Breaking Kayfabe

The Tour, The Future & Local Stuff!!!

2008-05-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

Well, after a gruelling 5 shows in 7 days in 3 provinces, of which logged 5000 kilometers, I am finally able to sit down and write another one of my controversial blogs.

First the tour. It was a good tour, had a good crew and the crowds were popping on every show. It was tough sledding but we had 5 drivers and I even had time to take a nap in between my shifts driving. Got to ride with Marius most of the way and we had some interesting conversations on the local scene. he shared his opinion and I shared mine.

Now as I stated on the radio show, you are only as good as your next show, but for me it will be the next tour that I am lining up, of which looks like it will start June 21st.

In addition, I will be looking for some venues in and around Winnipeg to run, plus I am taking with a local wrestler about the booker position for these venues. A return of the CWF to Winnipeg by the end of this year, is a definate reality.

There seems to be a gap between low level shows with local guys and quality shows with local guys right now, so I am hoping to fill that gap and bring back the glory days of Le Rendezvous to the Winnipeg scene with quality shows with local guys and not have to put the jabronies on the show just because they set up a ring or arranged for cameras to tape the show.

I heard that WFX sued their former webmaster and did not show up for court date. Maybe now that Davidson has come out of hiding, he can shed some light on the WFX situation?

RCW is going strong again, with a weekly show in Winnipeg. How long it will last will be the real question. Wayne wanted to go to war with RME but it seems RME does not want a war, lol. In fact, RME has no shows listed on their website so the battle seems to be a little one sided.

However, Wayne has a history of running lots of shows, then closing down a few months later when he realizes how much money he is loosing, so we will see if this final surge for RCW has any longevity. My opinion is that is will be history by the end of August and I was right about AWE and WFX.

PCW is running a show in Morden in June, bringing in Steve Corino. I doubt it will draw but see what happens. Corino's days have come and gone years ago. He was hot coming off ECW, which is why I booked him but really he never was a big draw for anyone. So good luck to Andrew on this one.

Summer time on a Saturday night in Morden, all the cards are stacked against him on this one and no matter what cheap price Corino is giving out, breaking even on this show will be a challenge.

This could be make it or break it for PCW outside the Lid, which does not exsist anymore. If PCW flops on this show financially, because PCW has a talented roster that is not the problem, then will Andrew want to promote anymore is the real question?

Rob Stardom is running another show in Selkirk in June. I was supposed to be on it but I won't be around. Jon Cutler is booked and he is fresh off a WWE appearance, so if Rob promotes this right, he could have standing room only but if it were me, I would bring in someone like and Eddie Watts to work Cutler.

No word from Omar yet on whether he is going to continue his wrestling career. I stand firm on my position, that if Omar wants to promote shows and give away all his money to the boys, then go for it but if he wants to insert is 55 year old fat, out of shape, midget body into the ring as a wrestler, the boys should not accept a booking and it will tell me a great deal about their character when they contract me for a booking.

Next time around I will blog on how Corino got the NWA World Title, which enabled him to get his Zero One contract. It is quite an interesting story.

Thanks to the crew.

2008-05-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to T Bone, Mattias Wild, Carrot Adams, Marius, Krysta Lynn Scott & Amazing Grace for working hard on the tour. It was a very hard tour with 3 shows in 3 provinces in 3 days but we made it all with very little sleep.

Scott became the CWF Women's Champion by the end of the tour.

Blog Break 10,000 hits

2008-05-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

At 9:01 PM today the blog official went over 10,000 visits.

This & That!!

2008-05-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

First I would like to thank Brady Roberts, Scotty Putty, The Vulture, The Slammer, Camakazze & Strife for working the two shows I had in Northern Alberta. It was great having a professional crew, plus I got to pull the "rib of the year" on an unsuspecting Putty but what goes on the road stays on the road. Good crowds and good shows, thanks guys for your effort.

I was planning on attending a show in Edmonton on Saturday. The boys invited me down, however when they informed the promoter that I would like to be come see the show, he told them I would have to pay 15 dollars and buy a ticket like everyone else so I drove home instead.

Appeared on The Squared Circle radio show this week. Kinda held up the show I was told as I lost the number to call in, sorry about that. Had to call Madison to get the number Mike's cell number, then finally I was able to obtain the number so i called in. Surprised Andrew and Wayne were not on the show, had some interesting opinions ready for both of them to dispute.

I tried to keep the atmosphere a little light, touching on The Masked Messanger's pizza eating habits at ringside, getting tomato sauce from the pizza all over this mask, the famous "pants to his ankles" and the total debacle that proceeded.

Seriously though, I think the boys should give their heads a shake when they take a booking for this guy. If he wants to be a mark promoter, dish out his inheritence money to the boys for po's, then go for it. However, if he wants to insert is 55 year. fat, old, out of shape body into the show in a wrestling role, the boys should not support his shows. You are just supporting a show that uses untrained wrestlers.

Now the agruement is, the boys got paid well. Not what I was told by the Alberta guys. The boys need to give their heads a good shake on this one. If all it is about is putting a few dollars in their pockets, then go do it and don't ask me for spots. Professional wrestling and wrestlers still mean something to me.

Taking a booking and support a 55 year old out of shape, untrained mark's "marking out to be in a wrestling ring" is not something that is good for the business.

We had a 50 something man die in training years back, do you seriously wanted to be associated with the show that a 55 year old man has a heart attack on, if it happens?

If you care about this "business" then do the right thing, if you don't you have no respect for the "business".

I am 52, in much better shape than Omar and I stay away from in ring wrestling. I referee when needed, that is about it. Even though I am constantly being prodded out of retirement by wrestlers and fans, I recgonize that it is far too dangerous to be in that ring at my age and it hurts to much for the week after.

