10-Falls with Referee David Lee

10-Falls with
Referee David Lee

"One of the people that I consider a friend in this business is probably one of hardest working independent referees in the Midwest. David has refereed for many of the top indy organizations around Indiana. If you can't find him in a wrestling ring, you may be able to see him on stage in a play in Indianapolis, as David has found himself in various roles in some of the top plays in Indianapolis the past several years."--Randy Klemme

1) How long have you been in the business and where did you receive your wrestling training?

DL: I have been in the business for about 10 years now. There was split time involved.
I first got introduced to the business by the Great Wiz or in later years "The Hangman". Wiz and my brother worked together and he introduced me to Bruiser and all of the gang in the late 70's and early 80's. I tried to start training back them but I ran in to some brick walls. One of those being as I was fresh out of the Navy and newly wed, I was broke and could not afford training and my wife was not real keen on the idea at the time. So I hung around, helped with clean-up, tore down rings, swept and bought Dave McLain beer for a couple of years. When I finally had enough money for training, Dick closed up shop and moved to Florida. I still am not sure my wife would have let me .I ran with Spike and PAWA for a couple of shows helping set-up, security etc, but I finally gave up on the dream. That was until 1998 or so, when my wife said okay go ahead and do it. That is when the Bouncer brought me in and let me start reffing in CCW, from there I worked with Don Basher and honed my "Skills". It has been one show after another since then with lots of help from Shawn Cook and Guy, Marty Fogleman, Steve, Bo, Itch, and many more.

2) What organizations have you worked for and which ones are you currently associated with?

DL: I have worked with most every fed in the Central Indiana and several in Michigan. I could list them all but we all know who they are. My "home" feds are WCWO & IPW, but I certainly enjoy working with all of the others around here.

3) Who are some of the bigger names you have refereed for?

DL: This his really become a big list but I have worked with The Road Warriors, Demolition, Hacksaw, Mick Foley, Greg Valentine, Jimmy Hart, Bobby Colt, Kamala, Public Enemy, Brutus the Barber, Tony Atlas, CM Punk, Chris Sabin, Rikishi, Nikolai Volkoff, Spike Huber, The Baron, and many more.

4) Which match over your career was your favorite that you ref'd and why?

DL: I really do not have one favorite but I really enjoy the young talent and it has been fun watching them all mature. Working CM Punk in IPW and seeing him go on. Working with Chad and seeing him in the big shows. Working Diehard Dustins matches in the early years and arguing politics with him and seeing him mature in to great local worker, and I predict not so local in the near future, means more to me than working any big time matches. I guess it really does not answer the question but that is my thought in that direction.

5) What is the toughest thing about being a professional wrestling referee?

DL: Getting Old, It is harder to get out of the way and to get in to the correct position, but I can still do it and would like to continue as long as possible.

6) Any good road stories that you can pass along (keep it clean LOL)?

DL: Not really, As I am older than most anyone else in the biz around here, I do not have the stamina to hang with the youngsters and get in trouble. I generally travel alone.

7) Are there things that you would like to achieve during refereeing career? Short term and long term goals?

DL: I have never been much of a goals kind of guy. I live for the day. I would like to go overseas some time. I missed out on an opportunity to work in Japan last year and I hope that comes back around sometime. I just want to keep improving and sure I would love to work a really big show sometime, who wouldn't.

8) Have you received any important advice from other more famous names in the pro wrestling business and what was that?

DL: Not really, as I am older I think a lot of the guys feel weird about giving me advice. Hey I am a ref I am never wrong and I need no correcting LOL
Oh yeah, One time Grunge told me I needed to lose weight so that I looked like a ref and not a worker. He is right about that one LOL....I sure do miss that silly Son of Gun

9) What is the BEST thing and the WORST thing about being a professional wrestling referee, maybe something that you didn't realize would be that way when you started?

DL: I never realized how much fun it is to be in that ring working with people that really are trying to do something special. I love working the locals more than I do a big Fed. It seems the workers that really care give a 110% in their efforts. They do this eventhough most of them know they will never make any real money and will probably never advance beyond the locals. I certainly appreciate their dedication.
The worst thing has to be the Politics. It seems like so many promoters are more concerned with how to bother another promoter than they are with trying to improve their product. Also the lack of respect between promotions is something that really bothers me. As a ref I usually can stay above the politics, because I will never sell any tickets for a show, but what I have seen really bugs me. I hate to be cliche' but can't we all just get along?

