JAPW INSIDER REPORT
- 02/18/2008 (2:40:04 pm)
- Georgiann Makropoulos
……
I was seriously concerned after 6 straight week-ends of indy shows touring with Mickey Rourke and crew, that JAPW was going to be tedious, not to mention boring. Not that my many recent visits to ROH and some other indy shows in PA, NJ, and NYC were terrible but I haven't been to a JAPW show in a long while. Unbeknownst to me, many of the TNA superstars were booked by promoter Fat Frank and whoever actually writes the story lines was ingenious last night.
First and foremost locker room access was made very easy for me by Frank and my discussions with Romeo Roselli, Black Machismo, and Ron Killings were worth their weight in gold. Being the bodybuilding entrepreneur I have been and still can be, I must say I was very impressed with all three physiques; not to mention I guarantee none of them are juicing.
Mickey Rourke and crew were there but didn't interrupt in the ring even though they did about 30 retakes of Mickey walking into the room, going into the bleachers and hanging out. I firmly disagree with DOI's website today that stated these takes and retakes interrupted the flow of the show. They absolutely DID NOT. DOI this is not a shoot or a knock just my personal opinion and I happen to like your site. Additionally, no offense to my new found friend Mickey Rourke, and director Darren Aronofsky, but in my personal opinion the 1000 + fans were only impressed with what was going on in the squared circle. (Please remember TNA guys use a 6 sider and aren't used to the usual squared circle). The fans cooperated with the movie crew in chanting for Randy The Ram Robinson (Mickey's character) but it never interrupted the flow of the show. By the way, Mickey happens to be absolutely terrific in the role, as I have watched and shot over 2000 pics in the last few weeks,chatted with him one on one, and I found him to be a humble and interesting gentleman.
Extremely impressive to Scott Epstien were Teddy Hart's ring skills which I have never previously witnessed live. He beat Kenny Omega and Xavier in a 3 way elimination, all working their brains out only to have Hart get the win and be sneak attacked by LAX. Later in the evening after the LAX main event, Hart came back out and cut an incredible promo for JAPW's March 8th event in Jersey City and the Giant Screens announced in pictures his partner to be SAMOA JOE. The marks standing next to me were so bowled over by Hart's promo I think they actually felt that when the lights went out that Samoa Joe was going to do a run-in at that moment. Nice Job Frankie.
Other good matches were Danny Demento beating my old buddy Devon Storm in a wild card match, and Romeo and Killings put on an incredible battle actually filmed for Aronofsky's movie. Both guys have remarkable in-ring talent and for those who don't know Killings is going back to WWE very shortly. I spoke to Ron and Romeo in the locker room and both are great guys. I love Romeo's Hip Hop dancing, even after he got pinned. The crowd popped big time.
The main event was LAX mauling the crap out of Motor City Machine Guns. It was great booking. It just shows to me that TNA is more on the map than ever.
My all time fav was absolutely the NJ State Title Match featuring the current title holder Archadia against non other than JAPW-Bred Jay Lethal; now known as TNA superstar Black Machismo. Jay is so over on television that I knew he would get a huge pop on coming out, but never anticipated an MSG deafening pop and a near full standing ovation. Needless to say Archadia grabbed the mic and cut a slight racial promo on Jay which was actually kind of funny because it's "his month"..(meaning February is Black History Month). This match had Wild Card stipulation rules and Black Machismo dominated. Part of the stip was that if Machismo lost he would have to forever leave JAPW's promotion, and that's where he got his start. Jay's charisma in the ring is far more saturating in person than even on Spike TV and the two worked very well together especially with high risk moves. Hottie Alexa Thatcher and DJ Hyde were ringside for Archadia and Alexa actually put on Machismo's beautiful robe to taunt him. Machismo was visably upset with her wearing it. Alexa did If it were my robe, I'd probably never wash it again. Archadia retained his title due to interference by Lethal's partner "Azireal" who did a run-in to try to save Jay, but ended up accidentally nailing Machismo to set up the win for Archadia. After the match, probably due to Machismo's newly found TNA heavy schedule, Azireal turned on Lethal and gave him a brutal beating. Machismo was definitely not happy that he had to leave the promotion, but I am personally assuming that he is so over on TNA with his gimmick that there is a huge demand for him in TNA's house shows, as well as other indy organizations. I am going to be booking him a lot myself. Everyone knows I am a big fan of the Macho Man. Jay's impersonation of Randy Savage is actually the best I have ever heard. He told me last night that his biggest thrill was wrestling Lanny Poffo a couple of years ago, since brother Randy is his childhood hero.
Also on the card were Alex Shelly and Chris Sabin who worked in the main event again LAX. Due to my foaming at the mouth over Becky Bayless I missed most of the match being that I was in the locker room. Becky is hot, hot, hot......ahhhh to be young.... Becky surely has been getting around (not in the sexual sense) as she works regularly for ROH, WSU, and is being mentored by the one and only First Lady of Wrestling, Missy Hyatt. My own suggestion to gals like Becky, who are valet's in different indys, if you see legendary female talent at any shows, like Missy, Dawn Marie or Tammy, don't be affraid to go up to them to ask for suggestions and help. They will be all to happy to help you. That's what it's all about, passing the torch. Can't wait for Thursday and Friday this week when I shoot ringside and hang with the boys of TNA in their first house shows in NY, Thursday at a NYC hot nite club and Friday night at the well appointed Westbury Music Fair, now known as the West Fork Theater. My only regret is that my dear friend CH (and I don't mean Christian Hero, though I like the guy and his gimmick) is booked on Fangoria, a Chiller theater type expo in Chicago. Damn you Christy.
From: Scott Epstein
Tags:
