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 Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2014 10:10 pm
For a lot of fans enticed by professional wrestling, they want to learn more than just the rivalries and moves that their favorite wrestlers use. So we've decided to take some shots, or shoot, on the industry and dissect the brains of some of the finest athletes in the world! Want to hear some stories about funny ribs the wrestlers pull on one-another? Want to find out the relationships and bonds some of these combatants share in the ring? Are you interested in finding out their favorite moments and most prideful personal accomplishments? This is the place for you!
[Rules are simple. Don't actually ******** shoot on someone to try to make them seem lower than anyone else in the community; try to find a balance between breaking the fourth wall and staying in character, but not at the expense of others. I advise that any "beefs" you publish are in character ones, especially with someone you have mutual respect for. This isn't TMZ, just a project that is meant to promote interest in characters. ANY ROAD STORIES YOU POST NEED TO BE APPROVED BY THE PEOPLE YOU INVOLVE.]
Some questions will include most of the following:
- fan questions (about 3 or 4; a balance of comedy, critique, and praise)
- favorite tag team partners
- favorite moments, matches, or accomplishments
- introduction to the business
- opinions of old in-character rivals (it will probably be asked after any other answer they are mentioned in)
- road stories
Schedule:
August 23: Hiro Shin-MozasAugust 30: Salem CroftSeptember 6: Kelly King 2.0September 13: Whale HelmetIndex:
Page 1 -- AJ Warner, Freakshow, Jack Arson, Matt Shanahan
Page 2 --
...
Interviews will take place every Saturday. Simply send me a PM on here for a request. It's on a first-come, first-serve basis. The questions will not always be the same but we will work together in the days before posting to see what questions you are comfortable answering.
If skype is more conventional and convenient for you, my skype name is pkeeaane. I'm online quite often.
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Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2014 10:18 pm
Kelly King likes this post.
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ProtoWolf 2.0 Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2014 10:21 pm
ProtoWolf 2.0 Kelly King likes this post. Andrew James Warner likes your comment: "Kelly King likes this post." (Just now)
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Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2014 6:49 pm
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Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2014 6:04 pm
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Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 10:26 pm
AJ WARNER Episode #1: "Shoots and Suplexes" ---- Hello, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the first edition of Taking Shots! I'm your host, Kevin Beck, and sitting in the leather chair next to me is none other than the Suplex Shooter, himself, AJ Warner. AJ, welcome to the show man.
Thanks for having me, it's rare anyone puts me first as anything so I appreciate it.
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You're always first here, Shooter, but I have to ask you: that mentality of never feeling good enough... where does that come from? You've feuded with the l-
See, Kevin, that's where I gotta stop you. I always thought I was good enough, in fact I think my style and my delivery is second to none. But a lot of people always thought I was too outspoken, or I didn't change my character enough, or I was just a really bitter man. But that's who I am, and to advertise myself as something I'm not for an audience? A lot of people try to adjust what they have but I've always made the most of who I am, and that bitterness I think you're implying is a culmination of things. Every thing in life is a culmination of things, Kevin. Another thing I gotta say is... I know the points you're trying to make and I'm not going to misinterpret you but bringing up the feuds I've had with big names... I appreciate your intentions but I don't want to be remembered for working with other people. The road I traveled to get here should speak for itself.
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My apologies for that, I was trying to compliment your career for the battles you've fought.
None taken, again I understand your job and this being your first show, I'm keeping an open mind.
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Now, this show was meant to dabble into your background but like you said earlier and in various promos, you don't hide your past hardships and often you wear your emotions on your sleeve. So let's ignore that aspect so you don't have to repeat yourself-
Good man
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*chuckles* And let's talk about today. How are you today, Mr. Warner?
Hmmmm... you know what? I can't complain. I'm clean, I got a beautiful girlfriend, I opened a diner in my hometown of Edmonton, I'm getting to work with some really promising talent, Aiden Covell in WWE Evolution and Ryan Killman in Bad Blood Wrestling, so I'm happy. Shanahan does a good job of running his show and I don't have any complaints about where I'm at. Do I wish I could still be kicking a** in the ring? Sure, but just because I hung up the boots doesn't mean I can't make an impact in this place. I think, personally... it is our duty as veterans, especially successful ones, to promote young talent. It's a blessing in disguise to work with two of the best young guys on any given roster right now.
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You wouldn't happen to have a preference, would ya?
They're just so different from one another. Aiden is very calculated, a guy who pays close attention to fundamentals. Killman is a loose cannon and every time he hits you in the mouth, the ******** passion and madness of that guy is felt. They both have their advantages but right now I'm trying to set the bar at an impossible standard because I know they'll both fight and claw their way to reach it. They are hungry as hell and like I said, it's a blessing to be working with those two.
