Cheap Heat Indy Wrestling Newz

The Other Ones

2011-08-11T12:56:00.003-05:00

I know the slow demise of this website is upon us.While it is still up I might as well vent the spleen. You know I am far from a know it all about pro wrestling. There are those who have traveled the roads , making very little money and risking their health in some cases, who have forgotten more than I may ever know.Then there are the "other ones".
The other ones are guys who may get trained by someone and unleashed on the unsuspecting viewing public or they have some buddies and a trampoline in the backyard, who watch wrestling or play it on a video game and next thing you know, in this corner, with no clue what their character is The Other One!
Don't get me wrong it is not just The Other Ones fault, also at fault are owners or bookers that allow these guys to apply their fantasy in a ring near you.The Other Ones will have a match and no one is watching them,so when they get their match done and they are in one piece, I guess they figure they are doing well.This is where the shot caller comes into the discussion.If the shot caller is NOT watching the show then how do you know if this person or that person is over , or who needs help in getting their character over. Far too often,The Other Ones will show up, usually in gear bought at the local Wal Mart(swim trunks, MMA shirt=instant badass, I guess) and have a match.Not good!
So many people in wrestling have to get their spots in, forget the fans, who paid to watch, it becomes a "worship me" .I been in the crowd and when I see wrestlers like that ,it is piss break time for me.How insulting, and owners wonder why the house is down...My point is this, remove about a half dozen moves you wanted to do in the match and shake hands with the fans, or if a heel get them fired up.Trust me those fans won't give two craps about your version of an RKO, if they don't give a crap about YOU. If you as a babyface , works a decent heel who has fired up the crowd then you come out and climb into the ring without acknowledging the fans, why should the fans pop for your move if you are disrespected them by not doing your job, which is customer service. We are there for the fans, they are NOT there for us.Respect the customer, the customer will respect you.This is not about anyone in particular, just a reminder we all need from time to time. Quit playing wrestler and be one!
In closing, every position in a wrestling show is important.I know there are wrestlers who think they are the only component of a good show.That is such BS!! If you think that then next time you work a match with a bad referee or try to work a spot with a Commissioner who has no comprehension of the angle.Announcers are included too.I have done every job mentioned beforehand.Maybe it was just me but I believe no matter your role, do it well.Strive to improve. Wrestlers, especially new guys, talk to old school guys, generally they know what works and what does not work. Don't get bent out of shape if they tell you something you did not want to hear.LEARN and keep learning.Its great you can do a bunch of moves but without the psychology it means jack squat. Think of yourself as a storyteller, don't worry about how many moves you can do, worry about how many fans you made FEEL something. Fans will come to watch a show that interest their minds quicker than just seeing choreographed gymnastics. I know when I watch a match I want to know why something was done, not that Joe Blow could do it! I will have more blogs coming on this subject ,because the RESPECT for this business is withering on the vine.These blogs will maybe help some correct their ways.How do you know you are doing wrong if you are never told???

The Future of Cheap Heat Radio.....

2011-07-26T01:42:00.000-05:00

I posted this on Facebook today and thought I'd post it here as well for those that aren't friends of mine on Facebook....

So I've been doing a lot of thinking and I need to make some changes in my life. Change #1 is I have GOT to do something drastic about my health, I've got to find a way to lose weight and get my diabetes under control before it starts causing me more health problems than it already has......I've been ignoring it and I've gained a lot more weight and feel 10 times worse than I did this time last year. That being said that is going to have to take priority in my life right now.

Along with that I've decided in order to focus more on that (and other things) I think it's time to put Cheap Heat Radio to bed for good this time. I brought it back because a lot of people were asking me to and I thought it would be fun.....and don't get me wrong, it has been and I do enjoy doing the show but I don't think people realize how much time goes into do the show......there's so much time spent emailing back and forth trying to book guests for the show, and then doing research for the interviews so they don't suck....and it really is a lot more time consuming than most people realize. Then after all that time is spent the sad truth of the latest run of Cheap Heat Radio has been that most of the shows are getting less than half of the listens/downloads the old shows did back in '07/'08 when I was doing the show regularly. I contribute that to a couple of reasons.....#1: There's 10,000 of these damn shows online now #2: More people were aware of it because of RRONews.com, that site got thousands of hits per day and despite my efforts we were not able to bring all those people over to www.cheapheatradio.com, hell I don't think we got a quarter of them over there honestly. So I really don't see the sense in putting all this time and effort into a show that not that many people are listening to.

I'm gonna keep the website up and running for at least the year that I own the ".com" because even though nobody posts there frequently, the stuff that is posted is usually pretty good so I'd like to give the guys a place to post their columns, and when we post links to Facebook a lot of people read them. I will continue to post stuff about wrestling off and on but I have to say another factor in all this is just my heart isn't in it anymore. Don't get me wrong, I love wrestling and have my entire life, but I love the old school wrestling I grew up on.....It seems crazy for me to do a radio show on wrestling when I don't even watch it anymore.....I watch old tapes, I watch the DVDs that WWE puts out, I watch a rare indy show here and there, but I don't watch WWE, TNA, or Ring of Honor and I don't follow ANY indy shows regularly enough to be an authority on any of them.

As for my "return" to the ring the past two years.....it's been fun and I'm thankful to all the promoters who have given me the chance to do it, especially my friend Tony Dabbs.....but the last few times I find myself standing in the ring realizing that I'm 34 years old with a bad back and knees that are only getting worse to drive 4 hours to throw myself down on plywood to entertain 60 people who would be just as equally entertained if I wasn't there. It's sad to say but independent wrestling is dying and I hope someday someone can fix that, but me being in the ring certainly isn't helping either way...so why do it?

Pro wrestling has always been my first love, it moved to 2nd when I met my awesome wife Rosey......right behind wrestling and Rosey is comedy.....I've loved it all my life and always wanted to do it but I felt I knew wrestling better....but the reality is I'm never gonna make it ANYWHERE in wrestling.....hell hardly anyone is at this point. I would like to do something more with my life than work in retail so that's why I've decided it's time to make a real serious attempt at comedy...not saying I'll be able make a living at it but if I can at least learn to do it well and maybe make a few bucks and entertain some people I'll consider it a successful attempt....so look for more on my new endeavor soon and for those that will miss Cheap Heat Radio, I'll miss it too but it's for the best and thanks to everyone who ever listened to it.

GENE

A World Champion Compliment

2011-07-25T09:32:00.005-05:00

I know I get caught bringing out what is wrong and the shortcomings of today's wrestling through my eyes. Sometimes I wonder why anyone who consistently moans about it still does it. I am no different, but instead of trying to fix the world I try to make sure that I improve. Here is a true story that really made me realize why I keep doing wrestling shows.
A nice little story I got to share with you. On July 9th, Tommy Rich wrestled at New Generation Wrestling, at the building there is a dressing area upstairs and one that is downstairs. I happened to get dressed upstairs and decided to walk downstairs to shake hands with the rest of the locker room. I walk in and Tommy Rich is discussing his match, with his opponent Chris Lexxus. They finish, I reach out to shake their hands and Tommy says" Is this the man who is going to hand you the gimmick?" Lexxus says "No, he is with the Chaos Effexx. I got this guy to hand it to me" Tommy looks at the guys and says "he isn't going out looking like that? You need someone like this man(pointing at me).
Needless to say, I took that as a great compliment. I exited stage left, I knew hanging out there would not get any better.Its kinda like doing a promo, hit your big line , get a reaction and then shut up.LOL.You know that I have concerns about looking/acting the role of a manager. I believe most times a manager should look special.I always remember what Jimmy Hart once said paraphrasing "If you dress like the people in the stands, one day you will be there"..
Its moments like that, make me smile it was like I got a big payday. I will happily take compliments from former World Champion anytime. I know by writing about this I know I won't forget about it.Wrestling should be fun, this will always remind me, no matter the show and what you do, people are watching you.
Please feel free to comment with a great wrestling encounter experience you may have had.You can also contact me on Facebook, if you wish to "friend" me just ask.

