Post by jcurse on Aug 9, 2013 14:43:24 GMT -5
Were you a wrestling fan growing up?
I was a huge wrestling fan when I was a kid. I think it was around 1974 when I first discovered WWWF. I would watch it on Saturday nights at midnight. At one point I got in trouble for staying up so late and would hide the tv under my blanket and watch. Wrestling was so different back then. Chief Jay Strongbow was my favorite, Bruno Sammartino was a close second. I was into wrestling a lot more than my friends. Johnny Ave was a close second followed by Dirty Lou Bellucci.
When did you decide you wanted to get into wrestling?
It was sometime around late 1995 when I discovered ECW and this rekindled my love of wrestling. I was blown away by it. I never thought I was big enough. I knew I was tough and strong and had an amateur wrestling background and some martial arts training. I made it through Marine Corps bootcamp. So I knew physically and mentally I could handle it. I had it embedded in my mind that you had to be over 6’, and then I saw Mikey Whipwreck who was roughly the same size as me and it was like, yeah I can do this too.
How did you discover ECW House Of Hardcore?
I found the HOH actually before it even opened. One of my co-workers was a neighbor of Taz and got me in touch with him. I remember the phone call well. We discussed weight training, my sports background, a lot of different things. So I was onboard from the start. I was the first student at the HOH, wasn’t really thinking I was going to start that day when I signed up so didn’t have gear with me . Taz and Saturn asked if I wanted to start that day so I ran out and bought shorts and sneakers and started.
Initial impressions of Saturn & Taz?
They’re both very intimidating. They weren’t there to make friends. It was all business. They were great teachers. I learned the old school way. Basically I got the sh*t beat out of me on a regular basis but I wouldn’t have had it any other way and I’m glad these are the men that trained me. You can say that if it wasn’t for them there would be no NYWC and that is a fact.
How tough was training?
My training was brutal. Marine Corps bootcamp and my amateur wrestling training helped me get through this.
Memories of Chetti?
He was very quiet when he first started. At the HOH it was Pat Smith and myself as the first two student and Chetti, Doring and Roadkill all started shortly afterwards. Chetti really kept to himself in the beginning, I remember him always reading books for school. I was like 31 at the time and the rest were like 18-20. Pat told me that he was Taz’ nephew through marriage and Chetti was his cousin. I was like “wtf am I the only one here not related to Taz?” But Chetti was awesome once he started talking and once you get to know him he’s very funny.
Memories of Doring & Roadkill?
Great Tag Team, I’m glad they did well and am proud to have trained with them.
Memories of Tom Marquez?
He was a pretty intense guy in the ring, kind of like a Taz Light.
Memories of appearing on Raw?
Dream come true. My boss almost didn’t let me take off for this. I remember Tommy Dreamer mentioning how he had been wrestling for years yet the Team Taz guys were going to be on Raw before him.
Memories of Barely Legal?
Dream come true. I’m honored to have played a small part in the history of ECW and appear on their first PPV.
Memories of Mikey back then?
Mikey was always a role model. He also helped train me. He was and still is one of my favortite people in wrestling.
Memories of Sabu?
Tough, crazy. For the record on Raw, it was Tommy Dreamer’s friend Don, who was part of Team Taz that missed Sabu when he jumped (fell) off the R.
Memories of RVD?
Talented
Memories of Dreamer?
He was always very encouraging to myself and the guys I trained with. He also helped train me. He always gave 100% in his matches, I remember one show where he was in so much pain he had to walk out of the building hunched over an office chair.
Memories of Sandman?
I had to carry a cooler full of Budweiser and Vodka for him once and was amazed at how much he drank before his match.
How did Critical Mass come about?
The wrestling faction? I have no idea, I wasn’t a part of it. The school, I was asked to open a school with a couple of guys.
Memories of Mayhem?
Talented, but had his demons. Had he stayed focused he would have made a name for himself.
Memories of Dickie Rodz – he’s like a son to me. He helped put us on the map. However sometimes I’d like to kick the crap out of him. He’s an integral part of NYWC’s history.
Memories of Tyler Payne?
Awesome guy, I miss him. He’s one of the reasons we are still around today. Helped pick up a lot of the slack for me in the early days and I am forever greatful.
Memories of Ru Star?
Ambitious
Memories of Ova?
Misguided
Memories of Mason?
He was the NYWC big man back in the day. He was intense. I wish he was still around.
Memories of Myers & Matthews?
Two guys you knew would make it. I’m very proud of them and happy for them also.
Memories of Diabolico?
Short, and he had a Rolex.
Memories of Chief Dudley?
