t.

Why? When I get messages from people saying they enjoyed my photos and wrestlers or others asking if they can use them with full credit – it’s cool. Though I’m a believer in being paid for your work, I also know in this day and age, it’s harder in regard to things like this. Plus, it’s cool to see people use my things – especially when it’s not to make money, rather to show what they are doing.

Just like this video – I wasn’t selling it or making money on it – I was sharing it so people could see the spot and, thus, giving them some free and positive publicity. To put the federation in a positive light. And, as noted, it didn’t say anywhere not to do it and something tells me if you ask each of the wrestlers involved, they wouldn’t have an issue with it.

Instead?

I’m done with (redacted). I’ll never spend another dime there. Ever. I’ll tell my wrestling friends to avoid them at all costs. It’s not like I can bring (redacted) down and I don’t even want to try. But when there’s a place that doesn’t get it – it’s time to say enough.

The things I saw that night made me shake my head. I won’t go into it all because I know my fellow wrestling fan (and one who was with me this weekend) Sean over at Hachland blogged about the whole experience and all.

Instead, I’m talking about this.

Shortly after I had recorded the one clip (it’s all I did), though, my one friend Mike was recording a few clips. Nothing major. He doesn’t even have a smart phone for goodness sake. But one of the “security” guards came over and told him a few “clips are ok, but nothing long.”

Heck, even WWE fan videos are out there. But for indy feds? It’s a good thing all around as it gets more eyes on your product.

So, as for (redacted)? Well, I’ll never go again. I’m sure they don’t care. It’s only a few people, right? That’s not the point, though. The point is having a clue, and (redacted) doesn’t seem to get it. I heard stories about how they operate in regard to their “academy” and such and it makes me shake my head.

It’s too bad 2CW wasn’t still running shows. Josh (the owner) got it. He didn’t care if you videoed, took photos, shared things, posted things – whatever. For the record, during one match, (redacted) mentioned 2CW — I wonder if there’s any copyright things there?

Then you have Jonny Moose, who owns XCite. And he admitted he’d rather people don’t record full matches (which is totally understandable), but clips and such? As he noted, it helps build word of mouth and people post things because it’s something cool – when things get shared, more people see your product.

They. Get. It.

This post is getting long-winded. So let me end with this. (Redacted) is holding an event April 30 in the Capital Region. Though it’s a little longer of a haul for some, take the time to drive to Binghamton and see XCite, where you’ll be able to see matches such as Sami Callihan vs. Joe Gacy; Sean Carr vs Chuck Taylor; Matt Cross vs Greg Excellent; DJ Hyde vs Matt Tremont and so much more. There’s no way the card by (redacted) will compare with XCite on that night, that’s for sure.

Oh, and you can video some clips – and feel free to share them.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please Like HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

Hacksaw entertains with his one-man show

February 18, 2016

Hooooooooo!

With that ever-popular catchphrase, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan can excite a wrestling crowd, even still as he has reached his 60s.

Originally from Glens Falls in upstate New York, Hacksaw played college football and was in the NFL before turning to the world of professional wrestling.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan laughs as he talks about his career at his one-man show in Binghamton.

A favorite among many fans, he’s colorful, candid, and entertaining. He’s patriotic and will get a crowd chanting “USA USA USA!” without issues. And, he does it all with his trusty 2×4 by his side (or over his shoulder).

He stills gets in the ring occasionally, usually to throw a few punches or tag up, but he’s still out there entertaining people. If you follow him on Twitter or Facebook, you’ll get an inside look at the WWE Hall of Famer’s life as he travels all over to different types of wrestling shows, conventions or just a glimpse at life.

I’ve written about Hacksaw on the blog before, such as when he was doing a fundraiser for shoulder surgery, or just looking back at Hacksaw when he came to my hometown for an independent card. I’ve had in in various other posts when talking about professional wrestling as he’s one of my all-time favorites.