Walking in Memphis &Memphis Heat

2011-07-23T23:08:00.005-05:00

On Friday July 22, 2011, my wife and I made the trek to Memphis, with tickets in hand to witness the show of Memphis Heat at the world famous Orpheum. We got down in "Mempho" a little after 12 and soon we were doing the tourist thing.From riding the trolleys to watching the ducks do their walk at 5 o'clock at the Peabody.It was an eventful day and a good escape from the mundane day to day grind.
We had bought tickets on line and as we found a good parking deck and scoped out Beale St on our way to The Orpheum.As we headed toward Main St.,believe it or not walking right by us was none other than Jerry Jarrett.Eye contact was made, cordial hellos were exchanged. Jarrett is one of the stars of Memphis Heat and was to sell his book and autograph(which of course we purchased. The Orpheum is an opera type house, first class scenery all the way.After, walking in and hitting up the gimmick table.Kristi told me we were definitely getting the Jarrett book.Kristi worked for USWA back in the day,so needless to say she has interest in both the book and the movie.Book signings and photos ensued. I got a treat by actually meeting Lance Russell.To me, Lance Russell was my all time fave, sure Solie was great, I enjoyed the Charlie Platts and Jim Ross' of the wrestling world but Lance is/was my favorite bar none.
This paragraph is dedicated to the chowder head that between drinking beers like there is no tomorrow, decided to chime in on his opinion of Lance Russell. Kristi and I were seated before the show, this guy says "Geez, Lance Russell looks like he has aged!!!" I was like he is 85 freaking years old, you goof, show some respect.This guy was like 55, bald and probably thinking that other around him wanted to hear his opinion, such arrogance and disrespect.Kristi said he says one more thing about Lance and she is going to saying something to him, you see unlike Mr Chowderhead, she actually knew Russell.You know, just because you think you are a big shot somewhere, in public you are no better.Before the show started Jarrett, Jerry Lawler,Bill Dundee, Dave Brown and yes Lance Russell spoke.Russell and Brown spoke on their respect for each other and you could tell these guys really cared for each other and they enjoyed each others company, which is more than I can say for Chowderhead, I knew him all of 10 minutes , if you are in public and you think other people want your opinion, do us a favor keep it to yourself.Brown and Russell got a standing ovation.Chowderhead, I just gave you about 200 words more than your worthless ass deserved!
To the movie, as a person who grew up watching Memphis Wrestling,maybe I am not objective to review this movie.It was enjoyable and I learned things I did not know.One of the great stories told was about Sputnik Monroe and how he came to the aid of black people during the turbulent racial times.I won't spoil it, I just thought it was a great story. This movie is chocked full of such stories, some I knew some I didn't.We were entertained and would fully recommend.Great movie, great atmosphere(sans Chowderhead) and walking in Memphis, Beale Street at night, something to see. A great time, a great birthday for Kristi as she told me.

UFC Owner Dana White discusses a meeting with Vince McMahon among other things

2011-07-22T10:53:00.000-05:00

Dana White discusses the Machida controversy, Tito Ortiz getting back in the good graces, the future of Phil Davis, Overeem "injury", could UFC be on HBO in the future, his recent visit with Vince McMahon at WWE headquarters....

The CM Punk angle continues....at COMIC CON..

2011-07-22T10:22:00.001-05:00

The angle continues.....pretty cool...listen to the crowd reaction....Punk has achieved a whole new level of stardom with this angle he's seems to know be a "superstar" on par with Cena, Rock, Austin, Hunter.

HUGE IPW SHOW 7/22/11 in Tupelo, MS at Good Time Charlies!!

2011-07-22T00:59:00.000-05:00

"...vs. The Road to CM Punk"

2011-07-19T20:19:00.004-05:00

...in which I discuss THE ROAD, the GO TO SLEEP pizza, and losing my voice in Chicago, Illinois.

To steal a phrase - THE ROAD WILL OWN YOU.

And the ROAD owned me this weekend.

Twenty-four hours of total driving time. Fourteen hundred miles on a car that was already at the two hundred twenty thousand mile mark. Oh, and I think its about two thousand miles past my last scheduled oil change. But I did not care. I was going to Chicago to watch CM Punk wrestle in front of his people. Of course, the two ladder matches was an added bonus. Plus, I was way, way too excited about the Big Show and Mark Henry being engaged in a battle.

A fun show it was. Actually, the greatest show I've ever seen LIVE, and I've been to a few shows in my day. More on that in a moment, but let me briefly talk about the trip itself.

It is quite a long haul to Chicago. Quite longer than I remember it being, actually. I think it has a lot to do with the trips that I took there when I was in college. The Henderson, TN to Chicago, IL is about an eight hour haul. Well, I don't live in Henderson anymore. Regardless, my depth perception is a bit off when it comes to that drive. Its now much further than it used to be. Plus, I'm older (at the ripe old age of 27) and sitting in a car for a long period of time can be a bit of a chore.

Before heading off to Chicago, there was a brief detour in St. Louis to pick up a good friend of mine. We have traveled many roads to go to many stupid wrestling shows. Actually, the shows may not be what was stupid. The trips were stupid. I mean, who decides its a good idea to decide on a Saturday night to drive to Cleveland, OH to watch a WWE PPV the next day? Well, we did.We drove up there, went to show, and drove back ON NO SLEEP. Men don't need sleep, especially this guy. The proof is in the mustache (of which I have grown an awesome one).

So, we get to Chicago around 4:30 Sunday morning. Chicago is HUGE...but I really don't have to tell you that. It felt like it took forty-five minutes just to drive to North Side. I thought the toll road was never going to end. The hotel was one of those fancy Super 8 establishments. You know...the one star hotel with the whacky odors and the walls so thin you can hear people in the next building doing what the grownups do after dark. But it was cheap and there was a bed. There was also free parking, free internet, and free breakfast. I'm a fat boy that likes my breakfast.

Now, on to wrestling related matters.

Sheamus was signing autographs at the K-Mart about five miles from the hotel. I decided I was going this. Sheamus is my nephew's favorite wrestler, and I am a fan of the guy. Now, to get his autograph, you had to stand in line and get a wristband. Well, I missed out on the wristband. I showed up too late. So, no Sheamus for me. I did decide to head into K-Mart to check out the kind of folks standing in line for Sheamus' autograph. Yes, it was your typical group of wrestling fans. Folks of all kind gathered in a poorly organized line to get this man's autograph. Children who had dragged their parents along. Young adults acting all whacy just so they could get on camera. Plus, I believe I found Drew McIntyre's one and only fan. Yes, there was a woman wearing a Drew McIntyre shirt. I didn't stick around to see Sheamus. I had bigger fish to fry.

