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http://www.cheap-heat.com/my-influences-part-1/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/my-influences-part-1/#comments Mon, 14 Sep 2015 21:47:17 +0000 Benjamin Boone Blogs Wrestler Blogs http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=14192 My Influences: Part 1 When thinking about the topic for this week, I caught up on listening to my subscribed wrestling podcasts on my queue. One of them was an interview with Jake "The Snake" Roberts on the Steve Austin Show. Among the many incredible snippets of knowledge, Jake paced emphasis on the need to […]

My Influences: Part 1

When thinking about the topic for this week, I caught up on listening to my subscribed wrestling podcasts on my queue. One of them was an interview with Jake "The Snake" Roberts on the Steve Austin Show. Among the many incredible snippets of knowledge, Jake paced emphasis on the need to borrow aspects of your favorite wrestlers and make them your own. This is what Roberts said:

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"A smart man knows where to steal good stuff, because there ain't nothing new. And you can't steal someone bit by bit, because that'll never happen. But if you steal a little bit of this and a little bit of that, you can put it together."

No matter if you're a guy like John Cena or myself, each of us borrow traits of those who came before us. Whether it's a move, a mannerism, or even a certain movement, no wrestler is immune to this method of borrowing (or stealing, as I prefer to call it).

This will be a two part blog. This week, I'm focusing my attention on my influences from when I was growing up. Naturally, this means those that were in the WWF, WCW, and ECW. Below, I'll label my influences and why:

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin: Arguably the biggest star in the history of professional wrestling, Austin has influenced many wrestlers in proceeding generations. I am one of them. When I first caught glimpse of Steve Austin on an episode of WWF Superstars in 1998, I knew I wanted to do what he did. Stone Cold had the look, the attitude, and the charisma that made him a top attraction, and I wanted to have those skills to stomp mud-holes (and walk them dry!) on a nightly basis.

Austin is known to have a BMF walk (if you don't know what that means, Google it!). I try and emulate that when I make my way to the ring. In addition, Austin's selling is something I've always enjoyed, and try to think about when in a match. If you ever notice Austin in matches, he's always "on the move," never stopping. It's an incredible amount of cardio to build up, but it makes the flow of the match much more interesting. Plus, he never stops fighting, and that's the approach I always think of when I'm in the ring.

The last thing I'll touch on Austin is his overall demeanor. When I think of how I cut a vicious promo, I try to place myself in the boots of Austin. Stone Cold was a pissed-off SOB, and wanted to let the world know about it. A promo is a means to express motivation, desire, and goals for the person speaking for an upcoming match, and each of those attributes should always be addressed no matter the circumstance. Austin always hit those bullet points with his regular catchphrases, and that's what I try to do each time.

Arn Anderson: For those in the industry, Double A is one of the most respected workers of all time. Newer fans may know him as the guy in backstage pull-aparts, or the wrestler Daniel Tosh always talks about on Tosh.0. For me, Anderson is a person I watch when thinking of my role in the Iron Curtain with Gregory Iron in AIW and AAW. Anderson was the enforcer of the Four Horsemen, and so am I in the Curtain.

Anderson's tag team matches with Ole Anderson and Tully Blanchard are some of my favorites to watch. There's a psychology within those matches that I don't see many tag teams doing today, which is a real shame (check them out on the WWE Network or YouTube to get a better idea). But individually, Double A is another guy that moves to make himself and his opponent look amazing. This is especially interesting, since AA is a guy that looks like a bar-room bruiser, but could be as agile and quick as smaller opponents (a trait I try to use as well). For myself, I'm a guy that doesn't have a six pack, or have a clean shaven face. I'm a man that has a bit of chest hair, and not afraid to show it off. Why? Double A did, so can I!

The Ultimate Warrior: I will admit that Ultimate Warrior was a guy I really wasn't a fan of until I got into the business. From what I remember as a kid, I thought he was cool, but didn't paint my face or wore tassels around my arms like him. Hell, his backstage vignette in WCW where Hulk Hogan, the announcers, and the entire world could see him the mirror (sans Eric Bischoff) was a running joke within my group of friends. Yet, I do list Warrior as a huge influence because of my finisher. I do a running splash like Warrior, but have put my own spin on it (I stretch my body like a U and come down flat). For this very major reason, I consider Warrior to be an influence on my work.

Eddie Guerrero: "Latino Heat" was the man I felt personally connected to when he won the WWE Championship in 2004. I was about to graduate high school, and in the midst of planning on where to go to college, I wanted to seriously pursue my dream of being a wrestler. Guerrero had went through various personal demons, but went through a lot of hurdles to ultimately become the top guy. His death the following year shook me hard, as I couldn't wait to meet him and tell him how much he inspired me personally and professionally.