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You did, however, say you were going to originally work with Jarel Damone in your most recent piece. What went wrong?
Like I said, Jarel never had it. Never will. There wouldn't be the big names like Cartwright and Freakshow without the little guys to walk on. That little guy always was and always has been Jarel. Those are facts and I won't sugarcoat anything.
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So if I were to ask you who your favorite person to work with, you wouldn't have an answer?
Oh, I definitely would: it's Prodigy, but Freak is a close second. Working within iWo was the most fun I've ever had in my career. I know with all the unforgettable moments you see, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle but I remember with Prodigy's match against Edge, I ran in and slid a fire extinguisher in Edge's balls, in fact I got a "thank you" email from Matt Hardy for it. But that's besides the point, if you watch closely that match you can see me laughing during my whole cameo appearance and whatnot. But that was because there was a guy named... Paul something, who knows? Anywho, he was supposed to come down from the rafters and interfere for us, so we could reveal himself as a third member. But the weeks before, he was just... I'm just gonna say it, he was an annoying f*****t. Didn't drink, questioned every strategy we had, he just was another one of those guys who didn't have it. But another thing about this Paul fellow was that he was afraid, and I mean... TERRIFIED of clowns. So on the platform where he would descend from, we flooded it with cardboard cut-outs of clowns. And sure enough, he ran right out of that building and has never been seen in a locker room since. I think he tried to show up in AAGP but, him and that place turned out the same. As for Freak, there's a huge mutual respect we share for one another. I think he was really busy though, watching after all his other guys. Summers, Fatsumoto, JB, all of them. Freak was too busy to become too close with but he's still a great friend of mine. Cyrus was also incredibly fun to work with but that was short-lived due to personal issues.
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Thats an interesting answer, since you haven't been too well-known for being a cooperative guy.
Well, I was a kid blinded by the world's shiniest gold. Prodigy and Freak didn't hold me back from that, we vicariously succeeded through one another. But I'm getting that same opportunity through my new partners, Killman and Covell.
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I've actually done my studying and it seems to me that a lot of your proudest times were in Twisted Flow. Is this true or am I assuming again?
No, I think you're absolutely right. I was a workhorse there. I mean looking back, I was so dumb and just... I was just bad. But I had an endless desire to improve and getting to drop King on his head, getting to team with Prodigy, getting to represent ECW and hold the World Heavyweight Championship all at once... I will never forget the privilege I had working there. I made myself a household name there, and WWE Unlimited as well. In the U, I challenged Disciple and Randy & I put on classic matches all the time. It was a blessing to have the opportunities I did. Right place, right time.
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We have some fan questions for you now, AJ, we call this segment Four Corners. There are four random questions selected from our Facebook page, you ready to give it a go?
This isn't gonna be good, I imagine
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Ashley Wells of Sparks, NV asked us, "Why so many theme songs and which one was your favorite?"
Theme songs are such an overrated part of this business, but if I had to pick a favorite it's Red Eyes and Tears. It served it's intimidating purpose and hyped me up for every fight. I don't fight anymore though, so I digress.
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Daniel Mackenzie of Davenport, Iowa was our first comment and he asked, brace yourself... "How big is Harli's d**k?"
*belly laughs* What? WHAT?! Why do you do this to me internet, why?!... I really don't know how to answer this but damn that caught me off guard. I'm sure it's gotta be impressive if someone's willing to ask around.
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You always have to prepare for these kind of things, unfortunately. But our next question is from Owen Jameson from Miami, Florida and he says, "AJ I know you are the man of a million suplexes but which variation is your favorite and why?"
During my tenure, I'd say my favorite to do was the Half Nelson. Just watching people fold on their necks each and every time it was done... I mean, as a man who holds nothing back in the ring, why wouldn't you want do abuse that move as much as you could? There was one I was learning before my injuries, but unfortunately I never got the chance to use it in a match. Same premise though.
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Our fourth and final question is from Garrett Evans from hey! He's from Edmonton, and he wants to know... how did you like your guys' hometown? And he also adds, out of all the people you haven't feuded with, who would you like to fight?
I wasn't exposed to it too much. Just because of the financial and family situation I was in, I was stuck in a small neighborhood just outside downtown... and it was okay. There's assholes and heroes everywhere you go, but I'll admit that I do take pride in being from Edmonton. Sure the Oilers suck, but other than that, we've got a lot of smart people from humble beginnings, much like myself. As to who I would fight? Shanahan or Salem. There's a rivalry that comes from just different beliefs, different approaches to certain things. It's a shame I never put them in their place but if we can ever find a fair chance to settle things, I'll be coming through the curtain first. In fact, Killman's handling the Salem problem for me.
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AJ, I know this felt short because we didn't get to go over your past too much per request and you have a flight to catch, but it's been a pleasure. Let's catch up again soon, shall we?