In my research for this trip, I discovered that parking around the AllState Arena was horrible. Cars parked four rows deep with barely enough room to open your door once you parked. Security guards that are clueless as to how traffic is supposed to flow. No lines or rhyme or reason and to how to get in and out of this place. So, I decided to head to the venue early just to check things out. The building is located next to a shopping center with a Target, Subway, and IHOP. Really random.

Well, I get there, and its a mess.

Some genius (and they had to be a genuis) scheduled a FLEA MARKET in the parking lot of the venue on the same day as the WWE show. I asked one of the parking guards where I was supposed to park. His response - ANYWHERE! Yes! Chaos already starting. I see the WWE trailers, and I decide that I'm parking there. Flea market folks are back there, and I swear this must've angered the WWE folk greatly that THE MARKS are just hanging out and not being made to go away. While in the line of traffic, Michael P.S. Hayes stepped out of the car next to me. He was dressed in a fine purple suit. You've got to give it to the man. He does know how to dress.

I didn't stay at the flea market. The traffic was already putting me in a foul mood. Plus, I was ready for my next planned adventure - eating pizza. Not just any pizza, but the GO TO SLEEP. You see, there's a pizza place near Wrigley Field called Ian's Pizza, and the place is frequented quite often by CM Punk and his merry gang of misfits. And they named a pizza after his MOVE. It has turkey on it because turkey makes you GO TO SLEEP. It was delicious. I saw Wrigley Field too, but let's not discuss that here. THIS IS WRESTLING TALK.

The Allstate Arena used to be known as the Rosemont Horizon. Its old. WWE has run a lot of shows there. Three Wrestlemanias. The crowds are whacky. They cheer for who they the want to cheer for, regardless of whether they're a babyface or hell. They are bizzaro world, and that's one of the reasons I wanted to go to this show. I'd also like to attend a WWE show in all 50 states. So, this puts Illinois on the list.

I'd to say "HAHAHAHA" to all the geeks that stood in line for hours to get into the building. Listen, you geeks - these are reserved seats. No one is going to get your seat. You don't have to stand out in the heat for hours. You can be like we did and just walk right up to the door when it opens and go right in. So, this building has old blue carpet in the lobby. CARPET. Wretched looking. There appeared to be only one merchandise stand in the entire building. There was a special CM PUNK shirt being sold on this night. It said "BEST IN THE WORLD" on the back. I really can't argue with the guy.

This was the most awesome crowd I've ever been a part of. Even in the upper sections of the arena behind the titantron, these were some passionate fans. They loved their CM Punk. Their hometown hero. My hometown hero, and I'm not from Chicago.

Let's get on to the show.

In the dark match, Santion Marella & Vladimir Kozlov defeated the WWE Tag Team champions David Ortunga & Michael McGuillicutty. Why can't he just be Joe Hennig? It was fine. A good warm up match for the crowd. But really, they didn't need too warmed up. Plenty of CM Punk and Colt Cabana chants. Passionate Colt Cabana chants. He and Ace Steele were in the front row, by the way.

Then the show starts. I've never been that close to the pyro in my life. I've probably damaged my hearing permantly. I'm okay with that.

Daniel Bryan won the Smackdown Money in the Bank ladder match. I never saw that coming. I don't think anyone else did either. I've almost decided that this show was just booked for all the smart marks everywhere. Daniel Bryan winning the first match. CM Punk winning the last match. Daniel Bryan is at some point going to become the World Heavyweight Champion. That's really awesome.

Or he could be the first geek to lose when he cashes it in.

One more thing - LOL SIN CARA LOL. How do you fail a drug test for anabolic steroids at this point unless you're an idiot?

The Divas match was downright wretched. At the same time, I understand its purpose. They had to cool the crowd down after that opener. Still awful though. Awful. Awful. Awful.

I'm amused by Mark Henry's theme music. Such lyrical genius there. "Somebody gonna get their wig split". I almost feel sorry for Mark Henry right now. He's doing the best work of his career. Some awesome, awesome stuff, and no body is talking about it because PHIL is setting the wrestling world on fire. Henry just destroying fools left and right. I'm okay with that because Smackdown does need heels. Smackdown is actually my favorite show...which is beside the point.

Oh...and he beat the BIG SHOW.

This RAW ladder match. I thought someone was going to die. I feared for these men, especially Evan Bource when he went up top and did that shooting star press. A foolish maneuver if there ever was one, but he trusted these men to catch him, and they did. I would've done a belly flop, but that's because I'm a FAT MAN. I loved this finish of this match. Crowd went crazy when del Rio ripped off Rey's mask. Chicago hated Rey Mysterio. I think they always have. I remember them booing him when he won the world title there at Wrestlemania 22.

I thought Alberto del Rio winning this ladder match meant he would beat Punk for the title later on the evening.

I was wrong.

The promo started for the Orton/Christian match. I got up for concessions. These two guys have really good match. They do, but I never need to see them wrestle again, and I did not care about this at all. So, I went and got water. NINE DOLLARS FOR TWO CUPS OF WATER. That angered me.

I'll have to give it to Christian and Randy Orton. I was aparthetic at the beginning and by the end, I was on the edge of seat. This was an awesome match, and it helped that the crowd watched Smackdown and knew the stip about Randy losing the title if he got DQ'd. I popped big when Orton hit that low blow. These two men delivered.

When Orton was delivering his post match beatdown, I thought Daniel Bryan might come down and cash in his briefcase, but he didn't. That almost makes him seem foolish (IF THIS WAS REAL), but I decided that his gimmick almost dictates that he be an HONORABLE MAN and only cash it in for a WRESTLING MATCH and not for some fluke win over a guy who has been beaten up.

We live in a world where CM PUNK and DANIEL BRYAN could be holding both of WWE's world titles.

ROH...what?

I'm not sure else can be said about the main event of this show that hasn't already been said. The crowd was amazing. Punk was awesome. He even wept when he was sitting in the ring. He commanded this crowd on that night like Hogan, Austin, and Rocky in their prime. John Cena held his own as well. This was fantastic, and it is my match on the year.

I'll even do you one better.

Because of the atmosphere and the storytelling, I enjoyed it better than the Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels from Wrestlemania 25. I left the show that night thinking it was the greatest thing I had ever seen. Well, John Cena vs. CM Punk is my new favorite match of all time. Don't lecture me about the botches in the match. I don't care. IT WAS AWESOME. So awesome, in fact, that my continuous yelling and shouting caused me to lose my voice the next day.

IHOP was had after the show due to not wanting to sit in the car and wait for traffic to clear out. I was exhausted, both physically and mentally. A good LIVE wrestling show will leave you drained like that.

It was a long drive home the next day. I got back to Tupelo around 11pm, and I had to be back at work at 3am. I did it because I am a man who loves his wrestling. I'd like to think that wrestling loves me back. She is my mistress.

Next road trip: End of August? I might do the Jackson, MS to Memphis, TN loop for a couple of RAW house shows. Of course, with it being house shows, it might be the same card both nights.