10) If you had to tell someone what it's like being a professional wrestling referee, what are the three most important things you would tell them?

DL: - The first thing I would tell them is to get some good training. My motto is you quit learning when you die. You will never know it all and you can always learn more. So keep listening, observing and learning.
- Secondly you are there to officiate not be a part of the Show, Do your job and stay out of the way
- Love what you are doing or do not do it. Being a ref you get paid less, booed more, and sometimes beat up. If you are not prepared to do this, dont start.
I would like to thank everyone who has helped me in my mid-life crisis career. I truly have enjoyed working with all of you over the past 7-8 years and I am looking forward to many more.

Until Next Time
It's Me It's Me
It's Referee David Lee

10-Falls with "Dr Death" Steve Williams

10-Falls with
"Dr Death" Steve Williams

"Another one of the great stories of professional wrestling in recent years is that of "Dr Death Steve Williams. Doc, has fought everything and everybody during his professional wrestling career from all of the Big Names in the sport to CANCER. Thankfully Doc has survived and is telling his story in his new autobiography. I have watched Doc wrestle for MANY years and I can honestly say that he IS the toughest man in professional wrestling..."--Randy Klemme

1) You have been in the wrestling business for a number of years? How long? and how has pro wrestling in your mind changed over the years?

Doc: 25 years. There is no longer any respect for the business.

2) What organizations have you worked for and are there ones you currently are associated with?

Doc: Every major company in the world, and currently for the WWE as a trainer.

3) Through your career, I am sure there were many great things that happened and also some low points...Can you give us any stories about the "Good" and "Bad" of your pro wrestling career?

Doc: I discuss all of this is my book, but I have died three times and god has spared me. The fans have been great and I value their support.

4) Is there anything you regret you were never able to accomplish in professional wrestling?

Doc: No, put in real life not going to the U.S. Olympics

5) More recently you have fought some health battles...can you explain and are you doing okay now?

Doc: I have battled T-4 throat cancer, and on May 7th, I will be cancer free for three years! Praise God

6) You have written a book, "How Dr Death became Dr Life"....how would you describe the book and how did you come to write it?

Doc: It is about my life, a true story about how Dr. Death became Dr. Life. Through my good friend, Dr. Tom Caiazzo, we put out a true book to inspire and motivate.

7) Life is a series of ups and downs, what are some of the things that you do in life to overcome the tough times?

Doc: Pray and give God all the glory.

8) Back to Pro Wrestling...Do you watch much of the current TV wrestling product and what do you think about it? Who are some of the wrestlers you watch now?

Doc: I don't get to watch much because I am out ministering and motivating. When I see Shawn Michels, the Undertaker, and Kurt Angle, I will try to watch them.

9) I am sure you have been asked this many times, when someone says, "How do I get to be a professional wrestler....?" What do you tell them?

Doc: I tell them to go to my website and or myspace account and I will take care of them.

http://www.oklastamped.com/

10) In closing, there has to be some great road stories over your long career.....Let us in on one of those stories (Keep it clean--LOL)?

Doc: When I was very green, I was very protective of my gear. Billy Starr ribbed me and took my boots. I had to wrestle barefooted. My feet hurt for a week. I got him back by repalacing his shampoo with NAIR. His hair fell out and turned green. It was too funny.

I hope all the fans will read my book. It is a true story and I hope I can inspire all.

http://www.oklastamped.com/

http://www.myspace.com/drdeathsw

10 Falls with WWE / MTV Tough Enough Star Matt Cappotelli

10-Falls with
Matt Cappotelli

"One of the more inspirational stories of the last couple of years is that of WWE and Tough Enough Star Matt Cappotelli. Matt along with current WWE star Johnny Nitro were the co-champions of MTV's Tough Enough 3. Matt endured many things including a nasty ordeal with Bob Holly during the TV show, however he know faces an even bigger challange. May 1st, Matt Cappotelli will undergo brain surgery to remove a tumor that has enlarged in recent months. We wish Matt God Speed with his surgery and all the best during recuperation."--Randy Klemme

1) You are a product of the "Tough Enough" Shows on MTV.....how tough was the actual training during the shooting of the show and what would you do on a typical day in training?

MC: It was the most intense training I've ever been through. we trained for about 8 hrs a day - in ring, cardio, weights, everything.

