INSIDE THE MWF
by Dan Mirade
February 3rd, 2012 * #3
Note: the following is a column of thoughts, opinions and observations. It's written with a deep passion for the professional wrestling industry as a whole, for the fans of wrestling and the athletes driven to live their dreams. Whether you agree or disagree with these words, remember that there's a voice that cares behind it, one that only wants to see every hard working wrestler and promoter succeed, and for every fan to leave a live event feeling they got value for their dollar, wanting to see live wrestling (both independent and major league) again and again. For that, I do not apologize.
Welcome to a painful edition of Inside The MWF. . .not that the writings bad (though your opinion may differ), but have had another CRPS attack on my feet. On "Day #3" and you can't describe the pain as it slowly gets worse, feeling like explosions that shoot from your foot through your leg into your back. The foot itself looks like a balloon being blown up it's so swollen and starts to turn a shade of purple. I began to deal with it in 2008 but it wasn't officially diagnosed until 2010. Sometimes it lasts a couple days, last year it lasted a good four months at one stint. Throw in a couple of back spasms and it certainly leaves you with an ear to ear grin. . . anyway's, onto the world of the MWF. . .
I'm really, really excited about our SOUL SURVIVOR Super Bowl Super Sunday special before the big game this weekend. Lots of news, matches, surprises, etc. It should be a great guide for fans attending our March 24th extravaganza at Memorial Hall in Melrose, MA. Still working on contracts as we speak, but I'm hoping it will be fun and interesting for anyone watching. . . I'm a big Patriots fan, but I think most fans in the area can agree we've heard more than enough Super Bowl hype (how many ways can you talk about one single game for two weeks??). . .just my opinion. . .as usual, the game will be on as background music as we do more work from MWF Studios. . .
I hope fans will feel the passion being put into SOUL SURVIVOR VIII. . .how much we truly care about the fans and want to give them the best experience and value in professional wrestling. . .we've tweaked a few things as far as the format of the event that we think will make it an even more interactive night. . . sincerely hope you'll join us. . .
We're trying out a new look for the site to replace the "classic" look we've pretty much had since 2001 that will debut Sunday. We've also finally figured out why the site slowed down so much. . .awhile back, our host Homestead changed company's in regards to keeping track of visitors, length of visits, etc., that not only cost us to lose years worth of data without any kind of warning, but the HTML code is responsible for it. . .trying to deal with Homestead support is about as enjoyable and productive as trying to deal with John Cena Sleazena. . .
MWF Southern Heavyweight Champion "War Hawk" Dylan Kage (see, I can be tactful once in a blue moon) was tremendous on the local ABC network's "Carolina & Company" program this past Monday. As we get closer to ROAD TO THE GOLD March 3rd at the Fairmont, NC Middle School to benefit the South Robeson Middle School the program will get a lot of visibility. Hope to have video of it we can put online soon. . .
Next week is going to be another huge week as part of February sweeps. . .new episodes of MWF television, "Ox Brisco" (Ox Baker & Quincy's musical duo's name) will have their Rocking 80's Valentine's special, and so much more as we inch closer and closer to the big one. . . love this time of year. . . when you hear "Soul Survivor" you know spring's coming. . .WrestleMania's coming. . . the Red Sox are coming. . .
FYI, I don't think there will be an MWF Newsline this week due to the time being devoted to the SS-SB-SS video (a lot easier than typing out the whole thing). . .there's going to be a lot of news and updates, and I believe a bonus video (no hints). I will likely put together the 5th edition of MWF iTalk as I have a few topics I was asked about and want to discuss, plus it's an easy edit job. . . Quincy made a special video for Al Snow as he got extremely excited when he found out that Al was a fan of the "Ox Brisco" Christmas special. . .have been at the studio during the week a lot of late, last night actually went to a Chinese food restaurant that was not Kowloon!! Don't worry, Andy, I didn't mean to cheat on you, their food couldn't touch the Loon and I don't even remember the name of it. . .
Can't wait to hear feedback from some of the athletes taking part in SS8 once they find out who their opponents are March 24th. . .