Final thought - I recommend everyone just go to as many pro graps shows as you possibly can. You'll be a better person for it.

www.twitter.com/bigdaddytupelo

Cheap Heat: More Random Thoughts by Gene Jackson

2011-07-19T16:09:00.000-05:00

Another bunch of random ramblings from Gene Jackson....

MONEY IN THE BANK PPV/WWE Monday Night Raw

So...The question has been answered.... "Can anything be done to make people interested in wrestling again?" Well apparently the answer is yes because one psuedo- "shoot" promo from CM Punk and the knowledge of his contract being about to expire got more people talking about and watching WWE than anything has in quite some time. I'm pretty safe in assuming that more people bought Sunday's PPV than any WWE pay per view not named WrestleMania in many, many years. It goes to show if done correctly and if they are willing to step outside their comfortable bubble they can make people believe or at the very least question what's happening in front of them....and that's all it takes. I'm excited to see they delivered on this one....I, like most figured that Cena would win with some sorta Montreal-esque "screwjob" and the whole angle turn into another retread....however they went against the grain and put the belt on Punk and gave everyone or at the very least the Chicago fans in attendance Sunday night what they wanted to see.

Now, I read some facebook posts bitching about the way RAW was booked with the belt being held up and Punk not being there.....well how else could this have played out?....the storyline was that Punk was leaving and if he won he would be taking the WWE title belt with him....and he DID. Had he shown up on RAW with the belt to "re-sign" with WWE or something similar it would have killed the whole angle.....I love the twitter stuff of him posting random pics of the belt in various places, Punk being at the Cubs game with his buddies during RAW was awesome....and smart that they just let it play out over the social media rather they just happen to have a WWE film crew at the Cubs games to film a supposedly former employee was a nice touch. Hopefully at the very least they will get a new belt to replace that hideous spinner belt. The angle with HHH relieving Vince of his duties should play out nicely for months to come...who knows where that will take things....perhaps former employee Vince will side with former employee CM Punk and they will turn into an "invasion" that doesn't get botched. The most shocking thing to me was that it was Cena who made the subtle going to IMPACT reference and not CM Punk....I'm just shocked TNA hasn't been posting some kinda veiled teasers online that Punk will bring the WWE title to Impact next week. Should be fun to see how it all unfolds.

CHANGES TO THE WEBSITE

So some of you may have already read on Facebook that I'm changing up the site a bit and adding an "entertainment blog" to the site. I realize the world doesn't revolve around wrestling and their are other topics/interests to be explored. Should be fun to check out as I will be posting their along with my wife Rose Marie, Bradley Caine, Tammie Rainey-Gathings, Kevin Mcleod, and many others will be posting various news, columns, reviews, videos, and what not on EVERYTHING entertainment related, so check that out on the front page.

NO MORE GETTING IN THE RING......FOR NOW...

Ok, so once again I've screwed up my back and hip wrestling and I'm back in piss poor physical shape so I'm declaring right now you will not see me back in the ring through the remainder of 2011. I'm not gonna say that I'll NEVER wrestle again, cause we all know that's not true but I can say without a doubt it will be a LONG time before I ever do. However the upside to that is I can finally get back to doing something that I've been wanting to do for quite a while and that's start back doing stand up comedy. When I quit comedy before I was at a real bad place in life and was very unhappy with how things were and just couldn't find it in me to try to come up with funny material to use onstage.....however the new and improved happier version of Gene Jackson (thanks to my awesome wife, Rosey!) has already been developing new material and getting ready to give it another shot. I'm already entered into the 'RockyTop Comedy Contest' in Knoxville, TN on September 16th and I'm working on getting some stage time again at the Stardome in Birmingham and the Comedy Catch in Chattanooga, TN, as well as some clubs in Atlanta. I'm also planning on trying to get some sorta 'Comedy Night' going at one of the establishments here in Gadsden and I've already been in contact with a few people about coming over and giving comedy a shot, it will be interesting to see if they take me up on it. If you've done comedy or would be interested at giving it a try (it's a helluva lot harder than it looks), contact me at genejackson95@gmail.com and I'll get in touch with you when it all comes together hopefully around October.

As always if you would like to write for either the wrestling blog or the entertainment blog, contact me at the email address above and I'll hook you up with what you need to start posting.

BTW, Cheap Heat Radio will resume broadcasting next week....it will be getting tweaked a bit as well with not only wrestlers but other entertainment guests and topics as well.

thanks for reading
GENE

"...vs. The Greatest Show of All Time"

2011-07-18T00:13:00.004-05:00

...in which I (briefly) discuss the greatest pro wrestling event I've ever attended LIVE.

I was live for The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 25 in Houston, TX. When that show was over, I was certain that I would never enjoy a LIVE wrestling show as much again. Shawn Michaels was my favorite wrestler of all time and what he and the Undertaker did that night was something I didn't think I'd ever see again.

As far as I was concerned, the business had peaked for me as a fan.

Tonight's PPV changed that. I drove twelve hours to this show. I only had three hours of sleep last night. Right now, I am emotionally and physically drained. This show was the most fun that I've ever had at a wrestling show. I enjoyed every single thing about this show (except for the women's match, but I understand its purpose on the card). I think my excitement for Punk winning at the end wasn't necessarily because he won but because they actually did what no one thought they would do. An absolutely phenomenal show, and I strongly recommend the replay to anyone who didn't watch it live. I will be buying this DVD when it comes out.

What a night!

Scam Artist Promoter uses "Macho Man Tribute" to rip people off

2011-07-14T10:12:00.000-05:00

What a damn disgrace...hope Kenny Valiant doesn't get any ideas......

NEW PORT RICHEY — The show hadn't even reached the tag team matches when the fracas erupted. The band demanded to be paid. The undercard wrestlers wanted their money, too. Facing an angry backstage crowd, veteran wrestling promoter Dino Puglia announced he was having a cardiac emergency — and took off.

A Saturday night tribute show to Randy "Macho Man" Savage at New Port Richey's All Sports Arena had enough behind-the-scenes drama to rival any wrestling story line, except the backstabbing was real.

"I've stopped answering (Puglia's) calls, and I don't want to have anything to do with him," said Savage's brother "the Genius" Lanny Poffo, who had given his blessing for the event. "I thought it would be a good thing for my brother's name, but I regret the outcome and would prefer to distance myself from the stench."

Among the problems:

• It was billed as a fundraiser for All Children's Hospital and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital — without either hospital's approval. Puglia now says he didn't raise enough money to cut a check to either charity.

• Of the eight star names used to promote the event, only half showed up. At least two — Poffo and the Honky Tonk Man, whose real name is Roy Wayne Farris — say they never agreed to attend.

Poffo said he told Puglia up front he would be in Niagara Falls that weekend. "I shouldn't have been mentioned in any advertising," Poffo said. "It makes me look bad to not show up."

Farris, who learned of the event Friday, posted a 15-minute clip on YouTube of a phone call in which he angrily confronts Puglia about "fraud" and "false advertising." Puglia blamed the errors on another organizer who made the posters.

• The local band Hollow Heroes and some of the wrestlers say they were never paid.