2) Of course, one of the things you were famous for during the show was the confrontation with Bob Holly......What are your thoughts looking back at that situation?

MC: it's simple - i forgive, but will never forget.

3) You've been associated with OVW in Louisville since Tough Enough and alot of guys that are in the WWE today came through there, have you made any good friends and are close to any of those guys and who are they?

MC: I've made great friends with pretty much everyone who has come through OVW. we're all family.

4) What is the toughest thing about being a professional wrestler?

MC: Having no offseason and the travel schedule.

5) Any good road stories that you can pass along (keep it clean LOL)?

No Answer

6) Your career recently was slowed by an illness....can you explain what happened and will you ever be able to wrestle again?

MC: I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I can do all things through Christ, so you never know when I may pop up.

7) You have also expressed your deep faith in the Lord in the past several months...how have you been able to cope with your illness through your faith?

MC: God has given me complete peace with what is going on. i know it's all for his divine purpose and I'm humbled to be a part of this.

8) Has it been tough to be associated with the wrestling business while keeping hold of your faith, especially with some of the things that goes on with the wrestling business today?

MC: I guess it can be, but i know who i am and will not sacrifice that for anything.

9) What is the BEST thing and the WORST thing about being a professional wrestler, maybe something that you didn't realize would be that way when you started?

MC: Best: interacting with an audience, entertaining the masses.
Worst: injuries and being away from family.

10) If you had to tell someone what it's like being a professional wrestler, what are the three most important things you would tell them?

MC: You have to love it or it will eat you apart. you have to be tough physically, mentally, and emotionally. you have to make sacrifices in your personal life and be patient.

Matt invites you to check out http://www.faith-ink.com for some great gear.

10-Falls with Northern Indiana Indy Star Chase Richards

10-Falls with Chase Richards

1) How long have you been in the business and where did you receive your wrestling training?

CR: I have been in the business for 7 years now. I initially recieved my training through NRW (A defunct fed in Northwest Indiana), but have trained at several other schools throughout the course of my "career".

2) What organizations have you worked for and which ones are you currently associated with?

NRW
MEW
IUWA
UWA
FXW
WCWO
FEW
NFW
LWF
WCPW
PCW
AAW
CWF
WWA
ARW
FPW
NWA-FSM
NWA-Indiana
If I left anyone out, I apologize...

3) What titles have you held during your wrestling career?

NRW Tag Team Championship
IUWA Tag Team Championship
MEW Enterprise Title
IUWA National Title
AAW Tag Team Championship (2X's)
FPW Tag Team Championship
ARW Heayweight Title
NWA-Indiana Heritage Tag Team Championship

4) Which match over your career has been your favorite and why? and who is your favorite opponent to work with?

CR: I'd probably say my favorite match thusfar has to be when I defended the ARW title against "Roughneck" Jay Ryan. As-of right-now, that match just came-off SO good... very hard-hitting, very intense.

My favorite opponent is a very tough one to narrow down. There have been so many guys I've worked with that I'd work any night of the week... if I HAD to choose, I'd say "The Prophet Of Rage" Botch. We always seem to work well with one another.

5) How would you best describe your style of wrestling?

CR: Believable. I take a lot of pride in what I do in the ring, and don't want anyone sitting in the crowd thinking that they can do what I'm doing. 'Physical' is another word to describe it.

6) What is the toughest thing about being a professional wrestler?

CR: I'd say the toughest thing, for me, has been the moral conflictions you come across. To me, integrity is something I will not compromise, and in wrestling, there are a lot of obstacles you encounter that makes many men compromise their integrity. Knowing that if I just did this, or stabbed this person in the back, I could "make it farther in the business" really bothers me. But, what can I say? I'm in a business that is all about "cons".

7) Any good road stories that you can pass along (keep it clean LOL)?

CR: Man, there have been so many good car-rides... but the one that immediately pops into my head is one of my first trips. It's myself, Kenny Courageous, Cade Lee and Tank Escobar and we're all crammed in the smallest car imaginable... the exact brand or make of the car escapes me, but trust me, it was small. We're heading down I-65 and out of nowhere, the car breaks down and we're stranded on the side of the road. It's around 3-4 o'clock on a Saturday, so there is a steady flow of traffic, and Tank decides he NEEDS to go to the bathroom. This wouldn't have been a problem, if he just had to pee. Now, Tank is not a shy person in the absolute least, so he gets a newspaper we had in the car and proclaims "It's either on the side of the road or on myself" and heads to the grass. For reasons not known to this day, he proceeded to lean back on the SLOPE of the grass, butt facing traffic and do his thing. We are all laughing so hard we're crying... why didn't he try to hide himself a little better, ya know? When he returns to the car, after catching our breath, we ask him why didn't face the other way. His retort, and I quote: "I didn't want anyone to see m'penis."

