I have books in Stock and ready to mail to you before Christmas. Each book bought here on this site comes with a DVD that follows the book featuring matches, interviews and more insight from me. Also signed pictures of myself and my Beautiful wife Misty James. Just scroll down to buy now with paypal . Email me for info on how to order with a Money Order.
The book is now also available on Amazon. I'm sure their shipping is a few days faster but it does not include the DVD and pictures. You can buy now by going to. Do Ya Wanna Be A Wrestler,Kid? at Amazon
Also you can follow that link to read more reviews of my book from people who read it along with reviews below.
Southern States Wrestling 33rd Annual Fall Spectacular
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
WCYB interview about the Book and Thanksgiving Wrestling
Buy the Book below with PAYPAL. To get it with a money order email kingofkingsport.com
Monday, November 28, 2011
Buy Tour Book Today - Get it for the a Christmas Gift for your special wrestling fan
If you have not bought the book what are you waiting on? Buy it today right here. Please note who you would like the pictures and Book signed to.
Each Book comes with a special 2 plus hour DVD that follows the book including matches, interviews, and insight from Beau James. Signed pictures from Misty and Beau James.
Each Book comes with a special 2 plus hour DVD that follows the book including matches, interviews, and insight from Beau James. Signed pictures from Misty and Beau James.
Even More Feed Back from the book
I've read it three times now and I still can't put it down. Beau and I have been friends for a long time now and I'm proud to be included in his book. No matter how good or bad I look, it's just the simple truth. This is the TRUE story of what being a wrestler is like so any young ones considering the profession, this is a must read. We should all thank Beau James for the sacrifices he made for our sport. And a huge thank you to Misty for saving him from the depths he was sinking into. And, of course, thank God, who made this incredible book possible!
Mike DiMuzio Dillsburg, PA
This book was a great read from beginning to end. These stories are told from the heart as if you were on the road with the King of Kingsport himself. The book flows as if you are sitting in the back seat hearing James tell the stories to a car full of wrestlers. Whether you are a fan of what they call "sports entertainment" or a fan of the true sport of wrestling... this book is for you! Read along as Beau James tells stories of how he got his start in pro wrestling, how he learned the craft from his heroes and eventually stepped foot in the ring with them. Many stories about wrestling legends including Jimmy Valiant, Ricky Morton, Dr. Tom Prichard, Dutch Mantell, Buddy Landel, Ivan Koloff, Jerry Lawler, Robert Fuller, Jimmy Golden and many more. Must have book for all wrestling fans!
Willy Braun - Kingsport, TN
OK, considering that I collaborated with Beau on this book (though not nearly as much as my name on the cover might indicate - I did some editing, but this is his story through and through), my review might be considered biased. I have probably spent far more time with the book than anyone else, from the beginning discussions through the final layouts, and I'm still entertained everytime I pick it up. Beau's story is a story about professional wrestling, not the "sports entertainment" that is ashamed of the word "wrestling." You can read a ghost-written book about some WWE "Superstar" who will tell you what it's like to headline Wrestlemania, but this book takes you to the real world of the independent pro wrestling scene from someone who's seen its best and its worst as a referee, a wrestler and a promoter - the long trips, the terrible payoffs, the horrid arenas, the riots, but also the friendships, the ribs, and the great fans. Beau's passion for his profession comes across on every page. Beau writes about the sport of pro wrestling, about the big-name stars he has traveled with and worked with (such as Ricky Morton, Ivan Koloff and the Boogie Woogie Man, Jimmy Valiant) and about his wonderful friends who are no longer with us (such as Junkyard Dog, Wahoo McDaniel, Billy Travis and Sherri Martel). He speaks with wisdom and experience about what is wrong with the current state of pro wrestling, and what can be done to bring it back to its glory. Along the way, he tells his love story - his love for pro wrestling; the love of his life, his wife Misty; and the love of God that brought him back from the brink of personal and professional disaster.
If you are a pro wrestling fan - READ THIS BOOK. You will not be disappointed. If you are NOT a pro wrestling fan - read this book anyway. You will be entertained on every page.
If you are a pro wrestling fan - READ THIS BOOK. You will not be disappointed. If you are NOT a pro wrestling fan - read this book anyway. You will be entertained on every page.
Donnie C. Brannen Kingsport, TN
This was a book that from top to bottom, was a terrific read. It tells the story of Beau James who, like my review, has been on top and been on bottom as well. He has had every job in the wrestling business. He sold programs as a young kid. He was a ref shortly after that. He had his own company, Southerneau States Wrestling while most teens his age, were out doing what teens do. I was one of those teens who got to see the product in his infant stages and I wouldn't trade it for anything. If there is anyone who has paid his dues or climbed from the bottom to the top of the ladder, it's Beau. He has been in the ring with the likes of Dutch Mantell, Jimmy Valiant, Ivan Koloff, Jerry Lawler, Sid Viscious, Ricky Morton and so many more and this books tells it all. If you want to read about the top WWF star, then this book isn't for you. Those books don't tell you enough about the starting out period. If you want to read how it really is on the indy wrestling scene, then this is a MUST READ. Join Beau on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Beau has danced with the devil and found the one true God and you will hear about it all. Order your book and tell them Lawson sent ya...
Jason Lawson - Bristol, VA
SIR! I have just finished reading your awesome,informative & very entertaining book- Do You Wanna Be A Wrestler Kid? I HIGHLY recommend this book to any & ALL professional wrestlers. Whether you are a seasoned vet or a greenhorn.
Hoss Tull - Tacoma WA
Beau James explains some of the more unique stories of his time on the road as a Professional Wrestler. He explains the sacrifices he's made for his choice of profession, the scary situations, the rabid fans, and even how he met a beautiful lady who is now his wife. Any die hard wrestling fan, even one who has never been to a local match needs to read this book to understand what it takes to be a real professional wrestler. I live in Washington State, and only have the opportunity to see Beau in action a small handful of times, but I knew I needed to read this book when he told me about it. You won't be disappointed.
Cameron Large - Milton, WA
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
More feedback and reviews from my Book - Buy it below today
I finished up Beau James' new book last night "Do you wanna be a wrestler, kid?' and I honestly have to say if you are a wrestling fan, and even if you're not - this book is OUTSTANDING. I HIGHLY recommend you pick up a copy and check it out. The way he weaves a story is incredible and vivid. His story is so inspirational, I won't even try to put it into words. Honestly, I had no idea how similar our backgrounds (Not in wrestling of course, but life in general.) were. Already being a big fan of Mr. James - I have developed an even bigger respect for him and his career. Thank you Mr. James for a great read and I'm looking forward to book number 2!
James Burke - Roanoke, VA
Beau, I just finished your book. I really enjoyed it alot. It was really hard to put it down once I started reading it. You have a great gift of telling stories. I'm glad you talked about Jimmy Valiant and Ricky Morton in your book. The boogie woogie man and The Rock N Roll Express were some of my favorite wrestlers growing up and watching them on tv every week. I look forward to buying your next book. When will your second book come out?
Thank you for autographing my book and pictures. I pray that God will continue to bless you as you keep on living your dream and sharing it with others!
Your Friend in Christ
Richard
Richard Tarleton - Greeneville, TN
James Burke - Roanoke, VA
Beau, I just finished your book. I really enjoyed it alot. It was really hard to put it down once I started reading it. You have a great gift of telling stories. I'm glad you talked about Jimmy Valiant and Ricky Morton in your book. The boogie woogie man and The Rock N Roll Express were some of my favorite wrestlers growing up and watching them on tv every week. I look forward to buying your next book. When will your second book come out?
Thank you for autographing my book and pictures. I pray that God will continue to bless you as you keep on living your dream and sharing it with others!
Your Friend in Christ
Richard
Richard Tarleton - Greeneville, TN
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Times News Story on My Book
To Buy the book with Paypal Roll down on this page and you will find it. Also if you have read the book please let us know what you think of it at kingofkingsport@gmail.com . Also use that email for info on how to buy the book with a money order.
Thanks to Matthew Lane for the story and review. Only thing I would like to ad is I have promoted live wrestling events in 7 states. Not just the two local counties he mentions. Also I don't like my name beside legend. Jackie Fargo, Whitey Caldwell, Harley Race men like that are legends in my profession. I just am a kid who grew up to reach his goals and dreams. And I give all the glory to God for it.
Thanks to Matthew Lane for the story and review. Only thing I would like to ad is I have promoted live wrestling events in 7 states. Not just the two local counties he mentions. Also I don't like my name beside legend. Jackie Fargo, Whitey Caldwell, Harley Race men like that are legends in my profession. I just am a kid who grew up to reach his goals and dreams. And I give all the glory to God for it.
Reviews of my Book are coming in
WWE Hall of Fame Member "Handsome" Jimmy "Boogie Woogie Man" Valiant enjoying "Do Ya Wanna Be A Wrestler, Kid?"
I give the book on a 1 to 5 scale 5 suplexes. I have known Beau James since he was a teenager. His story is a must read for anyone who ever had a dream. I learned so many things about him from this book. He is very open and honest about his battles and struggles. His story of overcoming so many obstacles is an inspiration. His journey to find happiness and peace could be a movie. And his love story with his beautiful wife Misty is the feel good story we all search for.