The Outlaw Ron Bass and Bugsy McGraw got their money, Puglia said, while "the Legend" Ox Baker only wanted to be reimbursed for his plane ticket from Connecticut. Puglia said he will repay Baker when he can.

Puglia said he gave money to fellow promoter Bob Hamill to pay the undercard wrestlers. Hamill declined to comment for this story. But the man who owns All Sports Arena, Matt Garry, said Hamill dug into his own pocket to pay some people.

And the band?

"I never promised them anything," Puglia said. "They volunteered their time, and suddenly after the show they try to hold me up for money."

The event drew about 150 people who paid between $5 and $10 for admission. But Puglia said the event didn't net enough money to donate to All Children's Hospital or St. Jude's, as the promotions promised.

In fact, neither hospital agreed to be associated with the event. St. Jude's knew nothing about it, a representative said, and All Children's didn't learn about it until they saw the promotions claiming the event was a fundraiser for the hospital.

"Our people then got in touch with Puglia to inform him that he would need to fill out paperwork for the event," said All Children's media coordinator Anne Miller. "When we looked at it, we decided that we didn't want our logo used and that he would need to provide copies of various types of event insurance and licenses, but he never did that. He went ahead and did the event using our name without our consenting to the event."

Others who supported the event, believing it was a bona fide fundraiser, were disappointed. Garry, the arena owner, said he will send his own donation to All Children's.

"It's really sad that All Children's Hospital gets nothing out of this," said Big Vito LoGrasso, a wrestler who lined up the ring and referees for the event and was also on the card. "This event and the way it was handled is a blemish on the name of wrestling. We do a lot of good charity work in this business, but (Puglia) didn't even have the consent of All Children's to do this. Normally, you'd have someone there from the hospital that you'd present a check to, but he didn't even have people collecting money for All Children's."

LoGrasso called the show "a rinky-dink operation." There was no sound system, no bell to ring. In honor of the Macho Man, Puglia held marginally observed moments of silence, repeating "ding" into the microphone.

LoGrasso helped organize the event until he and Puglia had a falling out. Puglia blamed LoGrasso for many of the event's problems, including the misleading promotions — which LoGrasso flatly denies. Puglia banned LoGrasso from the event, threatening to have him arrested if he showed up.

"He even deleted me from his friends on Facebook," LoGrasso said.

Puglia repeatedly insisted that he is not the bad guy and that he intended to do something great for All Children's and the Macho Man's memory. But none of this turned out to be the tribute Poffo envisioned for his late brother, who died in May of heart disease.

"I know Dino, and when he said he wanted to do the event, I said 'go ahead,' " Poffo said. "This was the first time he's ever asked me to work for him, and I can tell you this is the end of the relationship. He used my brother's name to promote an event and then he turns it into a disgrace. I'm sorry Randy's name was involved, but I know that it won't tarnish his legacy."

Credit: David Rice

St Petersburg Times

via TampaBay.com

Cheap Heat: This whole "NWA World Title" situation...by Gene Jackson

2011-07-14T10:06:00.000-05:00

My 2 cents on what's left of the "NWA"......

Ok, so as some of you may have read here and there on the internet this week, The Sheik has been stripped of the NWA World Heavyweight title...Now I know some of you are thinking.."Gene, how can that be? The Sheik passed away several years ago." Well, the real Sheik did but the guy in the picture above took the gimmick and has been using it for the past several years. You'll also notice in the picture he's wearing an AWA World title belt, that died years ago too but he took that as well....kinda his thing I guess.

So, the story goes that The Sheik won the NWA World Title from Colt Cabana in April with the knowledge he would drop the belt back to Adam Pearce at the end of July. Well in the meantime I guess the NWA belt still means a small something in Japan because he's managing to get booked over there and actually make some decent money so he decided he's gonna keep the title and took the July 31st booking off his calendar. In light of this the "NWA Board of Directors" called an "Emergency Teleconference" and stripped him of the title. In protest to Sheik being stripped of his title Craig Classic (the NWA World Jr Champion) forfeited his belt as well. Now you may be asking yourself "Gene, who the hell is Craig Classic and why should I care if he forfeited the title? and for that matter who the hell is this fake Sheik and why the should I care he got stripped?"

Well those are all good questions and my answers are simple....I don't know...cause I have no clue who Craig Classic is, and as far as I'm concerned the NWA World title has ceased to have any meaning since it was absorbed by Crockett back in the late 80's. I guess the closest it's come to being relevant was while TNA recognized it as it's main title for several years but even then it was just a company title. Colt Cabana has been the most well known title holder in quite some time, Pearce was a good champion but not that many people know who he is either.

At this point the "NWA" is just a way for a few guys to make money off a brand that's been dead since the territories died. It's crazy that promoters from all over the world pay these guys money to use the "NWA" name and logo when 90% of wrestling fans could care less whatever random initials are on the flier, they just come to watch some "rasslin". The upside of having the champions come to their show to defend the NWA titles is moot, cause nobody knows who they hell those guys are anymore than the local guys on the show.

Anyways, for those interested here's some insight on this whole debacle from those involved:

Greg Price (who runs the NWA Fanfests) posted this:

What Does Your Word Mean To You?
by Greg Price on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 10:06am

Lots of folks chiming in on the NWA stripping the world title from The Sheik. Most of those voicing opinions have little knowledge of the circumstances in this case. I won't pretend to know all the circumstances, but indeed there is a lot more to this story.

In a lot of ways, it reminds me of 1983 just before the first Starcade when Vince McMahon tried to get Harley Race to jump to the WWF, taking the NWA belt with him. Ultimately, Race said he had to look himself in the mirror and he passed up on the quick payday because his word meant something. That was the honorable thing to do.

While this situation is a little different, Sheik went into this knowing he was getting the belt on 4/23 and keeping it until 7/31. It wasn't until his May trip to Japan that he was offered additional July and August Japanese tours.

In June, just after his first Japan tour as NWA champ, he called to tell me he wouldn't be honoring his 8/6 commitment to me for our fanfest show -- a booking arrangement that we confirmed in writing on May 3 of this year -- nor would he be dropping the strap on 7/31. He told me he couldn't pass up the chance to go to Japan and make $4,000., and I was quick to point out to him that my "word" is worth more than 4k to me.

I'm not picking sides here between Sheik and the NWA. Today's organization, which I have zero to do with, is as screwed up as ever. But they were put in a difficult situation here by a man that was given it's highest honor under pre-set terms, then once he got the belt, basically ran to Japan with it.

While the circumstances are slightly different, it's all really the same. Harley Race's word meant more than the thousands of dollars being offered him, while 4k is all it took for Sheik.

What does your word mean to you?

NWA posted released this:

CHARLOTTE, NC: The NWA has been informed that The Sheik has pulled out of his scheduled title defense on July 31st at the Ohio St. Fair against 3-time champion Adam Pearce. It is not clear at this time as to the reasons behind The Sheik's refusal to go through with this bout. The NWA first received an inkling of the issue when it was noted that the long-awaited showdown was no longer on The Sheik's calendar. When contacted, The Sheik's camp confirmed that he would not be appearing for the eagerly-anticipated battle.

