Sir Mo – Shoot Interview

I came across this on 411Mania.com and thought I’d share it with you all.  Former WWF Tag Team Champion and one-half of the famous tag team “Men on a Mission” has done a shoot interview.  For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term “shoot interview” – it’s a tell-all interview.  Secrets of the business are exposed.  Behind the scenes happenings are exposed.  It is a real-life interview and done out of character.  Sometimes, shoot interviews can be very interesting because when guys do them, generally, they have nothing else to lose.

Sir Mo, known in the real world as Bobby Horne, did a sit-down shoot interview with World Wrestling Insanity and revealed a lot of information regarding his stay at WWF.  I haven’t seen or heard the interview.  I’ve only read the highlights that are posted on 411Mania.  Highlights include discussion about Mo almost committing suicide, how abusive it was to work for the WWF and even how Nelson (Mabel) just didn’t “get it” like Mo did.

I know Bobby very well.  At one point in my career, I would have considered him a mentor of sorts.  We were very good friends for a while.  Today, I would say that we’re acquaintances more than anything else.  I say that because of something he told me when I first started in the wrestling business (more on that later).  I’ve heard Bobby tell numerous stories about Nelson and his times with the WWF.  You wouldn’t believe some of the things that happened.  And who knows if they really did happen?

I’ve mentioned Bobby several times throughout the years on this blog.  Some good stories.  Some bad stories.  To be honest, some stories were VERY bad. 

Concussions

Last week, I posted a column entitled: “Newsbites“.  In that blog, I touched on several topics.  One of those news items I discussed briefly was concussions in wrestling.  Specifically, I talked a little bit about a column written by ESPN’s Greg Garber.  It’s entitled: “Doctors: Wrestler Had Brain Damage“.  Garber specifically discussed Andrew “Test” Martin and his death.  Chris Benoit, like always, was mentioned in the column, as well.

You can take a look at those columns by clicking the links.  Read them over before moving on because I have a little more to say about the issues.  This time, I want to put it a little more in perspective from an independent wrestler’s point of view.

Let me ask you this, right here and now – You think this type of thing doesn’t happen on the local-level of sports entertainment?

My Trainer

I’ve always been one to give credit where credit is due.  Whether it’s a sweet girlfriend that cooks the meals.  Whether it’s a wrestling school across the bridge in West Memphis, AR that welcomed me into their facility to prepare for the biggest tryout of my life.  Or whether it’s the support that I’ve found within a group of friends and family that I’ve never felt before.  I give credit where it’s due.

It’s time to give a little more credit.

If I never make it “big” in the wrestling world, I can always say – and MEAN it – that I was once in tip-top physical condition.  I have pictures to prove it.  Those photos will last forever.  They’re memories that I will always cherish and be proud of.  But within my first few years as a pro wrestler, I weighed in at a whopping 150 pounds.  That’s being nice… I think I actually weighed less, starting out.  But I met a guy along the way that was a tremendous help to me… and STILL is.

A professional bodybuilder, model, wrestler and personal trainer – this guy has done it all.  He was actually the very first WWF developmental wrestler.  Which means, the WWF paid him to wrestle in Memphis, TN and get better inside of the wrestling ring.  He wrestled for WWF for years before splitting off into a different direction.  He rarely wrestles on the independent scene nowadays because of his love for fitness.  Always prepping for bodybuilding shows and running Maximum Fitness in Jackson, TN – his schedule is tighter than ever.  He is even featured on a billboard in Jackson.  However, he always has time for a phone call from ole’ Dustin Starr, who’s always asking questions on how to get in better shape or gain that edge on the competition.

Wearing out your welcome…

It’s very easy to do.  Especially, in the wrestling business.  Wearing out your welcome is something that just happens.  There’s not a lot that can be done about it… unless, you’re able to stay fresh and give the people something new to see from time to time.  Characters have to progress over time.  If they don’t, you give the people the same, old, tired act week after week and year after year.