- Jimmy Valiant
Handsome Beau James, just read the book in a day,man i couldnt put it down..It really helped me by reading it
- Jerry Horton, Wyth County , VA
As I sit here writing you this message, I have literally just laid your book down after reading it in one sitting. Parts of your book reminded me of my first conversation with you, all those years ago, that first conversation i thought you were so f'n arrogant lol, but i also knew then that you had said the gospel to me, and I learned more about the business in that 45 or so minutes talking to you then I learned from the guy who took my money and almost ruined me before i could get started. Thank you for the reminder.
- Joey Bravo, Pikeville, KY
beau, i just got my copy of your book and wanted to just write you a bit here.i have read only the first chapters, but i have to say,honestly,thank you! let me explain if i can..
you,like myself,are old school wrestling fans.we remember the east tn wrestling scene from the early 80's till now.we remember the old mid atlantic tv shows and the monthly show at the db dome, as well as the
nwa,awa,and so many shows.you mention most of them in your book.
as i read those first 2 chapters, i was flooded with my childhood memories of these shows.i just was like you, excited to see the shows,and could not wait to watch them when they came on.as you know about me, i was going to the kingsport shows as much as i could.i would save up my allowance for them,and barely have enough to buy my ticket and maybe a hot dog or a get a picture.i would watch religiously just see or hear of when they would be coming back so i could start saving up again.beau, both me and you both share a deep love and appreciation of the shows and the wrestlers.we felt the excitement of pulling up to the shows and cheering or booing for whoever we liked at the time.i know i felt a little giggly when i would finally have my ticket to the show in my young hands.
i felt this way for years.i went to the shows for years.i met several wrestlers over this time,such as terry taylor,jimmy vailant,and others.i can remember yelling at ivan kollof that he sucked as he passed by me as he walked to the ring.followed by having him stop,look at me straight in my eyes and threaten to kick my butt right then and there.i have so many memories that came flooding back to me from long ago.back when i was only 11 or 12 years old.i remember some of the walmart autograph signings!!
i am sure that me and you must of went to a lot of the same shows as kids,we had to of..your recalling of them are identical to my memories.your excitement and passion for the sport was every bit as good as mine.the differance between us being,that you eventually followed your dreams,and was lucky to get the chance to be a wrestle
your book brought back a lot of fond memories for me from my childhood.some i had forgotten all about.while me and you have followed 2 differant paths in life and in our passions..i think we still share a commen love-PRO WRESTLING!!
I guess what i have tried to say or have hoped to say to you is,thank you for the memories you have brought back as well the ones you given me as a fan
- James Buchanan, Kingsport, TN
Sunday, October 2, 2011
A Video Look at my Book - Buy it NOW!!!
If you have not bought the book what are you waiting on? Buy it today right here. Please note who you would like the pictures and Book signed to.
__________________________________________________________________
"Do Ya Wanna Be A Wrestler, Kid?" Pro Wrestler and Promoter Beau James' first book. 348 Pages of never before publicly told stories and rare photos.
Each Book comes with a DVD following the events in the book and signed pictures of Beau and Misty James.Book, DVD, and Pictures all for only $30 in USA. International orders email kingofkingsport@gmail.com
Do Ya Wanna Be A Wrestler, Kid?
by Beau James
Praise for Beau James
What Beau's Peers have to say about him words from
Dr. Tom Prichard
Dutch Mantell
Jerry Lynn
and more
Forward
by WWE Hall of Fame Member and NWA Legend "Handsome" Jimmy "Boogie Woogie Man" Valiant
Acknowledgement
by Friend and Pastor Dr. Donnie Brannen
Chapter 1 - The Dream
*My life long love of Pro Wrestling starts.
*A History lesson on Pro Wrestling in East Tennessee.
*Stories of my childhood going to the matches.
*Meeting Dusty Rhodes at KFC when I was 10 years old.
Chapter 2- Right Place at the Wrong time?
*My first experience with "outlaw wrestling"
*Meeting Johnny and Davey Rich. How Davey Rich got me my first job in pro wrestling at 14 years old.
*My first meeting with Ron West that was only 30 seconds but has lead to a 23 year career.
*Promoting towns for Continental Wrestling.
*Seeing for the first time how rude fans can be. What you give up to be on TV.
*How I got Started in the ring at the age of 15. What it was like.
*How a 3 minute conversation with Izzy Slapowitz changed my life.
*The start of a 20 plus year friendship with area wrestlers and promoters Krunch The Equalizer and Al Bass
Chapter 3 - The Battle and Life's Lessons Begin
*The Struggles of being a 16 year old promoter and fighting the "system" of outlaw crap that was in place in my home area.
*How some set out to stop everything I was trying to do. And how I would not take no for an answer.
*Knoxville to Knocksville
*How one man almost killed the now 20 year annual FunFest Wrestling Event in Kingsport before it started. *Drawing my biggest attendance of my career at 17 years old and How Ivan Koloff saved the day.
*The rules I set for myself and Southern States Wrestling at 17 years old and how I live by them to this day.
Chapter 4 - Times are a Changing
*The changes I have seen in Pro Wrestling.
*My advice to any young wrestler or promoter.
*How its went from a Profession to the mess it's in today.
*Who is to blame and it will surprise you.
*What is Pro Wrestling?
Chapter 5 - The Question
*The Question every wrestling hopeful has to stop and ask themselves "Do you Wanna Be A Wrestler Kid"
*Wrestling in the worst buildings, parking lots, prisons, homes for the mentally challenged.
*My one and only trip The Chicken House in Manchester KY
*Run in with fans and their knives and guns.
*Drunk wrestling fans
*Wrestlers crying in the dressing room
*Getting myself, Mike Cooper, and James McHone arrested for in sighting a riot.
*KC and I fighting a family.
*Robbie Cassidy, KC, Myself,and Buddy Landel vs. A group of bikers at a of all places a flea market.
*The worst trip I ever had
Chapter 6 - Mercy Daddy and Brother Soups
*Many stories of traveling with Jimmy Valiant and Super Mario
*The worst 4th of July anyone could have
*Waking up an entire Hotel
*My little brothers of the road Boogie Boy and Claudio
*We are Family
Chapter 7 - Wrestling is The Family Business
*How members of my Family have been involved with Pro Wrestling.
*A Midget story for the ages
*Never let a 4 year old book TV. It might get you kicked of the air.
Chapter 8 - The Yankees Are Coming!!!
*Taking a loud mouth Italian from Philly and a Trouble making Jewish Manager form New York into the mountains of Appalachia.
*How the street of New Your City have nothing on Pennington Gap, VA
*A parking lot shooting
*Don't let the fans see what car you are driving
*What happens when you are the only guy in your dressing room that shows up
Chapter 9 - The Road Goes On Forever
*Traveling with Ricky Morton
*Driving drunk for 200 (WV to TN) miles with no lights at night
*Car wrecks and Near misses.
*Blizzards
*Why you always stop at the same places
*The end all beat all hitchhiker story.
Chapter 10 - The Road We Shared Will Never be The Same
My tributes to
Wahoo McDaniel
Road Warrior Hawk
Sherri Martell
Mark Curtis
The Junkyard Dog
Chapter 11 - I Have to Keep Myself Laughing So I Won't Cry
*Wrestlers and their ribs on each other
*Snakes
*Getting a wrestler to put on another wrestlers underwear after they had been crapped in
*Never take a green pill
*How two of the boys rib each other across country in the U.S. Mail
Chapter 12 - Things I Miss The Most
*Just what it says.
*The things in wrestling that are gone and never coming back.
Chapter 13 - The Pursuit of Happiness
*Facing myself for the first time
*Coming to reality with my problems and trying to fix them before they killed me
*Finding a place I feel at home.
*The fairy tale love story of myself and Misty
*How God sent Misty to save my life
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Beau James match from late 90s
Here is me and my old partner and "brother" Bulldog Rains vs. the one and only "Superstar' Bill Dundee & Lance Jade.
I have several stories of Bulldog in the book. Dundee is an ALL TIME GREAT and he taught me so much about how to promote, make matches, run an event and in ring. I miss these days.
The match is from a Tues. Night spot town of Gibson TN.
Thanks to Brianna Starr for posting this. She is a graduate of Bill's school and this is her first day in the profession
I have several stories of Bulldog in the book. Dundee is an ALL TIME GREAT and he taught me so much about how to promote, make matches, run an event and in ring. I miss these days.
The match is from a Tues. Night spot town of Gibson TN.
Thanks to Brianna Starr for posting this. She is a graduate of Bill's school and this is her first day in the profession
Friday, September 16, 2011
Buy Tour Book Today - My long awaited first book is here
If you have not bought the book what are you waiting on? Buy it today right here. Please note who you would like the pictures and Book signed to.
__________________________________________________________________
"Do Ya Wanna Be A Wrestler, Kid?" Pro Wrestler and Promoter Beau James' first book. 348 Pages of never before publicly told stories and rare photos.