Absolutely, I'll be watching next week. There's too many stories of Freak's that I have yet to hear.
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Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2014 10:00 am
Episode 2 will be pushed back a week; Freakshow is currently out of town and I have been terribly ill
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Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2014 4:32 pm
The Warner interview is great, good job to both of you! smile
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Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2014 10:34 am
FREAKSHOW Episode #2: "Freak In, Freak Out" ---- Hello ladies and gentlemen, this is episode two of Taking Shots with Kevin Beck. I'm, of course, Kevin Beck, and the man I get to interview today.... no offense to him, but he's a bit of a freak.
It's an absolute pleasure to be here Beck. Really, it is. My PR guy tells me I'm gunna be on a show called Taking Shots, I come here, and it's dry as a ******** desert. I hope you fellas got advil or else it's gunna be a long day for the both of us... I really like your bowtie by the way. Very modern. *Reaches into pocket for cigarettes* Want one?
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No thanks. We have alcohol here yknow but George is probably smuggling it in his car. Anywho, let's get this started Freakshow. You're an entrepreneur, a charismatic personality, and a legend in the ring. Despite being so busy, are there any projects you have planned for the future?
The future? My plan for the future as of right now is to go down the street for some lobster, then hit O'Bannon's for some a little company. It's an older crowd but I don't mind it cause that's when they get desperate. The long term future? What with flyin' cars and stuff? I dunno about that. Right now I'm wonderin' where the hell my movie offers are at. 'Sides that I might do a little training. I've dabbled in that, haven't done it much 'cause they usually don't put me with guys who... Well.. You know, suck,
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I love hearing about the idea of you training, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. However you've looked impressive in one of your more recent bouts, a match against Salem Croft in the Lethal Wrestling League. How do you think that match ranks amongst the fights you've had in your career?
I got my a** burnt again in that one. It's up there. Christ. People are always tryin' to burn me, I've been burnt, what, six different times? I liked it just fine other than that. Technically, ya know. He caught my eye on the indies as someone who knew what he was doing. God those indies. They can be such s**t. Occasionally someone remotely talented shows up and they get christ treatment. Salem seemed remotely talented. I think the match confirmed it in excess. I admit it was sorta intimidating. Here's this ********' intense workhorse whose got eveything to prove. And me, Mr. As Little as ******** Possible for 20 plus years, proudly, just lookin' for a warmup. Got me in shape that's for sure. He's doin some good s**t now. I suppose he'd benefit slowin' down a bit. I think that about eveyone though.
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Freakshow being humble? I'm impressed.
Well don't get it mixed up pal, it takes two to tango. Sure, after awhile you get good and people expect you to uh, pull more weight. And I'm fine with that, it's easy, it just ain't any fun. ******** masturbatoy is what it is. Like ******** a fleshlight. I mean, yeah. I'm sure I could get a good two or three stars out of say, a broom. But now that I'm retired.. or something.. The question isn't can I work with you. It's do I want to work with you more than I want to get drunk and play golf.
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Hmmm... touché. Back to your last response, one man who has not been slowing down recently is your long-time partner in crime, Brantley Summers, who's now the EWA World Champion. Tell me how rewarding it felt to finally see your friend at the top of the food chain.
Rewarding?! Oh yeah, it's been rewarding. Those championship perks? They spill over, big time. Again, I figured there was something good in that boy from the start. Well, not really, I didn't know s**t about him when we first teamed. Mutual necessity, that's what made that team. I was dickin' around in FWD, waiting for my no compete in EEW to end. He was... A pirate. We got tossed together and it worked real, real well. Sometimes people say I mentor'd him but it didn't feel that way, cause A, he was actually useful And B, he learns through osmosis, constantly absorbing, like a sponge... Or a blowfish... Bookers like that, not fish, malleability. You gotta be able to play any role and work any style. My clients got that in spades, spades I say!
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Well congratulations to you and Mr. Summers, you two have made a lot of enemies over the years but you guys are sitting pretty. As far as the rest of your crew, the Midnight Marauders Inc., how do you select these guys?
For starts I don't manage anyone I don't like, ya know, personally. If I can't communicate with you I can't manage you. Some guys, their good, but ******** are they dense. Some of these guys I gotta spend 8+ hours in a car with. I look for smarts. I mean, if you can bust out some moves, if you're strong, if you can fly, yeah, it helps. Thats not my racquet. If you really wanna impress me, longterm, show me some psychology. If I'm watching your match, I'm not paying attention to your spots, I'm paying attention to the spaces in-between. Also, I will not tolerate people who are uncharismatic. People tell me, Freak, you're a manager, you're 'spose to talk for them. Well ******** you, whattya think the Inc. is for? I'm running a COMPANY and I'm running it by the margins. I won't make a dime off a shy guy. Oh sure, maybe It'll come to him, but I'm not a patient man.