Pro Wrestling is not a playground for an out of shape, fat, few bricks short of a load marked messanger, who wants to live out his fantasy of being a superhero in the ring, The Masked Messanger, who not is know as the Marked Messanger.

I also see Wayne is not advertising his regular crew for his uncoming shows? Does that mean Lynn Adams, Pepito, Ox Anderson, Madman Muir and Louie are not booked? Maybe they are exclusive now with MMW (Marked Messanger Wrastlin')?

Other than that, got 4 shows (maybe 5) coming up this week, then I am taking a break for a while to get ready for my summer tour.

Jon Cutler on Raw, great for him and I wish him the best as he is a good kid.

Blog Record Shattered!!!

2008-04-27T17:45:00.000-07:00

As of 7:45 PM, the blog shattered a one day record with 136 visits and 164 page views shattering the previous record. Once the day is completed, the numbers will be posted.

My New Brand Experience!

2008-04-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to attend a New Brand Wrestling show on Saturday and it was quite an experience that I have to share. Here is how my attending the show started.

The night before I had dinner with JC Derksen. It was a very productive meeting. I ordered chicken parmisan with a ceaser salad. After I ate the salad, I went to work on the chicken but it tasted kind of cold. I decided to cut it open in the middle and discovered that is was not cooked. Being that I already had a few bites, I kind of got a little worried about getting sick but they assured me the meat was pre-cooked and that I would not get sick. I got a PO out of the deal, so next time I go there I am ordering steak, it is safer.

The next day Derksen called me to see if I was ok, and I told him so far so good, then asked him what time the show was today, because the night before he told me about the show. Derksen told me the thought it was at 2:30, so I told him I would probably drop down. Some decent guys were booked for the show, to go along with the regular RCW guys and trainees so I decided to pop down before I went to the gym.

I drove down to Logan and Lizzie but had no clue where the show was. I parked, walked around the building once, then I saw Woody come out of door so I finally figured out where the show was. A little piece of paper was taped on the door and that pretty well was the only advertising I saw for this New Brand Wrestling show so I opened door and there it was, a wrestling ring.

I walked in the door and was immediately approached by an older women who told me since I got to the show at intermission, I had to pay half the admission charge. I seem to remember letting people in for free who showed up after intermission to my shows. I remember letting Andrew and his girlfriend in for free to shows at the IMFC, so obviously this promoter has not been schooled on the protocol of Winnipeg wrestling yet when it come to other promoters attending his shows who were invited by wrestlers on the shows and put in the wrestlers guest list.

I informed her that I was on the guest list but she was relentless about me paying. Finally, the security guy told her I was OK and let me in. I was told normally the shows at Sally Ann start at 2:30 but for some reason this show started at 1:30. By the results of the 30 or 40 people there, it was obvious there was not much promoting of the show and if like me, people did not know where the building was. It was a good size building that could easily fit 3 or 400 people.

When I walked in I heard someone calling my name. It was Shane Madison so I sat with him and Chi Chi Cruz. A very short, very fat guy walking around in a mask was pointed out as the promoter, Omar The Masked Messanger. I was told Omar got an inheritence, bought Wayne Stanton's ring and now is a promoter. Think I heard this inheritence money spent on wrestling before somewhere.

I was told I missed Omar's match but he was supposed to be in the Main Event Battle Royal. The second part of the show started with a singles match and then a very good six man tag. Omar was wandering around everywhere wearing his mask while the matches were taking place and I was wondering why he was out in the first place in his gimmick.

Finally the Battle Royal and it was Rumble Style, now I would get to see The Masked Messanger in action. The boys worked out a comedy spot where The Masked Messanger would get his red sweat pants pulled down in the Battle Royal, well I will be honest, it was my idea, lol.

The music hit and the Battle Royal was underway. Omar was out at ringside but as the wrestler hit the ring, he just stood there like the did during the two matches before, in his mask, cut off sweatshirt and red sweat pants, his gimmick.

Danny Duggan tried to get Omar into the ring but for some reason he would not get in, then a few "chicken" calls started happening. Duggan got the office to jump out of the ring and pull Omar's pants down and it was hilarous. His pants were down to his ankles and his dirty underwear to his knees. The whole place was laughing and enjoying this comedy spot. Well, everyone but The Masked Messanger.

It looked like Omar lost it (hard to tell he was wearing a mask) so he started coming to the ring and I thought finally I would get to see this 5 foot 250 pound, 55year old man in action. However, it was not to be as Omar circled around outside the ring trying to grab Duggan as every chance he could get. We were laughing pretty hard but Omar still would not get in the ring.

The Battle Royal went on with Duggan finally getting eliminated. I watched Omar track him down at the entrance way and it look like he was trying to shoot on Duggan. I saw Omar throw some punches or slaps toward Duggan who was pinned against the wall by Omar's 250 plus pound belly.

So Madison got up to save the day for Duggan, walked over to Omar and pulled his pants down again, allowing Duggan to escape. Duggan was pretty tired from wrestling in the six man tag, plus being the first man in on the Battle Royal, two minutes after the tag. Duggan also had a pretty bad bleeding nose, so for Omar to attack him in this manner was pretty low.

Then Omar came over to where we were sitting. Madison was right beside me and Omar was right in front of me so I witnessed everything. Omar got right in Madison's face. Here is the promoter of the show, still wearing his mask, threatening Madison. Then Omar start pushing Madison trying to instigate a fight. I heard "I am the owner" & "I am gonna sue you" but it was clear Omar was getting physical with Madison. It was just like a bully picking on his victim.

