Konversation From The Klondike-2/28/01
by Ty "Soilent Green" Medema
Well, well, well. Once again, I have managed to go quite a lengthy streak w/out an update. I apologize, although I promise you it wasn't due to TOTAL laziness. I could go into details about what my life has been like since December, but I'll spare ya. However, I did manage to create a totally new DWF website in that time, so hey, it wasn't all for naught!
Of course, it's been almost a month since I've gotten the page updated, as well. But as you can see today that has most certainly changed!!!! I'm glad to see JJ and Rich so eager to contribute to the page, and I look forward to future input from them. Also Ben finally has a new column out, which I will get to shortly. Now we need a new one from John, but he already told me he wanted to wait till I got some of the results from the last couple of shows up, then he's got one ready to roll.
Speaking of which, I hope to have the results for all the shows we'll be doing up until the first interpromo show on March 17th on the page shortly. We've got about 4 different shows to post results for, so anyone who visits the site will have quite a truckload of DWF happenings to swallow all at once. There are several reasons for the delay. The main and most obvious reason being that not all of the shows are completed!!! We've had to do the past several shows in segments, and there is still some to be left. This is due mainly to weather (damn the infernal Winter lull), and the always-present conflicting schedules on top of that. Another reason being that there have been several changes in the booking over the course of the last couple months, and we're making sure everything works out as planned before making fools of ourselves. So as it stands, even though Snow Day is all taped w/ the exception of about one match and one segment, the results haven't been posted b/c we don't wanna half-ass it.
No need to fear, however, for the sky is clearing (literally) and there are bright, sunny days ahead. Being the last day of March, we have a little over 2 weeks to finish our taping, and should be able to get it done on about 2 different occasions. No sweat. I will be posting at least the cards for all the different shows soon, so that everyone will have an idea of what has been going on. We have labored to make sure the angles will have developed strongly and effectively to where we want them before the 17th. So for the show to live up to it's hype, we'll make sure you the fan will be aptly prepared.
I will get to more on the upcoming interpromo shows in a minute, but first I want to step back a bit and recap a little bit on the events of earlier this week. As you all know, Ben's status has been iffy as of late. I don't like to divulge too much into DWF booking here in my columns, but basically he was on the outs, and between him, me, and John, we had an angle worked out for his departure (starting with his disappearance), and a final match w/ me. Ben would have still been w/ the fed as a backstage figure, providing commentary and camera work. I supported his decision, even though it came at the same time as the news of Papa Fly's departure did. Ben had things he had to get on track w/ himself and his life, and as a friend for the past 6 years and seeing the ups and downs I would never be one to prohibit him from trying to make a change.
Well, time passed, shows got delayed, then delayed some more, and things changed. One night about 11 when I'm dead tired I get a call from Ben, and he has this big idea on how he can return. It caught me off guard, to be honest, and the angle was quite off the wall, at least in terms w/ the DWF's current direction. But he sounded really enthusiastic, and I told him I'd bring it up to John. Now of course I had the same thought you all are probably having at the moment "But I thought he was leaving? Is he coming back yet again?" But let me say something - his departure was never actually confirmed. While in negotiations over the final match, it was basically a plan for if he did indeed decide to leave, but he repeatedly told me he hadn't made up his mind. John asked me on several occasions if he was in or out and all I could tell him was that I didn't know. So consider me just as confused as all of you, for Ben's a hard one to keep up with, and he'll be the first one to agree with me on that.
Anyways, I wasn't able to talk to John right away, and when I did we really didn't know what to do. First of all I didn't have nearly all the details, for as I mentioned I was butt tired when I was told about it, and we really couldn't figure out a way to fit it in the way it was presented. But of course relations were sketchy at the time being, and we didn't wanna veto the idea or revamp it w/out having the full story from Ben, and a complete layout of the idea. (Forgive me for not repeating the idea here, for I wouldn't want to risk spoiling any surprises) I asked Ben to detail his idea and email it to me, advising him that I wasn't sure when we would be able to fit in any new angles till after the interpromo shows, due to the fact that everyone is pretty tied up in their own storylines. Instead of an email on the angle, I get his newest column in my mailbox, which you can read in his own Columns section.