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A businessman at heart, I can respect that. And by the way it sounds, you're a pretty picky guy.
What can I say. Quality over quantity, that's my philosophy. I can have a handful of the very best or an army of scragglers. Each one has its perks. I picked the former because I don't wanna have to memorize that many birthdays.
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*laughs* I don't fault you there. But I'm sorry to ask questions about other people, let's shift back to you. In terms of your career, Freakshow... despite all of these contributions you've made to the careers of your staff, what would you say is your proudest personal accomplishment?
Besides the Suck-A-Duck match?
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Well if the shoe fits...
I'm proud of that storyline. It went places. I got to have a slave. I know most people would put down a title or a hall of fame thing, but it's the simple pleasures. My number one priority has always been to get a strong reaction, usually it's a negative one. If you can do that money and belts will follow. My backstage vignettes in FWD come to mind, I got a lot of savvy people to actually hate me in those ones.
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Well Freak, before you turn any one of my secretaries into a slave, it's time for Four Corners, a segment where we pick four random questions for you asked by fans of your work. I must want you, these questions are from our Facebook page. You ready?
I didn't know I had fans. Shoot.
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One lucky girl named Alicia Geoffry from Boston, Massachusetts asks... "How do I become apart of the Midnight Marauders?"
She's from Boston she can't be that lucky. Uh, maybe send us some pictures Alicia. We're always looking for.. staff.. at the bar.
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Eric Thames from Minneapolis, Minnesota asks Freak... "How did you and Summers come to be so close?"
Prolonged exposure to eachother and mutual hate for others. Plus, uh, common interests. I like, hah, the nicer things. After a match, some guys go straight to the hotel, I make a few stops and get there at around 5. What can I say eh? I started in deathmatches, I'm a product of my environment. Most of the guys from that scene got clean, retired, or died. I'm glad I only did one. Summers could keep up in terms of the night life, so I felt obligated to pull my weight in the ring. Wasn't what I had planned. 'Cause ********, you don't team with a skilled newer guy, not to mention a stranger, because you're looking to do your lifes work. You do it because you want to get paid the same money to spend half of the time standing in a corner. Considering my intentions going into things probably, the team wouldn't worked out how it did if he wasn't capable of ...The life, let's call it.. After awhile I taught him stuff too, 'cause I knew the more he knew how to do my job, the less I'd have to do my job.
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I'm really interested in elaborating on this but we have only two more questions and they're fan made, so I digress. Michael Kowalski of Edmond, Washington asked... oh God... *sigh* "How big is Harli's d**k?"
Exactly as big as you'd expect it to be.
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I don't wanna know... but I'm glad someone does! As for our final question, Freak, Derrick Hammel from Boise, Idaho wants to know... "What is the funniest rib you have pulled on someone or witnessed?"
I have it on good authority that the existence and career of Matt Shanahan is actually one prolonged, elaborate rib on me. Everytime he won a belt or match I would sit there, backstage, and wait for someone to fill me in on it. Not once did it happen. Not once. Besides that, uuuh.. If there's s**t in your bag, it's mine. No questions.
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Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2014 11:57 pm
JACK ARSON Episode #3: "Fire At Will." ---- And after a disgusting sinus infection, wonderful divorce, and vacation in Japan, welcome back to the third episode of Taking Shots with Kevin Beck. I am, of course, your host Kevin Beck, and after a long absence, I had to bring in a very controversial name in the business right now. So hold your applause -- or boos -- and please welcome my guest at this time, the One Man Wrecking Crew, Jack Arson. Welcome to the show, big man.
Good to be here, Kevin. You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say that secretary of yours is not a fan because the simple b***h acted like she didn't know who I was until I threatened to smash her laptop with my sledgehammer. You should look into replacing her, man.
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Yeah I'll uhhh... I'll look into that. As a matter of fact, I'll give her the day off to think about what she's done. But that's besides the point! You're here, you're healthy, and last time a lot of us fans saw you... it seemed like the angriest you had been. Would you say, in terms of your career and how it has painted you as this... rebellious war machine... is this the most frustrated you've been with management?
The most frustrated I've ever been? That's an absolute understatement, Kevin. You have guys who are coming back from hiatus like Bad Boy, AJ Warner, and a few others who get opportunities thrown their way because upper management views these men as hot commodities. What I see when I look at them is poster material, guys who can sell t-shirts and funny-lookin' action figures, while a guy like me gets pushed further and further down the card because all I want to do to these poster boys is ball up my fist and knock their teeth down their throat.