That's the "cleanest" one I have!

8) Are there things that you would like to achieve during your pro wrestling career? Short term and long term goals?

CR: Of course there are goals I'd like to achieve. Short-term: I'd like to work more weekday shows. I'd love to branch-out and work new places, learn new things, meet new people. I'd like to be considered a "go-to" guy for a good match. As far as long term: I'd love to work for a bigger North American fed. I'd LOVE to sometime maybe do a tour of Japan.

9) Have you received any important advice from other more famous names in the pro wrestling business and what was that?

CR: Colt Cabana gave me some of the best advice I've ever recieved. It was to carry yourself like a star. If you don't believe you're a star, then why would anyone else? I am trying to apply that more and more each passing day. Lex Luger gave me some GREAT advice for getting noticed more and nutritional tips. Chad Collyer taught me so much with very few words. You can learn from just aboot anything if you really want to.

10) What is the BEST thing and the WORST thing about being a professional wrestler, maybe something that you didn't realize would be that way when you started?

CR: Best: Kids, teens, adults... it doesn't matter what age you are, you can always find yourself caught-up in the moment when meeting someone you like to watch perform. It can be any athlete, actor, musician... when someone enjoys your craft, they look up to you and hold you on a higher platform than "normal people". It's cool to have people think you're something special, when in actuality, you're as down-to-earth and normal as they are. I think that's the best part of it.

Worst: The politics. The backstabbing. The drama...



If anyone would like to reach Chase Richards, you can contact him via myspace at:

myspace.com/chasethefacerichards

-or-

by e-mail:

chizaserizichards@yahoo.com

10-Falls with the Legendary Baron Von Rashcke

10-Falls with the Legendary
BARON VON RASCHKE

"66 years old and going strong, Baron Von Rashke's career reads like a who's who of professional wrestling. He's wrestled with, for and against almost every name imaginable in the last 40 years of professional wrestling from Dick the Bruiser to Hulk Hogan....held tag titles with Dusty Rhodes....has wrestled against Ric Flair, the Road Warriors, Austin Idol, Vern Gagne, the list is endless. It was a true honor to have the Baron answer my 10-Falls interview. As a child I have seen him wrestle in person a number of times and I hope to get to see him again...he is a TRUE legend in our sport....."--Randy Klemme

1) How long have you been associated with the wrestling business and where did you receive your wrestling training? What organizations have you worked for and are their any you are currently associated with?

BVR: Since 1966. From Vern Gagne-AWA, NWA, WWA, Montreal Organization, Michigan-Farhat Organization, Dallas-Von Erich Organization, New York-WWWF, Charlotte, NC-Crockett Organization. Also German, Austrian and Japanese Organizations, and many others.

2) Who was the toughest person you ever faced in the ring and why?

BVR: The next opponent! Never look back.

3) What are some of your fondest memories of working for Dick the Bruiser in WWA around the Indianapolis area?

BVR: Our son, Karl, was born in Indianapolis, and meeting Bobby Heenan, Mitsui Arakawa, and several other life long friends.

4) Looking back, any regret on things you didn't get to do during your wrestling career?

BVR: I wish I had gone to South Africa, Australia and the Middle East to wrestle, to explore the different cultures.

5) Do you watch any wrestling today in-person or on TV? and what are your thoughts of todays wrestlers and wrestling product in general?

BVR: I try to avoid watching the WWE on TV--I also avoid x-rated movies. I catch some matches when I'm asked to appear on a card to sign autographs. Some of these kids put on a great show. Some of them still know how to tell a story with wrestling. The WWE does not.

6) One thing I remember about the Baron was when he did promo's on TV for his upcoming matches with Sam Menneker.....how difficult was working on TV in those days of early wrestling on TV?

BVR: It was not difficult at all for me. The interviews were one of my specialties, and Sam made it easy.

