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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Aces and Eights/NWO Comparisons

I noticed that there have been a lot of comparisons between the NWO and the Aces and Eights as of late, especially now that AJ Styles is involved with the Aces and Eights storyline in a fashion similar to how Sting was involved in the NWO storyline. While it's true that there are similarities, what's odd to me is that sometimes these comparisons are being done in a complaining, "This is a knockoff, I've seen it" manner.

The NWO and Aces and Eights storylines were created by the same person- it's legally impossible to steal from yourself, so the Aces and Eights storyline is not a knockoff. It's not even a form of recycling, since the only similarity that both storylines share is the, "gang and peer pressure" theme, with a group of associates claiming territorial control while attempting to recruit a loner. The theme was very successful in WCW, and anyone who is successful in business knows that if an idea works, it should be used until it no longer works.

Another point that should be mentioned is that TNA's main target audience are viewers between the ages of 18 and 34. The youngest viewers (18 years of age in this case) are the most valuable because they have fewer financial responsibilities than the older viewers and therefore are more likely to spend money on the TNA product. The NWO storyline was in it's prime in 1997, which was 16 years ago- TNA's youngest target fans were 2 years old at that time! They were too young to truly experience the NWO storyline back then, so the Aces and Eights storyline is a fresh and completely new style of storyline for them.

I'm sure that somewhere on an Internet forum right now there is an ongoing debate between NWO fans in their 30's and Aces and Eights fans in their teens/early 20's regarding which storyline is the best. In truth, they both are- the NWO storyline was the most-discussed WCW storyline during its period of existence, just as the Aces and Eights storyline is the most-discussed TNA storyline currently.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Gremlina (from GLOW) Interview

With a self-created character based on the creatures from the 1980's, "Gremlins" film, Gremlina made her GLOW debut in season 3. In this interview, Gremlina discusses GLOW, the pro-wrestling industry, and her current involvement in it.

Q: Why did you enter the pro-wrestling industry?

A: Because I love the sport and have been a fan since I was six.

Q: What was the best part about working for GLOW?

A: The friendships with all the ladies working with all these amazing strong intelligent empowered women.

Q: Which do you feel was your best match in GLOW?

A: My last match Daisy vs Zelda.

Q: Which was your favorite match in GLOW?

A: I loved all of them it is a great feeling entertaining the fans and doing something I love is a bonus.

Q: Since your time with GLOW, you have been involved in the independent scene. Did you gain the most valuable experience while you were in GLOW, or have you learned the most during the post-GLOW period of your career?

A: A bit of both.... I learned first by being a fan and yes I analyzed the matches, promos, and of my favorite wrestlers, I learned more from working with the ladies in GLOW and I learn every card I do in VCW from all the great talent they have heart talent and ability and are a valuable source of information.

Q: What is your opinion of the current state of the independent wrestling scene in general?

A: I think there are a lot of great independents and there is a lot of heart passion and talent in the independents that I find lacking in some of the larger promotions today.

Q: Throughout the years, many female wrestling promotions have come and gone, but none of them made an impact like GLOW did. To this day, GLOW remains the all-time favorite of many women's wrestling fans. In your opinion, what was it about GLOW that has made it stand out from other female wrestling promotions?

A: It was something that had never been done before, it was innovative fresh bold edgy and had the pulse of what was going on in the 80's at the time the characters were diverse and over the top it was campy and fun and the women had real talent and some were amazing athletes, it wasn't the same old same old and the women were from all different walks of life and all shapes colors ethnicity and sizes no cookie cutter barbie model types.

Q: Were you a wrestling fan before you were involved with GLOW?

A: Yes I was I was an avid fan of NWA Mid-Atlantic, Georgia, Florida, Texas, wrestling whatever I could watch here in VA then when I moved to NYC the WWF during the best days the 80's.

Q: Comparing the view of female wrestling during the existence of GLOW to the view of female wrestling in the year 2013, do you feel that female wrestling is more respected? Also, do you feel that the quality of female wrestling has improved?