I attempted to be the peacemaker and at one point I had to grab Omar's arm as I thought he was going to hit Madison. I told him to go away and he should never be coming into the crowd tring to hit fans. He was wearing his mask, in his wrestling attire, trying to hit a fan, what a bully. Both Madison and Cheech are retired from the business, so they are just fans who came see their friends wrestle.

Finally I had to push Omar back, the security guy came over and looked like he wanted to go with me but the whole physical thing was Omar trying to play the bigshot and push his girth around.

I told the security guard that Omar was trying to hit a fan, then the security guy escorted an enraged Omar away from our seats. A wrestler, never mind the promoter, should be not go into the crowd, threatening a fan or trying to hit a fan, no matter what. You ask the fan to leave the building if there is a problem, not get in his face, threaten him and try to hit him. If he does not leave, you call the police.

The Battle Royal ended then Omar grabbed the microphone, pointed it towards my direction and started to cut a shoot promo, still wearing his mask. He could not just leave well enough alone.

He was not even talking into the microphone, it was point towards us, but I heard him call us hoodlums, including me. I did nothing but sit there and come to see a show. I watched a bully in a mask, probably saved him from physical harm and all of a sudden I am a hoodlum?

Cheech lost it, got up and walked over to try and grab the microphone to show him how it is done. Omar would not give him the microphone and I don't know what was said but Cheech slapped him, not a hard one, just a work slap, took the microphone away and showed him how it was done. The crowd then proceeded to give Cheech a standing ovation as Omar was dragged to the dressing room by his security.

After the show was over, I went to the back to talk to the boys. As I was leaving I had to go to the washroom, so I walked by and there was Omar, now the Unmasked Messanger (that is how he spells it). I remember his face, as he was the guy who came to me after the one show I ran at the Ellice Theatre, where he approached me and asked to book him in a real fight match against Louie. I guess once a bully, always a bully. On top of that he stood at the doorway and waited until after intermission so he did not have to pay to get in to see the show.

Now if Omar wants to be a promoter, then be one, no law against it, but the wrestling business is not just a playground for him to spend his inheritence money.

I have not attended a show in Winnipeg in years but the one I did attend was very memorable.

- CWF Has 8 shows booked for may so far for May, getting bookings for as far as august already.
- Still no effects from that uncooked chicken.
- Steeltown announced a show on june 14, I a booked again.
- RCW has 3 shows in Wpg in May, good chance I could be on the May 30 show managing a new team called "The Hoodlums".
- Wavell Starr returns to the CWF on May 17, in Lebret Saskatchewan.
- WFX, NWN, RME have not announced any shows so far for May.

Random Ramblings

2008-04-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

It has been a very long time since I went to a wrestling show where I did not have to worry about every aspect of the show but on the weekend I attended a Steeltown show in Selkirk, where I was asked to do colour commentary for a TV Taping.

There was a good crowd there (reported to be 175) and they were old fashioned wrestling fans. A lot of the Selkirk boys were on the show, of which was a good move on the part of the promoter as it probably drew in a large number of their family and friends to the show.

The finale wound up being a 34 man battle royale. It was very difficult to call on the announce team. Some of the guys in the ring we did not have a clue who they were. Wayne Stanton and I had to make up names as we went along but I had lots of fun with Wayne calling the action. Mr. No Neck in a Mask was one of them.

The only suggestion I have for Rob on my role for this is get us headsets and a monitor if you can. Headsets, so Wayne and I can hear each other, plus a monitor for when the guys go to the floor. It was very loud in the hall at times which made it difficult to hear the other commenator but we did our best to get the job done.

Had a chance to listen to the local wrestling radio show here. I would give it a plug with a link but after listening to the last 3 shows, I would consider it an embarrasement to local wrestling!!!

Sorry Mike, I like you and think you are a nice guy but I would not want any kids listening to the show with the language used and type of format the show had taken, so right now I cannot endorse it. The radio show has turned into a "bashing other promotions" concept and is co-hosted by two promoters where they are allowed to bash these promotions or wrestlers who are not associated with them, for whatever reason.

On the other spectrum, I have been attempting the "bury the hatchet" with a number of local wrestlers here and will continue to do so. The first one being Shane Madison who I had a very productive meeting with last Friday. I think he can see some of the challenges I have had in the past booking local talent and hopefully understands a little more about why I am the way I am when it comes to how I run my business.

At the Selkirk show, everyone was very friendly towards me and I am sure a number of them will get some opportunties to work my shows but they have to understand, respect my wishes on my shows, do their job and everything will work out fine.

Going on the internet with a tell all BS story about a tour, will not get you booked or score any points.

May is going to the be start of a very busy summer here with 7 shows already booked, plus maybe a few more. Right now the CWF is the place to be for serious respectful wrestlers who want to travel and experience life on the road.

In addition, I am looking at return to Winnipeg in the fall. Insurance is attainable now for City owned community clubs so once I have secured some regular venues, I will give it a go.

On the local scene:

- RME cancelled their debut at their new Winnipeg venue for May 3 & has no shows announced on their site.
- RCW announced shows for May 3, 17 & 31.
- CWF announced out of town shows for May 7, 8, 9, 15, 17, 19 & 22.
- NWN has not announced any shows so far.
- WFX's future in for Winnipeg looks bleak but it is reported they maybe relocating the the USA.
- PCW has a show out of town June 28.
- Robby Royce & Ozz jumped from PCW to RME.
- TRCW has a show on Winnipeg May 24.
- Steeltown is teasing a return to Selkirk in late May.

That's all folks.

CWF Spring Breakout Tour Update!!!

2008-04-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

With a goal of 10 "live" events for May, the CWF's Spring Breakout Tour is shaping up as follows. It seems the CWF is picking up the slack.