Had a nice talk with long time friend Dennis Brent this week. . .once you get "old timers" going, we go - an almost four hour conversation. For those that know how terrible I am when it comes to taking phone calls, jaws may be dropping. Dennis is a fountain of knowledge and he had some interesting advice when it comes to certain superstars and dealing with SS8 / Cena. If you don't know who Dennis is, you don't follow the who's who of professional wrestling. He was a long time executive with World Class, the UWF, the NWA, WCW and WWE up until a couple of years ago. One thing I miss about being out on the road as much as I used to is the bonds and the friendships. . .yeah, wrestling can be a backstabbing world of politics, but when you make certain friendships, it's a great thing. . .when I dined with Al Snow when TNA was here a few weeks back, it had been a couple years since we'd seen each other and we picked up like it was a couple of weeks, telling old stories and adventures, laughing the night away until Kowloon threw us out. That is professional wrestling to me. . .for the current generation that missed that environment, I truly wish you got to experience, because it was a completely different world than the sport in 2012. . .
I've rambled enough. . .lots of email accounts to "reconfigure" thanks to our pals at Homestead. . . stay safe. . . enjoy the game. . . don't be like the thoughtless scumbag that almost killed myself, the Iron Sheik and Dr. Von Johnson (i.e. DO NOT drink and drive!!). . .
Best,
"Slow it down" - Eddie Sharkey, Las Vegas, June 9th, 2006
"It's sad what's become of our business. . .when we started, we had to earn the right to be in the ring" -- Tito Santana, being interviewed by Les Thatcher January 15th, 2008
"It is much easier to get in the wrestling business than it was when I started. One reason it's easier is that there's so many wrestling schools and independent promotions out there. It really doesn't take a lot of courage to go pay a wrestling school for some lessons. Of course, the odds of anyone learning much there and on the independent circuit is almost nil, because the people running these schools aren't qualified to teach and the chance of advancing one's career is exponentially downgraded as well." - Dutch Mantell, "The World According To Dutch"
For 2011 Inside The MWF columns, visit the MWF Archives section
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INSIDE THE MWF
by Dan Mirade
January 31st, 2012 * #2
Note: the following is a column of thoughts, opinions and observations. It's written with a deep passion for the professional wrestling industry as a whole, for the fans of wrestling and the athletes driven to live their dreams. Whether you agree or disagree with these words, remember that there's a voice that cares behind it, one that only wants to see every hard working wrestler and promoter succeed, and for every fan to leave a live event feeling they got value for their dollar, wanting to see live wrestling (both independent and major league) again and again. For that, I do not apologize.
Welcome to another installment of Inside The MWF. . .had to get at least two columns posted before the end of the month. . .and what a month it's been. . .
Apologize for the ten days we had from hell known as Homestead beginning on January 17th. . . to be without our web-site and email accounts (those we still don't have back, making communication very difficult) was like losing a limb. . . I've never dealt with people as unresponsive or unhelpful as Homestead. . . thanks go out to our MWF Superfans for hammering them with emails, as well as the local police out in CA, as once they got in the mix, the site was live the next day. . . still not completely resolved or satisfied, but we're working on it. Would love to know if this was another inside job from John Cena Sleazena in his attempts to destroy the MWF from within for his own selfish means. . .
We're less than eight weeks away from SOUL SURVIVOR VIII: Final Destination Saturday, March 24th at Memorial Hall in Melrose, MA. There are two great interviews available free of charge on the Supersite, an extremely interesting one with MWF Heavyweight Champion Low Ki discussing a variety of topics, as well as Bushwhacker Luke, who kinda shows you just how crazy a Bushwhacker can be. Looking forward to having more interviews with the stars once we get closer to the big day.
If you haven't heard about it already, SOUL SURVIVOR Super Bowl Super Sunday is (obviously) this Sunday before the New England Patriots clash with the New York Giants in a game I'm looking forward to having on in the background at MWF Studios as we have a lot of work to do as much as I'd like to kick back and enjoy it. What's SSSBSS all about?? Big superstars. . .big matches. . .big surprises. . .what more can I add to that?? I think it's a cool idea and maybe something we'll do annually if it gets a positive response from the fans. We have always aimed to please. I thought WWE had a great concept in 1999 and 2000 when they did something during the Super Bowl half time show. . .
The MWF Heavyweight Championship co-main event is going to get people talking. . . .the bottom line is that it's going to be one hell of a match, but I don't think those involved is going to be particularly thrilled. To be honest, I don't care. It's all about presenting the best match on the best event of the year. . .there will be a wide variety of angles to look at that match at, which makes it even more interesting. Make no doubt about it, the MWF's roster is stacked, there were so many different choices to oppose Low Ki for the gold. I feel like I put together the best, most thought provoking and ultimately exciting match possible. . .
We recently announced that former WWE (then WWWF) World Champion "Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff will appear at MWF ROAD TO THE GOLD Saturday, March 3rd at the Fairmont, NC Middle School as a fundraiser for the South Robeson Rescue Squad. Koloff, as long time fans know, was the man that ended Bruno Sammartino's historic run as longest reigning WWE Champion of all time. I'm looking forward to meeting Ivan and interviewing him, love to meet the legends. . .