Faced with this refusal, the NWA Board of Directors held an emergency teleconference, with the result being that The Sheik has been stripped of the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, effective immediately. "This is not something the NWA does lightly", said Executive Director, Robert K. Trobich. "We prefer that the title be settled in the ring".

The vacant title will be filled by the new main event for the July 31st show: A three-way match between the man who was promised the shot, 3-Time Champ, Scrap Iron Adam Pearce, and the holders of the two other most prestigious belts in the NWA, National Champion, Chance Prophet, and North American Champion, Shaun Tempers!

Craig Classic posted this on his facebook:

I relinquish my NWA World's Jr. Heavyweight Title in Protest to the horrible decision to strip our world champion the Sheik of his title. Sheik was on a tremendous roll bringing the title overseas and around the United States. I love and respect this business and for this to happen to anyone in are industry is horseshit and I will not agree with this decision.

Adam Pearce posted on his facebook page:

I am disappointed that the 7/31 NWA title match vs 'Sheik' isn't happening. Also very sorry that this situation has devolved so rapidly.

The only comments I have:

1) The date and location of this match had been set since 2/14/11. Not sure how this can be disputed.

2) Outside of the 7/31/11 date, I have never been booked by anyone to wrestle the 'Sheik' with or without any title at stake. I have never in any context refused a title match with him.

My word is all I have, and I will be in Columbus, Ohio on 7/31 as agreed upon. I think it's easy sometimes to forget that you, the fans, are really the ones that suffer when situations like this arise. You deserve better than this and I will do my best to give you that on 7/31. This I promise.

-AP

"...vs. The Acid Reflux"

2011-07-13T20:05:00.018-05:00

...in which I discuss Hulk Hogan being awesome, PAC doing flips, and David Batista being the greatest human being alive today.

When I initially wrote this, I was sick as a dog. Some type of whacky acid reflux stuff. Plus, I slept only three hours last night.

Instead of sleeping, I'm going to watch pro wrestling. LET'S WATCH HULK HOGAN VS. BROCK LESNAR FROM 2002. I don't know the exact date here. I just know this is from the lead up Brock vs. Rock.

Crowd is going absolutely ape shit here as the two guys face off. THE MOST EPIC SHIT EVER SEEN ON SMACKDOWN. We need more stuff like this these days. By the way, Paul Heyman is outside the ring being awesome in every single way.

Three and a half minutes in and Hogan just clotheslined Brock out of the ring. Crowd is chanting, "HOGAN, HOGAN, HOGAN!" And of course, Brock is in a foul mood. Crotches Hogan around the ring post and here's the heat, kids. Elbow drop from Brock. Crowd is eating up even the tiny things in this match. They love the Hulkster in every single way. Heyman is standing outside the ring screaming HE'S A LEGEND...FINISH HIM. Brock wants the Hogan chants. Fucking thriving off them, this man is.

Brock goes to taking the gimmicks off the announce table and THE HULKSTER HULKS UP. Michael Cole is losing it. CROWD DOING 10 CHANTS IN THE CORNER AND BROCK LESNAR POWERBOMBS HULK BY GOD HOGAN.

I'm enjoying this match way to match. I still can't get over that bump Hulk took off the powerbomb. Hogan back to no selling stuff. HULKING UP. YYYYYOOOOOUUUUU!!!! AND THE FINGER WAG.

Big Boot. ONE MORE LEG DROP, BROTHER! Hogan and Brock going back and forth. Heyman with the interference. LEG DROP. Cover. And Brock kicks out at two like no ones ever kicked out before. By god, these two men are great. Brock goes to begging off. Another big boot. Heyman with the bullshit interference.

F5.

I hope one day Brock Lesnar comes back to WWE. We need you doing the fake stuff, Brock.

Brock ain't gonna do no pinning. He wants to finish this man. A GIANT BEARHUG HERE FROM LESNAR. HOGAN IS ALMOST OUT. OH GOD HE'S BLEEDING FROM THE MOUTH.

Hogan is out. Ref calls for the bell. For just that moment, The Next Big Thing has killed Hulkamania. Whatcha gonna do, brother? BEARHUG HIM TO DEATH.

This was absolutely fantastic, and about as good a ten minute match as you're going to see. I LOVE HULK HOGAN. A lot of his 2002 stuff was awesome.

Brock isn't done, by the way. He's done got him a steel chair. The people want The Rock. Heyman pleading Brock not to do it. HITS HOGAN ACROSS THE FOREHEAD. The Hulkster gets color and now, I want to buy Summerslam to watch Brock vs. Rock, even though it was nine years ago.

Now, on to something to appease the marks. OMG GUYZ DOING FLIPZ WITH NO PSYCHOLOGY. Anyway, I found a match from something called Dragon Gate Infinity. There appear to be a number of Asians in the crowd.

It's a match between PAC and RICOCHET. Richochet's shoot name is Trevor. No real reason to put there out there. Just thought I would. I'M IN THE KNOW, KIDS.

Ricochet doesn't have his long hair anymore. Actually, he's pretending to be Low-Ki. Anyway, almost immediately, they start doing high spots. Lots of flips. I've never watched a PAC match in my life. Seen plenty of Ricochet. He worked in Tupelo before. I should know. I paid him $100 to do it. He and Chuck Taylor started doing moves and one of the geeks in the crowd yelled THAT'S GYMNASTICS THAT AIN'T WRESTLING. Well, maybe that's true, but at least they had gear.

Back to this match. The guys are exchanging shots back and forth. Ricochet pulls off an awesome reverse frankensteiner. I approve. Two minutes in, and both guys are already selling like they've been hit with grenades.

OMG SPACE FLYING TIGER DROP. I actually don't know what that means, but I've seen it used before, so that's what I'm calling this flip.

I don't think there's a babyface or a heel here. Nothing in the way of any heat...well, there's a head lock. Yes, lots of flips and a HEAD LOCK.

Ricochet's got the fighting spirit, and the Asians are clapping. PAC kicks him in the face. German suplex. Two count. Announcers got way to excited. PAC heading up top. He does some type of flip from the second rope.

Honestly not too impressed with guys, but then again, I really like the mainstream stuff. I'm probably more interested in the characters than the MOVEZ.

PAC up top again. Misses a 450 splash. Richochet hits his own splash. Then he does some whacy backslide driver. HE'S HULKING UP. Or not. Trevor going back up top again. PAC german suplexes him from the top rope. That was pretty awesome. TWO COUNT.

LOL TNA LOL.

Tiger driver. Two count. PAC with another whacky flip from the top rope. He gets the win, and he holds his belt up high. Apparently, he's the champion of something.

I have two title belts in the living room. So, that means I am the champion of Tupelo. ALL SHALL BOW BEFORE ME.

Now, on to something completely different. BIG DAVE BATISTA vs. THE GREAT KHALI in the Punjabi Prison match from No Mercy 2007. Why look this up on YouTube? Well, BIG DAVE is awesome, and quite frankly, Khali and him in a sub-ten minute match sounds awesome. I've never seen this, by the way.

Three minutes in to this video and its been all entrances. This is a whacy structure that they are about to battle in. DAVE HAS WALKED ALONE. Dave jumps right in there, and the battle is on. One minute in and Khali with the chop. I don't have a clue what the rules to this match are.