Spring Breakout Tour Dates So Far.
May 7, 8, 9 - Alberta
May 15 - NWO
May 17 - Saskatchewan
May 19 - NWO
May 22 - Manitoba
More Dates To Be Confirmed

The CWF is also looking at returing to regular events in Winnipeg in September as it seems a large number of Winnipeg wrestlers are interested in creating a "team effort" to bring back respectability to the Winnipeg wrestling scene.

More TJ Bratt Comments on JC Derksen.

2008-04-18T08:51:00.001-07:00

I am posting more on this interesting read. Derksen's bully tactics do not seem to in play with TJ Bratt for some reason? Wonder why that is?

Derksen Replies:

I'm not gonna bother with all the stuff you wrote TJ because you are welcome to your opinion.At the match in 99,the guys in our match had less then 15 matches between us,so no we weren't gonna be as good as the experienced guys.

I have a question though,how come you lasted less then 30 minutes in Windsor? And in case you were wondering and you can ask the guys that were there,Don killed us during training.Along with the bumps and stuff we were running several miles each class,doing several hundered squats,pushups and crunches ,and to be honest you wouldn't have lasted 3 days doing that.Half the class quit after day 1,like you did in Windsor.

You have worked for Wayne in the past,and back then the crew was worse then what it is now,how come that was ok to do then,but it's not for guys now.

Shit man during last years show for Bob you argued with Madison and Cheech about basic stuff about matches,they BOTH told you were wrong and you walked away pissed off.

I might not be the best worker,neither are you,but I've ALWAYS did my best to look the part,I've busted my f****** ass in the gym to look good,have you ever stepped foot in a gym?

TJ Bratt Replies:

Dorkson

I openly talk about coming back from Windsor and not being ready for camp.

I have been through many high level hockey camps and was in shape for those ,Windsor was a life lesson and I was out of shape,but at least I had the Nuts to leave the outside of the perimeter highway to wrestle

One thing I will say is the Training setup in Windsor wasTaught by a ref that wasnt a worker and charged Guys $ 2500.00 to train,the whole setup looked fishy from the start,It was not D Amores camp as Madison can back me up on that.For that price the Qualifications were not there to be paid that amount.

I tell anyone that ever mentions they want to be a wrestler that toughness of camp.We all heard that you were the greatest at pushups and situps and running Cross Country at Dons camp than You got in the ring and it all went to s***,Just comes from the guys in your camp.

As for the Cheech Madison thing last summer, I was told by the promoter to Work the crowd HARD and throw the odd move in because we were the opener in front of 500 beer drinking fans and they needed to be worked.He paid me and said Perfect thats what I wanted.

I would say thats what your supposed to do when you show up for a booking or should I start listening to Madison who said its wasnt a typical 4 step match which he hoped I would do to get Cutler ready for his fed tryout.. That wasnt the time or place for that type of match,Cheech said I ate him up,Look at the match on You tube or ask Cutler ,Who thought it was just what was asked from Bobby the promoter.

When I was working I did what the promoter asked and for TJ Bratt, I was usually told to cut a promo do 8-10 and work the crowd,We are not all the same.

I will stay off here and not post as it is a hour I cant get back,

Anyways I have told you to your Face before I think your a terrible Worker and a more idiot than most in the business Locally.

Steeltown Wrestling Debuts in Selkirk.

2008-04-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

Steeltown Pro Wrestling
Debut Show

Saturday, April 19th, 2008

Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada
at the Memorial Hall
Tickets at $10 at the door

Main event
Battle Royal

Semi main event
Jon Cutler vs Rob Stardom

Mikey Miracle vs Marius

"Beautiful" Bobby Jay vs Bobby Fox

Camikaze and Scotty Putty vs The Big Sexy Beasts

Danny Duggan vs Gibby Guerrero

Zack Maximm vs Jerrin Rose

Chris Raine vs Matt Fairlane

plus the pre show where you will get a chance to see the future stars of the indy wrestling world!!!

Note* Bobby Jay forget on his press release that TJ Bratt and Ernie Todd are scheduled for "live" play by play commentary, as this show will be taped and edited for TV.

TJ Bratt Speaks Out On Comments Made By JC Derksen!!!

2008-04-17T17:08:00.000-07:00

This is a good read so I wanted to share it with the readers of this blog. I have edited some of it for the foul language comment.

First JC Derksen writes:

I do have an ulterior motive and this is what it is.

I'm working with new young guys who actually want to learn and get better,and I'm showing them things I learned while working with guys like Wavell,Kerry Brown,Eddie Watts,and Cheech.I wish these guys had the opportunity to go on the road with them,they would learn more in 1 week working with them then they will working locally in a year.

Now go ahead tell us all how shitty that list of guys is lol.

Then TJ Bratt responds:

Come on Dorkson

You have hardly worked with any of thoses guys in programs or tags or anything.Kerry Brown and Eddie Watts are 2 of the best teachers on how to work Solid and make it look real,Your s*** in the ring does not resemble this type of style at all.

Your name dropping and I hate to say I dont think you can teach f*** all.

You paid through your nose for training and use Dons name and use these other guys to get yourself over.

You go help out wrestlers[That should NOT be in the ring other than 4 -5 of them] and wrestling companys that will believe your s***.

I personally think your a problem in the business and thats why you hang with that crew and think your special.

Sorry JC I have always thought your terrible in the ring and some of your out of the ring comments over the years piss people off.

I remember seeing you at the University show in SEPT 99 and said to myself and buddy at the show WHAT THE F***

If this Jesse Ventura ripoff AT THE TIME can wrestle with these veterens on this show so can I .

Thats why I started training 6 months later after seeing you in the ring that show and a few more times at Bumpers,I said I have to.

$ 2500.00 to a trainer doesnt call you a pro wrestler which since that day you think you are.Remeber comments get put in a little jar over the years that I bet you even forgot you said.