When I watch Guerrero's matches, the first thing I notice is how crisp his moves are. Even though he was extremely agile, everything he did looked perfect. Though I am not by any means a high flyer, I think of how I can make whatever I'm doing look crisp and effective. Something that guys like "Amazing" N8 Mattson and Tyson Dux (among others) have told me time and time again is "it's not what you do, but how you do it that's effective." I live by that motto, and Guerrero made everything he did look incredible.

It must be stated that Guerrero had the rare ability to make take you on an emotional roller coaster in promos. He had a personable side that made you love him, and a despicable side that made you hate him. One of my favorite promos was one in which he didn't utter a single word! In the midst of his feud with Rey Mysterio in 2005, he came out with the intent of addressing why he turned on Rey. All he did was stare, head upright in the ring for a few minutes. As he slowly put the microphone up, it seemed as if he was about to talk. But instead, he put it down, the crowd booing him the whole time. He slowly left, not saying a word, and having the crowd hate him by the time he cleared the ring. The promo is on YouTube, watch it. Guerrero made that happen because of his body posture and non-verbal cues. He's one of the best ever, and I watch him regularly.

Rhyno: The "Man-Beast" is someone that I addressed two weeks ago in my blog as an effective locker room leader. I think it goes without saying that Rhyno is one of the most hard-working people in the business. He's one of the very few individuals that you can see on WWE's NXT and on the independents, and has incredible matches with anyone he wrestles against. When I first started watching ECW in 1999, Rhyno (with the I in his name), was one of the guys who stuck out to me. He wasn't the tallest guy, but was built like his namesake, and had incredible intensity. Whether he Gored his opponent, a valet, or Paul Heyman, I wanted to see more of him by the time I tuned in to TNN the next Friday night.
As the years gone by, he became a fellow mentor and peer in the locker room. I watch how he becomes intense in his matches, and explodes with his movements. One of my main moves, a corner spear, is inspired and in tribute to the "War Machine." For a long while, I used the spear as my finisher (which technically, the Gore is). But the way Rhyno does it is different from those who do the move; hence it's called the Gore. And, like Guerrero, is likable when he's a babyface, and be despicable when he's a heel. He has the ability to be either effectively, and is an absolute workhorse no matter the circumstance.

There are many more I wanted to put in this article, but it simply would be too much. Many workers adopt and emulate things from their favorites and others along the way. But these five were the ones I wanted to tell in detail for you.
Next week, I will be doing part 2 on this topic, this time for those on the independent level who have influenced me. In the meanwhile, check me out this week at:

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http://www.cheap-heat.com/all-nxt-kudos-to-johnny-gargano/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/all-nxt-kudos-to-johnny-gargano/#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2015 16:17:09 +0000 Benjamin Boone Blogs Wrestler Blogs http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=14009 All NXT: Kudos to Johnny Gargano I will jump right into this… I've been a Gargano guy since day one. He was one of the guys to train me to be a professional wrestler. He is one of my first friends in the business, and one of the first to believe in me. And this […]

All NXT: Kudos to Johnny Gargano

I will jump right into this… I've been a Gargano guy since day one. He was one of the guys to train me to be a professional wrestler. He is one of my first friends in the business, and one of the first to believe in me. And this week, you will see him on WWE's NXT.

I will admit, I had a different topic to discuss about. But after seeing Gargano appear on NXT, I had to comment on it (plus, I've never seen him rock a suit on TV!) But seeing him addressed as Johnny Gargano on WWE TV was pretty damn cool. Hell, he could've had another run as Cedric von Hausen and I would've been happy (look it up on YouTube!). But seeing him as he is (without any other gimmicks attached) proved of how hard he has worked to that appearance.

I met Gargano shortly after I started training at J.T. Lightning's Cleveland All-Pro Wrestling school. He had started to become more hands on with helping the students, as J.T. was getting burned out from the stresses of his promotion. Even though I was out of shape (and would be for a long while), Johnny always put over my athleticism that I never knew existed. After a show in Cleveland, he remarked about my running splash, saying I should do it more (it's been my finisher ever since). Guys like him and Gregory Iron helped me become the guy that I am.

Johnny and I have also shared a lot of heart to heart talks. He likes to joke around, but I know he's a caring human being. I've seen him with tears in the hospital the day Iron had the concussion that nearly killed him (he won't admit it, but he did). He's also incredibly resilient. House of Hardcore commentator Vic Travagilante and I visited him after a back injury in Philadelphia made him bed-ridden. I know he was feeling a lot of negative emotions, but he still was in good spirits when all of us hung out. Plus, we ate steaks at a popular steakhouse, so you can't be in a bad mood after that!