Great guy always smiling. He was a tough SOB. Always happy to see him.
Memories of Ref Andre?
Denzante, miss having him around.
How did you end partnering up with Stengel?
We had a promotion with no building, he had a building with no promotion. Seemed like a good fit at the time.
Memories of Mondo?
Our first graduate to go to the WWE. I’m very proud of him. He’s my friend, and will always be. His first day in the ring he looked like he had been training for years. He’s a natural.
Memories of Scampi?
Liked the Fisherman gimmick. He’s smarter than he looks.
Memories of Dan Barry?
He’s another one of the NYWC originals. We wouldn’t be around if it wasn’t for him.
Memories of Nick Noshus?
Almost destroyed NYWC.
Memories of Vinny Stylin'?
He was one of the funniest guys around.
Memories of Nuke?
Very talented.
Memories of Lamar Porter?
Very athletic. He’s a Dr.
How did the name NYWC come about?
My former partner came up with it, I never liked the name but I guess we’re stuck with it now.
When do you think NYWC became a force on the indiies?
Are we? I think if I was looking at NYWC from the outside I might feel that way but to me it’s just NYWC and what we do.
Memories of Tommy King?
Perfectionist. “Tommy King will not put his name on sh*t”
Memories of Burma?
One of my favorties. I wish he would come back already.
Memories of Foxxy & Damien?
They were cool
How did things when Mikey & Shane came aboard?
Shane came aboard first, he saw a bright future in NYWC, and he brought Mikey along for the ride. We’ve all been a part of NYWC for over 10 years now.
What led to NYWC leaving DPCC?
Greed on the part of the DPCC.
How did you react when Goodman bashed NYWC?
It was funny to us. It made us work a little harder. Business was good for both companies.
Do you think he feared competition?
Not at all
What stands out as NYWC's greatest times?
Whenever one of our guys gets signed to a contract.
What led to other companies having shows at sportatorium?
We have a building that for the most part is unused. So instead of wasting it we ‘ve decided to work with other companies instead of against them.
Do you see NYWC someday as a developmental territory for WWE or TNA?
No, for the simple fact that it’s too expensive to live out here compared to other areas of the country. Guys under developmental contracts are not getting crazy money so I believe the WWE chooses areas where the cost of living is somewhat lower to run their developmental systems.
Word Association
Mikey - Pal
Shane – Little brother
Crusher - Pal
Forge – Big Dog
Vitko – one of my best friends
Appolyon – Big Dog. Moves like a cruiserweight. Should be in WWE.
Stockade – very talented
Alvin – Kiss Army
Big O – would give you the Big – O shirt off his back. He’s a good friend.
Nese – Really is the Premier Athlete. Helped Elevate NYWC.
Francis – Hey Friend. He’s awesome, been in some of my favorite NYWC matches. Never would have thought he’s as tough as he is.
Phat Pat – Another big guy doing stuff that I didn’t think was possible.
Spyder - Wanker
Mega – Sophisticated Genteleman. He’s someone I would hang out with and not have to talk about wrestling.
Starlets – need more of them
Reynolds – very talented, should be signed.
Silver – very talented, should be signed. I should be nicer to him. At least he knows who would be better for his mom.
FTW – Cooter is awesome. I like working with him.
ICW – solid shows
ACE – Mike Morgan is great and puts on good shows. He’s good to the boys and it’s a good place for them to work.
Vinny The Guido - annoying
Arwen(original NYWC fan) – damn she has a nice butt. She’s very talented. I’m always impressed by her work.
Robert Lotti – what’s in the rolling suitcase? Loyal fan. Love his reviews. I find them to be pretty accurate.
Sean The Mic – I need to go out drinking with him. Wish he was still involved in wrestling.
Larry Legend – the best announcer around
Thoughts on people who fake post on message boards?
Entertaining. I’m an adult, I’m not really too bothered by fake posts.
Thoughts on NYWC board?
Needs more followers. Without the NYWC message board who knows where we would be today?
Where do you see NYWC go from here?
To a bigger platform where more people can watch NYWC.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Working at Taco Bell.
Anything you'd like to say to the fans?
Thanks for supporting us. We’re working on the website so be patient. We try to keep our fans happy. There’s a lot that goes into running a school, and a promotion, and we all have jobs and families outside of NYWC. A lot of things change from one show to the next, things don’t always go as planned but we always give you a solid show, one of the best in the country, regardless of what matches are announced or not. We will continue to improve our product and grow as a company.
Most of the NYWC roster and fans would like to ask Robert Lotti a question. What’s in the rolling suitcase you bring to shows? What gives Robert , what gives Robert?