I love Dave Batista, by the way. Particularly his heel character from his last six months in the company.

So, Khali hit the chop and had the ref open up a door. You have sixty seconds to get out of that particular cage. If you don't, it closes again FOREVER. Yes, if you don't get out of that door it closes forever. So, my thought it this - what if no one got through any of the four doors? Would they be there forever?

This is pretty awful, but in a very entertaining way. Khali is basicallty doing some horrible stuff. Crowd is dead. They're probably confused. DAVE WITH THE SPEAR. And he calls for the door to be opened. Khali is preventing this man from leaving with CHOPS and CHOKES.

The second door had been shut FOREVER.

MAIN EVENT SPINEBUSTER FROM DAVE WHILE THE THIRD DOOR IS OPEN. OMG HE MIGHT DO IT.

If this was in Tupelo, some mark announcer would be leading the fans in "Let's go Dave! Let's go Dave!" chants. AND THIS DOOR HAS SHUT FOREVER. WE'RE DOWN TO ONE DOOR.

JBL and Michael Cole are on commentary here. I miss JBL. He was really great.

Batista now beating the shit out of Khali with a belt. For some reason, instead of calling for the 4th door, DAVE and KHALI are now climbing the cage. They're in the corner. BIG DAVE BOMB attempt by Dave. Fail. What gets me is that people were paid to think of this concept. At some point, some one really did think this was a good idea.

I've had two Pop Tarts for dinner. I'm sure this can't be good for me.

Khali with a VICE GRIP. He is crushing this man's head. And the crowd is alive. They are willing this man to escape. THERE'S A LOW BLOW. The last door is open. Big Dave is crawling (slowly, I might add) to the last door.

LOL

Khali uses the last cage door as a weapon. And the last door has been locked. So, now this means someone has to climb over the top of the inner cage. Khali actually attempting to climb the cage here.

He fails.

But he tries again.

If I'm the Great Khali, I'm absolutely terrified that this cage won't hold my weight. Khali somehow climbs over. I think that means DAVE has to climb over too. And now Khali has to climb the other cage. TOO MUCH STUFF HERE.

DAVE IS ALIVE. He jumps from one cage to the other. Its a race to see who gets to the ground first. And It's DAVE. DAVE. DAVE. OMG DAVE BATISTA JUST BEAT THE PUNJABI MONSTER. AHHHHHH.

Pure rubbish this was, but Dave Batista makes the love to lots of women, so this was also great.

I walk alone.

www.twitter.com/BigDaddyTupelo

JCW 'Legends of Wrestling' to be part of this year's "Gathering of the Juggalos"

2011-07-11T18:22:00.000-05:00

Huge legends line up to be part of this year's wrestling festivities at ICP's Gathering of the Juggalos, look for Cheap Heat Radio to interview some of the legends on the card before and after the event.

Biggest Legends Show Of All Time Announced For 12th Annual Gathering Of The Juggalos!

Friday Night, August 12th 2011, Juggalo Championship Wrestling is proud to bring to you: Legends Of Wrestling! The biggesticons and most controversial names in the history of Professional Wrestling gather together to do what they do best... Wrestle!

This is not an autograph session or a photo opportunity, (although you may certainly get a chance to do that) this is the sport of kings, Professional Wrestling.

You can search the world far and wide, but NOWHERE will you find a more devastating lineup of legends stepping through the ropes to reignite old rivalries, and settle new scores! Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the greatest grapplers go for what they know!

4 Big Matches are already signed for this super-show in Cave In Rock, Illinois:

"I Quit Match" First Time Ever!
Rowdy Roddy Piper Vs Terry Funk
Special Referee: Dangerous Danny Davis

Classic Rock vs Punk Rock!
The Rock N Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) vs The Headbangers (Mosh and Thrasher)

Steel Cage Grudge Match!
Greg "The Hammer" Valentine Vs Tito Santana

Epic Encounter!
Bob Backlund Vs "The Olympic Strongman" Ken Patera

Scheduled to appear at JCW's Legends Of Wrestling:

Rowdy Roddy Piper
Terry Funk
Jerry "The King" Lawler
Xpac Sean Waltman
Kevin Nash
Razor Scott Hall
Vampiro
Tank Abbott
Rhino
Koko B Ware
Mr Usa Tony Atlas
Sabu
Honky Tonk Man
Al Snow W/Head
Carlito
The Rock n Roll Express
Superfly Jimmy Snuka
The Headbangers (Mosh and Thrasher)
Hacksaw Jim Duggan
Big Daddy V
Dirty Dutch Mantel
Greg The Hammer Valentine
Chyna
Bob Backlund
Rikishi
Zach Gowen
Raven
Powers Of Pain (Warlord and Barbarian)
Rob Conway
Kamala
Tito Santana
Cowboy Bob Orton
Tracy Smothers
U-Gene
Olympic Strongman Ken Patera
Jesse James (Road Dogg)
Billy Gunn
Wildfire Tommy Rich
"Hands of Stone" Ronnie Garvin

Guest Ring Announcer:David Penzer

There will be five Wrestling Events in total during this 4 day festival August 11th Through the 14th 2011, including Legends Of Wrestling, ArenaChicks Women's Wrestling, two Oddball Wrestling events, and Bloodymania 5.

Don't miss the unprecedented freshness! Get Tickets and More Information at www.juggalogathering.com

New Gathering Commercial/Infomercial here:
http://youtu.be/dy_uj82xKKI

In non-wrestling Gathering news, CHARLIE SHEEN has been confirmed to be a part of this year's Gathering of the Juggalos....that should be interesting, check out Sheen's "tweet" confirming this announcement from the ICP....

Road Warrior Animal interview moving to next week.....

2011-07-11T09:53:00.000-05:00

Due to last minute unforeseen circumstances, today's interview with Road Warrior Animal on Cheap Heat Radio will be moved to next week....I apologize for the inconvenience..

Tune in Monday July 11 at 2pm central for ROAD WARRIOR ANIMAL

2011-07-10T13:58:00.000-05:00

One of the biggest Cheap Heat Radio episodes ever.....

One of our most LEGENDARY guests ever on Cheap Heat Radio will join us Monday afternoon as Road Warrior Animal talks with us about the Road Warriors book that's out now, his new website, his son's football career, what lies ahead for him, as well as the experience getting inducted to the WWE Hall of Fame this year in Atlanta alongside his longtime manager and friend Paul Ellering, all this and more so make sure if you don't catch it live to check out the archive afterwards.

Click here to listen to the show!

A Trip to the Past with Bradley Caine

2011-07-10T00:33:00.005-05:00

Take a trip to the past with Bradley 'the Brain' Caine

I figured it was time I posted something. It's been a while. As my mind ponders subjects to talk about. I thought I would talk about when I was green. There is one thing that everyone in wrestling has in common, at some point you was green and horrible.