Let's face facts, Kevin: you're here to ask tough questions and dig deep to get a scoop, so let me shoot from the hip and be a hundred percent honest here. There is not a man walking around as an active superstar that would be able to out-wrestle me if a booker would let me loose on their roster to do whatever I wanted. Not Shanahan, not Jake Roman, not Disciple, Bryan Bain, J.W. Caliber, Rex Kobra... you name them and I guarantee you if they climbed into a ring with me, I would absolutely destroy them and have "fun" doing it. Because truthfully Kevin, while many of the people around here have their fun putting on a show for these idiotic fans that will turn on you in a second, I'm only having fun if I'm winning. You show me a man who says it's fun to lose, and I'll slap him for being a retard.
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But isn't there, to a degree, a underlying amount of respect for veterans like these "poster material" guys you speak of? There have been many rumblings backstage that since the day your brother Angel introduced you into the business, you haven't necessarily shown any respect for a lot of the boys in the back. Would you agree, and if so, why do you think that is?
Respect? Kevin, do you see who you're looking at? I'm the type of guy that comes along in this business once in a blue moon. Not only am I well over six feet tall and three hundred twenty pounds, but at seven-years-old, I was put in foster care and spent my free time studying guys like Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, and so many other incredible talents. Then I got adopted by Angel's money-hungry dad who thought he was gonna turn me into a money-maker for him. I mean, the man took me to Atlanta in 1996 to watch Kurt win his gold medal, and it is damn true: he did it with a broken freakin' neck. It was poetic how ruthless that man was.
Fast forward to when I was thirteen. I decided I didn't want to be apart of a family that only wanted me around for my overly-athletic genes, so I decided to hit the streets of Chicago and that's the last time I ever saw my folks. So to answer your question as to why I don't respect some of these veterans around here, Kevin? It's simple: I don't respect anyone. I'm not prejudiced and I don't play favorites. I've even kicked Angel's a** when he stepped in my way. Not that I wouldn't do anything for him, but I'm also not gonna allow him to hinder me. The rumblings backstage are from people who feel I shouldn't be walking around with this chip on my shoulder, and to those people I say this: step up and try to sit me down if you think you can.
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You know, it's easy to understand your bitterness. I'm sure a lot of other men who have gone several years without gold are a bit angry about their woes, but you seem to be the most vocal about it... yet... I find it odd that you haven't brought up your ongoing rival, Salem Croft. Where does he fit into all of this?
He is no exception. Salem claims that he is the "Most Wanted Man in Wrestling", and that he's the future, yet there are times Salem can't even be bothered to show up for work. You want to know why I have a problem with Salem, Kevin? It's simple. Salem Croft is talented. I'm not gonna sit here and pretend like he isn't gifted with a microphone, as well as an in-ring competitor. He defeated me fair and square at Wrestlemania, which led to me being suspended due to the stipulation of the match. What I do have a problem with is the fact that Salem is now the principle owner of WWFG, and he was announced the owner after I defeated him at Summerslam, and ended his tenure as a wrestler. Twenty-four hours later, he's in front of the Board of Directors, begging for his job back, and to me? Thats the act of a man who cannot accept defeat.
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I actually watched that match, and truth be told, I was incredibly impressed with how you were able to be put over in such a high-stakes match. But if he is -- like you're saying -- finding ways out of these predicaments, what is your goal by going against him now?
I only have one goal in WWFG: winning. Salem is a suit now, so as long as he stays behind his desk and does his job as the owner and acting General Manager, then I am bound by my contract not to touch him. However Kev, if he decides to take his personal feelings against me and use them to make my tenure in WWFG difficult, then I'll be left with no choice but to make basic human luxuries, such as walking and chewing food, difficult for him. I won't have someone looming over me like my brother Angel did. Angel spent his entire career obsessing over his hatred for Chrono, and it led to him having absolutely nothing to show for his career. Angel had star potential, but he let an obsession control him. Me? I'll simply erase the problem, and I don't need to be in a ring to do it. I have no problem kicking Salem's a** wherever I can get my hands on him if he ******** with me.
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Now... I'm going to switch gears here and let's try to take the subject off your anger, and address some positives of your career. What events during your tenure have made a positive impact on you personally and professionally?
You know, Kevin? I rack my brain and try to pick a moment that was positive, but a man like me has very few friends and even fewer happy moments. The closest things I can come up with was me winning the World Title in LWL, but even that was bittersweet because I was stripped of that title because I refused to lay down for Jarel Damone and basically hand him something I worked my entire career for. I also won the tag team titles with my brother Angel, and they were also stripped from me. You want to know how these moments effected me personally and professionally? Well let me tell you, having a title stripped from you is the most embarrassing thing that can ever happen to a wrestler, which probably what has made me so angry recently. I've busted my a**, both in and out of the ring, not only to maintain my physique, but to be one of the most dangerous men in this business and it seems like the one thing I have ever been good at is the source of my anger. It's getting to the point where I am questioning if I should even be here.
