Archive

Author Archive

Wrestling Respect #4 - John Rodeo Interview

December 20th, 2008

Then:
John Rodeo then

My guest on this episode of Wrestling Respect, John Rodeo, was a fixture on the New England independent pro wrestling scene from 1992 to 1999. One of the first wrestlers John managed was a young Triple H, who was then known as Terra Ryzing. My 78 minute interview with John Rodeo covers his memories of Killer Kowalski, John Kronus, Tony Rumble, and many of the talented wrestlers John managed. If you’re a fan of pro wrestling and you have a respect and interest in the past, you’ll enjoy our conversation about Shane Douglas, Perry Saturn, Paul Heyman, traveling to the ECW area, the local independent scene during the ’90s, and John’s return to managing last October at the Killer Kowalski tribute show in Malden, Massachusetts. If you’re like me, and you enjoy listening to an intelligent and passionate person talk about interesting wrestling subjects, this interview with John Rodeo is for you. For more on John Rodeo, visit his web site.

Now:
John Rodeo now

 
icon for podpress  Wrestling Respect #4 - John Rodeo Interview: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (102)

Podcast, Posts

Chikara photos from Nov. 15 in Framingham, MA

November 16th, 2008

Wrestling Respect #3 - Sammi Lane Interview

October 29th, 2008

Sammi Lane

The beautiful, sexy, and athletic Sammi Lane is the subject of Wrestling Respect #3. She is the hottest up-and-coming athlete and manager on New England’s independent scene, so it was a pleasure for me to be able to conduct her first-ever audio interview. For 35 minutes, Sammi talks pro wrestling and the road that took her there including her first match with Nikki Roxx, the “Sammi Lane” character, managing Handsome Johnny, her respect for everyone in the wrestling business, and personal notes about playing Skee-Ball at Hampton Beach, her first concert (Neil Diamond) and ballroom dancing. This Saturday night, November 1, she will be part of the big New England Championship Wrestling card at the National Guard Armory in Quincy known as the Toxic Waltz. She is regularly seen on NECW TV, and she works a variety of other independent shows. When she becomes a big national star, remember that you heard her here first.

I’ll also talk about the big Ring of Honor news, the Killer Kowalski Memorial show I attended last weekend, Chikara, NECW, and Les Thatcher on the Mouthpiece Wrestling show.

If you like what you hear, subscribe to the podcast so you’ll never miss an episode.

 
icon for podpress  Wrestling Respect #3 - Sammi Lane Interview [45:11m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (114)

Podcast, Posts

Photos from the Killer Kowalski Memorial in Malden, MA

October 26th, 2008

Killer Kowalski

October 26, 2008
Killer Kowalski Memorial Wrestling Show
Irish American Club in Malden, MA

The doors opened at 1:30 pm and the event started at 2. It was standing room only, with almost all chairs filled. The chairs were arranged around the ring in many sections, not just the traditional four sides. There were people of all ages, from young children sitting on their parent’s laps to the very old ones. They were there to honor Killer Kowalski. Speakers included JJ Dillon (former Four Horsemen manager), Ox Baker, Theresa (Kowalski’s widow), and others. While they were speaking, most of the wrestlers and others who were involved in Kowalski’s business stood around the ring, listening quietly.

For the most part, the matches mostly catered to the children in the audience, although “Hurricane” John Walters vs. Idol Stevens and Spike Dudley vs. Justin Credible stood out as more athletic.

During intermission, many of the wrestlers signed autographs and posed for photos *free of charge*.

For more photos, continue to the forum.

Posts

Wrestling Respect #2 - Evan Ginzburg Interview

October 23rd, 2008

Fred Geobold & Evan Ginzburg
With radio mentor Fred Geobold (L), Evan Ginzburg (R)

Evan Ginzburg is a long-time New York, NY radio personality. He was on 50,000 watt WBAI FM in Manhatten for 17 years. Since 1990, he’s been writing an in-depth wresting newsletter called Wrestling Then & Now.

Wrestling Then & Now newsletter

He and co-host Dr. Mike Lano, can now be heard every Sunday night from 7-9 on their internet radio show, Legends Radio. His most recent project is the up-coming film The Wrestler that opens nationwide on December 17. Evan was an associate producer for the film and was involved in wrestler casting calls with 150 hopefuls. He even has a speaking role in the film alongside leading actor Mickey Rourke! The radio host, writer, teacher, club promoter, and manager gave me an hour of his time over the phone from his New York apartment and we spoke about The Wrestler (his accounts and stories will give you chills), and so much else. Do you want names of people that Evan talks to me about? How about Afa the Wild Samoan, the Necro Butcher, Bruno Sammartino, Ring of Honor owner Cary Silken, director Darren Aronofsky? Hear all 70 minutes now, or download it to listen later. If you like what you hear, subscribe to the Wrestling Respect podcast so you’ll never miss an episode. Here is the RSS feed in case you’d like to subscribe to Evan Ginzburg’s Legends Radio show.

I’ll also talk about Chikara’s return to Framingham, MA, Ring of Honor’s return to Connecticut, and the Killer Kowalski Memorial Wrestling show coming this Sunday to Malden, MA.

 
icon for podpress  Wrestling Respect #2 - Evan Ginzburg Interview [1:21:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (62)

Podcast