2002.03.04
Well, the Tough Enough 2 casting special has come and gone. On the whole, I think it was a good show. I think it will make for entertaining TV. We will have to wait and see if this season is as successful as the original.

Please check out my website, http://www.markmattis.com. I have several shows in Ohio during the month of March. If you are in the area, please stop by and catch the action.

Now, on to business. I need to vent some frustrations. I am an indy wrestler. I have been working shows for more than 2 years. I have seen a lot in my 2 years. I realize I still have a lot to learn. I realize that there are people more talented, gifted, intelligent than myself. I think the Tough Enough 2 casting special was a taste of what the wrestling industry really is.

226 people showed up in Las Vegas at the WWF's request. Each and every one of those people (myself included) truly believed that they belonged. Each and every person had confidence that they would be picked. They would not be denied their dream.

There was a physical test. Each person had to jump over a bag for 30-seconds, 10 clapping push-ups, and kip-up. The idea being that these tests would separate the athletes from the pretenders. Some of the 226 people passed these tests with flying colors, while others failed dismally.

The part the show didn't show you was how dismally some of the final 25 failed at the physical tests. Let's be honest, the 3 biggest guys taken for Tough Enough 2 could not perform a kip-up. Many of the girls couldn't even come close to doing a clapping push-up. But, the WWF still chose them over people that could perform the physical skills. Indy wrestling is very similar. It is not uncommon for the promoter's buddy to carry 'the strap' and main event every show. Meanwhile, talented guys that are busting their ass to improve flail about in prelim matches against guys that have no business in a ring to begin with.

Now, let's take a look at the final 25. They had an additional physical test. They had to run 3-miles. This seems simple enough. They run 1.5 miles and then put on a weighted backpack and run another 1.5 miles. This was brilliant.

They showed a small guy with the heart of a lion who won. He beat other 24 competitors in a race. His ability propelled him. But, sadly his effort was not enough. The WWF decided to cut him. He was not one of the final 13.

On the flip side, there was a large guy who could not do a kip-up. He has a big belly. He was shown walking during the 1.5 miles. He came in dead last during the run. The WWF decides he has what it takes to make the final 13. As the WWF tells us, "Remember fans, this is a competition."

So, a person with all of the physical ability and heart gets cut. A blubbering pool of physical waste makes the show. That sets the stage for an interesting season of Tough Enough.

Indy wrestling is the same way. It does not matter how hard you work. It doesn't matter how many hours you spend at the gym. Nothing you do really matters. In the end, your success or failure is solely the promoter's decision.

People who stay in wrestling for any period of time often end up very bitter and jaded. The politics of the business make it a hard pill to swallow. The Big Show has a contract and is regularly on TV. Jerry Lynn is not worth TV time or even worthy of a job. Bradshaw is on TV regularly. Yet, Billy Kidman and Dean Malenko are nowhere to be found.

I will admit, I am frustrated. This kind of frustration is what causes many to leave the business. It drives me. It pushes me. It makes me want it all the more.