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Why do you need to illustrate your strength, or your power, or your presence in the ring with a world title? Some would argue that some of the greatest performers in history didn't need belts to get over.
The greatest men to never hold World Titles were entertainers, Kevin. They drew in a crowd because people liked them. Well no one likes me and I don't think that is a secret. What's even more obvious is the lack of respect people have for my in-ring abilities. I've done things to try and get myself over. Does anyone remember the time I blew up a tour bus in DHW? Do you, Kevin?
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Yes I do. It's not everyday you hear of wrestlers blowing up tour buses.
Well, it's not everyday you come across a guy like me: someone who is willing to do ANYTHING it takes to make an impact.
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Well, now's the closing segment, and I'm sure you've heard of it, but this is called four corners. We have four questions for you, each one asked by a fan selected at random. You ready?
Oh this should be rich. Yeah, I suppose so, Kevin.
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Our first question is from Jeff Browning from Oklahoma City, and he's curious to find out... What is the funniest thing you've witnessed during your career?
Hmm, probably when R&B sensation Chris Brown s**t his pants after I put him through a table in EEW. I just figured if he could hit a woman, he could take a bump. I guess I was mistaken.
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Well I'm sure he's taken bumps, but different kinds if you know what I mean. The next question we have is from Francisco Gutierrez out of Baton Rogue, LA... have you ever tried or thought about using performance-enhancing drugs?
Everything I use is natural. There has always been the rumor floating around that I use juice, but I'm gonna crush that rumor right here and now. I don't need steroids to be a dominating force in this business, I just work hard.
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Good to get that rumor out of the way! Our next question is from Nathan Hervey from Madison, WI, and he wants to know... hows your relationship with Angel?
I knew someone was gonna ask this. Angel and I had a spat back in EEW, when I had to turn on my brother in order to break out of the role of his enforcer. It's part of the business, he knew that as well as anyone else. Backstage, we have never had problems. I've held tag titles with him, and he has stood behind me as my manager before. Blood is thicker then water, Kev, and I will always have Angels back, and he feels the same way toward me.
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I'm happy to hear that, for a man I thought had no friends, it's good you got some positive relationships in your life. And finally, it's.... alright... I'm not going to accept these anymore. This is ******** dumb. GEORGE, YOU QUIT STEALING MY DRINKS AND HAVING ME ASK THESE!... Okay, our final question Jack is from Liam West out of Buffalo. NY and he wants to know how big Harli's d**k is.
Why doesn't Liam blow him and find out for himself? I'm pretty sure Harli could use the action.
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Thats a new answer! Everyone finds a new way to answer it. How many times do people have to ask until we find out? The world may never know. Jack, it's been a pleasure. You keep up the good work.
Keep your eye on me, Kev. I have a feeling 2014 still has a lot in store for me. Now are there gonna be shots, or some cannabis, or what? I mean seriously, you call your show Taking Shots and I don't see a bottle anywhere.
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ProtoWolf 2.0 Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2014 4:00 pm
Kelly King continues to like this post.
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Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2014 4:27 pm
ProtoWolf 2.0 Kelly King continues to like this post. Is Kelly King implying he wishes to be on an episode with Kevin Beck?
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ProtoWolf 2.0 Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2014 7:27 pm
Andrew James Warner ProtoWolf 2.0 Kelly King continues to like this post. Is Kelly King implying he wishes to be on an episode with Kevin Beck? Kelly King likes this post.
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Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2014 7:58 pm
ProtoWolf 2.0 Andrew James Warner ProtoWolf 2.0 Kelly King continues to like this post. Is Kelly King implying he wishes to be on an episode with Kevin Beck? Kelly King likes this post. Sept. 13, if not sooner. Expect a Skype message from me, good man.
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Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2014 12:07 am
MATT SHANAHAN Episode #4: "The Storm Strikes" ---- Welcome everybody, and after last week's episode and a whole lot of Percocet, I am privileged to introduce a man that needs no introduction. But this is the Storm we're talking about! Matt Shanahan, welcome to Taking Shots with Kevin Beck? I'm excited. You excited?
Am I excited? Are you asking me if I'm excited to be interviewed, after being contacted about this multiple times, and then being postponed after finally accepting?... Yeah, I'm pretty excited, I guess.
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I need a new staff. George, well... ANYWAYS, after trying to figure out where to being with you, Matt, let me just say. This seems like the Year of the Storm. You're running a successful federation, you're the WWFG Champion, I mean... does it get any better than this?
Honestly, no. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's about to go way downhill. I've won a title that I sought after for 4 years, I've managed to maintain the WWF:G Championship and the WWE:E Championship since winning them and dealing with a seemingly endless list of contenders, I've maintained my Wrestlemania streak, and I've got Bad Blood Wrestling until my control. Looking on the surface of it, I'm on top of the world; I'm sure life's about to start sucking the big one soon enough, though.
