Jamie Jay Blog

For those of you who are familiar with the story, you knew this was coming.  For those of you who aren’t familiar with the story – take a look at what I posted on Twitter on August 28th at almost 9PM.  I must warn you, it is a VERY graphic injury that Jamie Jay suffered in a four-wheeler accident.  CLICK HERE to see it.

I’m currently gathering information for a blog that I’m going to write regarding the situation.  However, since this instance involves him – he will be the premise of the discussion, for sure.

I don’t think I will say anything that he or his friends and family aren’t already thinking.  So, I hope Jamie does not get offended by some of my statements.  But the facts are the facts.  I’m going to tell those facts and I’m going to put it all in perspective for all of you.

Why did I feel it necessary to set the table in this mini-blog?  Well, it’s simple.  I like Jamie.  I have always liked Jamie.  He’s had some hard breaks in the business… and some of them are certainly his fault.  I also wanted to give some of you the opportunity (Jamie & other wrestlers included) to send in your comments or e-mails to let me know your feelings on the situation.  If you need more info to base your opinion on, check out RRO News for the updates. HERE and HERE.

I suspect that this blog will be posted tonight.  So, get those comments and e-mails in soon.  I’ll be looking for them and I will use them in the column.  If you want them posted anonymously, I will do that for you, as well.

Be on the look out.

Emotional Rollercoaster

Things change so quickly in the wrestling business.  They change so quickly, in fact, it will make your head spin.  Not only that, but it will put you on an emotional rollercoaster you wouldn’t believe.  Especially, if you’re passionate about your wrestling career and you have goals and hopes the size that I do.  Many guys stroll through these years as if they’re climbing in the ring to have fun.  Not me.  I have hopes that are so high, sometimes they seem unrealistic.

Sure, I have fun doing what I do.  I have a blast hanging with the boys.  I get excited when I walk down the isle.  I get a rise when the fans are eating from the palm of my hand (you know you do!)  The entire experience is incredible.  Imagine how that feels when you’re performing in front of 17,000 screaming WWE fans.  It’s surreal.  It’s indescribable.  I’ve experienced that on numerous occasions and I love it.  I’ve gotta have more.  It’s never enough.

With all of the fun and experiences, I have a much more serious side to me, when it comes to the business.  I don’t want to be wrestling in Ripley, TN forever.  I don’t want to be wrestling in Dyersburg, TN forever.  I don’t even want to be wrestling in Memphis for the rest of my life.  Let me get this out in the open right here and now – I will NOT be wrestling very much longer.  Especially, without a contract.  I have a deadline to meet.  If it’s not met, I have to walk away.  Not quit… but walk away.

Simply the Best

Simply the best.  Plain and simple.  Hands down.  No argument.  The power, knowledge and know-how to train and develop some of the best wrestlers to ever step inside a wrestling ring.  Has friends that were made along the way whom not only are multimillionaires… But are current, future and former World Heavyweight Champions.

Charisma.  Charm.  Passion.  Graceful inside the ring.

Imagine having it ALL… Except for a wrestling contract.

No.  I’m not talking about myself here.  I’m talking about a close, personal friend of mine.  I’m talking about a man who’s seen it all and done even more in the world of professional wrestling… And is faulted because of the fact that he sometimes helps his friends a little too much.  That’s a great friend to have, I will be the first to tell you.  But as far as business is concerned, it’s been like career suicide.  Sometimes he’s even faulted for being the go-to guy.  You need something?  He’s there for you.  You need a crew of guys?  He’s got your back.  You need a wrestling ring on the eleventh hour?  He’s got one for you!

Could you imagine having all of the criteria said above and STILL not be where you like to be?  Especially, in a     business where experience is so priceless and irreplaceable.  As big as wrestling companies are on developing new talent into superstars, you have this guy sitting on the bench.  Waiting for his opportunity to play… But currently waiting on the sidelines with helmet in hand instead of strapped on tight and on the field.

It is sometimes tough to understand how things happen in this business.  It just goes to show you – you can be the best and no one even has to put it over.

( Photo by Mississippi Riverkings photographer J. Coffin – Thanks Joey! )

My Future

Upon returning from the ring on Saturday night, the mood was that of satisfaction.  Fans happy.  Boss happy.  Boys happy.  Everyone safe and sound.  Well, with the exception of a nice busted lips embarked on EWE number one contender Stan Lee.  And yes, that was courtesy of a Five Starr drop kick.  The locker room was abuzz with the sounds of “thank you’s” and handshakes, until everything started to settle down a bit.

As I dripped with sweat and rested in my seat, I peered up to my surroundings.  I saw a future TNA Superstar standing nearby raving about what he had just seen.  Then, I got a glimpse of the best worker – HANDS DOWN – in the Mid-South.  A father figure to a young, fifteen year-old, up-and-comer breaking into the business ten years ago.

What more could you ask for in a locker room?

Well, here goes.  

I had a BLAST!

Saturday night is what the wrestling business is all about.  I had an absolute BLAST in Ripley, TN.  I will be the first to tell you that it is very hard to have fun in this business, most of the time.  But Saturday night was one that I will have fond memories of forever.

