Sunday, April 2, 2017

Goodbye, Tony Watts

The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Wrestling News Center, the Webmaster, or anyone else connected with this site. They are mine and mine alone. However, everyone should always agree with me, because I am the quintessential example of wrestling knowledge and expertise in the most puristic form.


I know. It has been over a year since I updated this column. Since leaving Mississippi I have not been involved in pro wrestling, so I simply quit writing this column. Why write about something I am not involved in and do not keep up with much anymore....

With that said, there is now something I have to say.


I have made mistakes in my life, lots of them. Never, however, have I regretted a mistake more than the one I made a couple of weeks ago while I was in Mississippi. I had planned to take the long way home and go through Southaven and visit an old and dear friend, Tony Watts.

Certain events transpired at home, and I decided I needed to postpone my visit and return home to St. Louis. I decided to wait to visit Tony until I was in Mississippi again in three weeks. I sincerely regret that decision, because Tony passed away a few days later.

Tony was a friend. We made many, many road trips together to various wrestling events in Arkansas, Tennessee, and all over Mississippi. He was quite a character. He always had something funny to say. In wrestling, he was quite a referee, even if he was, at times, the crookedest referee in the business. He always said, "I am gonna call it straight down the middle." His definition of "middle" was different from most people's definition, lol, and I gave him the nickname "Weasel." I always introduced him as Tony "The Weasel" Watts, or "The man whose nose arrives ten minutes before the rest of him, Tony The Weasel Watts." He always had some wise crack to make back at me, and we would argue back and forth all during the show. Fun times.


After his refereeing days, Tony was involved in wrestling as an owner and promoter at XOW wrestling, where he and I actually announced together sometimes. Those were fun times.

So many memories... DWA in Ecru at the fire station, XOW, DCW, JWS, EPW, SGWA, TFW, and the list goes on, and so do the memories.

Tony Watts, you will be missed. I am sorry I did not visit you when I had the chance. I will always regret that decision. Fly high, Tony "The Weasel" Watts. Thank you for being my friend. Rest in peace. And thanks for the memories.

Axeman

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Pro Wrestling EGO 11/19 in Jackson, MS



Pro Wrestling EGO
Great Southern 8 tournament
The Hideaway 
5100 I-55 North
Jackson, MS 

DATE: November 19 for the Great Southern 8 tournament.  

On the card:  

Jon Davis vs. Blake Wilder.  

Logan Creed vs. Orion Taylor.  

Jake Parnell vs. El Saiko Gato.  

Kyle Hawk vs. Davey Vega. 

Tickets are $10, $6 children ages 5-10, and free for children under 5.  

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. 

Bell time is at 7:00 p.m.

Tried N True Pro Wrestling 11/19 in Clarksville, TN

 
 
Tried N True Pro Wrestling  
Wilma Rudolph Event Center 
1190 Cumberland Drive
Clarksville, TN 
 
Date: November 19, 2016  
 
On the card: Scott Steiner, Jeff Jarrett (w/Karen Jarrett), Samuel Shaw, Crimson, Chris Melendez, Crazzy Steve, Andrew Everett, Madison Rayne, Jayme Jameson, Chelsea Green, Jocephus Brody, Shawn Shultz, Jeremiah Plunkett, The Young Lions (Lex Lee & Kevin Kaufman).  
 
Advance tickets are $25 VIP, $15 general admission and $10 military general admission.  
 
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. for VIP and 5:30 for general admission.  
 
Bell time is 7:00 p.m..

Saturday, November 21, 2015

The Axeman Speaks November 21, 2015


Picking apples about five weeks ago in Illinois. 
Couldn't get Parker to look at the camera for anything, lol!

The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Wrestling News Center, the Webmaster, or anyone else connected with this site. They are mine and mine alone. However, everyone should always agree with me, because I am the quintessential example of wrestling knowledge and expertise in the most puristic form.

Greetings Axmaniacs! Surprise, gasp, yes, I am updating my column. Give me a break, it has only been three months this time, lol. This column will serve one purpose, and that is to answer emails, texts, and FB inbox messages that have been sitting here way too long.

So here we go....

Jim Bishop writes: Who do you consider to be the top ten wrestling announcers past and present? Well, Jim, you probably know me by now, and since this is my column I will give you who I consider to be the top announcers, but will not necessarily limit it to ten names. Also I am including a couple of the greatest ring announcers I have ever seen: Gordon Solie, Jim Ross, Bill Mercer, Dick Lane, Lance Russell, Dave Brown, Gorilla Monsoon, Bobby Heenan, Boyd Pierce, Howard Finkel, Gene Oakerlund, and Mike Tenay. That's more than ten, but oh well....

