The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Hollywood Jimmy Blaylock, the Webmaster, or anyone else connected with this site. They are mine, and mine alone. If you agree with me, OK, and if you don’t, oh well....
The following was written by "Downtown" Bruno Lauer in a column posted at www.rasslinriotonline.com:
"And finally, check out the latest Wrestling News Center set of pics from some EPW or some such bullshit show, and pay attention to the pics...Does anybody pictured there even slightly look like they even DESERVE to make their living in this business? HELL F"N NO!!!! Look closely...elderly, infirm and just plain unappetizing to look at. These are NOT wrestlers These are goof balls who haven't got a fucking clue."
OK, “Downtown” Bruno Lauer is a Memphis Wrestling legend - I do not deny that at all. In addition to the in ring name of "Downtown" Bruno, I remember him also using the in ring names of Harvey Wippleman and "Uptown" Bruno. I am sure there have been other in ring names, I just don't remember what they are. He is, to the best of my recollection, the only guy to ever win the WWF/WWE Women's Championship. He is well known not only as a wrestler, but also as a manager and a referee. Laurer's bio, "Wrestling with The Truth," was published last year, and, by the way, is a good read. He currently referees in the Mid-South area, and is also currently employed in a behind-the-scenes position by WWE.
I have never met "Downtown" Bruno in person. I do, however, respect him for what he has accomplished in the wrestling business, as well as for his professionalism. I read his columns, and usually find them to be a good read.
Having given credit where credit is due, I have to say that I do not understand why he would attack the EPW organization based on a few pictures posted on this site.
EPW is a small wrestling organization in Booneville, Mississippi. EPW has very good shows week after week. Promoter Edith Poole is one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet, in addition to being sincere and honest. The workers on the roster at EPW strive very hard to put on a great show every week. I do not know of any who are "elderly and infirm," unless Bruno is talking about me, but hey, I'm not a wrestler, I'm just the announcer. There are some veterans on the roster, but what's wrong with that? There are some younger guys on the roster also, but what's wrong with that? There are no untrained workers on the roster. In addition, EPW, from time to time, kicks it up a notch by bringing in workers such as Don Bass, Bill Dundee, Gary Valiant, King Cobra, and Rodney Mack.
To the best of my recollection, "Downtown" Bruno has never been to an EPW show. He has ever seen the EPW workers do what they do best - entertain the crowd week after week. So, that again brings up the question: WHY would "Downtown" Bruno attack a wrestling organization he knows nothing about? Why would he bash workers he has never seen work?
As I stated above, I have always admired Bruno for his accomplishments and professionalism. However, his comments about EPW, in my opinion, were unprofessional.
So, to "Downtown" Bruno: I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to come to Booneville, MS, on a Saturday night and attend an EPW show as my guest. If, after watching the show, you have any advice or constructive criticism, I assure you we will gladly receive it. If after watching the show, you want to continue to bad-mouth EPW, so be it. I am sincere with this invitation - and I hope you will accept.
Now, before I end this column, I am sure there are those who will say that "Axeman is just taking up for EPW because he announces there." Yes, I do announce there. I do not have to announce at EPW, I choose to announce there for the reasons I have mentioned above. I have a blast announcing at EPW. And you bet your ass I am going to take up for EPW when they are unfairly and unprofessionally attacked.
That's the way I see it. If "Downtown" Bruno (or anyone else, for that matter) wishes to respond, my email is axemanchopchop@yahoo.com - or, just leave a comment to this post.
The Axeman has spoken.
2 comments:
axeman,i already made amends on jimmys message board,but will do so again here.i respect the way you stated your case,and you are 100% right,it was unprofessional of me to say what i said without warrant to do so. i apologize to the epw staff,promotion,and talent. i was upset over an incident in arkansas that i heard about and took out my frustrations on the wrong people and i apologize 100%,i hope we can moveon from this now,as i as a man,accept my responsibility in the fact that i was in the WRONG.thank you.
Apology accepted.
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