Each Book comes with a DVD following the events in the book and signed pictures of Beau and Misty James.Book, DVD, and Pictures all for only $30 in USA. International orders email kingofkingsport@gmail.com
Do Ya Wanna Be A Wrestler, Kid?
by Beau James
Praise for Beau James
What Beau's Peers have to say about him words from
Dr. Tom Prichard
Dutch Mantell
Jerry Lynn
and more
Forward
by WWE Hall of Fame Member and NWA Legend "Handsome" Jimmy "Boogie Woogie Man" Valiant
Acknowledgement
by Friend and Pastor Dr. Donnie Brannen
Chapter 1 - The Dream
*My life long love of Pro Wrestling starts.
*A History lesson on Pro Wrestling in East Tennessee.
*Stories of my childhood going to the matches.
*Meeting Dusty Rhodes at KFC when I was 10 years old.
Chapter 2- Right Place at the Wrong time?
*My first experience with "outlaw wrestling"
*Meeting Johnny and Davey Rich. How Davey Rich got me my first job in pro wrestling at 14 years old.
*My first meeting with Ron West that was only 30 seconds but has lead to a 23 year career.
*Promoting towns for Continental Wrestling.
*Seeing for the first time how rude fans can be. What you give up to be on TV.
*How I got Started in the ring at the age of 15. What it was like.
*How a 3 minute conversation with Izzy Slapowitz changed my life.
*The start of a 20 plus year friendship with area wrestlers and promoters Krunch The Equalizer and Al Bass
Chapter 3 - The Battle and Life's Lessons Begin
*The Struggles of being a 16 year old promoter and fighting the "system" of outlaw crap that was in place in my home area.
*How some set out to stop everything I was trying to do. And how I would not take no for an answer.
*Knoxville to Knocksville
*How one man almost killed the now 20 year annual FunFest Wrestling Event in Kingsport before it started. *Drawing my biggest attendance of my career at 17 years old and How Ivan Koloff saved the day.
*The rules I set for myself and Southern States Wrestling at 17 years old and how I live by them to this day.
Chapter 4 - Times are a Changing
*The changes I have seen in Pro Wrestling.
*My advice to any young wrestler or promoter.
*How its went from a Profession to the mess it's in today.
*Who is to blame and it will surprise you.
*What is Pro Wrestling?
Chapter 5 - The Question
*The Question every wrestling hopeful has to stop and ask themselves "Do you Wanna Be A Wrestler Kid"
*Wrestling in the worst buildings, parking lots, prisons, homes for the mentally challenged.
*My one and only trip The Chicken House in Manchester KY
*Run in with fans and their knives and guns.
*Drunk wrestling fans
*Wrestlers crying in the dressing room
*Getting myself, Mike Cooper, and James McHone arrested for in sighting a riot.
*KC and I fighting a family.
*Robbie Cassidy, KC, Myself,and Buddy Landel vs. A group of bikers at a of all places a flea market.
*The worst trip I ever had
Chapter 6 - Mercy Daddy and Brother Soups
*Many stories of traveling with Jimmy Valiant and Super Mario
*The worst 4th of July anyone could have
*Waking up an entire Hotel
*My little brothers of the road Boogie Boy and Claudio
*We are Family
Chapter 7 - Wrestling is The Family Business
*How members of my Family have been involved with Pro Wrestling.
*A Midget story for the ages
*Never let a 4 year old book TV. It might get you kicked of the air.
Chapter 8 - The Yankees Are Coming!!!
*Taking a loud mouth Italian from Philly and a Trouble making Jewish Manager form New York into the mountains of Appalachia.
*How the street of New Your City have nothing on Pennington Gap, VA
*A parking lot shooting
*Don't let the fans see what car you are driving
*What happens when you are the only guy in your dressing room that shows up
Chapter 9 - The Road Goes On Forever
*Traveling with Ricky Morton
*Driving drunk for 200 (WV to TN) miles with no lights at night
*Car wrecks and Near misses.
*Blizzards
*Why you always stop at the same places
*The end all beat all hitchhiker story.
Chapter 10 - The Road We Shared Will Never be The Same
My tributes to
Wahoo McDaniel
Road Warrior Hawk
Sherri Martell
Mark Curtis
The Junkyard Dog
Chapter 11 - I Have to Keep Myself Laughing So I Won't Cry
*Wrestlers and their ribs on each other
*Snakes
*Getting a wrestler to put on another wrestlers underwear after they had been crapped in
*Never take a green pill
*How two of the boys rib each other across country in the U.S. Mail
Chapter 12 - Things I Miss The Most
*Just what it says.
*The things in wrestling that are gone and never coming back.
Chapter 13 - The Pursuit of Happiness
*Facing myself for the first time
*Coming to reality with my problems and trying to fix them before they killed me
*Finding a place I feel at home.
*The fairy tale love story of myself and Misty
*How God sent Misty to save my life
__________________________________________________________________
"Do Ya Wanna Be A Wrestler, Kid?" Pro Wrestler and Promoter Beau James' first book. 348 Pages of never before publicly told stories and rare photos.
Each Book comes with a DVD following the events in the book and signed pictures of Beau and Misty James.Book, DVD, and Pictures all for only $30 in USA. International orders email kingofkingsport@gmail.com
Do Ya Wanna Be A Wrestler, Kid?
by Beau James
Praise for Beau James
What Beau's Peers have to say about him words from
Dr. Tom Prichard
Dutch Mantell
Jerry Lynn
and more
Forward
by WWE Hall of Fame Member and NWA Legend "Handsome" Jimmy "Boogie Woogie Man" Valiant
Acknowledgement
by Friend and Pastor Dr. Donnie Brannen
Chapter 1 - The Dream
*My life long love of Pro Wrestling starts.
*A History lesson on Pro Wrestling in East Tennessee.
*Stories of my childhood going to the matches.
*Meeting Dusty Rhodes at KFC when I was 10 years old.
Chapter 2- Right Place at the Wrong time?
*My first experience with "outlaw wrestling"
*Meeting Johnny and Davey Rich. How Davey Rich got me my first job in pro wrestling at 14 years old.
*My first meeting with Ron West that was only 30 seconds but has lead to a 23 year career.
*Promoting towns for Continental Wrestling.
*Seeing for the first time how rude fans can be. What you give up to be on TV.
*How I got Started in the ring at the age of 15. What it was like.
*How a 3 minute conversation with Izzy Slapowitz changed my life.
*The start of a 20 plus year friendship with area wrestlers and promoters Krunch The Equalizer and Al Bass
Chapter 3 - The Battle and Life's Lessons Begin
*The Struggles of being a 16 year old promoter and fighting the "system" of outlaw crap that was in place in my home area.
*How some set out to stop everything I was trying to do. And how I would not take no for an answer.
*Knoxville to Knocksville
*How one man almost killed the now 20 year annual FunFest Wrestling Event in Kingsport before it started. *Drawing my biggest attendance of my career at 17 years old and How Ivan Koloff saved the day.
*The rules I set for myself and Southern States Wrestling at 17 years old and how I live by them to this day.
Chapter 4 - Times are a Changing
*The changes I have seen in Pro Wrestling.
*My advice to any young wrestler or promoter.
*How its went from a Profession to the mess it's in today.
*Who is to blame and it will surprise you.
*What is Pro Wrestling?
Chapter 5 - The Question
*The Question every wrestling hopeful has to stop and ask themselves "Do you Wanna Be A Wrestler Kid"
*Wrestling in the worst buildings, parking lots, prisons, homes for the mentally challenged.
*My one and only trip The Chicken House in Manchester KY
*Run in with fans and their knives and guns.
*Drunk wrestling fans
*Wrestlers crying in the dressing room
*Getting myself, Mike Cooper, and James McHone arrested for in sighting a riot.
*KC and I fighting a family.
*Robbie Cassidy, KC, Myself,and Buddy Landel vs. A group of bikers at a of all places a flea market.
*The worst trip I ever had
Chapter 6 - Mercy Daddy and Brother Soups
*Many stories of traveling with Jimmy Valiant and Super Mario
*The worst 4th of July anyone could have
*Waking up an entire Hotel
*My little brothers of the road Boogie Boy and Claudio
*We are Family
Chapter 7 - Wrestling is The Family Business
*How members of my Family have been involved with Pro Wrestling.
*A Midget story for the ages
*Never let a 4 year old book TV. It might get you kicked of the air.
Chapter 8 - The Yankees Are Coming!!!
*Taking a loud mouth Italian from Philly and a Trouble making Jewish Manager form New York into the mountains of Appalachia.
*How the street of New Your City have nothing on Pennington Gap, VA
*A parking lot shooting
*Don't let the fans see what car you are driving
*What happens when you are the only guy in your dressing room that shows up
Chapter 9 - The Road Goes On Forever
*Traveling with Ricky Morton
*Driving drunk for 200 (WV to TN) miles with no lights at night
*Car wrecks and Near misses.
*Blizzards
*Why you always stop at the same places
*The end all beat all hitchhiker story.
Chapter 10 - The Road We Shared Will Never be The Same
My tributes to
Wahoo McDaniel
Road Warrior Hawk
Sherri Martell
Mark Curtis
The Junkyard Dog
Chapter 11 - I Have to Keep Myself Laughing So I Won't Cry
*Wrestlers and their ribs on each other
*Snakes
*Getting a wrestler to put on another wrestlers underwear after they had been crapped in
*Never take a green pill
*How two of the boys rib each other across country in the U.S. Mail
Chapter 12 - Things I Miss The Most
*Just what it says.
*The things in wrestling that are gone and never coming back.