I have heard you say the stupidest and dumbest things over the years and now I felt was the time to let you know ,

You training those guys is like JAKE THE MILKMAN MILLIGAN Training OVW OR DEEP SOUTH.

Thanks for your time and take care

BRATT

COME ON LETS SAVE THIS BUSINESS AND KEEP THE MILKMEN OUT.

It takes real money to make a real business work,not a drop in centre to wrestle on Saturday afternoons

Remeber Kool and the Gang was a cartoon lets not make wrestling a hangout for friends.

Old days guys used to shoot pool or go to strippers to hang out, not hang around a business you have no part of.

More Dates Added for May!!!

2008-04-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

The CWF just added May 8th, 9th and 19th to it's busy May schedule. Combined with May 15 & 22nd, plus more dates in negotiation, the CWF is hoping to have a 10 show month during May being half way to that goal already.

Milestone Reached!!!!

2008-04-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

The page views on my blog, since I have been keeping track with a tracker, reached 10,000 today.

Thank you to all for reading my blog on a daily basis.

Bert Todd Funeral Details

2008-04-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

Tonite there is a service at St Alphone Roman Catholic Church, Munroe & Brazier at 7:30 PM, tommorrow morning graveside service at Glen Eden, then after a gathering at the Legion on Logan Avenue, near Keewatin st. That is all the details I have but I am told it is on the Free Press paper today.

MNC Moving Forward.

2008-04-14T08:59:00.001-07:00

In this press release on the Metis National Council, it looks as though the Feds are moving forward in their working relationship with the MNC but with the Harper gov't, you never know what you are going to wind up with.

OTTAWA (April 8) – Métis National Council President Clément Chartier says he is encouraged by an emerging working partnership with the federal government.

Chartier made the comment after meeting with the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Chuck Strahl, earlier today. The meeting was also attended by David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Métis Federation.

"The outcome of the meeting was very encouraging,’’ Chartier said. "And I am hoping for a successful partnership with the federal government."

Added Strahl: "I know the MNC has come through a difficult period. I am pleased that we are now moving forward on a new relationship together.’’

The meeting focused on the relationship with the federal government and the MNC in the aftermath of the recent election and development of a forward-looking process on key issues.

"The Métis Nation can look forward to some positive developments in the coming months in a process that started with today’s meeting with Chuck Strahl,’’ Chartier said.

The Local Scene, The CWF & More!!!

2008-04-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

Well is it Sunday and I am having a lazy day so I decided to write a blog.

First, I would like to offer my condolences to EZ Ryder who's mother recently passed away. EZ & I were close friends at one time but somehow the business got between us and we drifted apart.

My uncle Bert passed away this week as well, so it is always hard to deal with these things, which sometimes puts our lives into perspective.

I know EZ has a lot of friends but if he ever wants to go for a coffee or something, give me a call, I would like that.

RCW claims to be re-launching. The venue they run "training shows" at now, I am told they charge people who want to come down $ 10.00 to bump around, then they run a wrestling show after. Quite the set up, paying to wrestle.

Local legends such as Shane Madison come down not only to show them how to bump so they can make it to the big leagues, but also to spread the wings of his influence over Winnipeg. "Make sure guys that if you work for Ernie you stooge the information to me so I can write a distorted blog on Ernie to make him look bad". lol.

PCW is running a show in Morden on June 28th, the same town that NWN ran a few months back, in fact it was the last show NWN ran. It seems Andrew did not follow up on his promise to close down PCW, after getting all the boys out for what was supposed to be the last PCW show.

So could there be a little heat here or is NWN & PCW now working together?

Also, they are trying to find another venue in Winnipeg to run.

Difference is Andrew will be on his own now, with no Lid to back him up if the gate does not cover the PO's.

NWN has no shows on the horizon so far listed on there website. It sound like this promotion is not just "mark money for the boys", but rather a business, which is always good for the business in the long run.

WFX still has no website. their radio show is not airing, Mike Arnott says he is not employed with them anymore and rumours circulate through Winnipeg that Mike Davidson does not work there any more and that WFX is toast.

RME is still announcing their regular venue, have been for months and they have a show in Plumas Manitoba, where Bobby Collins lives. These shows have always drawn good crowds as you have a local guy there who has 3 months to promote the show, it should draw well, have tons of sponsor and make some money. Best wishes to Collins and the RME crew for this show.

Rob Stardom's Steeltown Wrestling runs a show in Selkirk April 19th and I have been hired to be the TV commentator. Rob made me an offer I could not refuse and I am always willing to help out a friend. This should prove to be an interesting night.

Last but not least, the CWF. I always have to have a good laugh when a guy like Shane Madison claims that "Ernie has been reduced to running “private functions” out of town because no one will work for him in town." Well, judging by all the "local workers" who contact me for spots I could easily field two crews if need be.

The CWF runs out of town because that is what it does and Winnipeg has proven to not be worth the time and effort for the past few years.

In fact, lately I have been getting more calls for my presentations then wrestling shows, which is my priority. Guys like Madison don't be it and never will.

First off, Madison contacted me, offering to supply me with 2 million liablity insurance so I can start up locally again, through the company he works for, then he withdrew his offer. Since is is such good friend with the owner of NWN, I wonder if this factor had anything to do with it?

I also, asked about the confidentialty of our business talks, since Madison clearly likes to write hearsay about me, with the intent to harm of discredit my name and reputation on his blog. That was when he stopped contacting me and told me to go see another broker.

If Madison thinks I cannot field a crew locally, that must be a side effect he is feeling from all those dangerous drugs he claimed he took during his professional wrestling career, that amounted to hanging in Mike Davidson's coat tails for the ride. Sorry, I forgot he paid his own way to OVW for one week.