Gargano and I also took part in a couple WWE Extra segments. Our first was when we did the pull apart for Daniel Bryan and Michael Cole in the midst of their NXT feud. There is a part where Daniel Bryan gets dragged out of the ring, but not before running and jumping back on Cole. Gargano wisely stays in until this happens. Meanwhile, I'm trying to chase him (and not having good luck in catching him). All of the extras got a standing ovation in the gorilla after the segment, which I was glad we shared that moment. The second time (during a Matt Hardy/Drew McIntyre segment) was less dramatic, but still a blast nonetheless (although my attempt to get him to laugh on TV were not successful).

Most importantly, Gargano has worked his ass off to get to where he is today. Every time I stayed over at his house, we'd watch HOURS of wrestling. He's always thinking and studying on ways to improve. He has some of the best art for T-Shirt's I've seen on any wrestler. His work in the ring speaks for itself. If you get the attention of guys like Chris Jericho, Jeff Jarrett, and William Regal, you're damn good. We'd always hear of guys within Ohio that were unhappy with Gargano because he was working outside the state. In this business, you have to reach your skills far and wide. Gargano reached his all the way to the mecca of Pro Wrestling, WWE.

Congratulations, my friend. I'm proud of you.

This week, catch me in action at:

and..

AND…

and as always!

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http://www.cheap-heat.com/the-importance-of-the-locker-room-leader/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/the-importance-of-the-locker-room-leader/#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2015 13:08:08 +0000 Benjamin Boone Blogs Wrestler Blogs http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=13898 The Importance of the Locker Room Leader "The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves." – Ray Kroc Wrestling is more transparent than ever before. Whether it's a meeting about a new storyline, a fight in the locker room, or even who sneezed backstage, the incident will be uploaded […]

The Importance of the Locker Room Leader

"The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves." – Ray Kroc

Wrestling is more transparent than ever before. Whether it's a meeting about a new storyline, a fight in the locker room, or even who sneezed backstage, the incident will be uploaded before it concludes. We even can identify who leads the locker room. I am not talking about the Vince McMahons or the Dixie Carters, the bosses of an organization. What I am referring to is a person who leads and guides the guys and women behind the curtain, the person who is universally respected to watch over (and sometimes informally discipline) a bunch of rogues in spandex.

In the WWE, you will read about how the Undertaker has been the unequivocal leader of the locker room for the past 25 years. Although he is not around full time much these days, his presence is universally acknowledged to initiate respect. He does so because of his work ethic, his loyalty to the company, and his utmost passion to the wrestling business. And his actions can vary, from simply watching matches and providing critiques to up and comers, being a judge in wrestler's court (a topic for a future article), or even to personally guide the boss on how the company should progress. Most importantly, he is the bridge from the talent to the office in providing morale, and leads the charge for how hard the performers should go in the squared circle.

While Undertaker's role as locker room leader is affixed to WWE, who leads the locker room on the independent scene? The indys are truly the Wild West, where every promotion has a unique roster, leadership expectations vary, and even different rules may apply. The same qualifications apply to an indy LRL (I'll get this acronym over!) as it does to the Undertaker, in having a high degree of loyalty, passion, and work ethic to their company. An LRL can vary from company to company, but I have found these individuals to be consistent in the attributes I have mentioned above:

Tyson Dux (@TysonDux): He's the first person I had in mind when writing this article. I call him "Dad" because he looks out for guys like me professionally and personally. I often regard him one of the best talents never to be signed to a major company. He has worked all over the world, and has been in matches for every major company in his nearly 20 year career. He serves as an agent for places like Border City Wrestling in Windsor, Legend City Wrestling in Newfoundland, Canada, and now for Wolverine Pro Wrestling in the Detroit area. He is a guy I often go to for psychology questions, ideas, and even gear. He has coached me greatly on my in ring work the past year, and cannot thank him enough for his guidance.

Cody Deaner (@CodyDeaner): Cody Deaner is another Canadian added to this list. A former TNA wrestler, he wrestles for various promotions in Canada, and is another person I think of as a great LRL. He makes sure that he communicates with each wrestler about expectations for their match in a clear and concise way. He's also led the locker room in some very unique situations. One time, we wrestled at a wedding (another topic for another time) and he was able to help organize our "locker room," and help the bride and groom with their "main event segment." A guy that can do that sure as hell can lead anyone anywhere!

Eddie Kingston (@Madking_ston81) : Eddie is an LRL in a different way. He doesn't usually agent matches. He will provide advice and guidance, but only if you go to him. There are some that may be intimidated by Kingston (whether because of his look or his no-nonsense attitude). But that is where the leadership comes from, because he is no-nonsense, no BS. In addition to being an incredible talent, he is a hell of a work horse. I once saw him work an incredible 20+ minute match with injured ribs. If a guy like him can go all out with that injury, so can I.