Chapter 13 - The Pursuit of Happiness
*Facing myself for the first time
*Coming to reality with my problems and trying to fix them before they killed me
*Finding a place I feel at home.
*The fairy tale love story of myself and Misty
*How God sent Misty to save my life
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
WrestleFest 2011 DVD
WrestleFest 2011 DVD Only $10 free shipping in the USA. All other countries email kingofkingsport@gmail.com for shipping fee and orders
Thursday, July 7, 2011
From the Chapter "Mercy Daddy and Brother Soups"
Pre orders start very soon. All pre orders will also get a DVD that goes along with the book and a signed 8x10. keep your eye out
***NOTE*** This is my rough draft so over look any errors. That's why I have a great editor. thanks Bro D!
Soups and I were booked for Larry Strickland at a “big” 4th blow out in Rennick, WV. They were to have wrestling matches, a cookout, singing, and everything else you would think of for a 4th of July festival. The event was at a hotel.
We make the hour and a half drive. It was all two lane roads and Soups said he would drive. Folks for the next hour and a half it was a non stop game of chicken. We arrive at what once was a motel. At it's best it was a sleazy no tell motel in it’s hey day. In 1995 it was a falling down, nasty, dump. The only part of the motel still in use was the diner that had been turned into a bar.
The matches were outside in the back yard beside a homemade sand volleyball pit. On the other side of the ring was a electrified barbwire fence. On the other side of the fence was a cow pasture. The people who all were drunk and still drinking sitting up on a hill watching.
The matches were to start at 2pm. We never saw the promoter till after 3. He had been up on the hill drinking. We were sitting in the dressing room and wrestler Scotty McKeever says I just looked the only people up there watching are my Dad and his buddies and they will leave once the sports bar in town opens.
Matches finally get started at 3:30 it is hot and nasty humid. You try to have a match but all you hear is a bunch of drunks making fun of you. They did not care who or what was in the ring they just wanted to yell and crack jokes. Soups and I teamed second vs. two guys dressed like soldiers. We get done and head back to the dressing room. Now this was no dressing room it was the basement under the bar. The smell was well like a basement under a bar. There was a nasty bathroom with water that would not cut off. And in a room there was a single mattress on the floor. Which lead me to ask two questions. Who is using that bathroom? And Who is sleeping down here?
I get back from ring and can’t find Larry. I ask Roger Anderson where is he? Roger said they took intermission to play volleyball. WHAT? I look out and there is drunk Larry with a beer in one had playing volleyball with the other. I send word out to him Soups and I want our money so we can leave. He never comes back there.
After taking a rubbing alcohol and spray bottle bath I head up to get food. I find Soups up there and he is entertained by these mountain men and the 3 women having this party. To me it was as low as I could go on a 4th of July. To them it was the highlight of their summer.
I’m making me a sandwich and questioning should I eat anything from this places. I start to get a glass of lemonade and realize it’s lemonade moonshine.I was not above drinking moonshine but I would want to know who made it. Its hard to tell what kind of still it was made in. I could end up blind or dead from one drink. I pass on to get a bottle of water. I look around and realize I’m the only one with out an adult beverage in my hand. When this lady comes busting out of the kitchen with a plate of fish. She yells as loud as she can “Do you want some fish you P#%!&*. That was it for me I tossed the food down and grabbed a beer. If I was going to have to deal with these drunks I figured I better be one.
A fight breaks out in the volleyball game and that comes to an end. Time for wrestling again. As Larry heads to the dressing room I do to. I want to get our money. I go and tell him to pay us so we can go. He sends his wife to get the money. Roger Anderson says “don’t leave just yet watch our match.”
Larry’s wife comes back to give us our money. I get our cash and go looking for Soups. I head back up to where I last saw him I can’t find him. I asked the fish lady if she had seen him and she says “you mean your little fat Mexican friend?”. He is Italian but how would you expect her to know. I say “yes” she says “he ov’r thar” I look and he is sitting on the hill watching the matches with the locals. I go over to tell him we can leave when all the sudden I hear some man say he is trying to kill him. I look up and Roger Anderson is beating on Larry like he ruined his 4th of July of something.
Roger is a tough guy and has a wrestling back ground he can hurt a man fast. But this day he chose to hurt a man slow and over and over. When Roger figured Larry had enough he throw him out of the ring. Then went and got him and throw him over the fence and Roger left.
The highlight of my day had arrived. For the next several minutes I watch Larry try to get back across that 4 foot fence. It shocked him sober. He was screaming in pain and everyone was laughing at him. I had no pity on the guy. He deserved it. And he got it. It went on so long even the drunks were not amused any longer. The next match started and he was still on the other side.
Soups and I left and he was still on the other side. For all I know he is there now. We made the trip back to Princeton I had my Dad come and pick me up and went back to Tennessee with two days off before we head out again. On the way home I was trying to tell my Dad on what a horrible day I had. He just looked at me funny like there is no way that can be true.
***NOTE*** This is my rough draft so over look any errors. That's why I have a great editor. thanks Bro D!
Soups and I were booked for Larry Strickland at a “big” 4th blow out in Rennick, WV. They were to have wrestling matches, a cookout, singing, and everything else you would think of for a 4th of July festival. The event was at a hotel.
We make the hour and a half drive. It was all two lane roads and Soups said he would drive. Folks for the next hour and a half it was a non stop game of chicken. We arrive at what once was a motel. At it's best it was a sleazy no tell motel in it’s hey day. In 1995 it was a falling down, nasty, dump. The only part of the motel still in use was the diner that had been turned into a bar.
The matches were outside in the back yard beside a homemade sand volleyball pit. On the other side of the ring was a electrified barbwire fence. On the other side of the fence was a cow pasture. The people who all were drunk and still drinking sitting up on a hill watching.
The matches were to start at 2pm. We never saw the promoter till after 3. He had been up on the hill drinking. We were sitting in the dressing room and wrestler Scotty McKeever says I just looked the only people up there watching are my Dad and his buddies and they will leave once the sports bar in town opens.
Matches finally get started at 3:30 it is hot and nasty humid. You try to have a match but all you hear is a bunch of drunks making fun of you. They did not care who or what was in the ring they just wanted to yell and crack jokes. Soups and I teamed second vs. two guys dressed like soldiers. We get done and head back to the dressing room. Now this was no dressing room it was the basement under the bar. The smell was well like a basement under a bar. There was a nasty bathroom with water that would not cut off. And in a room there was a single mattress on the floor. Which lead me to ask two questions. Who is using that bathroom? And Who is sleeping down here?
I get back from ring and can’t find Larry. I ask Roger Anderson where is he? Roger said they took intermission to play volleyball. WHAT? I look out and there is drunk Larry with a beer in one had playing volleyball with the other. I send word out to him Soups and I want our money so we can leave. He never comes back there.
After taking a rubbing alcohol and spray bottle bath I head up to get food. I find Soups up there and he is entertained by these mountain men and the 3 women having this party. To me it was as low as I could go on a 4th of July. To them it was the highlight of their summer.
I’m making me a sandwich and questioning should I eat anything from this places. I start to get a glass of lemonade and realize it’s lemonade moonshine.I was not above drinking moonshine but I would want to know who made it. Its hard to tell what kind of still it was made in. I could end up blind or dead from one drink. I pass on to get a bottle of water. I look around and realize I’m the only one with out an adult beverage in my hand. When this lady comes busting out of the kitchen with a plate of fish. She yells as loud as she can “Do you want some fish you P#%!&*. That was it for me I tossed the food down and grabbed a beer. If I was going to have to deal with these drunks I figured I better be one.
A fight breaks out in the volleyball game and that comes to an end. Time for wrestling again. As Larry heads to the dressing room I do to. I want to get our money. I go and tell him to pay us so we can go. He sends his wife to get the money. Roger Anderson says “don’t leave just yet watch our match.”
Larry’s wife comes back to give us our money. I get our cash and go looking for Soups. I head back up to where I last saw him I can’t find him. I asked the fish lady if she had seen him and she says “you mean your little fat Mexican friend?”. He is Italian but how would you expect her to know. I say “yes” she says “he ov’r thar” I look and he is sitting on the hill watching the matches with the locals. I go over to tell him we can leave when all the sudden I hear some man say he is trying to kill him. I look up and Roger Anderson is beating on Larry like he ruined his 4th of July of something.
Roger is a tough guy and has a wrestling back ground he can hurt a man fast. But this day he chose to hurt a man slow and over and over. When Roger figured Larry had enough he throw him out of the ring. Then went and got him and throw him over the fence and Roger left.
The highlight of my day had arrived. For the next several minutes I watch Larry try to get back across that 4 foot fence. It shocked him sober. He was screaming in pain and everyone was laughing at him. I had no pity on the guy. He deserved it. And he got it. It went on so long even the drunks were not amused any longer. The next match started and he was still on the other side.
Soups and I left and he was still on the other side. For all I know he is there now. We made the trip back to Princeton I had my Dad come and pick me up and went back to Tennessee with two days off before we head out again. On the way home I was trying to tell my Dad on what a horrible day I had. He just looked at me funny like there is no way that can be true.
Monday, May 16, 2011
DVD Special 3 for ONLY $20 featuring Tennessee Legends
2 GREAT SETS of DVDS for only $20 a set with no shipping cost in the USA with Paypal. Outside the USA email me kingofkingsport@gmail.com for shipping fee.