One of the reasons I want to start running locally again and re-open a funded training centre, is that I took a part time job that which could be the launch of a new career for me when I get out of wrestling (note: I will never stop doing my presentations). This part time job is also very flexible on me taking time off for traveling to present my workshops.

In fact, they may be helping me in many ways achieve some of my goals here locally by creating opportunities for aboriginal people to become involved with pro wrestling without the cancers of the industry here sinking there teeth into them and ruining any chance of them making it in this business.

All you go to do is look a Kenny Omega and Mentallo, nobody controls these guys, that is why they are successful in achieving their goals in this business. They don't buy into the poision mind mentality.

However, for now the CWF will continue to operate out of town but I would consider a return to Winnipeg and the surrounding area, in the September.

May will be a really busy month. I got two shows in Manitoba, two in Alberta, and one in Ontario already booked, with more coming, plus calls are coming in like crazy for June as well. I also have 3 presentations booked without wrestling events.

I may be putting back the intial AGW tour as a result of the demand for the CWF during May and June.

Gary Doer Take Note.

2008-04-11T09:48:00.001-07:00

Interesting story on the Ontario Metis. Come on Gary Doer, get with the program here.

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iJaVEELI-Au2NQSP733f-TkbIG3Q

On a sad note, my uncle Bert Todd, of the Mystic fame, passed away today at the age of 66 from liver problems.

What the future holds?

2008-04-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

Since Winnipeg wrestling seems to be a private club of which I am not invited (evidenced by the several part time wrestling promoters here that get invited on a local wrestling talk radio show to put over there local wrestling promotionm while i never get any invite), my only means of keeping local wrestling fans up to date on the CWF plans is via my website or this blog.

As most know, The City of Winnipeg requires 2 million liablity insurance to run at any city owned club. When Wayne was running RCW at Broadway, he got away with no insurance because he got himself and several of his friends elected to the board but any other wrestling promoter who wants to put a pro wrestling show on at a city owned club, needs the insurance.

After 9-11, insurance rates sky rocketed and so did the profits of the insurance companies. Much like the oil companies who use whatever excuse to raise prices in order to rake in more profits, the insurance companies used 9-11 to rake in record profits as well.

Now insurance costs have been dropping, according to local retired wrestler Shane Madison, who works for an insurance agent. So I asked for a meeting with Shane to see what it would cost me for insurance once again, in order that I have the ability to contact some community clubs and see if they want wrestling back again. I want to make sure the insurance is available to me at a reasonable cost before I contact venues.

Now there are two factors here that need to be addressed as well. The first is a good solid crew, that is committed to working as a team to insure not only the success of the in ring peformance but the success financially as well of the whole venture. I am not in this to be "mark money" for the boys so they can have a ring to wrestle in and get paid, while I loose money in the process.

However, if you combine the local efforts, with my touring, I am sure this could be a full time venture for those workers interested in working as a team to make it a reality. The last team effort in the CWF was the Le Rendezvous era and that was a success in all ways.

The second factor, before purchasing the insurance, is to have venues committed locally. When I say locally, I also mean in Winnipeg and the surrounding area of a 200 mile radius. I know I can get a lot of venues, even without the city of wpg getting involved, so the rest is up to the boys if they want to make a committed effort.

So if the any of the local boys are interested in committed effort, then they know where to find me and if they are not, then training a whole new crop is the next option but returning to Winnipeg and the the surrounding area could be a reality by September.

Meegwetch

Doer Gov't End Talks With Aboriginal Leader???

2008-04-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

This was posted on the MMF website and I am sure they would like the word spread on this matter.

There are too many issues to discuss here but I e-mailed the justice minster and I will await his response.

Thursday, April 3, 2008 - WINNIPEG, MB

The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF), Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) are shocked at the Doer Government’s recent announcement to discard the Devolution of Probation Services Initiative for First Nation and Metis Peoples in Manitoba.After many years of negotiations and partnership the Government of Manitoba sent notice on March 17th, 2008 to the three Aboriginal Governments conveying that they intend to walk away from the process and cease any further discussions or movement on the Initiative.

The message is clear that as Leaders of the three Aboriginal Governments representing all First Nation and Metis Peoples in Manitoba we are outraged at the complete abandonment of the long standing Aboriginal Justice Inquiry Recommendations. MMF, SCO, and MKO have invested many years into developing this Initiative.MKO Grand Chief Dr. Sydney Garrioch stated “I am outraged that the Province of Manitoba has threatened to walk away from this important work. We committed to work together, to collectively address the social justice issues facing First Nation people including over-representation in the Justice System.

The Aboriginal Justice Inquiry called for Aboriginal control and major reforms to the justice system. Grand Chief Garrioch further stated “Change is never easy, we still must work together to develop a justice system that’s principles are restorative and based on our inherent right to self government, and the traditional teachings of our Elders."

SCO Grand Chief Morris J Swan Shannacappo stated “On behalf of the thirty-six southern First Nation communities I represent, let me be perfectly clear when I say how disappointing, and disheartening the position the Government of Manitoba is taking on devolving community justice services. For years, SCO has sat in good faith at the negotiation table seeking a more representative and culturally responsive justice system for our constituents; only to be met with unilateral obstacles after unilateral obstacles,”

Grand Chief Shannacappo further stated that “If the Government of Manitoba chooses to walk away from all the good and productive work that has taken place over these last several years, it will have irreparable damage on our southern First Nation relations for years to come.”