I remember my first PAID gig in the wrestling business.I offered up my talents(websites/photography,etc) to a wrestler (Vinny Mac) who was starting his own show.At first, I was just going to be the photographer and do some website work. I wanted to maybe announce but at the time he had someone to do the job as announcer. Well lo and behold the announcer no showed and I got the gig. I have some video of my first announcing and honestly I was HORRIBLE! I will say it I was the drizzling sh*ts of announcing. I was green! As I worked the weekly show and listened to seasoned veterans who would need someone to bounce skits off of on the mic. I got to work with a co host(if you will) who would also help me get my sea legs.I worked with a wrestler who was on the injured list named Mack Daddy Shannon, who helped me out a ton.I thought he would just leave me in a cloud of dust, but as a true worker does, he really helped me get shine, which goes to confidence. I worked with Tony D Rock, an old friend(pre wrestling ) and because Tony was very outgoing it helped me as well.Finally and not lastly Smooth Plezing. I started working with Smooth and watched how as a manager he would announce his tag teams. I knew I had to learn from those who have NOT been trained in a backyard. As Jim Cornette says "Stealing from one is plagiarism, stealing from many is research!". I researched alot! I make it a habit of "putting over" people who have helped me get better. I still tell Smooth how much I appreciate the help he gave me, he scoffs at it, which makes me appreciate his help the more. I guess my mentioning anyone in this blog is doing the same thing as well, so to all those before mentioned...Thank you!

I mentioned earlier Vinny Mac giving me a paid job at Outlaw Championship Wrestling(2004-2009). Free admission to the show in which I ran around for 3 hours shooting pictures is not getting PAID(this was at another show)The first night Tony got his envelope(which is how good bookers pay their workers-I feel)at OCW, he looked at it like he was getting fired.Tony,also worked a show pro bono at other places. Getting paid is so much better than not getting paid, just saying.

Working and learning(which I am still doing) from some pros that have been in the business and knows what works and what doesn't work to put butts in the seats is invaluable as well. I learned alot from asking why are we doing this? I still ask that question.Then I got good answers that made the angle make sense.If you wish to lose fans book your show like TNA/Impact, or do it because someone thinks "It will be cool" which is code for IT WON'T MAKE SENSE!!!! Look at the silly monkey(cue YouTube clip)

In closing this,I feel I am more forgiving to a wrestler who is green and is working to try to improve.We all been there one way or another. Keep learning and listen(another Cornette-ism-"thats why you have 2 ears and just one mouth" so listen!). I am less forgiving of those who I saw wrestle 5 years ago and they are STILL horrible. There is this one dude who was horrible 5 years ago and now he is shot calling at a show,its a horrible show so no surprise there! I guess brutal honesty for improvement is FROWNED upon! I wonder if he watches and says I am the best I can be? Sadly, I bet he would say something like "doesn't matter as long as I get my RKO in."

Cheap Heat TV Spotlight on: IWF

2011-07-07T13:53:00.000-05:00

Join us as we take a look back at the much talked about, famous IWF TV days in Tupelo, MS...

Neil 'the Real Deal' Taylor vs. "Xtreme" Brett Michaels- Russian Chain Match

Neil Taylor vs. Bret Michaels Russian Chain Match by sensational123

To celebrate his return this weekend to IPW, here's the infamous Jason Envy beatdown by "the Studd" Scott Porteau...

jason envy beatdown by sensational123

The Return of Storm to the IWF...

Storms first interview and match since returning... by sensational123

Global Championship Wrestling TV # 222 & #223

2011-07-07T13:38:00.000-05:00

GCW Wrestling from Alabama presents their TWO latest episodes....\

Ohio Valley Wrestling TV Episodes #618

2011-07-07T13:34:00.000-05:00

OVW TV is up and ready to go.....

Showtime All-Star Wrestling Episode #170

2011-07-07T13:27:00.000-05:00

SAW Wrestling's newest episode.....

July 2, 2011 Episode of NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling

2011-07-07T13:25:00.002-05:00

The latest from NWA Smoky Mountain......

Cheap Heat Radio Upcoming Schedule

2011-07-05T14:06:00.000-05:00

Don't miss the great interviews upcoming on CHR!!

If you missed this morning's interview with Randy Hales make sure to check it out below...we talked with Randy about all sorts of things including: 'Memphis Heat', His angle w/Brandon Baxter that began on CHR three years ago, the Power Pro Training School, the probable return of Power Pro Wrestling in the near future, his involvement with Mark James and Bill Dundee working on Bill's Autobiography, Jerry Lawler's recent push in WWE and how Dundee feels about it, who is responsible for USWA's "Macho Warrior" Ric Hogan, his 1984 announcer tryout in Southeastern, and much, much more! Check it out!!

Listen to internet radio with CheapHeatRadio on Blog Talk Radio

Upcoming Shows:

July 6th- 9am central: Randy Colley

July 7th- 8pm central: Downtown Bruno

July 11th- 2pm central: Road Warrior Animal

Hopefully we can reschedule some of the interviews that had to be cancelled due to various conflicts such as: "Road Dog" B.G. James, Kid Nikels, Les Thatcher, and Rikishi

www.cheapheatradio.com

Cheap Heat LIVE! is coming to IPW at Good Time Charlies this Saturday night!!

2011-07-05T13:49:00.000-05:00

Intense Pro Wrestling back at GTC in Tupelo, MS at 8pm!!

Intense Pro Wrestling returns to Good Time Charlies in Tupelo, MS this Saturday July 9th at 8pm!! All your favorite IPW stars will be in action "Bad Attitude" Tony Dabbs, Neil 'The Real Deal" Taylor, Curly Moe, Motley Cruz, "The Future" Chris Styles, Bless, Chop, "The Natural" Josh Matthews, "The Stud" Scott Porteau, and MANY MORE!!

Also look for the debut of 'CHEAP HEAT LIVE' with Gene Jackson!! Who will his guest be??
Plus a big announcement from GM Terrell Moore about the July 22nd show at GTC!!

Tickets only $6!! Belltime: 8pm
Hosted by Jaxx Roxx

Axeman speaks....on the phoney "Stone Cold" Steve Austin

2011-07-05T13:32:00.000-05:00

Just in case you missed it at wrestlingnewscenter.com....you need to read this....

A story I didn't get to cover as much as I wanted a while back aside from a discussion Neil Taylor and I had during his last interview on CHR, was the Ripley, MS. show where "promoter" Kenny Valiant under the name XOW (because the name of his former promotion All Pro is mud after all his douchebaggery)...ran a show featuring a "Stone Cold" Steve Austin impersonator....if you haven't already read Axeman's column go to the link below where he gives some detail and provides a couple of pictures of this 'Stone Cold' wannabe....go ahead, read it...I'll wait and then come back for my 2 cents..
Axeman Speaks- 7/1/11 at wrestlingnewscenter.com

Ok....so my 2 cents on that. I agree with Axeman's assessment that this guy doesn't look that much like Austin...the picture on the poster makes him look more like a Kid Nikels impersonator than Steve Austin. Now the one thing I disagree with is where he said he was shocked that Kenny would do this....He's watched Valiant do this for years with that phony Undertaker he books...now granted he never outright called him "Undertaker" on the poster, it was always "The Deadman" but it's the same basic premise....As for him "having respect for the business", Kenny has NONE and never has, Kenny Valiant has always been a con man and shyster who was trying to make a quick buck and it's funny THIS is what it took for EVERYONE to finally see that. Sad thing is...this won't be his last stunt...he'll be back with a fake Sting or "Jon Seenuh" impostor or something.

So sad...and just another nail in the coffin of a once great industry.....