Janet Bishop writes: Do you think a match between Alundra Blayze and Paige will ever take place? Janet, are you related to Jim? Anyway, I would love to see it. I have always thought Alundra Blayze (Madusa, as I prefer to call her) has one more run left in her. But let's be realistic. We are talking about a WWE run, and since it is WWE, I must say no. WWE has their own agenda, and they continue to dictate what we will like without regard to what we would like. So no matter what we think, if it is not on WWE's radar, forget it. And it's not. What I really would like to see is Paige vs. a mystery opponent at Wrestlemania, and that mystery opponent turn out to be Madusa. And I would love to see Paige get her arrogant, gothic little butt whipped. But don't get your hopes up.

GeneInNewAlbany writes: OK, Axeman, give me the names of several former WWE Divas you would like to see return to WWE. This is an easy one! Trish Stratus, Mickie James, Molly Holly, Gail Kim, AJ Lee, & Maryse.

Tom Vinson writes: What ever happened to Buggy Nova? (Or have you ever even heard of her)?
Buggy Nova, now that is a name I have not heard in a while. After her brief stint with WWE in NXT, it is my understanding she went back to the west coast and is now wrestling in several of the indie organizations out there. I have been told she also turns up occasionally in the Cincinnati area. So she is still around.

Tom also writes: Is Su Yung still wrestling? Yes, her name turns up occasionally on cards around the country, namely Shine Wrestling and Battling Bombshells. I have not seen her name anywhere else, but I am sure she is wrestling elsewhere also.

Brenda Allison writes: What is the best lady custom wrestling company out there right now? That's easy. Ultimate Women's Wrestling, otherwise known as UWW. You can find 'em on Facebook.
The company is run with the utmost professionalism. You will like doing business with them.

John Todd writes (among other questions which I am not going to answer): Which current women in WWE is WWE not using correctly, in your opinion. Actually, WWE is doing better with Divas than they ever have. One mistake they made is signing sarah Stock to a contract to teach in NXT but not utilizing her, at least part of the time, on RAW or Smackdown. She is a tremendous talent which they are wasting. Now don't get me wrong, she will be an outstanding instructor in NXT, no doubt about that. But she also has much to contribute and would be a valuable addition to the Divas roster. Another female personality WWE did not use correctly is Lana. Everyone wanted to see Lana vs. Summer Rae, but WWE had other plans. Now their chance to use Lana is all but gone. They will put her back with Rusev, but we have seen that before.

While I am on my soap box, there are two members of the Divas roster that need to go, at least for a while. Now, most will probably not agree with me, but Brie and Nikki Bella have had their run and done all they can do in WWE. It is time for them to move on. They should bow out soon, while they are still on top.

Sasha Yumaguchi writes: Whatever happened to Hollywood Jim Creasy? Sorry, I never heard of him. I know of a former promoter named Steve Creasy. I know, of course of Hollywood Jimmy Blaylock. And I know of Jim Casey, who has been a wrestling manager for many years, and still manages occasionally. But I know of no Jim Creasy.

MiguelinLouisiana writes: Who do you feel were/are the top announce teams in wrestling? Gorilla Monsoon & Bobby Heenan were great, as were Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross. Lance Russell and Dave Brown were, in my opinion, the best of the best.

Ashley Montgomery writes: Why do you no longer do an end of the year "best of" column? I simply do not get around to shows like I once did. There was a time I was announcing three or four times a week, and when I was not announcing I was traveling around the mid-south going to see various shows. Several years ago my work schedule got in the way, and I found myself announcing once a week and not able to see many shows. Now that I have moved to Missouri, I see little wrestling. I am no longer on top of things like I once was.

And finally, TheBEASTfromthe EAST writes: Who is the best wrestler, in your opinion, in the Mid-South area at this time? Look, I have been gone from wrestling in the Mid-South for months. From what I have seen and heard, however, Dustin Starr gets my vote. Maria gets my vote for manager/valet also. The Power Couple is the best thing going in the area, from where I sit.

That's all for now, my friends. Thanks for stopping by. If you have any comments or feedback, good or bad, email me at axemanchopchop@yahoo.com.

The Axeman has spoken.





Monday, August 10, 2015

The Axeman Speaks 8-10-2015

My grandkids having fun Saturday. I am so blessed!

The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Wrestling News Center, the Webmaster, or anyone else connected with this site. They are mine and mine alone. However, everyone should always agree with me, because I am the quintessential example of wrestling knowledge and expertise in the most puristic form.

Greetings Axmaniacs! This column will address one thing that has been on my mind lately. So... Let's talk about Lana!