MMF Vice President of the Southeast Region Denise Thomas stated “The Government services currently in place are not meeting the needs of the Metis people. There is an even greater urgency to develop and evolve further using the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry Recommendations to ensure our People are treated fairly and equitably in the justice system. Regardless of the Provincial Government’s decision, the MMF is committed to this initiative. Through a collective process, we must continue to build relationships and develop new ways to establish a justice system that represents our culture, our self government, and our People. The Province since 2005 has created obstacles for the three Aboriginal Governments from collectively moving forward on the Aboriginal strategy issues. This is not acceptable. Aboriginal Justice issues continue to grow. The current justice system falls short of addressing these growing concerns thus the need for an Aboriginal Justice Strategy that includes Devolution services.”

For More Information Contact:
Kevin Carlson, Assistant to MKO Grand Chief Dr. Sydney Garrioch
Phone: (204) 612-6303
Nahanni Fontaine, Director of Justice, Southern Chiefs’ Organization
Phone: (204) 918-2612
Nicole Leclair, Director of Communications, Manitoba Metis Federation
Phone: 586-8474 ext. 374 Cell: 232-5737

Welcome to my neighbourhood.

2008-04-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

This is where I live now, this is where I was raised, this is my neighbourhood.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/story/4151938p-4741029c.html

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=415126

http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/409062

Metis Manitoba Land Claim A Lost Cause?

2008-04-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

With all the money spend by the MMF on the Metis Land Claim in Manitoba, this story was posted on the MMF website.

http://mmf.mb.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=505&Itemid=2

THe Battle Continues.

2008-04-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

In the on going battle between Metis Nation of BC and the Metis National Council, below you will find some of the lastest correspondence posted on the Metis Nation of BC website. I won't post the documents in as they are quite lengthy.

I was a mediator, of which I used to mediate disputes between members of the NWA. If the both parties would like me to mediate the dispute, I am available.

http://www.mpcbc.bc.ca/pdf/pr_news19_6.pdf

http://www.mpcbc.bc.ca/pdf/pr_news19_4.pdf

http://www.mpcbc.bc.ca/pdf/pr_news19_5.pdf

http://www.mpcbc.bc.ca/pdf/pr_news19_4.pdf

http://www.mpcbc.bc.ca/pdf/pr_news19_8.pdf

Happy reading.

An old wrestling story, plus bits of stuff.

2008-04-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

When I was a member of the NWA, during my time there I have many, many stories, so I am going to share some of them here with you.

The NWA was never the same once Howard Brody was forced out by a certain sector of the membership, much like I was forced out by a certain sector of the membership as well. So here is a story maybe some have heard and some have not. It is the starting point for me in the NWA.

The 50th Anniversary show in Cherry Hill New Jersey, was quite the experience. I went down to the meetings, wanting to learn more about the business and was exposed to a rude awakening. The fan fare was amazing, to say the least. The mezzanine was packed with people. I had the priviledge of meeting Tully Blanchard, Abdulah The Butcher, Harley Race, Gordon Solie, Killer Kowalski, Dory Funk Jr., Dr. Death and many more legends of the wrestling business, including Missy Hyatt, who I was told had an eye for me. (Probably a rib but I did not want to find out so I avoided her everytime she approached me)

Friday night was the Cauilflower Alley Club diner, which was quite the event as well. Then, on Friday afternoon we were to have our meeting, then have the show on Saturday Night wit the fan fare Saturday afternoon.

The ring was set up in the ballroom and the guys were working out in the ring, including Kurt Angle, Dr. Death and many more who were under the watchful eye of Dory Funk Jr. I was attending the NWA member meeting, listening carefully, when Howard Brody asked to talk with me privately, along with, NWA lawyer Bob Trobich, Fred Rubenstein and Dennis Corrauluzo, who hosted the event. I took a break from verbal yelling match between, the late Tony Rumble and Doug Gilbert in the board room, to talk with Howard, Fred & Dennis.

It seems there was a problem to do with a permit that Dennis did not acquire, which he did not know he had to acquire, to have a certain number of police present during the show for security purposes.

It seems that earlier in time, at the same hotel in Cherry Hill, a full scale brawl broke out at a boxing match resulting in this new bylaw being brought in, resulting in the police coming down an padlocking the doors of the ballroom as the permit had not been acquired. Rumours circulated that the local ECW guy has something to do with this as well.

It was Friday afternoon and it was too late to acquire this permit so the show was looking like it was not going to happen. Heck it had a star studded line up including Tully Blanchard, Dr. Death, Steve Corino (he was a skinny kid then), Steven Regal vs Dan Severn for the NWA World Title, Abdulah The Butcher, plus many, many more, so all these guys were here from all over the world, was there going to be a show???

Fred and Bob contacted the Cherry Hill police and after pleading were given a meeting with the supervisor, but before that, Fred found out after talking with the Cherry Hill permit issuer, that the fee could be as high a $3000.00 US funds for the police but there was no guarantee the show would go forward.

Howard told me that the only only other one who had that kind of money available was Slim Bacoum, who was a millionare, and that he could not track down Slim because he was on the plane flying to Cherry Hill from Charlotte North Carolina, so I was there only hope as there was only a small window of opportunity to get this done, as it was Friday afternoon about 2 PM.

I called my office and it was too late in the day to do anything with the bank so the only hope was to take out 3 grand on my visa, so we were off to a localbank that was friendly with the bank I was using at the time in Canada.

Dennis said to write them a check on the NWA account, then bounce it but Bob did not think it was a good idea.

Well, I got the 3 grand, then we were off the the police station for the meeting. Waiting in New Jersey police station was quite an experience as well.

After about a one hour wait, we were granted the meeting. Fred and Bob pleaded with the supervisor but he was not in a listening mood until the money was mentioned. The supervisor gave a dollar amount of 3 grand, accepted the money and the padlocks were taken off the doors befofe we got back to the Hilton hotel.