Summer - Fall 2010 set with The Legends
Southern States Wrestling
Legends Night 2010
June 26 - Kingsport TN*Jamey Gibson and Scott Roberts vs. Mike Cooper and Shane Royal
*David Lynch vs. Bobo BrownLegends Night 2010
June 26 - Kingsport TN*Jamey Gibson and Scott Roberts vs. Mike Cooper and Shane Royal
*SSW Ladies Title Misty James vs. Jessie Belle
*Beau James vs. Eddie Golden w/ Jeff Tankersley
*Tracy Smothers and Carl Styles vs. Shanghai Pierce and Steven Stiffler
*2010 Hall of Fame
*Iron Cross and Bulldog Mac vs. Bryan Wayne and Wrecker Rollins
*SSW Title Lumberjack Match Ray Idol vs. Frank Parker w/ James McHone
Lumberjacks are Don Wright, Joey Cazana, Mac McMurray, Jimmy Valiant,and Ken Bowles
Southern States Wrestling
WrestleFest 2010
July 25 Kingsport TN*Mike Cooper vs. Bobo Brown
*Ricky Morton and Reid Flair vs. Frank Parker and Shanghi Pierce w/ James McHone
*Bulldog Mac vs. Earl Fileds
*TV Title Bryan Wayne vs. Wrecker Rollins w/ James McHone
*SSW Champion Ray Idol has words form Frank Parker
*SSW Ladies Title Misty James vs. Violet Adams
*Mac and Iron Cross vs. Fields and Joecephus
*Dutch Mantell and Beau James vs. Eddie Golden and Jeff Tankersley
plus music video and Locker room interviews
WrestleFest 2010
July 25 Kingsport TN*Mike Cooper vs. Bobo Brown
*Ricky Morton and Reid Flair vs. Frank Parker and Shanghi Pierce w/ James McHone
*Bulldog Mac vs. Earl Fileds
*TV Title Bryan Wayne vs. Wrecker Rollins w/ James McHone
*SSW Champion Ray Idol has words form Frank Parker
*SSW Ladies Title Misty James vs. Violet Adams
*Mac and Iron Cross vs. Fields and Joecephus
*Dutch Mantell and Beau James vs. Eddie Golden and Jeff Tankersley
plus music video and Locker room interviews
Southern States Wrestling
Fall Spectacular
September 18 Kingsport TN*Bobo Brown and Scott Ray vs. Mike Cooper and Mountain Goat Jack
*Wrecker Rollins vs. Jocephus
*Jamie McHone vs. Misty James
*Earl Fields and Scotty Rocker vs. Iron Cross and his Mystery Man
*Jeff Tankersley, Eddie and Jimmy Golden vs. Jerry Lawler, Ducth Mantell, and Beau James
*Frank The Tank Parker w/ James McHone vs. Ray Idol w/ Jimmy Valiant
plus interviews and 2 music videos
Fall Spectacular
September 18 Kingsport TN*Bobo Brown and Scott Ray vs. Mike Cooper and Mountain Goat Jack
*Wrecker Rollins vs. Jocephus
*Jamie McHone vs. Misty James
*Earl Fields and Scotty Rocker vs. Iron Cross and his Mystery Man
*Jeff Tankersley, Eddie and Jimmy Golden vs. Jerry Lawler, Ducth Mantell, and Beau James
*Frank The Tank Parker w/ James McHone vs. Ray Idol w/ Jimmy Valiant
plus interviews and 2 music videos
DVD Special from kingofkingsport.com "The Holiday Set"
2 GREAT SETS of DVDS for only $20 a set with no shipping cost in the USA with Paypal. Outside the USA email me kingofkingsport@gmail.com for shipping fee.
Set One The Holiday Season Set- SSW's Biggest Annual Events
DVD 1 SSW Thanksgiving Night 2010
DVD 2 SSW Christmas Night Star Wars 2010
DVD 3 SSW's 20th Anniversary
Buy before Friday May 20th and Get a Free Autographed 8x10 of Beau and Misty James
Set One The Holiday Season Set- SSW's Biggest Annual Events
DVD 1 SSW Thanksgiving Night 2010
DVD 2 SSW Christmas Night Star Wars 2010
DVD 3 SSW's 20th Anniversary
Buy before Friday May 20th and Get a Free Autographed 8x10 of Beau and Misty James
Thursday, May 5, 2011
What Cinco de Mayo means to me
Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of May") is a holiday held on May 5. It is celebrated nationwide in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla.The date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, and to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civic War. In the state of Puebla, the date is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin. Contrary to widespread popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day, the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico, which occurs on September 16th.
For me I celebrate it for an entirely different reason. May 5th 2005 was the first day that Misty and I spent together. Little did I know that day would lead to the whirlwind romance that continues today. Misty came along when my life was a mess in more ways then one. She changed my life all for the good. If it was not for her love and God's Grace I have no doubt where I was headed.
It was not until months later Misty told me she had been praying for God to send her someone that would love her and treat her like they do. There is not a day that goes by that I do not Thank the Lord for Misty. Not an hour that goes by I don't call, text, or tell her I love her.
People are always commenting on how they think we are great together. We here "oh you two are a great couple" all the time. I tell people if they only knew the entire story. Well in my upcoming book the story is told in mine and Misty's words.
She wrote me a letter when she was 13 and told me some day she would be married to me. I just laughed but look at us now. I hope that everyone finds the love that we have. I also hope that it changes your life in the positive ways it has ours.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
On The Road with The James Family
Jake Booth presents "On The Road With Beau and Misty James" in this episode The James gang travel to Music CIty USA Nashville,TN to USWO Wrestling at the World Famous Stadium Inn.
See how they pass time while stuck in traffic, Misty James vs. Miss Rachel, we visit with L.T. Falk, International Star Madman Pondo, and ECW,WWE,WCW Superstar Jerry Lynn.
Jake Booth presents "On The Road With Beau and Misty James" episode 2. This edition we finish up the Night in Nashville and head to Manchester TN's Super 8. Then we have a full day of wrestling first Misty wrestles for MLW in Tullahoma TN then we travel to Princeton KY for WKCW before a 6 hour trip home.
We also visit with Nashville Wrestling main stay Tony Falk, MLW promoter Darrell, and some funny late night moments with Beau on the road.
See how they pass time while stuck in traffic, Misty James vs. Miss Rachel, we visit with L.T. Falk, International Star Madman Pondo, and ECW,WWE,WCW Superstar Jerry Lynn.
Jake Booth presents "On The Road With Beau and Misty James" episode 2. This edition we finish up the Night in Nashville and head to Manchester TN's Super 8. Then we have a full day of wrestling first Misty wrestles for MLW in Tullahoma TN then we travel to Princeton KY for WKCW before a 6 hour trip home.
We also visit with Nashville Wrestling main stay Tony Falk, MLW promoter Darrell, and some funny late night moments with Beau on the road.
 |
| Wahoo, myself, and Manny at one of many carnivals we did together |
From wRESTle in Peace
When Drew was not doing the big Fairs he would set his shows up with 100 miles of each other. He might have one show at a small county fair then head 50 miles north and have one set up at a mall and the other at a festival.
We would do two days of wrestling at each spot and move one. The money was pretty good and just about always a big crowd.
The man booking the shows was wrestler turned promoter from North Carolina Ken Spence. Ken had best set up in the country. He had x amount of dollars per spot to do two shows. No gamble or way to lose money. Drew was paying and Ken was bring in the talent.
For two straight summers I spent a lot of time with Wahoo McDaniel. I got to know him pretty good. We where not best friends or fishing buddies but he always took time to stop and talk to a young kid hoping and praying to be a wrestler in the near future. Wahoo was also always took time to help not only me but other young wrestlers with how there match could be better or how they should have or could have did things better.
One hot summer evening we where in Prestonsburg, KY wrestling at a Festival for Drew. The main event was a match that I always liked reffing The Great Chief Wahoo McDaniel vs. “The Ragin’ Bull” Manny Fernandez. If you have never seen these two wrestle each other find a video. Their matches set the measuring stick for rough. They would beat on each other until blood came out of their chest. And just about always ended with both bleeding from the head also.
As the announcer was making the intros for this match I was giving instructions and rules. I was looking at Manny when he said “Oh my God”. I turned to see what it was. Wahoo had been taking off his traditional Indian gear he always wore to the ring. When he handed out his authentic Indian Headdress the carney who was taking the stuff to the back the guy put it on his head and to make matters worse he did a little war dance.
Wahoo jumped out of the ring and was cussing mad he gave that carney a beating. He slapped, chopped, and kicked this guy like I had never seen. I thought he was going to kill him. I knew someone was going to have to stop it or he was going to kill him. I took a step toward them and Manny grabbed my arm and said “you better stay out of it kid”
Several of the carnival hands and Ken Spence came down to get Wahoo off the guy. As they got Wahoo off he turn and looked at Manny and rolled in the ring. When he did I heard Manny say “here we go”. And they did for the next 20 minutes or so they beat each other like rented mules. It was a classic Wahoo vs. Manny match and I got to be apart of it.