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But compared to when you started, did you ever think you'd be in this position you were in? Take me back to your first day in this sport, just so we can get a glimpse of how things have changed.
My first day? Oh jeez... it's been a long time since I've thought back there. I should start by saying that this profession was never once I was meant for. I needed some form of income, and baseball wasn't exactly working out. I was trying to support my younger brother, so I was pretty desperate. A few friends saw that Extreme Entertainment Wrestling was in Philadelphia to recruit some new blood, and they thought I should give it a shot. I knew nothing about wrestling, but I knew how to fight; I figured I might be able to manage through one or two shows and get enough cash together to make it through a month. I went to the try-out and was pitted against some guy named Young Pimpin'. Needless to say... it didn't go swimmingly. But, they wanted to keep me on; they said a man of my size was a rare commodity and they could mold me into something big. They never did that, but it started me on my way to where I am now, I suppose. But, if I ever thought I'd be where I am now? Not for a single moment. I still find it hard to believe.
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What was the first moment in your career that made you think... 'OK, I can make something special out of this' or 'I'm ready to put this company on my back'?
Heh... that's an interesting question. I had two moments like that, but the big one was when I encountered International Championship Wrestling. Back when they started, they were WWA... I forget what it stood for, but many people thought it to be a joke. Including the 'Bloody Carnage Mafia', who was notorious for making a mockery out of companies they didn't like back then. Unfortunately, I was involved. But when we encountered this company... something felt different. I saw potential where people didn't, because everyone there started out like I had. So, I stayed there and help rebuild them into ICW, which would go on to become one of the most heralded 'indy' federations to this day. That company was the first to make me a main eventer, and I helped them achieve much of the success they had. Honestly, it was one of the best times of my life, and it made me realize that this industry is one I can really be part of.
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Was ICW your favorite promotion to be apart of, looking back? Of course, this doesn't include Bad Blood Wrestling since you own the place.
You know, it's a bit of a toss-up. ICW is where I saw my first success and had the most enjoyable time, but Kelly King's Free For All holds a special place in my heart. I won the US Championship there on their revival show, a title that I still hold, and everything there was just fun. Kelly King knows how to run a promotion better than most, and I really want to see FFA make a come-back one day. It still fights for that position as 'favorite promotion' to this day. ICW is tough competition though.
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So, I'm going to touch a bit on your wrestling career and accolades soon, but I must ask, what made you decide to take a jab at opening your own promotion and what traits from FFA and ICW influenced some traits of BBW?
BBW was really a spur of the moment kind of deal. Many people don't know this, but it actually wasn't my idea to start out; it was Marxx's, the Midnight Role Model, as you know him. He contacted me after I kinda fell off the radar again in mid-2013 and suggested investing into some upcoming wrestling promotion. These people had the drive to start the company, but no real knowledge. So, we stepped in. We didn't know where we wanted to go with it, but I knew I wanted to keep it humble like ICW. I didn't want the flare that other companies like WWFG use. Something simple but creative. So, I essentially took the idea of Outdoor Extreme Championship Wrestling and ICW, then smashed them together like a 3 year old with two cars. As for FFA, well... we have Kelly King on board as Head of Talent Relations, so FFA gets a big nod from us.
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It's really interesting that BBW didn't really necessarily copy anyone, but it took one trait from one company, one from another, so on and so forth... and it really evolved into it's own identity.
Well in today's world, that's what it's all about. When you think about it, every idea's been done or attempted. The magic's been captured somewhere. So instead of trying to make BBW something vastly unique or another carbon copy of a different federation, I took aspects of my favorite industries and tried to piece them together in a way to harness the best of everything. It was also a matter of looking at the current state of the industry and realizing what was missing. Personally, I think we've managed just that. We've filled the void, and we've made BBW into something that everyone can enjoy.
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Now, let's take you out of that metaphorical suit and put a baseball bat in your hands -- figuratively, of course. If you were to pick a couple matches, or even one match, that defines you in a nutshell, that you could look back on and say with all feelings aside, 'This match was a wrestling classic'... what would that be? I have a few guesses of my own, but I'd like to get your take.