We all remember when Lana debuted in WWE as the manager/valet for the evil Rusev. But shortly after that, fans started to cheer for her. Much of it (about 99%) was due to the fact that she is drop dead gorgeous, plus the fact she also has a great deal of charisma.

Then WWE, in all their infinite wisdom, came up with an idea. They split up Rusev and Lana. They paired Lana up with Dolph Ziggler, of all people. That entire angle was stupid, to say the least. Anyway, WWE was reportedly positioning the beautiful Lana for a big push. Now, however, it appears that WWE may have dropped that idea in favor of giving Eva Marie the big push. Lana's push will reportedly be scaled back.

Really? REALLY?! To that I say BULLSHIT! This is the most mind blowing, stupid, ridiculous thing WWE has ever done. Eva Marie is a joke. She can't wrestle her way out of an Alabama mud puddle! The girl can't work. She has very little, if any, charisma. So the powers that be in WWE reportedly believe they should give her a push instead of Lana. Unbelievable!

Think about it. In my last column I mentioned WWE really improving and strengthening the Divas Division with Charlotte, Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks all called up to the main roster. The Divas division looks great! It is enjoyable to watch ladies wrestle in WWE again. Then you have Naomi, Tamina, and The Bella Twins and a couple of others - now the Divas Division has so much to offer, so much talent (I do wish AJ Lee was still around to be a part of what is going on). Then there is Eva Marie. Does Eva Marie have the talent that the aforementioned ladies have? NO! Eva Marie does not even belong in the ring with them. Not yet. Maybe never.

Can Lana wrestle? I don't really know, I will admit that. I suspect she can. However, it is obvious the fans want to see Lana. They want to see Lana in the ring. I don't ever remember anyone in any WWE crowd chanting, "We want Eva Marie." But every week it is, "We want Lana!" WWE, however, does not appear to be listening. That is a shame. However, it is not the first time WWE has killed off something the fans wanted in favor of something or someone who WWE wants the fans to want.

So, all you Lana fans out there, and I am one of them, enjoy the small amount of camera time Lana will be getting when she comes out and beats up what's her name... You know, Rusev's new stooge, I think they call her Summer Rae or something like that, who also has no talent or charisma.

Some say maybe WWE will go ahead and give Lana the push in an angle with Summer Rae. The two seem to have a catfight every week. Frankly, I hope so! Maybe Lana will eventually get that big push. However, we must remember, it is WWE.

We will just have to wait and see what WWE has planned. I hope the folks at WWE use their brains.

The Axeman has spoken.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

The Axeman Speaks 7-27-2015





One of those rare occasions when all the grand kids are together in one place. I am blessed!


The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Wrestling News Center, the Webmaster, or anyone else connected with this site. They are mine and mine alone. However, everyone should always agree with me, because I am the quintessential example of wrestling knowledge and expertise in the most puristic form.

Greetings, Axmaniacs! I have several topics to address today, but first I will answer an email. Suzy from Selmer, TN, writes: "Axeman, I thought we had this straightened out years ago. However, you are again using the word 'puristic' in your opening paragraph. I told you before, that is not a word. Really, Axeman, you need to stop trying to invent words and just stick to the English language." OK, Suzy, I don't know who appointed you to be in charge of what words I use, but I will have you know that the word puristic is in fact included in Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary. So please find another hobby. You do not know as much as you think you know.

Now, on to other things....


Hulk Hogan, you been a baaaaaaaad boy! It has come to light that Hulkster used the "N" word at some point in the past. It was a stupid thing for Hogan to do. He should be smarter than that. It was not the first time a wrestler has said something stupid, and it won't be the last. What Hogan said was wrong, and he knows it.

When the comments came to light, in a classic example of WWE over-kill, WWE fired him and erased any and all references to Hogan from the WWE website. They even removed his name from the WWE Hall of Fame.

Are the powers that be in the WWE trying to make an example of Hogan? They should look a lot closer to the top of the WWE totem pole to find someone to make an example of... Like, maybe, Vince himself! Yes, Vinnie Mac is also guilty of dropping the "N" bomb. Don't believe me? Check this out:
https://www.facebook.com/WWFOldSchoolWrestling/videos/882775638474855/?fref=nf

Shock! Gasp! He said it! He really said it! Yes he did, but he is still employed by WWE. Why, you might ask? Vinnie Mac is still there because he is the boss, the top dawg, the big cigar.

When WWE fired Hogan, they issued the following statement: "WWE terminated its contract with Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan). WWE is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as demonstrated by the diversity of our employees, performers and fans worldwide."