Rhino (@rhyno_313): A performer like Rhino does not come around often on the indy scene. A 20 year career, worked in every major company in his career, and still keeps busy every week (whether it's on an independent show, or at WWE's NXT). And he will still take time to talk to everyone, provide feedback, and make sure good time is being kept. He provides details and critiques that are beneficial in having a long career for televised wrestling. I have learned so much while being in a locker room with the "War Machine," and his in-demand status in the business shows he's a valued asset to every locker room he's in.

Josh Prohibition (@JoshProhibition): I'll close out my list with one of the people who trained me. Josh is an LRL in Absolute Intense Wrestling, and another talent that should have been with a major company (In my commentating days at AIW, I often referred to him as "wrestling's best kept secret.") He will provide feedback of your work, and even in his most stern voice, there comes care in a desire to see you improve. He also cuts perhaps one of the best promos not just in the indys, but wrestling in general.

I know there are others that I am missing. My experience is tied with these individuals, as I know there are many places I have yet to be, and LRL's to meet. My focus was on these individuals who contribute a positive example in the back.

I have experienced self-imposed LRL's who thought that because they worked in only a couple promotions for a few years, they thought they commanded that authority. The guys I have listed are ones that have rich experience and knowledge. The promotions they lead are the ones that are successful and have a large following. It's no coincidence that effective leadership and success goes hand in hand. It's my duty to be under their learning trees and continue to improve in this business.

It's a quiet week for me, as I have no shows lined up. In the meanwhile:

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http://www.cheap-heat.com/dreams-and-reality-how-does-it-measure-up/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/dreams-and-reality-how-does-it-measure-up/#comments Sun, 23 Aug 2015 22:50:23 +0000 Benjamin Boone Blogs Wrestler Blogs http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=13690 Welcome to my first blog entry! For those who do not know me, my name is "Big Bear" Benjamin Boone. I'm an independent wrestler based out of Toledo, Ohio. I was trained in Cleveland, Ohio by the late J.T. Lightning and Johnny Gargano, and have been wrestling since 2007. Each week, I aim to discuss […]

Welcome to my first blog entry! For those who do not know me, my name is "Big Bear" Benjamin Boone. I'm an independent wrestler based out of Toledo, Ohio. I was trained in Cleveland, Ohio by the late J.T. Lightning and Johnny Gargano, and have been wrestling since 2007. Each week, I aim to discuss my thoughts, feelings, and other topics associated being an up and coming independent wrestler.

Naturally, when approached to write a blog, my first thought was "What do I write about?" As I was brainstorming ideas, I came across a tweet from Cherry Bomb (a phenomenal wrestler and friend, give her a follow on twitter @cherrybomb). This is what she tweeted this morning:

Seeing that blew me away. And it got me thinking… she is absolutely right! We are on the cusp of something truly amazing right now in professional wrestling. People like Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, EC3 (among more) are youth leaders of a movement in the major wrestling organizations. And on the independents, people like the Young Bucks, Johnny Gargano (among many more) are creating waves. There is an excitement and buzz about our sport, being at a high that hasn't been reached in some time. For each of these people (like a Kevin Owens, Young Bucks, or EC3), how much time did they dream of the life they're living? How much work did they have to put in to get to where they are at now? To answer both questions, LOTS of time were spent visualizing and actualizing their dreams.

I share Cherry Bomb's sentiments about being happy for these people and making waves. Some of these people I do not know, and others are good friends. Their victories are mine too. That said, I often analyze if my dreams are reality? In my 8 years of being an independent wrestler, I have been a part of some really cool scenarios. Things like wrestling a match with Scott Steiner (one of my favorite wrestlers in high school) in Newfoundland, Canada immediately spring to mind. Sitting in a pizza restaurant with Roddy Piper and hearing stories about Vince McMahon Sr. and the territory days is something I would have never envisioned! Perhaps the most surreal was being in Dennis Stamp's first match in 24 years in Cleveland, Ohio's AIW! You couldn't even write something like that!

With those moments, I have much more I want to do and experience before I can say my dreams became reality. I cannot rest on the laurels of what I have done in order to improve my future. I'm 29 years old, so I go knowing that many more cool and surreal experiences are around the corner if I continue to put in the hard work. In the meanwhile, for people like me on the scene improving and getting out, I'm taking Cherry Bomb's advice of never giving up. And like Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote, "Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." Who knows what will lie in store next!

Thanks for reading! You can add me on Facebook, I have a very public profile. I'm also on Twitter and Instagram @BenjaminBoone1. And tune into my periscope @BenjaminBoone1!

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