October 1st, 2001

This is the era of self-promotion and spin. No matter what, never admit a mistake or show weakness. Always focus on the positive and move forward. Well...

It was a very mentally tough weekend. It has been an emotionally challenging 72 hours. I am utterly drained. As a wrestler, I put everything I have into my performance. Every ounce of energy is expended in the hope of entertaining the fans.

I remember reading Dave Scherer's (from 1wrestling.com) PPV recap following Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit in a 1/2 ironman match a few months ago. Benoit and Angle worked their butts off and the crowd was dead silent. The crowd did not care. Scherer commented that it doesn't matter how great a match is if the fans don't buy into it and become emotionally involved.

I am not under the delusion that I am in the same class as Angle or Benoit. But, I certainly can empathize with the plight they endured. This weekend, I gave every bit I had and then some.

Was it a perfect match? No. Was it a great match? No. Was it solid? Yes. There were no blown spots. There was no miscommunication. The story we told made sense. However, the fans did not care. The fans were not emotionally involved. The match was a failure. I failed. I take full responsibility for the failure of that match. I made some judgement errors. I learned from those mistakes. I do not plan to make them again.

Now, on to the positives...

Some fans requested Al B. Damm (face) make an appearance for autographs. Al B. was called out of the locker room to meet and greet fans. Additionally, several school-aged girls applauded my every move and took the opportunity to snap several photos of me. A teenage boy sought me out to let me know he really enjoyed my match. A middle-aged woman made it a point to scream and call me a sissy most of the evening. The night was not a complete failure. I was able to please/torment some of the people in attendance.

This Friday evening I have a chance at redemption. I will be in Beaver, Ohio wrestling in a 4-way elimination match. The winner of the match becomes the number one contender for the PCW U.S. Title. The following afternoon, I will be in action at the IWA Red Cross relief fund event in Columbus, Ohio.