A: I think it has gotten a bit more respect than it had back in the day, women are just as capable and talented and if properly trained can wrestle and do as well as the men, as far as the quality..... I am old school so I don't care for all the posing and cookie cutter model types, I think diversity in characters is best.

Q: Currently, former GLOW director Matt Cimber is working on a new female wrestling promotion named Femme d’Action. Do you see it having a bright future?

A: Yes the new Femmes are amazing and I am proud to be a part of it and see only great things for it when it takes off, what GLOW did for women's wrestling Femme is going to rock the new generations and embody Female strength wisdom and persevering over any adversity, it is a show for today.

Q: Who is your favorite wrestler?

A: Roddy Piper.

Q: What did you like the most about being a pro-wrestler?

A: The camaraderie the brotherhood and sisterhood and of course the fans without them I wouldn't be where I am today.

Q: Who would you have liked to wrestle, that you did not?

A: I would have loved to wrestle Zelda we were a good match in size and ability and I loved working with her.

Q: Along with your current involvement in the pro-wrestling industry, you also work for the State of Virginia. Do you have any interest in working in the pro-wrestling industry full-time, or are you satisfied with your current extent of involvement?

A: Well of course I would love to be able to do what I love full-time but I am realistic and the best advice I can give is have a fall-back career, it don't last forever injuries happen fan bases change be prepared have a backup. I am enjoying what I do and due to some physical limitations I am content not being in the ring the physical toll on the body can be brutal, and LOL I am not 20 something any more.

Q: What is your long-term goal?

A: Hopefully to continue with VCW and if Femm D Action takes off to continue being a part of it and to keep close to my GLOW and wrestling family and maybe a guest spot on one or all of my fave TV shows like, "Supernatural", "Grimm", "Once Upon a Time", or "True Blood".

Monday, April 1, 2013

Top 8 Ways to Get Fired in Pro-Wrestling

When a pro-wrestler makes it to WWE or TNA, they usually intend to remain there for the rest of their career. To maintain their spot on the roster, they put on their best performance every night, hoping to draw the loudest cheers and sell the most merchandise. Many times however, things do not go as planned, and the talent is eventually removed from the company. There are a number of ways that a talent can get fired, even though the reasons are not obvious until after they are no longer with the promotion. Just as with any other industry, having a job in pro-wrestling is a privilege- if a promotion feels that they are not benefiting from having a talent under their employ, they will find a way to part ways with that talent. To avoid getting fired, do the things listed below.

1. Push Yourself

Sometimes when a talent is released from WWE or TNA, their complaint is, "They didn't push me". In many cases, their statement is true. However, in life in general, if you don't push yourself, no one else will. Being in a major pro-wrestling company does not mean that it's time to stop marketing yourself. In fact, it becomes more important to do so. On the independent scene, it can be very easy to become a big fish in a little pond. Yet in companies like WWE and TNA where the "pool" is much bigger, a talent can quickly become forgotten.

In today's world where almost everyone from 12 to 112 has some type of interest in social media, no wrestler has an excuse for not marketing themselves. Even wrestling icons like Hulk Hogan, main eventers like John Cena and Jeff Hardy, and executives like Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, Dixie Carter, and Eric Bischoff use social media on a regular basis, staying in the forefront of the minds of fans.

2. Be a Team Player

It would be a fair statement to say that basically all wrestlers want to main event every show that they are on, become World Heavyweight Champion, and be the face of the company. But a wrestler's job is to do what's best for the company, which is not always what the wrestler may feel is best for themselves. That means that they may have to job in more matches than some other wrestlers, put over wrestlers who they personally feel don't "deserve" to be put over, and work the midcard as opposed to the main event.

While some wrestlers who are unhappy with this situation may keep it to themselves, others are vocal and refuse to do what the company has ordered. This interferes with company plans and creates a problem for everyone who works there, because an efficient and successful company benefits everyone, main eventers and midcarders alike.