Not only did I get to wrestle my two favorite wrestlers (Derrick King & Stan Lee), but I was able to meet some of my fans and spend time with some people that are very important to me.  As you see in the pictures, I was goofing off a bit and just loving to spend time away from some of the pressures that go along with trying to get an inch-up on the competition.  More photos will be posted, as soon as I get them.

In this picture, you’ll see that I’m with Elizabeth.  She’s a big fan, from what her father says.  Her father is a photographer and snaps many, many pictures for me every week.  It is very much appreciated.  I am very grateful… he’s capturing memories that I will cherish forever.

Also, you’ll see in another picture on my Twitter page (http://twitter.com/dustinstarr) – T@2 and myself.  T@2 loved the match and once he saw the camera flashing, he just HAD to jump in there.  You’re looking at two guys that are working towards something much bigger and better.  He’s my boy and I’ll catch him wherever he jumps… as long as he remembers the spot!  (cheap shot!)

Finally… check out the GRILL!  (http://twitter.com/dustinstarr)  I’ll let you post your own comments about that one!  But I had fun and I hope to have even more fun when I return in a few weeks.

Unfortunate WWE Story

I’ve been thinking back to the last time I worked with World Wrestling Entertainment.  How excited I was and how great it felt to be out on the road.  Heading to Birmingham, I couldn’t help but think about how my life would be if I had a full-time gig with the company.  It would be a great experience and I feel that I would have the time of my life.

Everything about the experience was awesome.  Driving.  Thinking.  Wondering.  Finding a hotel.  Signing autographs at the hotel (how’d that happen?)  Running the next morning.  Eating Waffle House.  Arriving at the arena.  Leaving the arena.  Everything was spectacular and made me want that type of lifestyle even more than I already did.

The funny / unfortunate part of the trip came as I was doing cardio.  Those of you who wrestle or are active in some sort of sport, you’ll really be able to connect with me here. 

Big Things Happening

The Memphis area is on fire as of late.  What a stretch for the last few months it has been, indeed.  Things continue to get better and better.  Let’s take a look back at what you may (or may not) have missed:

June 1st and 2nd, I fulfilled my bookings with World Wrestling Entertainment.  Along with me, a few other guys from the area were booked.  I made an appearance on ECW by way of wrestling Zach Ryder (Woo, woo, woo!)  Agents were happy, the boys were happy – opportunities to come.

Then, a local independent wrestling organization made the cover of The Memphis Flyer.  Big article was published, as well.  No matter how badly written it was… Or how disgusting the topic was – it is still considered a big deal.  Things were heating up.

Next, Jerry Lawler announces he’s running for mayor.  I will go on record right now to say that I thought this was a major publicity stunt.  But he’s really put in some time and leg-work.  He very well could be totally serious.  Big news across the board for Memphis and the Mid-South.

PWI then releases its Top 500 Wrestlers list and BOOM – Memphis-area guys are on it.  The likes of Jamie Jay, Matt Boyce, Matt Riviera, Jerry Lawler and Flash Flanagan were listed.  Yeah, yeah, yeah – no Dustin Starr.  But what can I say?

Who wants their own locker room?

Pretty easy question, huh?  I think it’s an even easier answer.  Who the heck WOULDN’T want their own locker room?  I’ve had the opportunity on several occasions to have my own, at select shows.  I’ll tell you right now – I loved it.  Not only do you feel like VIP… but it’s much more relaxing.  You step away from all the clutter and all the people that you may or may not even care to be around and you’re able to focus on the business at hand.  Nothing compares.  I don’t care where you’re wrestling or performing.

What brings this up?  All the hub-bub about Brett Favre wanting his own dressing room in Minnesota.  How he had his own dressing area in Green Bay… then, New York.  Give me a break.  The guy’s been in the business for over SIXTEEN years and owns every single passing record in the book (practically!)  If he can’t have his own locker room then who CAN?

Here’s the deal. 

Busy Season

The busy season is fastly approaching me.  Opportunities are knocking and I’m answering as fast as I possibly can.  As if I’m not swamped enough as it is… You haven’t seen anything just yet.

I’ve teased several big happenings in the past.  Some have come through.  Some have fallen through.  Currently, I’m in the midst of a period in my life that could make or break me.  This period in my life could threaten to be the biggest of all.  It will certainly affect me in both business and personal aspects of my life.

I’ve been told by the closest of friends that I’m wearing myself thin.  With the lifting, running, training, working and accepting as many bookings and opportunities as I possibly can – I see their point.  Throw in the fact that I’m doing all of said on little or no sleep… It could pose for a recipe for destruction.

For those of you who genuinely care, let me put your concerns to rest.  Business and personal.  There’s nothing I’d rather be doing at this point in my life than what I’m doing / going to do right now.  I assure each and everyone of you – especially the ones I love the dearest – I’m all right.  I’m fine.  Tough times call for tough skin and tough work ethic.  I’m up for it.  Are you?

Promo for EWE Saturday Night!

It’s exclusive to DustinStarrBlog.com!  Check out the newest promo video that will be aired in Ripley, TN on Saturday night!  Stan Lee – WATCH OUT!