So, in conclusion, would there have been a NWA today as we know it, if I did not bail them out and get those padlocks off the door? From my experience, I would say no, the show would not happen, the supervisor was off on Saturday at the police station, so if this was not done Friday afternoon the NWA would have been in for a Des Ass dor.

The NWA paid me back in full and Dennis supposedly ran off with over 5 thousand of NWA cash from the show, which is another story, as is EZ Ryder being refused entry to the USA at the Toronto airport, as is the NWA Canadian Title match, as is a whole bunch of other things that happened that weekend. Hopefully, I will be able to share those and some other stories in the future.

Bits of stuff ........

- Am heading out to Alberta for 3 shows, might wind up with a few more, got an Alberta crew of good guys booked for that tour.

- NWN has no shows on there site, WFX no news on anything, PCW, maybe has ran their last show, so the prospects for local wrestling look bleak.

- I am still waiting for Shane Madison to e-mail me some insurance quotes so I can save local wrestling once again.

- Had some interesting discussions today which could lead to a collaboration of some future endeavours out east.

- Rob Stardom is running a show April 19th in Selkirk and I might be able to make it, depending on the PO, trans money, etc.

- Someone out of Edmonton offer to give me a pair of wrestling boots to replace the 500 dollar boots I had stolen. Seems not all workers agree with this theft.

- FYI Shane, I don't have an account on an Ontario message board, someone is ribbing per the way things are here in Winnipeg.

- Proabably am gonna delete my myspace account, the facebook seems to be a better way of networking, so if you are not on my facebook, get on it.

- Think I will be having one or two shows just outside of Winnipeg the week of April 21. I am already booked for a two day youth conference so I am in town.

- The rest of May I could be in BC, just waiting for some confirmations to start lining it up.

- Start marketing the AGW tour this month, see what happens with that.

MMF Official Press Release On Upper Fort Garry.

2008-03-31T10:22:00.000-07:00

It has been officially posted on the MMF website as per below.

President Chartrand obviously has not let the negative comments of Grassroots News, a paper that is supported by MMF dollars, deter his committment to saving this historic site.

MMF Gives $1 Million to Upper Fort Garry

Today, the Friends of Upper Fort Garry announced that the Manitoba Métis Federation is contributing $1 million to the Create a Future for Upper Fort Garry campaign. This brings their public fundraising total to $5.2 million.

The gift, announced today by David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Métis Federation, will go a long way towards retaining historic Upper Fort Garry and creating an interpretive park."

We want to thank the Friends of Upper Fort Garry for their vision and hard work led initially by former Lt.-Gov. Peter Liba, and continued by Dr. Jerry Gray and his team,” said MMF President David Chartrand. “The MMF had exchanged ideas and shared a vision with Lt.-Gov. Peter Liba for many years. Finally, all is coming to fruition.”“By preserving the site we are revitalizing the spirit of our Ancestors who created this beautiful province,” adds MMF Vice President Ron Chartrand. “The legacy of Louis Riel and other Métis leaders will remain alive here as elsewhere throughout our province.”Dr. Jerry Gray, Chair of the Friends of Upper Fort Garry, notes, “This gift is tremendous.

The involvement of the Manitoba Métis Federation is such an important and natural fit as Upper Fort Garry was the setting of many of the events leading up to the Treaty between the Métis nation and Canada, and ultimately the creation of our province.”These gifts join hundreds of other donations provided by Manitobans who are eager to create a future for Upper Fort Garry. Friends of Upper Fort Garry has also received commitments from the Province of Manitoba and from the Government of Canada for $1.5 million each for a total of $3 million. The overall total raised to date is $8.2 million towards a requirement of $10 million by the March 31, 2008 deadline.

For interviews with Friends of Upper Fort Garry, please contact:

Sandra Jones, Jones Communications
Ph: 772-9267 Cell: 296-6605

For interviews with MMF President David Chartrand, please contact:
Nicole LeClair, Director of Communications at the MMF
Ph: 586-8474 ext.374 Cell: 232-5737

MMF Supported Paper, Grassroots News Slams "Friends" Efforts!!!

2008-03-31T08:12:00.000-07:00

Is this not an interesting twist of events. Grassroots News, which has receives a large chunk of the MMF's pot each year, is slamming the "friends" efforts to save historic Upper Fort Garry site!!! With President Chartrand's recent announcement of a 1 million pledge, why is this paper putting down the efforts of President Chartrand, who has supported this paper financially for years? Maybe it is time President Chartrand looked elsewhere, like Thunder Voice, for his promotion of the Metis?

This was taken from my good friend Derryl Sanderson's blog which was written in Grassroots News.

Especially ask the Friends who belong to the Manitoba Club. Ask them if they think the people of Spence or Magnus or Elmwood would be ‘insulted’ by a ‘stingy’ $1.5 million offer by Doer to support their projects.

While community centres closed and neighborhoods were told there was no money for foot patrols, the Friends insisted the provincial and federal government fork over $9 Million tax dollars to preserve the view out the back door of their private club.

No one believed a word in the Free Press afterwards, as the paper tried to pressure Councillors while keeping the name of one of the 37 Friends — the man who signs their paycheques, owner Bob Silver — out of the stories.

Finally even Freep city hall reporter Bartley Kives couldn’t stand it and wrote a column critical of the Friends’ tactics and distortions, which was wielded against the Friends cause in the debate.Sinclair whined “I can forgive the mayor and city councillors who voted against the Friend.

The divisive vote wouldn’t have been necessary if Premier Gary Doer had come up with the $4.5 million the Friends said they needed, instead of a stingy, insulting $1.5 million… ”Winnipeg has always been about the money.” Regrettably, that’s never been truer than today. Just ask the Friends.”