I love indy wrestling...I hate indy wrestling

I began working with/for my local independent wrestling companies a few years ago. I’m going to detail exactly what happened to me here, and if some are insulted by what I write, too bad. I’m not out just to insult people, but if it happens as I tell the story, so be it. I began by simply “covering” local companies Lancaster championship Wrestling (LCW) and The Ultimate Wrestling Experience (UWE). I covered these companies for Pro Wrestling Ponderings, and Pro Wrestling Mania. I was also submitting some articles to The Indy Corner, based out of the U.K. As time progressed I decided to start my own website and podcast, which I named “Wrestling Done Right” (the podcast title was “From the Top Turnbuckle). Both companies worked very well with me and I got numerous articles and podcast episodes with their cooperation. Wanting to do even more, I approached both companies about doing a “College Game Day” kind of program for YouTube, where I would breakdown their upcoming shows, interview wrestlers, and even use some of the wrestlers as guest hosts if they were interested. These shows were a learning process and I feel they got better with each passing program. I have no doubt that the made the companies feel bigger, and more important. Eventually I was asked to do commentary for both companies, and I jumped at such an opportunity. Things were going very well for some time until one of the “sponsors” of both companies decided that he didn’t like my personal Facebook posts. Keep in mind these comments had nothing to do with wrestling, and they were on a Facebook profile that I never used to even discuss, or promote wrestling in any way. I stood up for my right to do as I wish on my personal Facebook page, but because he was the money man, both companies separated themselves from me. Of course I could attend and film anything I wanted in regard to interviews and such, but I wouldn’t be officially aligned with them any longer.

So far this story sounds unfortunate, but nothing overly terrible right? Well, LCW decided to replace me. They decided to give my idea of a preshow to a new group of wrestling “reporters.” That in and of itself angered me, but when my show was taken over by less talented, and less professional podcasters that made it look second rate, it went beyond angering me, to insulting me. I mean take my idea if you must, but at least get someone as good as, or better than me to do it? One of my biggest pet peeves about indy wrestling in general is that few try to look professional in their presentation. LCW and UWE had awesome venues, incredible production, and favored indy workers that looked like legit wrestlers, so why would LCW bring in “journalists” that didn’t fit those criteria? These guys dressed in super casual clothing, while eating and drinking during production. It was embarrassing to me, and a slap across the face.

The UWE is a completely different story. After having one of their best shows ever “Knight of Glory IV” where Chuck Ransford and I provided commentary for the DVD (purchase on RFvideo.com) receiving countless compliments for those efforts, everything seemed to completely fall apart. A company once owned by four people, dwindled down to one. For whatever reason that one owner seemed to alienate nearly everyone around him, and brought in “talent” that didn’t deserve their spots. The company imploded. The UWE went from being a roaring success to nearly nonexistence overnight. I didn’t really have a falling out there with anyone, but for some reason it seems the former owner (the one guy it got down to) may not be happy with me, or so his wife makes it seem if I understand her messages to me on Facebook correctly. (Note, if the new UWE is going to use out of shape Luchadores upon their return, you can be upset with me because I’m not interested.)

After all this, I remained mostly quiet and moved on. I took a pot-shot here and there, but I never really “went off” or “flipped out” even though at times, part of me wanted to. I spent a ton of time, money, and effort promoting, and creating things for both of these companies. Thankfully Legacy Wrestling was new to the area, and doing everything the way a professional company should do things. I quickly associated myself and WrestlingDoneRight.com with them. I struggled to get a preshow going for them, even though I wanted to. Many of the wrestlers Legacy uses aren’t local, and as such, it’s difficult to hook up with them early, or to ask them to stay late after the show to do such a thing. I’ve been writing about them, posting their promos, and reviewing their shows since day one, and will keep doing so. Soon I hope to have a major announcement in regard to what I am doing with/for Legacy that will cement and finalize what I am doing in regard to independent professional wrestling for the foreseeable future. I am thankful to and for Legacy Wrestling and outside of places like PWG, ROH, NXT, NJPW, and Lucha Underground, it’s the one place to see Wrestling Done Right on the independent scene! 

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