As I'm sure we can all be in agreement of, Ben's column is quite frank and to the point, but it is also very candid and after reading it there were quite a few things I couldn't help but to agree with. He was upset, maybe even mad at me at the time, but it wasn't the first time and won't be the last, and I understand the anger that came out in his column. Unfortunately this week John doesn't have the use of his computer, so I called him up and told him what Ben had sent me, telling him I'd print it out and asking him to come up to work to read it. John did, and suggested we all get together and get EVERYTHING settled. Ben, about 15 minutes later, called me at work with the exact same idea. (I'd just like to mention at this point my boss was getting rather pissed at me). We agreed to all meet down at Village Inn at 10 that night, and figure it all out once and for all, so we can get our heads straight as we head out of winter and into our strong season.
So by the time 10:30 rolls around, myself, John, Ben, Rich, and JJ have a quiet corner of Village Inn all to ourselves, and w/ a copy of Ben's column and a list of what all we have to get done by the time March 17th rolls around, we began what was possibly one of the greatest nights in DWF history.
Of course I'm not going to indulge all the happenings of the meeting, for the booker that spills it is the booker that kills it. (heh, I just made that up) Anywayz, there are some things that I can speak on, so I'll give you a bit of a recap:
-The meeting basically started off w/ an announcement by John and myself. After worrying about who would head the fed once we head off to school in August and making attempts to have everything ready for them, we kinda came to the conclusion of "what are we worrying about?" Therefore, instead of assigning positions and stressing ourselves, we're gonna let them fight over it themselves! (evil laugh) Lol, basically we had JJ, Rich, and Ben there, and we told them that if they wanted some sort of power structure for the fed, they would let them work it out for themselves. They actually talked for a while about it, pretty much leaving John and I out of it, and came to some conclusions that I think will benefit the DWF directly. I won't go into it all here, I'll leave that up to one of them. In fact, Rich's column speaks on it briefly, so check that out. Basically our decision was based on the fact that once we're gone, it's their fed, so why should be act as a tyranny and tell them what they have to do w/ their fed?
- Next up we addressed the current power structure a bit. I'm sure after the last note some of you are wondering "You mean you and John aren't concerned at all w/ what will happen to the fed?" Of course this is far from the truth, and want to do what we can to make sure the DWF is in safe, able hands, w/out acting like tyrants as said above. Of course the only real logical way to do this is involve the guys in the current power structure. For the remainder of the summer, and all of the booking that comes after the 2 interpromo shows, we hope to work as a team core group of 5 to put together the shows, and even though there will most assuredly be differences I think it will work out very well. As I mentioned that night, some of our best shows have been ones where there has been input from a lot of different people. I actually felt bad when I said it, because I didn't want John to think I was belittling his booking in any way. We all know the amazing things John has done!! Basically, I meant that people get more satisfaction out of a show when they contributed to making it, and it certainly keeps the guys' morale up. Fortunately, I believe John knew what I was saying and didn't take any offense. If so I'm apologizing now.
-After that, we got to the topic of what will happen w/ Ben, and finalize his status. So, to officially break the news, Ben is back w/ the DWF, and in a strong way!! I know not everyone will support the decision, and that's fine. However, the fact of the matter is we had the 5 main players of the DWF there that night, and after a vote Ben's return and the angle he will be going with was voted w/ a unanimous yes, so that's the way it shall be.
Of course, once again, I'm not going to give the details of how Ben will return here. You're going to have to wait and see for yourself!! It stayed pretty close to his own original idea, with some various input from the rest of us. In fact, while were thinking it all out we were all talking at the same time!! To take some credit for myself :o), I had this idea that was kind of a spin-off of Ben's original idea right as I left work and was heading for Village Inn. Ben along w/ the rest of the guys liked it, and we've tweaked it, and I can't wait to get it started.