I was a huge wrestling fan when I was a kid. I think it was around 1974 when I first discovered WWWF. I would watch it on Saturday nights at midnight. At one point I got in trouble for staying up so late and would hide the tv under my blanket and watch. Wrestling was so different back then. Chief Jay Strongbow was my favorite, Bruno Sammartino was a close second. I was into wrestling a lot more than my friends. Johnny Ave was a close second followed by Dirty Lou Bellucci.
When did you decide you wanted to get into wrestling?
It was sometime around late 1995 when I discovered ECW and this rekindled my love of wrestling. I was blown away by it. I never thought I was big enough. I knew I was tough and strong and had an amateur wrestling background and some martial arts training. I made it through Marine Corps bootcamp. So I knew physically and mentally I could handle it. I had it embedded in my mind that you had to be over 6’, and then I saw Mikey Whipwreck who was roughly the same size as me and it was like, yeah I can do this too.
How did you discover ECW House Of Hardcore?
I found the HOH actually before it even opened. One of my co-workers was a neighbor of Taz and got me in touch with him. I remember the phone call well. We discussed weight training, my sports background, a lot of different things. So I was onboard from the start. I was the first student at the HOH, wasn’t really thinking I was going to start that day when I signed up so didn’t have gear with me . Taz and Saturn asked if I wanted to start that day so I ran out and bought shorts and sneakers and started.
Initial impressions of Saturn & Taz?
They’re both very intimidating. They weren’t there to make friends. It was all business. They were great teachers. I learned the old school way. Basically I got the sh*t beat out of me on a regular basis but I wouldn’t have had it any other way and I’m glad these are the men that trained me. You can say that if it wasn’t for them there would be no NYWC and that is a fact.
How tough was training?
My training was brutal. Marine Corps bootcamp and my amateur wrestling training helped me get through this.
Memories of Chetti?
He was very quiet when he first started. At the HOH it was Pat Smith and myself as the first two student and Chetti, Doring and Roadkill all started shortly afterwards. Chetti really kept to himself in the beginning, I remember him always reading books for school. I was like 31 at the time and the rest were like 18-20. Pat told me that he was Taz’ nephew through marriage and Chetti was his cousin. I was like “wtf am I the only one here not related to Taz?” But Chetti was awesome once he started talking and once you get to know him he’s very funny.
Memories of Doring & Roadkill?
Great Tag Team, I’m glad they did well and am proud to have trained with them.
Memories of Tom Marquez?
He was a pretty intense guy in the ring, kind of like a Taz Light.
Memories of appearing on Raw?
Dream come true. My boss almost didn’t let me take off for this. I remember Tommy Dreamer mentioning how he had been wrestling for years yet the Team Taz guys were going to be on Raw before him.
Memories of Barely Legal?
Dream come true. I’m honored to have played a small part in the history of ECW and appear on their first PPV.
Memories of Mikey back then?
Mikey was always a role model. He also helped train me. He was and still is one of my favortite people in wrestling.
Memories of Sabu?
Tough, crazy. For the record on Raw, it was Tommy Dreamer’s friend Don, who was part of Team Taz that missed Sabu when he jumped (fell) off the R.
Memories of RVD?
Talented
Memories of Dreamer?
He was always very encouraging to myself and the guys I trained with. He also helped train me. He always gave 100% in his matches, I remember one show where he was in so much pain he had to walk out of the building hunched over an office chair.
Memories of Sandman?
I had to carry a cooler full of Budweiser and Vodka for him once and was amazed at how much he drank before his match.
How did Critical Mass come about?
The wrestling faction? I have no idea, I wasn’t a part of it. The school, I was asked to open a school with a couple of guys.
Memories of Mayhem?
Talented, but had his demons. Had he stayed focused he would have made a name for himself.
Memories of Dickie Rodz – he’s like a son to me. He helped put us on the map. However sometimes I’d like to kick the crap out of him. He’s an integral part of NYWC’s history.
Memories of Tyler Payne?
Awesome guy, I miss him. He’s one of the reasons we are still around today. Helped pick up a lot of the slack for me in the early days and I am forever greatful.
Memories of Ru Star?
Ambitious
Memories of Ova?
Misguided
Memories of Mason?
He was the NYWC big man back in the day. He was intense. I wish he was still around.
Memories of Myers & Matthews?
Two guys you knew would make it. I’m very proud of them and happy for them also.
Memories of Diabolico?
Short, and he had a Rolex.
Memories of Chief Dudley?
Great guy always smiling. He was a tough SOB. Always happy to see him.