3. Be Grateful for What You Have

When a talent is employed by WWE or TNA, they are in a position where wrestlers all over the world would give anything to be. Yet over the years there have been cases of WWE/TNA talents complaining that they were not making the amount of money that they felt they should have been. It still continues today. When it's time for cutbacks, their name could be one of the first names to come up. In the end, they will wind up on the independent circuit, while a more eager and equally talented wrestler will happily replace them on the roster for less money.

4. Avoid Having an Attitude Problem

Many wrestlers have been fired due to being problematic backstage, having conflicts with other wrestlers, both physical and non-physical. A disruptive talent can have a negative affect on locker room morale. Some wrestlers have even carried their attitude problem into the ring, being uncooperative with the wrestler they are working with, which negatively affects the quality of a match. An employee with an attitude problem can potentially wear our their welcome very quickly.

5. Avoid Drugs

Just like any other company, a pro-wrestling company is held responsible in the eyes of others for their employee's actions. A wrestler with impaired judgement is a liability to themselves, whomever they work with in the ring, and the company that they work for.

6. Avoid Sleeping on the Job

Yes, there are people in the pro-wrestling business who sleep on the job. And just like anyplace else, they may be fired. In Eric Bischoff's book "Controversy Creates Cash", Bischoff goes into detail about how he had to fire a WCW announcer due his being found sleeping on the job.

7. Show Up on Time

A wrestler showing up late to an event is just as bad as an office worker showing up late to the office. Last minute booking changes can occur at any moment, and if a talent is not dependable enough to be available to work with any needed changes that night, they can become more more of a hindrance to the company than a benefit.

8. Avoid Getting Arrested

No wrestling company wants the negative press that comes with one of their employees getting arrested for a a DUI or worse. If a wrestler brings a promotion that type of publicity their way, it's very likely that their days are numbered.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Dawn Maestas ("Godiva" from GLOW) Interview

At age 24, Dawn Maestas became "Godiva", one of the standout members of the GLOW roster, making her debut in season 3. In this interview, Dawn discusses GLOW, the Godiva character, and her current involvement in the pro-wrestling industry.

Q: Why did you enter the pro-wrestling industry?

A: I got a call from a friend I hadn't seen in a long time. My best friend since Jr. High. She was doing GLOW, and wanted me to come do it with her. We were on the same gymnastics team together, and cheerleaders together through high school. Her character on GLOW was Debbie Debutante. We are still close friends to this day!

Q: What was the best part about working for GLOW?

A: GLOW was a blast. I loved the physicality of it, I loved working out matches with my opponents, and I loved the fun things about being on the road...interviews, photo sessions, etc.

Q: What are your thoughts on the following former G.L.O.W. members:

A: CHEYENNE CHER - Hmmmm...do I answer this as Godiva??? Cheyenne was one of my favorite opponents. Our matches were very high flying, she was also a gymnast, and she was easy to throw around. She made me look good.

DAISY - Daisy was my favorite opponent because she was able to toss me around like a rag doll. We always had HUGE moves. She was also one of my best friends in GLOW and beyond. She is the type of person who will do anything for a friend.



COLONEL NINOTCHKA - Nino trained me and I had huge respect for her. We were both heels, so I only got to wrestle with her once as Parisian Ninotchka. I LOVED that match!! I felt very safe wrestling her. Also, we were both such strong, independent characters, the fans LOVED it!

MAJOR TANYA - No opinion really. I felt like, during GLOW anyway, she was one of the weaker wrestlers. I know she continued to wrestle post-GLOW so maybe that changed...I don't know.

SALLY THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER - My match with Sally has the most YouTube hits of any match, but honestly, I didn't like wrestling her. She was uncontrollable. She did what she wanted, whether it would "sell" well or not, whether it was part of the action or not.



TIFFANY MELLON - Tiffany was also very physical which I loved. She was often a diva pain in the ass, but our matches looked great. I was really arch rivals with her tag team partner, Roxy. Our cat fights and trash talk still endure. Also, we reunited recently and had great laughs over our old rivalry. They are great.

DAVID MCLANE - Never met him.

Q: Which do you feel was your best match in GLOW?