The MWF Southern Heavyweight Champion "War Hawk" Dylan Kage appeared on the ABC network's NC affiliate "Carolina & Company" yesterday to talk RTTG. . .hopefully we'll have footage of it we can air online or on MWF TV leading up to March 3rd. . .(very difficult to write a sentence about him and not let my true feelings be known). . .
The January MWF Superstar Zone TV program has been online as Beau Douglas looks to end his long losing streak against "Stalker" Dylan Kage. . .one of the better opponents Beau has faced in awhile and brings his "A" game to the plate. Check it out along with dozens of other episodes of the action and excitement of the superstars and legends of yesterday, today and tomorrow, all in one place, the Millennium Wrestling Federation. . .
MWF TV in the month of February is going to be interesting. The wild and unpredictable Boogeyman returns to Cyberstarz for the first time since April. Both Julian Starr and Scott Reed are coming off losses and have been pushing MWF officials for more in-ring time. That's the type of attitude we like here in the MWF. . .both want a platform to showcase their skills on and we want to give it to them. . .
John Cena Sr. has been extended an invitation to MWF Studios in February. . .have some things I'd like to discuss with the former President and would like to do it in a way where the fans can hear it and see his reactions. . . I'm sure Johnny, being a "man of the people," will certainly take me up on my offer. . .
Ox Baker & Quincy are back again in February (now known musically as the duo of "Ox Brisco"), this time for an 80's Rocking Valentine's special. With the stress and intensity going on around here of late, it's a much needed break from the norm. If your ready to feel love in your heart, this ones for you. If you saw their Christmas special. . . no other words are needed. . .
I've enjoyed the new MWF iTalk Radio platform a great deal. . . it's a much more relaxed format to produce and edit, and provides fresh content to the site. . . would love to have the Jackal or others on with me from time to time. Episode #4 is online and touches upon a wide variety of subjects, including issues with Homestead and this site, TNA's MA tour, Al Snow, Don West, Jeff Hardy, Dylan Kage on ABC network television in NC, SOUL SURVIVOR Super Bowl Super Sunday, Ox Baker & Quincy's upcoming Valentine's special, WWE's return to New England in March and so much more. If you haven't done so, check it out, all four episodes are located in one spot. . .easy listening. . .
Interview with the Cauliflower Alley Club's Executive Vice President Karl Lauer available on the site from this past Sunday. Always great to catch up with Karl and get some inside scoops on this years 47th annual reunion out in beautiful Las Vegas, NV. With SOUL SURVIVOR taking place before the CAC reunion this year, very tempted to turn it into a long vacation. . .God knows I've earned and need it!!
Glad to see Kharma return at the Royal Rumble. . . great lady and friend that spent a lot of time working for charity organizations in her day. I'm sured she must be thrilled with her New Years Eve little guy (who will have quite the birthday party in 21 years). . .one of my all time MWF favorites. . .
Until next time, don't miss a day here on BOSTONWRESTLING.COM, join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. . . lots of Twitter Tweet-aways where you can we free stuff between now and SS8!!
Best,
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INSIDE THE MWF
by Dan Mirade
January 13th, 2012 * #1
Note: the following is a column of thoughts, opinions and observations. It's written with a deep passion for the professional wrestling industry as a whole, for the fans of wrestling and the athletes driven to live their dreams. Whether you agree or disagree with these words, remember that there's a voice that cares behind it, one that only wants to see every hard working wrestler and promoter succeed, and for every fan to leave a live event feeling they got value for their dollar, wanting to see live wrestling (both independent and major league) again and again. For that, I do not apologize.
2012 is here. . .the beginning of our second decade, and it feels like new days our coming. . . .
My first column was a scathing piece saved for the "drafts" section of my email that can be used for the book someday. . .tired of hearing "you need to watch your tone," don't do this, don't say that. . . it's been an exhausting few months. . . there were no holidays. . . daily disappointment and stress as no one can seem to wake up and open their eyes. At some point, I have to say I don't really give a rats ass anymore. . . in 2001, I created this organization with Neil Manolian. . . after November 30th, I can't get into too many details, but there are reasons more than John Cena Sr.'s generosity that SOUL SURVIVOR VIII on March 24th in Melrose, MA has been left in my lap. I also created and own part of this web-site, and until someone buys the shares at the price of my choosing, my choice is to say an awful lot that's on my mind. . . at the same time, I realize that everything we do SHOULD revolve around the fans enjoyment of the sport and what we do. . .so it's a difficult tightrope to balance. . .