Ever wonder how the WWE can let a guy go after pushing him to the top for months and months?  Well, it’s pretty simple.  They package a character together, put him on television, push him to the moon… but when the newness wears off – it goes flat.  If that wrestler can’t somehow overcome the odds, he’s let go.  Sometimes a repackage works.  But sometimes it’s just impossible.

On the independent wrestling scene, staleness runs rampid.  Take a look at many of the local independent wrestling companies around today.  You see the same old faces every single week.  You see the same guys on top every week.  It’s so bad, you even see the same FANS at the show every single week.  Yeah, it’s great to have fans returning to the show… but

Champions: Honor or Not?

How do you look at your Champions?  When you watch wrestling, whether it’s on the independents or the big time, do you look up to the Champions of the companies you watch?  WWE and TNA may be a little different because I don’t think anyone would argue that leading one of the world’s largest wrestling companies is a big deal. We all KNOW that’s a major accomplishments. But what about in the indies?

Is it a big deal to carry the Championship in a local, independent wrestling company?

There’s a few ways to look at this. I know a few bookers who say that their Champion doesn’t have to be the strongest draw on the card. Some even go as far as saying that their best draw or talent should NEVER carry the belt because they’re already over with the crowd. The belt should be given to someone who needs it to actually get over and stay over. (Getting over means the fans react to you the way you want them to. That you’re relevant.)

I’ve always disagreed with this method of booking. Reason why?  Simple – when I was growing up watching wrestling, I always thought being the Champ was a big deal. Jerry Lawler was a big deal with or without the USWA Championship but I never believed it when Colorado Kid beat him for it. Even as young as I was, I still knew that they were trying really hard to make Kid a big deal… I just wasn’t buying it.  It never went over with me or anyone else for that matter.

Derrick King FIRED

The Walkers are at it again!  Who didn’t see this coming though?  I certainly did.  As did most of the guys who are familiar with the situation. CLICK HERE for more on the actual story.

Well, well, well.  As if this family couldn’t bury themselves anymore within the last two weeks – they found a way to pile more dirt onto their legacy.  And it’s a very shameful legacy, indeed.  I’ve been following this story very closely and I’ve been consulting Derrick King, my friend, on what’s going to happen.  I told him all along that they would stab him in the back, just like they do all their wrestlers.  He wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt – I respect that.  But when they point-blank asked me to do the booking, while he was still on the job… that was all I needed to see to know he was out.

But how it unfolded was even crazier than you’d actually think.  Check this out:

The Death of Dyersburg Wrestling – Part IV

So, there’s one final “happening” to top off the evening.  As if Flash shooting and walking out on the company wasn’t enough.  As if Addison growing a set and trying to step up to Flash and myself wasn’t enough.  As if me almost wiping out the entire family all by myself wasn’t enough.  There’s another instance that really shows what type of family The Walkers really are.

Throughout Part I, II and III of the story, I had given you plenty of reasons to know exactly what type of family we’re dealing with here.  But I’m going to put the icing on the cake and wipe my hands of the situation.

As I’m sitting in my car, thinking over what just happened… and loving every minute of it, I get a phone call.  I didn’t recognize the number… and SURELY it wasn’t The Walker’s calling me?  I answer – it’s one of the boys inside.  “Dustin, you left your backpack.  They’re going through it, right now.”  I darted out of my car, while still on the phone.  “Watch THIS.”  I kick the door open and barge into the concession stand area… to find the entire Walker family standing over my backpack.

Can you believe the nerve of these people?  Ripping off wrestlers, lying to the boys, stabbing the booker in the back, calling the police and now – going through my stuff?  THIEVES.

The Death of Dyersburg Wrestling – PART III

T@2 versus Dustin Starr did not disappoint.  Despite the fact that I may have been thinking of what was going to take place after the show, we tore the house down and gave the fans what they wanted to see.  Oz was our referee.  Addison was “in no shape to ref”.  Again, The Walkers being as professional as possible.