A: Godiva vs. Cheyenne Cher for the GLOW crown.



Q: Have you done any wrestling since GLOW?

A: I have. I am in production now on a new action, comedy, reality show called Femme D Action. You can see our promo video here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Femme-DAction/113269755517864 I did some wrestling and stunts to train the new Femmes. We are using several GLOW girls in our new show as well and our GLOW director, Matt Cimber is directing. In addition to that, I am a 3rd degree black belt martial arts instructor.

Q: Throughout the years, many female wrestling promotions have come and gone, but none of them made an impact like GLOW did. To this day, GLOW remains the all-time favorite of many women's wrestling fans. In your opinion, what was it about GLOW that has made it stand out from other female wrestling promotions?

A: GLOW was character driven making it much more than a wrestling company. The camp and the character were the most important elements. There hasn't been any other show like it. To me, GLOW more closely resembled HeeHaw or Laugh-in from the 70s more than it did any wrestling show. (We will see plenty of camp and craziness in Femme D Action!)

Q: Do you see Femme D Action having a bright future?

A: YES!! It's clever, fast-paced, topical, and, in Matt Cimber tradition, there is absolutely NOTHING on television like it. I'm excited! We have former GLOW girls Roxy, Little Egypt, and myself as judges, Lightning, Hollywood, Matilda the Hun and Gremlina as trainers and mentors, Daisy and Tulsa are our Security Guards and cameos (so far!) by Stinky, Thunderbolt, and Ashley.

Q: Were you a wrestling fan before you were involved with GLOW?

A: Absolutely not. I never even saw a wrestling match before I was a wrestler.

Q: Comparing the view of female wrestling during the existence of GLOW to the view of female wrestling in the year 2013, do you feel that female wrestling is more respected? Also, do you feel that the quality of female wrestling has improved?

A: I don't follow wrestling. It looks more sexualized to me than GLOW, but I really wouldn't know. GLOW was a "sexy" show, but it wasn't a "sex" show. The women portrayed on GLOW were independent and empowered. There was no male image on GLOW....no hunky muscle guys leading us to the ring or drying our delicate tears. Again, I feel like GLOW can't really be compared to those shows.

Q: What did you like the most about being a pro-wrestler?

A: Being a glamorous icon! HA! JK...It was a crazy life at the perfect time....young, single, childless, no responsibilities, and I managed to have a blast! Godiva, Professional Fun Seeker!

Q: How much of DAWN was a part of the Godiva character? Or do you feel that Godiva and Dawn are like night and day?

A: Matt really gave us our characters based on something innate that he saw. Godiva is haughty, self-absorbed, strong, confident, and cutting. I am definitely a kinder, gentler....well, Godiva. I love her.

Q: Who would you have liked to wrestle, that you did not?

A: This is my favorite question. I think Spanish Red....again a great and super physical bad guy.

Q: What is your long-term goal?

A: To be honoring and faithful, to live for something bigger than myself, and to love, accept, and serve others unconditionally.

Monday, March 25, 2013

GLOW: Still Popular After All These Years

Recently I was invited to check out a review on a GLOW documentary. I remember watching GLOW in the 1980's, and found it to be very entertaining. There were a lot of female wrestling promotions in existence during that decade in the United States along with GLOW: Ladies Major League Wrestling, the LPWA, and POWW. While I considered POWW to be the best of the four in terms of in-ring action, creatively GLOW was one the best American female wrestling promotions of all-time.

What surprises me is that while it's obvious that there is still a great amount of interest in GLOW (documentaries, DVDs available nationwide, etc.), it currently is not on television. ESPN Classics presents episodes of the AWA, and even though GLOW wasn't as popular as the AWA in the 1980's, GLOW was syndicated just as the AWA was. Also, Wrestlicious was a part of the MavTV lineup not long ago, so the potential for a female pro-wrestling product on television is likely still there. GLOW still exists as a company (with Usula "Babe The Farmer's Daughter" Hayden as the owner), so they should contact networks and see which ones are interested in showing their GLOW episodes.