Story Time 2- Preview of the Book - Fleming Neon Fireworks
Fleming Neon Fireworks
A few thing I learned very early in my wrestling career is that nothing runs smooth, always expect the unexpected, and there is nothing routine. As I sat there watching the clock I realized about 20 minutes before bell time that only Mike and I were in the dressing room. The ref walks in and has the line up he looks around and ask where everyone is? I tell him you are looking at it. He says well everyone is here on the other side. Like they win an attendance award or something. He says I better go tell the promoter we only have two wrestlers on this side. I had to correct him very fast and tell him no we only have one wrestler on this side.
About five minutes before the matches are to start a wrestler comes in the back door and tells me that he was sent from the other dressing room. I introduce myself to him and he replies “yeah you run Southern States Wrestling could you book me”. He never told me his name. He then tells me that he would be wrestling in the first match. I’m thinking ok but what does this have to do with me? He then informs me that I will be in the second match and then me and him will be tagging in the third match followed by intermission. He said they would figure rest out at intermission or when the rest of the boys got there. But if anyone else shows up it will change. I asked him who was I wrestling and he comes back with oh you have an easy night Bobby Blaze and the tag is him and Tracy.
Three thoughts automatically came to my mind. One I have no idea who this guy is talking to me. Two Bobby and Tracy both were going to Japan regular at that time and were in great shape and liked to go hard. And the third was man I should have went to bed some time that week.
As the first match goes to the ring I took a peak out to see the crowd. I could only see one side of the gym and it was three quarters full. So I asked Mike to step out and look at the other side and he informed me that it’s about the same. So now I really start thinking that we have a good house, we have to have good matches.
The opening match goes to the ring it is the guy who I just talked to and some very small white guy wrestling as a Mexican wrestler. Less than a minute into this match I start thinking I should have told them Mike was a wrestler. He could not have been any worse than this. The opening match went all of 3 minutes and the two guys did everything they knew twice.
Time for me to go to the ring. As I’m climbing in the ref ask me if anyone else has made it. I tell him no and he replies “Oh no we can't have that guy back in the ring again”. Out comes Bobby Blaze who is also the promoter that night. He jumps in the ring and tells me “we are going until the other boys get here”.
Mike came to the ring to get my ring cape and I told him. When the other boys show up let me know. About 30 minutes into the match Mike gives me the high sign. Alright the boys are here. As my match ends I go back to the dressing room and there sit another guy who I did not know dressed like a German.
I introduced myself as I did the first unknown wrestle and the German tells me he is Killer Kurt. I said Ok and asked “where have you been and who came with you”. He tells me that this is his home town. He went up to Tracy at the picture table and asked who to talk to about wrestling and Tracy told him to get dressed. At this point I did not bother to ask any more questions. I’m thinking I’m done. This guy will wrestle somebody and they will figure rest out.
In comes the ref and tells me to get back to the ring for the tag match. He says they said bring the Russian and come on. I look around no Russian so I tell the East Kentuckian I mean German lets go. Back to the ring I go. As we come out people star yelling it’s Kurt, hey Kurt, Kurt we did not know you was a Russian, how’s ya Mommy Kurt. Yes mommy. No matter the age in East Kentucky they still call their parents Mommy and Daddy.
As we get in the ring the ref says I hope this Russian is better then the guy in the first match. Who by the way is now in the crowd cheering Tracy Smothers.
As we are standing there for the introductions Tracy is speaking to me in a form of carnie (carnival speech) that until this point in time I thought every wrestler in the world knew. Kurt asks me what is he speaking? He says “I have been in the army and around the world but have never heard anything like this”. I tell Tracy in carnie that he is not smart to the carnie and Tracy looks at me like I just kicked his mommy.
It all worked out and we made it through a 25 minute tag match in which I think Kurt was in the ring three minutes. I go into the dressing room and sit down and put a towel over my head like every night. I look around and guess what? Still no other wrestlers. But it was no longer my worry I know there are at least two other wrestlers in the other dressing room that have not wrestled yet. I did nearly an hour. Shower and time to go home. But wait here come the ref again.
As I see him I said “what ever it is the answer is NO” The ref tells me they are going to do a Battle Royal. Bobby “says the local guys are to bad to do a singles match”. After I tell him what he can tell Bobby and what he can do with his Battle Royal and Local guys. I head to the ring to be in a Battle Royal.
That’s right four matches and I was in three of them. I went nearly 30 minutes in a singles. Then nearly 30 in a tag. And about 30 seconds in a Battle Royal. The only memory I truly have of the Battle Royal was seeing the guy from the first Match get on the apron and take off his new Tracy Smothers T Shirt he bought at intermission to get in the ring.
I put my stuff in the car. Mike is smoking like always. And we are talking. Tracy comes out and says he will drive back to my place since I went a marathon. As we are laughing we hear two or three loud pops. I look and there is a guy running right at Me and Tracy. Behind him is some nut chasing him and shooting at him.
I dive in the car. Tracy hits the ground. And there stands Mike smoking a cigarette and looking up in the air for fireworks. When Mike realizes we were all in a run by shooting he needs two cigarettes. We all are shaken and I asked Mike why did you not get down. All he could say was “I was looking for the fireworks”.
Mike then tells us we need to call the cops or something. I tell him no way. There is only one way in and our of this town and I am not about to finger some guy for a shooting. And I’m not coming back to be in court with his family knowing when and where we will be at. In the car we jump and see a beautiful site Fleeming Neon, KY in our rear view mirror.
A few thing I learned very early in my wrestling career is that nothing runs smooth, always expect the unexpected, and there is nothing routine. As I sat there watching the clock I realized about 20 minutes before bell time that only Mike and I were in the dressing room. The ref walks in and has the line up he looks around and ask where everyone is? I tell him you are looking at it. He says well everyone is here on the other side. Like they win an attendance award or something. He says I better go tell the promoter we only have two wrestlers on this side. I had to correct him very fast and tell him no we only have one wrestler on this side.
About five minutes before the matches are to start a wrestler comes in the back door and tells me that he was sent from the other dressing room. I introduce myself to him and he replies “yeah you run Southern States Wrestling could you book me”. He never told me his name. He then tells me that he would be wrestling in the first match. I’m thinking ok but what does this have to do with me? He then informs me that I will be in the second match and then me and him will be tagging in the third match followed by intermission. He said they would figure rest out at intermission or when the rest of the boys got there. But if anyone else shows up it will change. I asked him who was I wrestling and he comes back with oh you have an easy night Bobby Blaze and the tag is him and Tracy.
Three thoughts automatically came to my mind. One I have no idea who this guy is talking to me. Two Bobby and Tracy both were going to Japan regular at that time and were in great shape and liked to go hard. And the third was man I should have went to bed some time that week.
As the first match goes to the ring I took a peak out to see the crowd. I could only see one side of the gym and it was three quarters full. So I asked Mike to step out and look at the other side and he informed me that it’s about the same. So now I really start thinking that we have a good house, we have to have good matches.
The opening match goes to the ring it is the guy who I just talked to and some very small white guy wrestling as a Mexican wrestler. Less than a minute into this match I start thinking I should have told them Mike was a wrestler. He could not have been any worse than this. The opening match went all of 3 minutes and the two guys did everything they knew twice.
Time for me to go to the ring. As I’m climbing in the ref ask me if anyone else has made it. I tell him no and he replies “Oh no we can't have that guy back in the ring again”. Out comes Bobby Blaze who is also the promoter that night. He jumps in the ring and tells me “we are going until the other boys get here”.
Mike came to the ring to get my ring cape and I told him. When the other boys show up let me know. About 30 minutes into the match Mike gives me the high sign. Alright the boys are here. As my match ends I go back to the dressing room and there sit another guy who I did not know dressed like a German.
I introduced myself as I did the first unknown wrestle and the German tells me he is Killer Kurt. I said Ok and asked “where have you been and who came with you”. He tells me that this is his home town. He went up to Tracy at the picture table and asked who to talk to about wrestling and Tracy told him to get dressed. At this point I did not bother to ask any more questions. I’m thinking I’m done. This guy will wrestle somebody and they will figure rest out.
In comes the ref and tells me to get back to the ring for the tag match. He says they said bring the Russian and come on. I look around no Russian so I tell the East Kentuckian I mean German lets go. Back to the ring I go. As we come out people star yelling it’s Kurt, hey Kurt, Kurt we did not know you was a Russian, how’s ya Mommy Kurt. Yes mommy. No matter the age in East Kentucky they still call their parents Mommy and Daddy.
As we get in the ring the ref says I hope this Russian is better then the guy in the first match. Who by the way is now in the crowd cheering Tracy Smothers.
 |
| Me vs. Tracy Smothers around the time of this story. I noticed looking at the picture my right hand was a mess from a fight I got into with a wall |
As we are standing there for the introductions Tracy is speaking to me in a form of carnie (carnival speech) that until this point in time I thought every wrestler in the world knew. Kurt asks me what is he speaking? He says “I have been in the army and around the world but have never heard anything like this”. I tell Tracy in carnie that he is not smart to the carnie and Tracy looks at me like I just kicked his mommy.
It all worked out and we made it through a 25 minute tag match in which I think Kurt was in the ring three minutes. I go into the dressing room and sit down and put a towel over my head like every night. I look around and guess what? Still no other wrestlers. But it was no longer my worry I know there are at least two other wrestlers in the other dressing room that have not wrestled yet. I did nearly an hour. Shower and time to go home. But wait here come the ref again.