When the footage of the boss using the "N" word surfaced, what did WWE do? Nothing of any substance. WWE supposedly issued a statement saying the skit in which the "N" word was used was "an outlandish and satirical skit involving fictional characters, similar to that of many scripted television shows and movies."

Hmmm.... So, Hogan used the "N" word several years ago in a situation that did not even, as far as I can tell, involve WWE, and WWE fired him for it. Vince, the head man at WWE, used the "N" word in a WWE skit during a WWE broadcast, and WWE issues a weak, pathetic little statement trying to do damage control.

Does anyone see a double standard here?

WWE has, for years, not been shy about crossing racial boundaries and creating controversy. Now, suddenly, WWE decides to do an about face. Hmmm... Given WWE's history of crossing the line with reference to racism, their actions with regard to Hogan seem strange.

Now, I am not in any way in favor of using the "N" word or any other racial slur. No organization should allow the use of racial slurs. When someone violates the policy, the situation should be dealt with. Period. The policy and the punishment should apply equally to everyone from the top down.

While Hogan's words were very wrong and cannot be defended, his ejection from the WWE Hall of Fame is not warranted. No matter what stupid remark he may have made on some two bit tape in the past, his contribution to wrestling, and specifically to the success of WWE, cannot and must not be ignored. WWE cannot re-write its history.

One of two things should happen: Either WWE should reinstate Hogan and add his name back to the WWE Hall of Fame... OR... Vinnie Mac should resign immediately or be fired from WWE, and any and all references to him should be deleted from the WWE website. The same should apply to any other WWE star, past or present, who has crossed the line. To fire one and not the other for the same no-no is an injustice, and WWE knows it. For that matter, everyone else knows it, too.

On to another topic:

Speaking of WWE, they have managed to do something right! They have kicked up their Divas division about ten notches with the addition of the ladies from NXT. Now, I really hope this is a sign that WWE is finally going to take ladies wrestling seriously instead of just using the Divas as eye candy and involving them in gimmick matches that are just plain stupid. These ladies from NXT, as well as a number of the Divas, can actually work, and WWE would be wise to realize that and proceed accordingly. In fact, WWE would be wise to drop the term "Divas" and maybe use the term "Female Wrestlers."

Moving on:

Who would have thought Jeff Jarrett's Global Force Wrestling and TNA, the company he helped start and the company that gave him the royal shaft, would be working together on anything? Well, it is not really as much of a surprise as one might think. Jarrett still, as far as I know, owns a chunk of TNA. He stands to lose some money if TNA goes under, which they are dangerously close to doing. Jarrett being involved with TNA again can only help TNA as they try to climb out of the huge hole they have dug for themselves. On the other hand, GFW is about to take off and enjoy lots of success, and a working relationship with TNA gives them access to the TNA talent roster, which can only help GFW. It is a win-win situation.

Moving on:

I have been keeping up with the various promotions in the Mid-South area. I am happy to see all of them doing well. I want to wish EPW well in their upcoming event, "AIWF Showcase." This should be an awesome event, and you should plan to see it if at all possible. I wish I could be there.

That's all for now, my friends. Thanks for stopping by. If you have any comments or feedback, good or bad, email me at axemanchopchop@yahoo.com.

The Axeman has spoken.






Friday, June 12, 2015

The Axeman Speaks, June 11, 2015: The many faces of The American Dream


I was actually working on another column when I looked at a post on Facebook about the death of one of the all time greats in pro wrestling, Dusty Rhodes. So that column is on hold so I can write this one.

By now it is no secret that Dusty Rhodes has passed away. Numerous tributes have been written, so I am not going to be repetitive. Here are a few personal thoughts and memories of Dusty Rhodes.

Years ago, when I was just a kid, Dusty Rhodes passed through Fritz Von Erich's Big Time Wrestling, which was the forerunner to World Class Wrestling. The first time I remember seeing Dusty Rhodes was on the old, black & white TV in our kitchen. He had just arrived on the scene and was on the TV running his mouth, when Fritz walked up and said, "Welcome to Texas, Dirty Dusty Rhodes." Well, Rhodes did not appreciate being called "Dirty" and that one little incident with Fritz escalated into a classic feud. After that I must have watched Dusty Rhodes a hundred times in numerous organizations, and every time I saw him I was entertained. Whether you loved him or hated him, he ALWAYS entertained. He always delivered the right thing at just the right time.

Many years ago I received an email asking me to describe Dusty Rhodes in 10 words or less. Here was my response: Charismatic, colorful, legend, genius, creative, leader, respected, mentor, teacher, great.

We'll leave it at that.

Thank you Dusty Rhodes, for all you did for wrestling. You will be missed. Thanks for the memories.

The Axeman has spoken.