7) Any good road stories that you can pass along (keep it clean LOL)?

BVR: I'm not a good story teller.

8) You have worked for many if not all of the larger wrestling organizations....who was the best promoter to work for and why?

BVR: Hopefully, some day, the next one.

9) What was the BEST thing and the WORST thing about being a professional wrestler, maybe something that you didn't realize would be that way when you started?

BVR: The best thing was "meeting" The Baron, my alter-ego. The worst things were the money and the miles.

10) If you had to tell someone what it's like being a professional wrestler, what are the three most important things you would tell them?

BVR: Stay in High School. Graduate from college. And if you have to try pro wrestling, don't quit your day job right away.

--------------------------------
The play "The Baron" will open on April 14 at the History Theatre in St. Paul and run to May 20. The email address is www.historytheatre.com and the phone number is 651-292-4323 for tickets. It's a comedy about The Baron's life.
The Baron can be found at his web site www.baronvonraschke.com It has a gift shop, history, photo gallery, and if you click on bookings there is also a link to the History Theatre and some recent interviews with the Baron on UTube.

10-Falls with HPW Promoter Jerry Wilson

10-Falls with HPW Promoter
Jerry Wilson

"So many in the pro wrestling business think it is easy to run a successful wrestling show. If you look around there are so many little promotions around and many have come and gone in the 9 years that Hoosier Pro Wrestling has been running shows in Columbus, Indiana. Promoter Jerry Wilson has made HPW one of the top independent wrestling promotions in the midwest with top quality shows every month--"Randy Klemme

1) How long have you been promoting wrestling shows and WHY did you start running your own shows?

JW: Having been the USWA photographer for the guys who sold photo gimmicks , I sat back and watched how the business was done from the matches, interviews and booking angles. When the USWA quit running Louisville Gardens the next month April 98 I started running my hometown Columbus, IN with some help from Dutch Mantell and we're still doing good business nine years later.

2) What has been the biggest card you have had to date?

JW: Sabu vs Tommy "Wildfire" Rich was over 550 fans paid and we had Sid Viscious come in on Sid Returns to Indiana after his injury as Commissioner and had 524 paid

3) You have had some success in bringing in several big names on your cards, who were some of them?

JW: Sabu, Sid, Tommy Rich, Greg Valentine, Rocky Johnson, Bill Dundee, Brian Christopher, Doug Gilbert, Sharkboy, Damaja, Koko B Ware, Rip Rogers, Dutch Mantell, Don Harris, and Jillian Hall (regular as Mercedes).

4) This weekend is your 9th Anniversary show....how have you been able to sustain your organization for 9 years when so many others have come and gone around you?

JW: I think because we have built an excellent fan base who look at HPW wrestlers as stars. They appreciate the story lines, the action, and the treatment they receive from myself and the wrestlers.
We have fans who have been reserving their same seats for nine years. Hard work promoting, and being honest and fair with the fans and the wrestlers.

5) What will be some of the matches this weekend?

JW: Saturday April 7th at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Columbus, IN with a 7:30pm Bell Open doors at 6:45PM. Tickets $10 Info call 812-552-4477

Main event Ox Harley w/ Sunny vs. Sinn
TVZ vs. Soul Shooters
Donny Idol vs. Bobby Black
Average White Guy vs. Pastor Pain
plus much more!!

6) Need a good road stories that you can pass along that has happened to you while promoting (keep it clean LOL)?

JW: Back in 1996, Tommy Rich was driving a police car in Kentucky (thanks to a fan who was a cop), and I was following behind. He decided to play a rib on a couple of wrestlers who were waiting up ahead on him on the side of the road to give him a ride. He hit the blue lights and pulled in behind them, only to find out it was the wrong car. The "fan" cop had some explaining to do! The bad thing was, Tommy didn't even have a drivers license

7) Somehow you always seem to find your way into a match or two during the show.....Did you ever want to be a full time wrestler?

