“Hotshot” Johnny Devine is back with his comments on the upcoming Destination X PPV in the second of two brand new columns, plus his usual very controversial opinions!

Johnny Devine — Devine Intervention

Destination X and Y!

Destination X, TNA’s March PPV offering on the 11th, is fast approaching and the locker room is abuzz with anticipation for a couple reasons. First is the Instant Classic (pun intended) that will be Christian Cage vs Samoa Joe. A definite must see match for wrestling fans and one that will, I think set a new standard for Title matches in TNA. Second and most awaited, for me anyway, is AJ Styles vs Rhino in the first ever Elevation X match. For those of you under a rock, the Elevation X is a scaffold match with an X crossing above the ring and is definitely one of the most dangerous matches I can think of. Yes there are other stipulations that may be more intimidating or scarier sounding, but believe me when I tell you that they don’t compare to standing atop that scaffold looking down into the ring and cement floor below. I have spent a good portion of my career airborne, jumping from corner posts and top ropes as well as the odd balcony. But this is on a WAY other level. The possibility of serious injury is VERY VERY high. AJ and Rhino are literally taking their lives in their hands when they get to the top of the structure. Not only is the thing so high, but take into consideration that the surface of the scaffolding is a plastic-esque substance and a little bit of sweat will turn that sucker into a 20 foot high skating rink with no boards or nets. I, for one, wouldn’t sign up for this one.

Is anyone else weirded out by Bob Backlund?? I mean don’t get me wrong, he’s a really nice guy and really nice to talk to one on one, but wow, creepy much??

James Storm’s time seems to quickly be running out. The return, although not yet fully healthy, of Chris Harris spells doom for the former Most Wanted Cowboy. He can’t run forever.

Is it just me or has Showtime Eric Young gotten screwed more than any other virgin alive? And how long till we get to see him slap Robert Roode out for being such a douche? If I were him I’d give Tracy such a spanking. (take that how you will)

I think all TNA fans who like the product and want to see the show continue to improve need to email Spike TV and implore (beg) them for a 2 hour time slot Thursdays. It’s the last piece of the puzzle right now and will lead to better matches and more time for talent to get themselves over.

The Y. The Y stands for “Why.”

Recently a good friend of mine by the name of Chi Chi Cruz posted a blog on his myspace about undercutting and poor business practices being used by young inexperienced “wrestlers”, and I use the term loosely, in getting bookings and work on the indy’s. His rant was justified and brutal and laced with profanity but hit a nerve in the indy wrestling world and has received a lot of press and interest from some websites and internet news sites. There are a lot of opinions and valid points being thrown out there as far as to the why’s and who’s to blame . But I don’t think enough emphasis has been put on what to do about this or how to handle it when it happens to you or someone you know.

There was a time in wrestling where not everyone could be a wrestler. Size mattered. Talent and ability were required. As well as a strong body you needed a strong mind to take the ribbing and abuse you would receive as a rookie. It is not that way anymore. Now the world has guys calling themselves wrestlers who can’t lock up properly or give a decent headlock take over but paid their money to some douche who also paid some douche a year or two ago to learn how to perform badly. This vicious cycle continues, and houses and crowds dwindle from town to town because these “wrestlers” get in a ring and butcher what used to be an art. With no one to teach these guys how to get heat or work an audience they rely on getting a reaction by trying to kill each other or themselves by dropping each other on their heads or unskillfully flipping off of whatever apparatus is available. Then when they think they are ready for more they head out into the indy market and undercut guys to get on shows or show up and work for free cause “they need to get experience somehow.”

These guys in truth cannot be blamed for doing things the wrong way. It falls on the guys who trained them to teach them how to do things properly. But when these “trainers” don’t know how to do things properly themselves, how are they supposed to teach others?

A kid from a city I used to work in all the time, posted on a message board recently “why aren’t these vet’s offering to help the younger guys?” ! I am sorry, what? Since when was it a vet responsibility to ensure you are properly educated. Do teachers from schools and college’s come to your house and say “hey kid, I am here to ensure you get a good education.” ? I am dumbfounded by this statement. But it is an accurate portrayal of today’s youth in that they expect to be handed crap on a platter and not have to work for anything. Now of course there are exceptions and they are the ones who stand out in the crowd. They are the ones who succeed and are to be commended. But for every 1 of the hard workers there are 10 lazy douche bags who will do the minimum required and wonder why they haven’t gotten more out of wrestling. Here’s a news flash you pukes, you get out of wrestling what you put into it.

Cheech was justified and valid in a lot of his rant and he deserves mention for making a stand, however small, against what is wrong with wrestling. I wish it were possible to police the business like it was done in the old days. Back when the boys handled things when they got out of whack. Now you can’t say anything or god forbid do anything to try to rectify a serious wrong without risking a lawsuit or charge of some kind. Perhaps I live too far in the past but I would love to see a resurgence of a wrestling business that made money on the indy level. When guys used to make up to $1000 a week or more going from territory to territory. I know it’s not possible, but a guy can dream can’t he?

For those of you reading this who are on the other side of this and other rants and promo’s take a step back and go find a reputable trainer and start over if you love wrestling. You “workers” know who you are, you are the guy that works for free or next to nothing and offers to drive yourself 3-20 hours for next to nothing but the “experience.” Look at yourself in the mirror and know that you ARE harming the business you want to be a part of. You are what is wrong. If your trainer has never been anywhere or done anything, stop for a second and say to yourself “do I want to go some where or do something in the wrestling business?” if the answer is yes then find a guy who’s been there to train you. You wouldn’t learn to be a lawyer from guy who’s sat in courtroom would you? If you answer no, and are happy just doing weekend shows with your buddies for your family and friends, please stop. Quit. Buy a ticket and support the guys who want to do it for real because every time you step into a ring we who want to make a living off this lose another fan or two who could have helped us make it.

Chances are most of you who read this and are the problem will continue to delude yourselves that what you are doing is good and you are not killing the business. But if I can reach a couple of you and start a ball rolling then the effort of writing this is not wasted.

Make sure you catch Destination X Sunday the 11th and support your local indy.

Questions, concerns and comments as always can be sent to johnnydevine@shaw.ca or serotonintna@hotmail.com or to myspace at www.myspace.com/canadiandevine . All booking inquiries for myself or for Serotonin can go to the same.

In the mean time and in between time, that’s it. Another edition of Devine Intervention.

Bye Now
- Devine
johnnydevine@shaw.ca
(3/5/07)