As I see him I said “what ever it is the answer is NO” The ref tells me they are going to do a Battle Royal. Bobby “says the local guys are to bad to do a singles match”. After I tell him what he can tell Bobby and what he can do with his Battle Royal and Local guys. I head to the ring to be in a Battle Royal.
That’s right four matches and I was in three of them. I went nearly 30 minutes in a singles. Then nearly 30 in a tag. And about 30 seconds in a Battle Royal. The only memory I truly have of the Battle Royal was seeing the guy from the first Match get on the apron and take off his new Tracy Smothers T Shirt he bought at intermission to get in the ring.
 |
| Me vs. Bobby Blaze |
At last the matches were over. Showered got paid with a big bonus. And now I have to wait for the people to clear out so we can leave since I rode with Tracy. Mike comes over and he has Tracy’s keys so we can go get in the car. We head out the back door and around an ally to the parking lot behind the gym. As we come out I’m hoping there are no fans hanging around. Shoot they cant be mad at me I just got beat three times. As we come out in the parking lot its dark and no one around.
I put my stuff in the car. Mike is smoking like always. And we are talking. Tracy comes out and says he will drive back to my place since I went a marathon. As we are laughing we hear two or three loud pops. I look and there is a guy running right at Me and Tracy. Behind him is some nut chasing him and shooting at him.
I dive in the car. Tracy hits the ground. And there stands Mike smoking a cigarette and looking up in the air for fireworks. When Mike realizes we were all in a run by shooting he needs two cigarettes. We all are shaken and I asked Mike why did you not get down. All he could say was “I was looking for the fireworks”.
Mike then tells us we need to call the cops or something. I tell him no way. There is only one way in and our of this town and I am not about to finger some guy for a shooting. And I’m not coming back to be in court with his family knowing when and where we will be at. In the car we jump and see a beautiful site Fleeming Neon, KY in our rear view mirror.
Story Time 1 Preview of the Book
From the Chapter the Yankees are Coming!
"These People are Like Nothing I have ever Seen"
In 1996 I met a guy who I always considered (after I got to know him) to be one of my favorite people the one and only "Duke, The Duke of New York" Al Getz. Before I met him I already had heard of him and he was not even in wrestling yet. He had a talent for making people mad for his letters he wrote and sent into the sheets. So mad in fact people would write in saying they wanted to B*^#h slap him.
The Duke like myself and many others in wrestling is a life long fan. He grew up in New York, went to the same High School as Andy Kaufman, went to wrestling at MSG and The Meadowlands. He went to College in Philadelphia. He was straight up no doubt about it what we like to call here in Tennessee a "Yankee" and even worse proud of it.
I first met the Duke at a wrestling event in Ashville,NC. About two days later Al calls me wanting to rent my ring for a event he is promoting. I asked when is the event and he answers "tomorrow" talk about last minute. I did not take my ring but I got him a ring from NC. I rode over to this event with Ricky Morton because I had to see how it would be ran, draw, etc. I wanted to see just how bad it would be.
I walk in and man what a surprise! He had a loaded card Rock N Roll Express, Head Bangers, Terry Gordy, Brad Armstrong, The Gangstas. In fact he had such a loaded card there was more TV Stars in the dressing room then there was fans in the building. He learned his first lesson PROMOTE.Later we would laugh and call this "The Greatest Show No one ever saw". He lost thousands and his face showed it. Most guys who run failure events like this leave at intermission without paying, write bad checks, short everyone, or tell you they will make it up next time. But this was the night that Al got over with me. He lived up to his word and paid every guy what he promised them.
A few weeks later Al calls me and says he is coming to my event Friday he wants to talk to me about managing in SSW. I tell him to come on and I have him a spot. I was looking for a guy and he would be great. So he shows up and tells me that he wants to be called "The Duke,The Duke of New York". He is wearing a Yankee jersey and cap and is carrying a ball bat. I said ok go out and say this and that and PJ Sharp is handing over Bubba for you to manage. When it came time for the Dukes debut he went out and started off in a very loud New York voices "MY NAME IS THE DUKE,THE DUKE OF NEW YORK" and then went on to tell the great southern people of Fall Branch TN that he had came here to help them because ever since the North dropped the A bomb on the South in World War One the south has been a waste land. He went on to make each and every person in that building including myself (because he did not say what I told him) want to kill him. And in that night The Duke was born, I had a 2nd managers people wanted dead, and a new traveling partner.
I started in wrestling at a young age. By the time I was 15 years old I was making towns a few nights a week. I had a few great guys that taught me how to travel cheap, how to survive on the road, and in return I tried to help others the same way over the years. Also the trips in the car were kind of like school you learn more riding in the car with guys that had been around. All you had to do was shut up and listen. They would teach you all you need to know about wrestling, life, family,etc. It seemed all the world's troubles could be fixed buy a group of half tanked wrestlers on a 200 mile trip.
About 3 months into the Duke's wrestling career we promoted an event in the wonderful land of Lee County,VA. Over the years I had wrestled in Lee and surrounding area many times. Back then all the events in those mountains drew well, had lively crowds, and you made money. This area was also famous for one of the world's greatest wrestling fans. A large man that loved the good guys and had no trouble hating the bad guys much less fighting them. And to top it off he had did some jail time for.....uh for...well let's say loving his farm animals just a little too much.
On our hour twenty minute trip form my home to Lee County I was telling the Duke about these wonderful wrestling fans. Who in the past had jumped in the ring to fight me, threw drinks and cups of tobacco spit at me and one me. And a few of them had shown me their pocket knives and wanted me to come close enough to feel it. And of course about the large animal loving fan who would rip The Duke in half if he got a hold of him.
As we pull into town the Duke tells me "Look I appreciated the story and the trouble you went through telling it to me but I'm from New York and Lived in Philly. I been mugged and beat up. I'm not afraid of these people". So I tell him "these people are like nothing you have ever seen".
As we are sitting in the dressing room waiting on our turn to go out I keep telling him to keep his eyes open. If anything starts roll in the ring. Don't let them get a hold of you. During intermission the late great ref and my dear friend Mark Curtis comes in our dressing room. I asked how it was going. He says "matches been good, crowd is rowdy, had couple coke cans thrown in the ring, big guy in front row has went after couple of the boys". Duke jumps in and say "Come on guys I get it and how far you going to take this?". Mark looks and me and just laughs.
It's time for my match. I knew it was going to an educational night for my pal from New York. As we start out Duke ask why I'm not wearing my multi colored cape or one of my ring jackets? So I tell him it would not be a good idea because of the chances of some fan throwing something on me or grabbing me. He still thinks I'm ribbing him. As we get close to the ring the people start to rumble. We get in the ring and my dad is the ring announcer he looks at me and says "Please don't push it" (this comes from a Marine with 3 tours of Nam) and my reply is "not going to, the Duke is". So Mark Curtis tells my dad announce the Duke as Jim Cornette's favorite cousin.Mark tells me this large guy came after Jimmy many times in Smokey Mountain. As my dad announces The Duke the large animal lover in the front row yells I hate Jim Cornette.
The Duke Starts like he did every night my "my name is The Duke,The Duke of New York" and as he gets New York out he is hit with a cup of snuff juice right in the back of his white Yankee's Jersey. He turns and looks at me. I said don't stop. Keep talking get the heat. As the Duke continues telling these proud rebels that he has come to help them their voices get louder, couple more things tossed at him. He ends short. I take the mic and tell old Mr. Ed that "he should be ashamed and needs to sit down and apologizes to the Duke". You can imagine how that got over. I then tell the cops "would please make the mayor sit down". He starts telling me to make him sit down and is coming toward the ring. He has a cop and two football coaches in front of him. I turn tell the Duke "get ready". I said hey Duke says "Tell your mom to stop calling him and if you get in this ring" that was a far as I made it. The large angry fan tossed all three men in front of him away and charged the ring. As he came through the ropes Mark Curtis trips him, and as I draw back to punt his head, out of no where "The Ragin' Bull" Manny Fernandez hits the ring and drills the guys right between the eyes.
Now I think to myself ok our Main Event good guy has just knocked out a local "how is this going to work out?" . Manny looks down a the guy and says hey I told you can't jump in the ring. With tears in his eyes not from the punch but from letting one of his favorites down the fan looks up and say "I'm sorry". The cops and coaches trying to drag him out of the ring. Manny says let him go its ok. The large man gets up and goes back to his seat. All of this happens before our opponent ever comes the ring.
Out comes Scott Sterling . We have a 20 minute match that the crowd is in to. Everyone of in the ring was hit by something thrown by a fan. I get beat but after the match the Duke jumps in and we do a number on Scott. I take the Duke's bat and whack Scott in the knee and here comes a few fans over the rail and after us. The Duke and I make our exit and as we walk by our old friend in the front row he say "I'll be waitin' on ya ya Yankee B@#%%^d". We make it back to the dressing room. The Duke is covered in soda and snuff juices, a hot dog, and who knows what else. He falls in the floor and says "These people are like nothing I have ever seen"
"These People are Like Nothing I have ever Seen"
In 1996 I met a guy who I always considered (after I got to know him) to be one of my favorite people the one and only "Duke, The Duke of New York" Al Getz. Before I met him I already had heard of him and he was not even in wrestling yet. He had a talent for making people mad for his letters he wrote and sent into the sheets. So mad in fact people would write in saying they wanted to B*^#h slap him.