Recently, it was announced Hacksaw was doing a one-man show. The 2×4 Show is a way for people to get a glimpse behind the curtain, so to speak, and see Hacksaw in a different way. He’s on a stage talking wrestling, telling stories, and taking questions, which gives fans a true look at his remarkable career. He doesn’t hold back any punches, either.

Hacksaw keeps the crowd entertained with tales from the road.

I saw he had an upstate New York tour set, and was trying to plot where I could get to one. With five spots close enough to see this show, I knew I’d hit one. It turned out to be the closest – Binghamton.

One thing’s for sure – I definitely don’t regret going to this show.

The setting for the Binghamton show was at the Relief Pitcher, in a downstairs conference room. It was a nice and relaxed setting for the show. After a local opening comedian, Hacksaw took the stage and took the crowd of more than 50 through his career. The stories ranged from growing up in Glens Falls, to his football days, to becoming a wrestler.

His stories were candid, open, funny and genuine. He told the crowd about how he went from Big Jim Duggan to the Convict (in a mask) to Hacksaw, and how Bruiser Brody told him he needed something to carry to the ring, which led to his trademark 2×4. .

Originally a heel in the ring, he made his biggest stamp as a patriotic wrestler, leading crowds in the chants of USA. He fought the evil wrestlers, such as the Iron Sheik (no love lost between those two, which Duggan pointed out), and enjoyed success as one who battled Andre The Giant so many times.

Signing a 2×4 after the show!

He didn’t hide from the past, either. He was honest when a fan asked about the situation with he and the Iron Sheik riding together and getting pulled over. Duggan admitted to having some “doobies” under his seat and then it turned out the Sheik had cocaine in the car.

This was before the days where “the truth” of wrestling was known, so it was bigger news. It cost Duggan big time, but he would rebound.

One could tell how much Duggan enjoyed being with fans and talking stories and telling his tale. His well-placed “Hoooo” chants always kept the crowd into what was going on.

He also breaks the molds of some wrestlers as he’s been married to his wife for more than 30 years. She was with him at the show, at one point bringing him some water. He spoke amazingly highly of his family and how important they were to him.

Duggan also spoke about some of his closest friends in the business and how many of them are no longer with us.

The biggest thing I took away from this was how personable Hacksaw is. He took time to answer questions and didn’t shy away from things. He told about life on the road and in the ring. And following the show and Q&A session, he went to a table in the back where his wife was handling the sales of merchandise.

They worked so well as a team, too. She would get the name he was signing on items and make sure he knew what to sign, and even switching markers and such. That allowed Duggan to do what he is so good at – talking with fans and being personable to give each person in line a true intimate setting to talk with Hacksaw for a few moments.

My brother, Hacksaw and me after Duggan’s one-man show.

She also took the photos for people, with their cameras. It wasn’t like some independent shows where it’s one photo and gone. She made sure the photos came out well and Hacksaw would insist on a couple of different poses. The line might not have moved as swiftly as some may want, but it gave people their money’s worth, that’s for sure.

One final funny story from that night, and being in line. I wanted to get a photo, so it was going to be me, my brother, and Hacksaw. As I noted, his wife was taking the photos. So I set up my DSLR and was like “Now this isn’t like a phone, it’s big equipment.”

Yes, I was trying to be funny.

She responded “Don’t worry, I can handle big equipment.”

Yes, very funny.

To which (can’t make this up), Hacksaw laughs and says … yes she can, she’s a “HOOOOOOOOO!”

Laugh out loud funny! I can see why they have been married for (I think he said) 35 years.

I hope this tour and this show continue. If you have the chance to see the show, take advantage of it and go watch. Even for non-wrestling fans, it’s a cool experience and a lot of fun. It’s well worth the couple of hours.

HOOOOOOOOOOO!

For more photos from the event, visit my Flickr album.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please Like HooHaa Blog on Facebook!

2CW: Jack (of all) Trades

2CW fans bring the passion

Fancast gives perspective on 2CW

Copyright! No video for you, says (redacted)

Hacksaw entertains with his one-man show

hoohaa29

P.J. Harmer