The Tragedy, Time for an Off-Season and More...

What a horrific way to have to begin a new blog and I debated not mentioning the Benoit tragedy at all as I am really struggling with what to say.

My emotions ranged from shock to sadness to anger. It's very difficult to rectify the actions of Chris Benoit with the kind of person those close to him knew him to be and the incredible talent we were all lucky to witness in action. Could he truly have been a cold blooded monster all these years, hiding his real persona from those that knew him best? Is it possible he really was a great person of strong character who kept all his emotions inside, struggled with internal demons until he was finally overwhelmed and turned into a completely different person for two days last weekend?

I doubt we'll ever know for sure. We'll never truly understand what compelled him to do what he did or what seemingly insurmountable obstacles he felt were facing him or the unbearable feelings he felt he simply could not face anymore.

Do his actions forever tarnish his career and reputation? Absolutely. But as much as I want to vilify Chris Benoit and call him a cowardly monster, I struggle to do so. The feelings in my mind, the disgust with his actions are in contrast to what I feel in my heart for a talent that has been inspirational for so long.

I remember growing up on Stampede Wrestling, where Chris was my favourite wrestler. I remember being very happily surprised when watching an episode of WCW Clash of the Champions and seeing Chris and Beef Wellington appear. But I will also always remember the shock I felt when I learned what he did.

I'll never forget the emotion of Chris Benoit and Eddie Geurrero holding up the championship we never thought they'd capture and celebrating together at the end of WrestleMania. I'll never forget the usually emotionless Chris Benoit, openly weeping on television as he mourned the loss of Eddie.

I'll never forget that Chris Benoit killed his wife and seven year old son too.

God bless Nancy and Daniel. God forgive Chris.


Right now, the mainstream press is on a witchhunt involving a business they don't understand. I firmly believe that Benoit's actions were not the result of "roid rage". It just doesn't fit. However, I have to admit I am curious about the connection to long term effects of steroid use as it relates to causing paranoia, depression and personality changes. It's certainly something for those of us involved in the business to think about.

It also gives WWE something to think about. Yes, Chris Benoit passed a steroid test as recently as April. However, as I understand it, if a worker provided medical documentation indicating prescribed steroid use for legitimate reasons, they will pass. Perhaps that needs to be re-visited. But so to then, must WWE's insistence on guys having superhuman physiques and requiring a ridiculous schedule.

Some wrestlers will never have issues with drugs. But the ones that do, many of them can directly attribute that problem with the demands of the business. How many guys take copious amounts of painkillers rather then request time off? How many guys need sleeping pills and uppers just to maintain the schedule? How many guys do require medical steroids to repair the injuries they've suffered over the years? It's worth thinking about and WWE will have to do more than just think about that if they want to avoid a congressional investigation.


I'm a proponent of an idea to give all those involved in WWE specific time off during the year which they would be required to take regardless of the angle they are involved in. I'd like to see a two month required vacation per year. Obviously, only certain guys would be out at certain times, with the top guys getting their choice, but knowing in advance when their vacation window was coming up would allow bookers the time to write them out. It would also mean there was always fresh guys returning to the shows. Perhaps a required vacation would allow guys the time to heal nagging injuries and spend more time with their families. It could do wonders for their physical and mental health.


Speaking of medical health. I recently spent a day in the hospital. All this talk of giving emergency room doctors a raise to try and keep them is a bandaid soluion. What I observed was a very non-urgent attitude amongst hospital staff.

Family doctors are paid per patient. When you go to your family doctor, there is a huge line up of patients that are cycled in and out fairly quickly. But emergency room doctors are paid a flat rate. Perhaps they should also bill the government per patient. Then they'd want to get patients in and out a lot quicker.


I guess I'm the king of controversy and have the most read wrestling blog in the local industry. I appreciate everyone who took the time to post a comment or email me directly. I hope I was able to answer everyone.

It came to my attention that I was the subject of a "ten minute promo" in the RME locker room last week by EZ Ryder. For the record, I have nothing against EZ as a person. I don't know him personally nor do I believe I have ever met him. I can certainly take exception to the promotion he owns or operates or whatever it is he does over there. He's managed to create an environment where guys feel proud of acting unprofessional and the management pats itself on the back for mis-using and dis respecting quality talent.

I understand EZ offered to show receipts for his ring and belts to anyone who doubted his investment in the business. My thoughts on that are, if EZ thinks spending start up cash is the sole determination of positive contribution to the local industry then it is no wonder RME has wallowed in mediocrity for so long. I'd love the opportunity to discuss all these matters and more with EZ. I'm sure it would be an interesting and enlightening discussion. He's welcome to contact me in private (and to me, private actually mean *gasp* private, not "share with the entire crew" - you can't have a 20 man booking committee and you cant have a 20 man management team).

Adding one or two guys with a history of quality work does not suddenly make the rest of the roster credible. Where I may have a couple of guys that need some work, they have a couple who don't. Where I have a long list of quality workers, they have a long list of guys who aren't.

I appreciate that some of those guys are proud of their promotion. Pride and loyalty are positive things and I support them. But if anyone in RME is ready to declare their promotion as the best of the best in Manitoba, they're either kidding themselves or just plain clueless.

But if mediocrity or an eight show tour once every four years is something to be proud of, then God bless them for being happy. I dont fear competition. On the contrary, I would be thrilled if they were able to put on one single show that was even half as good as the shows we produce.

Don't get me wrong, there are some good things over there. Unfortunately, the arrogance and the bullshit from Angus doesn't often allow me to point those things out. Angus had several opportunities to stand with our team and dedicate themselves to the betterment of the industry. But he'd rather be a tiny bit better and arrogant then a whole lot better and humble. It's unfortunate.


It's been a blast filling in for Mike Arnott as host of the Squared Circle the last few weeks. I want to thank Wayne Stanton for being a guest. He was very entertaining, very informative and is a guy that I often disagree with but have a strong respect for. I'll try not to forget that the next time we're at odds...


What is with those guys in the business that get off on being shit disturbers? What do you get out of it? I've never been afraid to say what I think in public or to a person's face. So, to those clowns that have nothing better to do then cause trouble...grow the fuck up.


Our webmaster had a major computer meltdown a couple of weeks ago, requiring a major re-design of the site. It looks fantastic and will continue to be updated. Check it out http://www.pcwaction.com


I am looking forward to heading back to Brandon this weekend...should be a lot of fun. We're looking at a few other opportunties for shows later in the summer and the fall as well. Stay tuned.