The Duke like myself and many others in wrestling is a life long fan. He grew up in New York, went to the same High School as Andy Kaufman, went to wrestling at MSG and The Meadowlands. He went to College in Philadelphia. He was straight up no doubt about it what we like to call here in Tennessee a "Yankee" and even worse proud of it.
I first met the Duke at a wrestling event in Ashville,NC. About two days later Al calls me wanting to rent my ring for a event he is promoting. I asked when is the event and he answers "tomorrow" talk about last minute. I did not take my ring but I got him a ring from NC. I rode over to this event with Ricky Morton because I had to see how it would be ran, draw, etc. I wanted to see just how bad it would be.
I walk in and man what a surprise! He had a loaded card Rock N Roll Express, Head Bangers, Terry Gordy, Brad Armstrong, The Gangstas. In fact he had such a loaded card there was more TV Stars in the dressing room then there was fans in the building. He learned his first lesson PROMOTE.Later we would laugh and call this "The Greatest Show No one ever saw". He lost thousands and his face showed it. Most guys who run failure events like this leave at intermission without paying, write bad checks, short everyone, or tell you they will make it up next time. But this was the night that Al got over with me. He lived up to his word and paid every guy what he promised them.
A few weeks later Al calls me and says he is coming to my event Friday he wants to talk to me about managing in SSW. I tell him to come on and I have him a spot. I was looking for a guy and he would be great. So he shows up and tells me that he wants to be called "The Duke,The Duke of New York". He is wearing a Yankee jersey and cap and is carrying a ball bat. I said ok go out and say this and that and PJ Sharp is handing over Bubba for you to manage. When it came time for the Dukes debut he went out and started off in a very loud New York voices "MY NAME IS THE DUKE,THE DUKE OF NEW YORK" and then went on to tell the great southern people of Fall Branch TN that he had came here to help them because ever since the North dropped the A bomb on the South in World War One the south has been a waste land. He went on to make each and every person in that building including myself (because he did not say what I told him) want to kill him. And in that night The Duke was born, I had a 2nd managers people wanted dead, and a new traveling partner.
I started in wrestling at a young age. By the time I was 15 years old I was making towns a few nights a week. I had a few great guys that taught me how to travel cheap, how to survive on the road, and in return I tried to help others the same way over the years. Also the trips in the car were kind of like school you learn more riding in the car with guys that had been around. All you had to do was shut up and listen. They would teach you all you need to know about wrestling, life, family,etc. It seemed all the world's troubles could be fixed buy a group of half tanked wrestlers on a 200 mile trip.
About 3 months into the Duke's wrestling career we promoted an event in the wonderful land of Lee County,VA. Over the years I had wrestled in Lee and surrounding area many times. Back then all the events in those mountains drew well, had lively crowds, and you made money. This area was also famous for one of the world's greatest wrestling fans. A large man that loved the good guys and had no trouble hating the bad guys much less fighting them. And to top it off he had did some jail time for.....uh for...well let's say loving his farm animals just a little too much.
On our hour twenty minute trip form my home to Lee County I was telling the Duke about these wonderful wrestling fans. Who in the past had jumped in the ring to fight me, threw drinks and cups of tobacco spit at me and one me. And a few of them had shown me their pocket knives and wanted me to come close enough to feel it. And of course about the large animal loving fan who would rip The Duke in half if he got a hold of him.
As we pull into town the Duke tells me "Look I appreciated the story and the trouble you went through telling it to me but I'm from New York and Lived in Philly. I been mugged and beat up. I'm not afraid of these people". So I tell him "these people are like nothing you have ever seen".
As we are sitting in the dressing room waiting on our turn to go out I keep telling him to keep his eyes open. If anything starts roll in the ring. Don't let them get a hold of you. During intermission the late great ref and my dear friend Mark Curtis comes in our dressing room. I asked how it was going. He says "matches been good, crowd is rowdy, had couple coke cans thrown in the ring, big guy in front row has went after couple of the boys". Duke jumps in and say "Come on guys I get it and how far you going to take this?". Mark looks and me and just laughs.
It's time for my match. I knew it was going to an educational night for my pal from New York. As we start out Duke ask why I'm not wearing my multi colored cape or one of my ring jackets? So I tell him it would not be a good idea because of the chances of some fan throwing something on me or grabbing me. He still thinks I'm ribbing him. As we get close to the ring the people start to rumble. We get in the ring and my dad is the ring announcer he looks at me and says "Please don't push it" (this comes from a Marine with 3 tours of Nam) and my reply is "not going to, the Duke is". So Mark Curtis tells my dad announce the Duke as Jim Cornette's favorite cousin.Mark tells me this large guy came after Jimmy many times in Smokey Mountain. As my dad announces The Duke the large animal lover in the front row yells I hate Jim Cornette.
The Duke Starts like he did every night my "my name is The Duke,The Duke of New York" and as he gets New York out he is hit with a cup of snuff juice right in the back of his white Yankee's Jersey. He turns and looks at me. I said don't stop. Keep talking get the heat. As the Duke continues telling these proud rebels that he has come to help them their voices get louder, couple more things tossed at him. He ends short. I take the mic and tell old Mr. Ed that "he should be ashamed and needs to sit down and apologizes to the Duke". You can imagine how that got over. I then tell the cops "would please make the mayor sit down". He starts telling me to make him sit down and is coming toward the ring. He has a cop and two football coaches in front of him. I turn tell the Duke "get ready". I said hey Duke says "Tell your mom to stop calling him and if you get in this ring" that was a far as I made it. The large angry fan tossed all three men in front of him away and charged the ring. As he came through the ropes Mark Curtis trips him, and as I draw back to punt his head, out of no where "The Ragin' Bull" Manny Fernandez hits the ring and drills the guys right between the eyes.
Now I think to myself ok our Main Event good guy has just knocked out a local "how is this going to work out?" . Manny looks down a the guy and says hey I told you can't jump in the ring. With tears in his eyes not from the punch but from letting one of his favorites down the fan looks up and say "I'm sorry". The cops and coaches trying to drag him out of the ring. Manny says let him go its ok. The large man gets up and goes back to his seat. All of this happens before our opponent ever comes the ring.
Out comes Scott Sterling . We have a 20 minute match that the crowd is in to. Everyone of in the ring was hit by something thrown by a fan. I get beat but after the match the Duke jumps in and we do a number on Scott. I take the Duke's bat and whack Scott in the knee and here comes a few fans over the rail and after us. The Duke and I make our exit and as we walk by our old friend in the front row he say "I'll be waitin' on ya ya Yankee B@#%%^d". We make it back to the dressing room. The Duke is covered in soda and snuff juices, a hot dog, and who knows what else. He falls in the floor and says "These people are like nothing I have ever seen"
Coming Soon my First Book
Coming soon my first in what I hope to be a series of books. "Stories You Just Can't Make Up" by Beau James. A near quarter century of stories from America's high ways, dressing rooms, The ring, and beyound.
Including stories about ribs, riots, near death experiences, and stories with wrestling legends Jimmy Valiant, Wahoo McDaniel, Dutch Mantell, Jerry Lawler, Ricky Morton, The Mongolian Stomper, Buddy Landel, Moondog Spot, Billy Joe Travis, The Dundees, The Rich Cousins and many more.
Stories that will make you laugh, stories that will make you cry, stories that will make you think. My passion and love for PRO WRESTLING all my life and to keep it like it was when I was a kid. How I got started in wrestling at 14 years old. Follow my battles as a teenage promoter fighting the good ole boy's wrestling in my home area. How a talk with Izzy Slapowitz and his Devil's Duo changed my life. Tributes to my fallen brothers and sisters. My never ending love for my true brothers. The Love story of how a 13 year old girl grew up to marry her king. And a heart felt thanks to all the boys who helped me along the way. Wrestling the family business and Who is the Toughest Man Alive? much more!!!
Pre Orders will be taken soon. There is a DVD that accompanies the Book. Keep an eye out for more details
Including stories about ribs, riots, near death experiences, and stories with wrestling legends Jimmy Valiant, Wahoo McDaniel, Dutch Mantell, Jerry Lawler, Ricky Morton, The Mongolian Stomper, Buddy Landel, Moondog Spot, Billy Joe Travis, The Dundees, The Rich Cousins and many more.
Stories that will make you laugh, stories that will make you cry, stories that will make you think. My passion and love for PRO WRESTLING all my life and to keep it like it was when I was a kid. How I got started in wrestling at 14 years old. Follow my battles as a teenage promoter fighting the good ole boy's wrestling in my home area. How a talk with Izzy Slapowitz and his Devil's Duo changed my life. Tributes to my fallen brothers and sisters. My never ending love for my true brothers. The Love story of how a 13 year old girl grew up to marry her king. And a heart felt thanks to all the boys who helped me along the way. Wrestling the family business and Who is the Toughest Man Alive? much more!!!
Pre Orders will be taken soon. There is a DVD that accompanies the Book. Keep an eye out for more details
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