JW: Why not get involved? I'm the hometown guy everybody likes. Or, the hometown guy they like to see getting beat up by the bad guys. .... Really, I only get involved to try and keep the storylines good. Good guy vs. the bad guy. That's what puts people in the seats... they believe when the bad guy beats the good guy to a bloody pulp. But in the end, the good guy somehow gets the revenge.
Becoming a wrestler? No, I've never wanted to be a wrestler, but I've always been a wrestling fan since I saw Dick the Bruiser and the Shire Brothers back when I was a kid. It was after I moved to Atlanta in 1982, when I started going to the Georgia shows at the Omni. One night, I met Tommy Rich through a friend, and we struck up a friendship. He's the one who recommended me to the wrestling magazines, which led to my involvement in the wrestling business. That was really my first break in the business, which gave me the chance to get involved as the USWA photographer in the 90's. This was my chance to meet and photograph so many upcoming and already established stars, and when I knew I wanted to be in the business.

8) Have you received any important advice from some famous names in the pro wrestling business to help you run shows and what was that?

JW: Jerry Jarrett: Don't give it all away.
Dutch Mantell: Hard work pays off.
Tommy Dreamer: Never over book. Book only what you can afford.
Eric Embry: Take care of the boys. Take care of the fans. And put on the best damn show possible.
Tommy Rich: Keep your word. Be the promoter that does business right. Don't be one (promoter) that wants only to have the name that " I am a Wrestling Promoter".

9) What is the BEST thing and the WORST thing about being a professional wrestling promoter, maybe something that you didn't realize would be that way when you started?

JW: I feel the worst thing is when you book a name on their word, and they no call... no show. That's a total lack of class. Here at HPW, it has only happened twice, and fortunately, I was able to replace them and made the show worth it for the fans. So, absolutely, dissappointing the fans has got to be the worst part of the business, but it does happen.

The best part of this business is the satisfaction that at the end of the evening the fans went home happy and they have a reason to want to return to the next months' show. Also, becoming a part of the fans lives by knowing them and becoming their friend, and seeing in their eyes how wrestling continues to be something people love.


10) If you had to tell someone what it's like being a professional wrestling promoter, what are the three most important things you would tell them?

JW: Being a promotor doesn't start a week before the show. As soon as the last show ends, I have to begin working on the next one. Of course, the storyline had already been established, that is a no-brainer. So, the next week I have to begin thinking about preparing the flyers, contacting media and the workers, and updating the website. Over the next few weeks before the show, it just takes time to promote the show, like going to the nearby towns, making sure flyers stay up, and being in touch with the media and the wrestlers.

3 most important things about the wrestling business as a promoter:

1. Do business the right way.
2. Respect the fans and the workers.
3. Work hard and give the fans the best show possible. Make them believe to want to come back.


website: http://hoosierprowrestling.bravehost.com/

email hpw13@mail.com

10-Falls with Referee Jason Harding

10-Falls Interview with
Referee Jason Harding

"One of the best independent professional wrestling referees in the midwest is Jason Harding. In a few short years of being in the pro wrestling business, Jason has been able to put himself into a position of refereeing some matches for some of the best talent in pro wrestling today. Trust me when I say, you may not know Jason's work now, but you definitely will see him in the big time soon....."--Randy Klemme

1) How long have you been in the business and where did you receive your training?

JH: I have been in the business since October of 1998 (approx. 8 years) and trained with a small group in southern Indiana.

2) What organizations have you worked for and which ones are you currently associated with?

JH: I currently work primarily for Ring of Honor, NWA-Indiana, and the Micro Wrestling Federation, with a tour of Japan's Dragon Gate Pro Wrestling thrown in for good measure. In the past, I've worked for Hoosier Pro Wrestling, Extreme Wrestling Federation, Windy City Pro Wrestling, Revolution Championship Wrestling in Illinois, Insanity Pro Wrestling, and a ton of other local organizations.

3) What has been some of the top matches you have refereed so far in your career?

JH: Probably the most prestigious match I've refereed was in Dragon Gate during the WrestleJAM tour last summer. The match was Austin Aries and Roderick Strong defending the ROH Tag Team Titles against Naruki Doi and Masato Yoshino. The prestigious part about this was the fact that this match turned the ROH Tag Titles into world titles - I was honored to be involved. During that same tour, I was awed by the fact that I was given the task of reffing the main event at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. An absolutely amazing experience.

4) What is the most important thing that people do not realize about being a pro wrestling referee?

JH: The one thing that is most overlooked is the referee's involvement in the overall product of the match. I firmly believe that a bad ref can bring even a good match down, but a good ref can make a good match great.

5) A pro wrestling referee isn't a glamorous job, so give us your best and worst things about being a referee?