I would shoot for a TV deal with Tribune Broadcasting. In New York during the 1980's, WPIX had the broadcast right for GLOW, and WPIX is owned by Tribune Broadcasting. A TV deal with Tribune would get GLOW on up to 24 Tribune stations, which include PIX 11 (New York), KTLA 5 (Los Angeles), WGN-TV (Chicago), WPHL-TV (Philadelphia), and KDAF (Dallas). Those five stations are located in the top five television markets in the United States, presenting a possible opportunity definitely worth looking into.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Bully Ray: The President of the Aces and Eights

With the Aces & Eights getting involved in Bully Ray-related situations on more than one occasion (to the benefit of Ray) since they made their debut, it's quite clear what Ray was referring to when he would constantly mention Bully Nation.

And it appears that Ray threw a major hint regarding his affiliation with the Aces and Eights during the summer of 2012 on Twitter.



The night before Bully Ray posted that tweet, he was on an episode of "IMPACT WRESTLING" appearing to make a save against Aces and Eights.



Also, Ray would rarely join in on brawls against the Aces & Eights members, and when he did, they didn't put up much offense (if any). And one time, Bully Ray -limping with a chain- was keeping seven members of the Aces and Eights at bay. Unrealistic? Of course it was- it was all "a part of the plan".

A lot of credit must be given to "Red Herring", the member of Aces and Eights who was posing as the President on an episode of, "IMPACT WRESTLING". That clearly wasn't Bully Ray, and "Red" certainly did his job well, convincing viewers that he was the President. He barely tried to disguise his voice, making it obvious who he was. This created a tremendous wave of gossip, as fans and members of the pro-wrestling media were sure that they knew the identity of the President of the Aces and Eights.

The Aces and Eights Reach an NWO-Level of Dominance in TNA

Last night's TNA Lockdown delivered a great event with an enthusiastic crowd- the biggest domestic crowd ever for a TNA show. The main event was Jeff Hardy vs. Bully Ray for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, a match that resulted in Ray becoming the new champion. I view this as a short term-negative but a long-term benefit. It's a short term negative because Hardy is the biggest name on the active roster, and being that the TNA Champion is the face of the company, it is financially beneficial for the title to be with Hardy.

However, the short-term negative is outweighed by the long term-benefit, and the benefit is that Bully Ray has become champion while simultaneously being revealed as the president of the Aces and Eights faction. In a previous blog post, I discussed how much potential the Aces and Eights faction has. Since that post, their brand has been strengthened as I suggested it should have been, by it being merchandised. They should still have their own website in my opinion though- perhaps that will happen in the future.

Bully Ray becoming TNA World Heavyweight Champion has given the Aces and Eights new life and brought them to the forefront of TNA, just as Hulk Hogan brought the NWO to the forefront of WCW when he was revealed as the leader of the NWO. The question is, can the Aces and Eights maintain this momentum the same way the NWO did? I believe that they can. The NWO thrived in the adult-oriented atmosphere of WCW, and that same atmosphere exists in TNA. The heel heat was raw when Bully Ray cut his post-match heel promo, as the ring was pelted with garbage thrown into the ring by angry fans, which was the same way that WCW fans reacted when Hogan revealed that he had turned heel.



The aura of mystery and suspense that helped make the NWO become successful will definitely continue to exist with the Aces and Eights. The TNA World Heavyweight Championship is now in the camp of the Aces and Eights and the balance of power has shifted- which members of the TNA roster will "tire of fighting the power" and become a part of the force?



Jeff Hardy is signed to a multi-year contract with TNA, so he's not going anywhere. I have no doubt that the cash cow for TNA will be TNA World Heavyweight Champion once again. But right now? It's the Aces and Eights' time to be highlighted to their fullest potential, especially Bully Ray. Many have been praising him for over a year now. Even Ray himself has noted that his career has new vitality. For the first time in Ray's career, the weight of a pro-wrestling company now rests on his shoulders. Is Ray truly destined for greatness? If so, now is his opportunity to prove it.