Dishonest Promoters

July 20, 2005

I find myself very motivated to type a commentary today, as I’ve just had a horrible experience with an Indy Wrestling Promoter by the Name of Matt Henstock. Matt Henstock is promoting some PWU wrestling shows in Nova Scotia Canada. I know this because he contacted me to appear at these shows. We actually agreed to terms for me to fly to Halifax teach a 2 day training seminar and to do autograph signings at 3 of his shows.

The problem lies in the fact that the first show was last night, the second tonight (July 20th) and the third tomorrow, and I am still in Calgary…Alberta, Canada. Ah you see the problem. After agreeing to do these appearances I was constantly waiting for my travel information, as Matt Henstock (I use Matt Henstock’s full name through out to make sure everyone remember Matt Henstock’s name so they can run in the opposite direction the next time they hear it or have the occasion to do business for or with Mr. Matt Henstock) was suppose to book both my airfare and hotel accommodations.

When the shows were about 10 days out and I had not yet received my flight information I started doubting Matt Henstock’s intentions to bring me in. Booking a ticket that late was going to start getting real expensive. I sent an email stating my concerns and told Matt Henstock that if I did not receive a ticket by last Wednesday (the 13th) I would assume he was not planning on honouring his commitment and I would make as public as I could the fact that I would not be at his shows, so fans would not be taken in by bate and switch promoting.

I received an apologetic reply from Matt Henstock, stating that he had a major backer pull out and he was going to have to cancel the shows, and would regrettably not be able to bring me in. At this point (July 14th) I posted news on my site that I had been cancelled and would not be appearing in Nova Scotia at the PWU events.

I have in the last two days received numerous emails from fans (thank you guys) explaining to me what is really going on in Nova Scotia. I was/am still being advertised for the up coming events, which oddly enough WERE NOT cancelled. This morning I was informed by someone who went to the show last night and bought VIP tickets to take part in a Meet and Greet type autograph signing with me, and was told that not only was nothing said in advance that I would not be coming, once at the show all blame was put on me for not showing up.

So let me start by clearing something up right now, Mr. Matt Henstock is a complete and utter liar, whom has both lied to me and to any fans who are going to see a show in hopes of meeting me. He is a con man who does not deserve your business. He contacted me to do his shows and we agreed to terms for my appearance, he then lied to me about his shows being cancelled, and is in turn lying to you in claiming that I am still coming. It is dishonest promoters like Matt Henstock, who kill the Indy wrestling scene, by ripping of fans and destroying their faith in the Indy market. In my opinion Matt Henstock is the lowest level of life in the wrestling business as he is destroying it from with in.

Anyone who got ripped off by Matt Henstock in hopes of having the chance to meet me, please accept my apologies, and I hope you understand this was completely out of my control. I would love to return to the Maritimes at some point as the fans there have always been huge supporters of mine. I don’t know when I will have the time again with Storm Wrestling Academy^TM kicking off in September, but if there is an honest promoter out that way, I would be happy to try to work out something, and I’d be willing to offer one hell of a deal, if they can furnish me with Matt Henstock’s home address so I can address this situation with him face to face.

If anyone out there wishes to express their displeasure with Matt Henstock and his dishonest business practices, please feel free to drop him an email at [email protected] and let him know that you don’t care for lying promoters and you hope his day in this business are numbered, as we would all be much better off without him. To help bring about this end, I would advice workers and fans alike to avoid having anything to do with Matt Henstock. If people stop working for him and attending his show, he will be out of business and he can sit at home and lie to himself and leave the rest of us honest people alone.

Again my apologize to any fans who got shafted by the Lying Matt Henstock, I was really looking forward to coming east and see all of you as well.

Lance Storm