Now, in case any of you are wondering, steps were taken to avoid any future conflicts. Not only w/ Ben, but to make sure that with spring coming we start our hot streak and ride the mo-fo as far as it will go. Concerning Ben, I do believe things will be different this time around. First off we have the added participation of Rich, which I think will help in keeping everything cool. Second of all Ben loves the DWF, and there's no about that, and quite honestly we need him not only for having another man on the roster but for all the other ways he contributes, and he doesn't want to see us struggle, and is very interested in keeping the DWF going stronger than ever once John and I are forced to limit our roles. Another advantage is that the angle we are using will allow Ben to wipe the slate clean w/ Rocky, and begin anew. Now that doesn't mean he's not going to Rocky, but it doesn't necessarily mean Rocky's staying around, either. Confused yet? heh Good!!! You'll all know soon enough.
After all that being said, I want to make a plea to Rob. This may not even be necessary at this point, for it's about 10:30 at night and I just received a phone call from Ben saying that he's been talking to Rob (!!!!!) for the last hour now, and things are going well. Basically, however, what I have to say is this: Rob, I'm sure you've read Ben's column by now, and I hope you are able to see that he is honestly trying to make amends here. If for no other reason, it's that Ben wants the relations between the DWF and pF to stay strong, especially when John and I aren't around. He knows how good it is for both feds to have the relations w/ each other, and truly sees you guys as a great group. Even in the midst of your guys' battle, Ben never hesitated in praising the psycho fed. He's not calling for a complete return to friendship (although hopefully some day that can be achieved), but the ability to work together, and to be able to talk and yes argue over wrestling in a manner that suits two guys who can respect their differences. Although, I think you two should know just how a like you guys really are!!!!! (if for nothing else than in your stubbornness) Don't worry, I don't expect any of you to admit it! heh
So it's your call, man. However we would like to get Ben's angle rolling, and can even have him for the interpromo shows if you're willing. For the 3/24 show he's covering Rich at work so that Rich will be able to make it. Not to wrestle, but to further his new angle, and to rehash a bit of his past from an old opponent up there. It will be cool, and I hope we can work it out.
As a final note, and yes I know this is terribly long (and you wonder why I don't write them that often), I'd like to express my excitement for the upcoming interpromo shows. Basically, it should be amazing!!!!! Having the DWF back down here will be hella good time, as last year certainly was. I will be facing James "Thunder" Nourse, and receiving my first pF title shot!!!! (assuming he remains pF champ that long) This should be a tremendously monumental match, and I'm really looking forward to it. I haven't seen James online in a while, but hope to get a chance to talk to him before hand. As far as DWF tapes go I have always been the biggest guy, and now I'm going to be dwarfed! The whole idea of this big man vs. big man match really appeals to me. Sure in the big leagues they have a tendency of sucking, but I have no doubts that won't be the case this time. I'm sure you will be seeing new things from both me and James, as James will be dealing with someone who may just be big enough that he can't squash (I hope), and I will be going into uncharted territory, possibly having to totally revamp my offensive tactics in order to take him down. It should be a big match, and I have every intention on being back to 100% by that time. (by that I mean due to the weather, b/c for some reason the winter really seems to affect me, and then I'm totally reborn come spring time).
The next weekend the DWF will be heading up to Oshkosh for the Chris Holland Memorial Show, and it could very easily end up being the best show ever in BYW history. Think I'm exaggerating, then just wait and see. I will finally be making it up to Oshkosh!!!!! Both Louis (pitfighter) and I have already asked off the weekend from work, and are clear to go. The card looks absolutely solid, and one particularly interesting match should be the 4-way-4-fed match, where each participant is from a different organization! Also will be the full time return of Doug, and the return of Shane. For more on that check out the columns on the psycho fed page. As for yours truly, I will be facing non other than Pitfighter himself, which has been a match about 2 1/2 years in the making. In all of our history in the DWF, there has never been a one on one Pitfighter/Soilent match, and it's about damn time!!! In fact, I do believe our only real record against each other is that he defeated me in a 3-way match along w/ Stardust. So I have to redeem myself here! Now Rob went so far as to say this match will be for the DWF world title. That could very well end up being true, but at this point isn't likely, as neither of us are currently the champ. That can change, of course, so time will just have to tell. If it is indeed for the world strap, it will be great for the heat for the match will be intensified that much more!
Ok, I do believe that is quite enough for this time. Remember to check back on the site as we approach the upcoming big shows, and expect me back with another column shortly after they are completed.
Thanks for reading
- Ty