Over the course of the “Future Shock” columns that I have written so far, I have looked at a number of the side issues surrounding wrestling. We’ve talked about the politics, the way promotions work in the UK, and lots of other elements such as booking, both here and abroad, and most recently attitude. Those issues are all very dear to my heart. They are not as dear to my heart as the art of wrestling, itself, however.
Over time, being involved in the wrestling business, I have had to focus on many things, and often times, being a part of a “business” means you put more consideration into the products appearance than the ingredients that go into it. Some of you may understand that remark better than others, but suffice is to say that in recent months I have been able to really get back to my love of the art of wrestling, rather than some of the politics that I had to deal with on a constant basis since I started out in wrestling. The politics I’m sure will never go away, but now I’m pleased to say that a new direction I have embarked upon with my dedication, and training, is restoring my faith in what brought me to love wrestling in the first place… and that believe it or not is the art of wrestling. Last year was a tiring one for me towards the end, full of highs and lows, but this year got off to a great start with a spot with NCW, and a follow up falls count anywhere brawl for the CWC down south.
It’s always been very important for me to enjoy what I do, and to be able to see a challenge that I can meet. I have chosen my recent matches wisely, accepting only certain bookings from people I like and trust, and although I am always eager to work for new people, I am as always keen to work for the right people only. For that reason I have worked only a couple of shows, but have made them count, and that is what’s important. Behind the scenes however is a different story. I am, as I just mentioned, embarking upon a new era in my career as far as the way I train, and the experience I hope to get, is concerned. I’m far from allowing myself to go “rusty” as so many pro wrestlers fall into the trap of doing this. As a capable pro wrestling coach, and experienced wrestler in my own right, I have seen pretty much everything that the sport has to offer. Short of a WWE contract or a full time commitment (hey- I once signed a full time contract but the group folded!), I’ve been around, and seen and heard a lot on my travels bending bones and discovering new lands.
The bending bones experience I have enjoyed passing on to others, such as the students at the RBW school of the future, towards the end of 2003, but I have been looking for a challenge that can push me beyond teaching, so that once again I can learn, and enjoy learning. Don’t get me wrong, you never stop learning, and I do not know all there is to know in any particular field. But, there are areas that I find I know a lot about, and areas that I would like to learn more about.
If I sound a little vague then please realise that this is intentional! I want to lead you into this series of columns gently, but suffice is to say that I’m having my bones bent on a regular basis, and am for the first time in years, approaching wrestling from a very positive place in my life. More on this, and the exact nature of my training, in the next “Shock”.
Many thanks to Saracen who pointed out that DDT stands for DichloroDiphenylTrichloroethan. Not Damiens Dinner Time as many emails suggested! See you next time.
Scott Future