Let’s talk about being a team player.  Oz stepped in without hesitation and reffed our match.  You may not think this is a big deal, but if you’re a wrestler and you’re asked to ref – it’s like a slap in the face.  Especially, if you’re not a rookie. Thanks to Oz for stepping up.

Match over.  We set up a DCW title rematch for next week.  Rocker and I headlining again.  Back in the locker room, I’m changing clothes and am informed to see Sandra for my pay.  Why is it always an ordeal?  Why can’t you just bring me the money like everyone else?  So, here I come.  Here comes the moment of truth.  I head to the concession stand and the whole family is waiting for me.  When I say whole family – I mean WHOLE family.  Dale, Sandra, Addison, Allen, Tim Edwards, his wife Angela.  I believe Allen’s daughters were even there.

Allen Walker’s first words were, “Dustin, we want you to be part of a four-man booking committee.”  I reply with a look of disgust and disbelief.  “What?  Derrick’s your booker.”  I was told that it wasn’t working out with Derrick and they needed something different.  My next question hit a nerve.  I asked why I would help them screw another one of my friends.  They had screwed Flash just minutes before.  Now, they want me to help them screw Derrick?  A guy who’s helped me more inside and outside of the ring!  I’m going to screw over the only reason I’m working in that town to begin with?   These people are NUTS!

The Death of Dyersburg Wrestling – PART II

Flash and I orchestrated the idea of him to come out and do somewhat of a shoot like he had done a few weeks back.  Only this time, Flash was very angry.  And when he entered the ring – he took over.  Once he dropped the first F-bomb, I stepped back into one of the corners and beamed with pride.  Someone is finally giving them what they deserve.  Someone’s finally giving The Walker’s a taste of their own medicine.

Let me be clear – I do not condone the language that Flash used in a family-entertainment-atmosphere.  But let’s be honest here.  There were thirty people in the building.  Many of whom came along with the wrestlers.  I’ve heard these children call me worse name than what Flash was about to say.  So, the playing field is a little different than what has been reported.  I not only do not curse in this blog because of children that could be reading, but I pride myself on being family-oriented.  From hockey, to wrestling, to any other form of entertainment – I want fans of all ages to be able to enjoy my work.  So, Flash might’ve been a bit harsh with the language, but it was well deserved for the setting.

THE PROMO: 

The Death of Dyersburg Wrestling – PART I

On Saturday night, May 2nd, 2009 Dyersburg Championship Wrestling officially cut their own throats.  Thus, leaving the company and their wrestling future to bleed to death.  A family that is so full of greed and spite would put a death grip on one another in order to gain the power and money that they think they deserve.  Whether it’s stealing from a family member or shorting a wrestler on their payoff at the end of the night – The Walker family has made its mark in the Mid-South wrestling scene for having a shady business background.  After bouncing back from committing business-suicide in the past – they’ve done it again.  Bad business practices are an integral part of The Walker family.  Always has been… always will be.

Please allow me to explain.

Pushing wrestlers that Sandra Walker has a crush on is normal business procedure.  Forcing Addison Walker into the ring despite what any “booker” says, is normal business procedure.  Allen Walker walking out on what’s good for the show… only to return a few weeks later, is normal business procedure.  Another trademark of The Walker’s weekly wrestling tradition is shorting their wrestler’s money at the end of the night.  An occurrence that I can speak very candidly about, after falling victim to it for the last three weeks.  Shame on me?  Indeed.  But trying to make business boom is something that I pride myself on week in and week out.  If I can give the people what they want, I’ll eventually get what I want.  In this case, enough was just enough.

After working in front of one of the best crowds I’ve seen in recent memory, I left Ripley and headed out to Dyersburg.  As fate would deal me, I ran into Allen Walker in the parking lot of the Juke Box Cafe’ (the site of DCW).  I informed Allen that I was none too pleased about being shorted money the last three weeks.  This is the week they get caught up.