Memories of Ref Andre?
Denzante, miss having him around.
How did you end partnering up with Stengel?
We had a promotion with no building, he had a building with no promotion. Seemed like a good fit at the time.
Memories of Mondo?
Our first graduate to go to the WWE. I’m very proud of him. He’s my friend, and will always be. His first day in the ring he looked like he had been training for years. He’s a natural.
Memories of Scampi?
Liked the Fisherman gimmick. He’s smarter than he looks.
Memories of Dan Barry?
He’s another one of the NYWC originals. We wouldn’t be around if it wasn’t for him.
Memories of Nick Noshus?
Almost destroyed NYWC.
Memories of Vinny Stylin'?
He was one of the funniest guys around.
Memories of Nuke?
Very talented.
Memories of Lamar Porter?
Very athletic. He’s a Dr.
How did the name NYWC come about?
My former partner came up with it, I never liked the name but I guess we’re stuck with it now.
When do you think NYWC became a force on the indiies?
Are we? I think if I was looking at NYWC from the outside I might feel that way but to me it’s just NYWC and what we do.
Memories of Tommy King?
Perfectionist. “Tommy King will not put his name on sh*t”
Memories of Burma?
One of my favorties. I wish he would come back already.
Memories of Foxxy & Damien?
They were cool
How did things when Mikey & Shane came aboard?
Shane came aboard first, he saw a bright future in NYWC, and he brought Mikey along for the ride. We’ve all been a part of NYWC for over 10 years now.
What led to NYWC leaving DPCC?
Greed on the part of the DPCC.
How did you react when Goodman bashed NYWC?
It was funny to us. It made us work a little harder. Business was good for both companies.
Do you think he feared competition?
Not at all
What stands out as NYWC's greatest times?
Whenever one of our guys gets signed to a contract.
What led to other companies having shows at sportatorium?
We have a building that for the most part is unused. So instead of wasting it we ‘ve decided to work with other companies instead of against them.
Do you see NYWC someday as a developmental territory for WWE or TNA?
No, for the simple fact that it’s too expensive to live out here compared to other areas of the country. Guys under developmental contracts are not getting crazy money so I believe the WWE chooses areas where the cost of living is somewhat lower to run their developmental systems.
Word Association
Mikey - Pal
Shane – Little brother
Crusher - Pal
Forge – Big Dog
Vitko – one of my best friends
Appolyon – Big Dog. Moves like a cruiserweight. Should be in WWE.
Stockade – very talented
Alvin – Kiss Army
Big O – would give you the Big – O shirt off his back. He’s a good friend.
Nese – Really is the Premier Athlete. Helped Elevate NYWC.
Francis – Hey Friend. He’s awesome, been in some of my favorite NYWC matches. Never would have thought he’s as tough as he is.
Phat Pat – Another big guy doing stuff that I didn’t think was possible.
Spyder - Wanker
Mega – Sophisticated Genteleman. He’s someone I would hang out with and not have to talk about wrestling.
Starlets – need more of them
Reynolds – very talented, should be signed.
Silver – very talented, should be signed. I should be nicer to him. At least he knows who would be better for his mom.
FTW – Cooter is awesome. I like working with him.
ICW – solid shows
ACE – Mike Morgan is great and puts on good shows. He’s good to the boys and it’s a good place for them to work.
Vinny The Guido - annoying
Arwen(original NYWC fan) – damn she has a nice butt. She’s very talented. I’m always impressed by her work.
Robert Lotti – what’s in the rolling suitcase? Loyal fan. Love his reviews. I find them to be pretty accurate.
Sean The Mic – I need to go out drinking with him. Wish he was still involved in wrestling.
Larry Legend – the best announcer around
Thoughts on people who fake post on message boards?
Entertaining. I’m an adult, I’m not really too bothered by fake posts.
Thoughts on NYWC board?
Needs more followers. Without the NYWC message board who knows where we would be today?
Where do you see NYWC go from here?
To a bigger platform where more people can watch NYWC.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Working at Taco Bell.
Anything you'd like to say to the fans?
Thanks for supporting us. We’re working on the website so be patient. We try to keep our fans happy. There’s a lot that goes into running a school, and a promotion, and we all have jobs and families outside of NYWC. A lot of things change from one show to the next, things don’t always go as planned but we always give you a solid show, one of the best in the country, regardless of what matches are announced or not. We will continue to improve our product and grow as a company.
Most of the NYWC roster and fans would like to ask Robert Lotti a question. What’s in the rolling suitcase you bring to shows? What gives Robert , what gives Robert?