JH: My favorite part about being a ref is the simple fact that I get to work several times a show, with many different wrestlers. I always try to take away a learning experience of some sort from every match I'm involved in, so working more than once a night just leads to more experience and more knowledge.
The worst thing, as I said above, however, is how often overlooked the referee can be. Our job description, though, is to fade into the background until we're needed - I've always heard it said that "if you don't notice the ref, then he's doing his job".

6) Any good road stories that you can pass along (keep it clean LOL)?

JH: Well, yeah, I've got road stories... unfortunately, the "keep it clean" kinda removes most of them.

Nah, in all seriousness... one of my favorite stories was pretty early in my career - I might've been two years in by this point. Diceman Ronnie Vegas invited me to travel with his group out to South Dakota, by far the farthest I'd traveled to work to that point. One thing I *DIDN'T* know, was that Johnny Grunge from Public Enemy was traveling out with us, and Rocco Rock would be meeting us there. As green as I still was then, I'll be honest, I was pretty starstruck initially. We made it out to South Dakota in one piece (barely), and got to the venue in time to start setting up the ring. Naturally, I joined in with the other rookies, as well as a few local South Dakota wrestlers, in carrying in the pieces of the ring. We were just getting everything ready to set up as Rocco Rock walked in, just arriving from the airport. He could very easily have played his 'veteran' card and gone off to shmooze and chitchat while we set things up.

That's not the kind of guy Teddy was, though.

He immediately set down his bag, walked over, and grabbed a ringpost. He stuck around until everything was set up, then proceeded to hold an impromptu seminar for the rookie wrestlers, giving pointers and dispensing knowledge selflessly.

That story always brings back good memories of a guy we lost way too early - and really taught me that no matter how long you've been in the business, or how much you've done, never disrespect your fellow brothers. That's a good lesson for everyone to learn.

7) Are there things that you would like to achieve during your pro wrestling career? Short term and long term goals?

JH: Short term goals... I suppose first and foremost, my short term goal would be to work in as many states and places as I can.

Long term (and realistically, this may be a shorter term goal than one might think), I'd obviously love to work for the WWE. That's been my goal since the first day I got into this business - if only for the simple fact that, as a referee, it's the only place I can make a living in the wrestling business.

8) Have you received any important advice from other more famous names in the pro wrestling business and what was that?

JH: I've been given tons of pointers along the line, from nearly everyone I've had the pleasure of working with - but I suppose the best advice I've been handed was from Jim Cornette. I had the distinct pleasure of working with him for Ring of Honor several times, but didn't really have much of a chance to talk to him until Wrestlemania weekend last year in Chicago. The knowledge I gained that night just from talking to Mr. Cornette, and listening to his stories, did more to open my eyes to some of the finer points of the wrestling business than anything I've experienced, either before or since.

9) Is there a difference between Jason Harding the referee and the Jason Harding in real life? and what is that?

JH: There really isn't a whole lot of difference, to be honest with you. Maybe a little less counting. That's about it. I'm pretty much me - what you see is what you get.

Whether that's a good thing or not, the jury's still out. Maybe my wife can be the judge of that one.

10) If someone wanted to become a wrestling referee...what would be three important things you would tell them to get them started....

JH: First off, go get trained. And get trained by a credible school. I can't stress enough what the simple credibility boost of having a known, quality school behind you does for a new career. I've been one of the lucky ones, in that I've been able to break through and really achieve a lot of my goals without having trained at a major name school - but it took 8 years of scraping and clawing to climb the ladder to that point. Save yourself the headache.

Secondly, even above and beyond classroom training, watch any and all tapes you can get your hands on. The body of work that a Tommy Young, or a Mark Curtis, or a Mike Chioda, etc. has available on tape is one of the best training tools a young ref could ask for. As a ref, it's all about the subtleties, and studying tapes is what'll help separate a good ref from a great one. Also, get advice from everyone you come in contact with. I try to do this, and I've gotten some really great pointers through the years, things that have really fine-tuned my style, and made me into the ref I am today.

And thirdly - get professional gear. A ref jersey and a good pair of slacks aren't expensive.

And for God's sake, tuck in your damn shirt.


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You can catch up with Jason Harding at Ring of Honor (http://www.rohwrestling.com/), NWA-Indiana (http://www.nwaindiana.com/), or the Micro Wrestling Federation (http://www.microwrestling.com/), or for more info, his website (http://www.jasonharding.com/) or MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/refharding123)