Here's the latest in no particular order. . .
It goes without saying that those not looking for homes in the Carolina's are focused 110% on MWF SOUL SURVIVOR VIII: Final Destination Saturday, March 24th at Memorial Hall in Melrose, MA. I got a little "announcement crazy" on Christmas, as we officially announced that MWF Heavyweight Champion Low Ki, the return of Carlito and the debuting Finlay will all be in the house at SS8. The debut of future WWE Hall of Famer Bushwhacker Luke was made official on January 5th. Combine Paul Bearer and Cena Sr. to the mix, and you have six tremendous featured guests for the pre-event meet & greet. As noted in the SS8 BLOG there is a chance we might not be done yet. To think that some fans were able to pick up all inclusive VIP Packages for only $40 is really cool. We've always strived to be the best value in professional wrestling and feel we will continue to be just that on the big night. Very happy with advance ticket sales so far. . .if you're one of the our hardcore "Superfans," thank you so much. If you haven't bought them yet, please do. . .you have no idea how much it helps the cause. We're trying to entice everyone with pre-event discounts and bonuses, some already announced, some TBA. . .
Due to on-going medical issues discussed elsewhere on the site, I have been replaced in my unsanctioned match against "Stalker" Dylan Kage (with Paul Bearer) against the veteran Finlay. I cannot think of anyone else in Melrose I'd rather have in the ring to slaughter Kage than Finlay. As much as I wanted to keep a promise I made to the little guys, it's physically impossible with the issues I'm contending with current day. Sucks, but it is what it is. . . I will live through Finlay that night, have no double about it. . .
Who will Low Ki face?? Hoping to make an announcement real soon on that one as I have many ideas in mind but being a Virgo I have driven myself insane for the past 31 years trying to perfect every idea. . . .I want this to be meaningful for the fans and I want it to go to a deserving athlete. . .
Proud to be named Special Olympics Partners for the second year in a row (2011 & 2012). I think it goes without saying that it does the heart a lot of good to support these great people and their efforts, and they're a large part of the reason why we're presenting our free, charity FULL THROTTLE live event Saturday afternoon March 24th. . .we've never done any of our charity work to get a pat on the back, but it's nice to feel appreciated. . .
Our new MWF Radio program "iTalk" debuted on January 8th. . .similar to the idea that Cena and I discussed publicly at one point over the past year or two about taking questions from the fans. . . this format is an easy one to put together from a technical point of view and adds more fresh content for your listening pleasure. If you have questions / thoughts, send them along to mwf@bostonwrestling.com. . .I'd like to put together another edition this coming Sunday night and am always interested in the fans thoughts and opinions. As someone noted to me on Facebook, I'm not the easiest person to get a moment with at a live event (or some might say not the most pleasant) but it's only because I'm totally focused on the event itself. . . you guys have no idea how much goes on before, during, and after the event along with all the behind the scenes action. . . not the way I'd like things to be, but thanks to another liar, it's been that way for the majority of our first ten years. . .
The MWF TV section is a must-see destination on BOSTONWRESTLING.COM. The January Cyberstarz program is a kick ass program. Carlito makes his MWF debut against the new, aggressive Benny Jux that sees MWF Television Champion "Straight Edge" Brian Fury get involved. Then we have Matt Taven and Scott Reed take it to the limit in singles action. Every superstar on the roster wants the spotlight on them at SOUL SURVIVOR VIII. I'll have some in-depth thoughts on this program, the outstanding Jay Lethal - Julian Starr match from our New Years Eve show, Ox Baker's Rocking Christmas and the Low Ki vs John Walters MWF Championship match from our December programming this Sunday night.
Wish I had more news for ROAD TO THE GOLD Saturday, March 3rd in Fairmont, NC, but, ah, no one gave me any. . . I guess Sleazena's been too busy trying to sabotage wrestling company's or planning his July visit to the Bohemian Club. . .your guess is as good as mine. . .
Am extremely interested to find out what the late Franklin Churchill's past with Cena was. . .Ox Baker, of all people, revealed that Churchill told him he had some kind of journal that had notes about his history soon after Cena debuted as "Johnny Fabulous" in 2005. Cena's video threatening Baker says it all to me. Ox and his evil Army was causing a mayhem in the MWF at that point, it was a conversation I wish I heard and might be awfully useful right about now. I've reached out to the Churchill's to see if they have any idea where the book might be or what was in it. . .
And the band played on . ..
Best,