Heh... I think you and everyone else knows what I'll pick for a couple of them. To start off, every match I had with Freakshow will be a classic in my eyes. Kicking his a** became more fun than playing baseball bat itself, especially when his head played the role -of- a baseball. My work with Mike Landry was also incredibly enjoyable as well. But three matches come to mind that really just.. set aside who I really am in the ring. First, my 'Extreme Rules' match with DJ The Perfectionist in ICW. Hardcore wrestling is a passion of mine, and I showed it in that match. Second, my most recent match with Bad Boy out in WWF:G. It's far too recent for anyone to consider it a classic, but he pushed me to a limit that I hadn't hit in years, and he gave me the best contest all year. I'd definitely say that he deserves that title a hell of a lot more than me, or anyone else in that company; he'll get it one day, I'm certain. Finally... Kelly King vs Matt Shanahan, Wrestlemania 2013. My longest match to date, and probably my most brutal. Despite all of our differences, that match will always be my best. Kelly King pushed me to limits I didn't even know I had. I was forced to utilize my background in hardcore wrestling, brawling, and shoot wrestling all in one match. Not once did I think we'd pull off what we did. So, those are mine. But what would yours be, I wonder?
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I'd agree with all of those choices. You've had some pretty bloody wars, Shanahan, and every time the final battle was waged, you excelled. Now, one more thing before we move one to Four Corners, because man, I would've had some beer and made this conversation last for hours if George wasn't AN ALCOHOLIC WITH JAUNDICE ON HIS FACE.... YEAH ********, YOU'RE LUCKY I'M NOT IN A POSITION TO FIR-... anywhoooo.... of all the world titles, the FFA US Championships, the successful promotion, the hard-fought battles... from your career, what do you hold near and dear to you the most?
Man, you're just throwing the tough questions my way all over the place. That's a tough one. Now you see, everyone, including that alcoholic that couldn't schedule this appropriately, everyone thinks that I would say the FFA US Championship. Or the EWA Sprocket Championship. Maybe even the ICW World Championship. BBW perhaps? Christina Parks? My battles with Freakshow, Mike Landry, Kelly King, and even Chrono Clepsydra? No, none of that... the one thing I cherish above all was my time with the Angered Alliance back in 2008. Despite how short our reign as a tag team was, Joey and I became the closest of brothers and the best of friends. There's not a single day where I don't look back at those days and smile. I miss him more than anything, and our time as the Angered Alliance is something I'll never let go of. Whether it was in GWF or FFA, we had fun and wrecked havoc everywhere we went. I wouldn't change a thing about those days.
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I gotta ask you the tough questions, Matt, you're the man of the hour! But yes, God rest Joey's soul, he would be my first guest on this show bar none. Now comes the easier part. George over there got to keep his job after throwing out all the questions about Harli's d**k, so now we got some fan questions headed your way. You ready for Four Corners?
Four Corners? Are they mashing the name of my moves together for s**t now? Bah, go on with it. But I swear, if I get a single question about Harli, your intern or whatever the ******** he is will be going through that goddamn table.
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As long as it's not me. Good luck lifting that fat piece of s**t too. Anyways, James Huff of Branson, MO is curious... with King's kids being modern day wrestlers, what are your thoughts of any of your children entering the business?
Oh man, that's a rough one... I don't have any kids, so I can't say I really care. At least, none that I'm remotely aware of.
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You sly devil. Somebody get this man some rubbers! Daryl Livingston out of Boulder, CO wants to find out if you ever plan on stepping in the ring in your own promotion in the near future. Your thoughts?
Well, it's funny you ask that. Honestly, I don't. I mean, every other owner steps into the ring of their own company at some point, and I'm sure I'll have to as well... but I REALLY don't want to. I didn't make BBW to take up a spotlight, I made it to put a spotlight on everyone else. Even taking away from their spotlight for a moment isn't a pleasant idea for me. So while I don't plan to at all, chances are it may happen someday. Probably against my will... definitely against my will.
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Our third question is from Amy Geraldine from Medford, OR. She asks you, Mr. Shanahan, of all the young talent being introduced in the spotlight in BBW, who has impressed you the most and why?
Great, now I get play 'Favorites'. Uh, as of right now, Aiden Covell and Jake Roman both are making a massive impression. Xavier X has done PHENOMENAL since his debut. Alex Rogers is quite... interesting. But I'd honestly have to say the biggest break-out star yet is J.W. Caliber. This guy came outta nowhere, and has already secured the Crimson City Championship and is doing very well for himself. Is my favorite? No, not by a long shot. But he's definitely making more waves than Whale Helmet diving into the ocean.
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Hey now, I got a Whale Helmet autograph a few months back. Everybody loves Whale Helmet. Even George, I think George has modeled his physique after him actually. Finally, last question from Arnold Fritz out of Louisville, KY needs to know, Shanahan... huh... okay. Well, it's selected by random so forgive me. He wanted to know what your favorite food is.
Philly cheesesteaks. Nothing beats a Philly cheesesteak. Nothing. Ever.
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Well Shanahan, thanks for coming on, man. Great interview today. I'm asking for a raise after this one. You take care, and until next time.
You should've asked for a raise after that last train wreck. Take care, you should consider doing this in BBW. We could use a new interviewer.
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